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When frequent abdominal pain began disrupting Judy Brauning’s life last year, she knew something was wrong. Several visits to a local emergency room led to the same explanation: constipation. The pain persisted even after normal tests and a colonoscopy. A doctor eventually recommended that she see a gynecologist. At age 81 and postmenopausal, Brauning did not have one and waited three months for an appointment. Following a biopsy and another delay while she awaited the results, she learned she had endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that originates in the lining of the uterus.

When her doctor offered her a choice of cancer centers in Richmond, northern Virginia or Charlottesville, Brauning did not hesitate. She chose VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in Richmond because of its reputation for providing exceptional care.

When Brauning learned her referral to Massey had not been submitted by her primary doctor and her care had been delayed again, she took matters into own hands.

“I picked up the phone and called Massey and had an appointment with a gynecologic oncologist two days later.”

Coming to Massey changed everything

By the time Brauning arrived at Massey in January 2026, her cancer had already spread. “They jumped on everything. I knew I was in the right place.”

Minimally invasive surgery was not an option, so her treatment team performed a more extensive operation and started chemotherapy. She experienced side effects including diarrhea, nausea and fatigue.

“My team helped manage my symptoms, checked in on how I was doing emotionally and made sure I understood each step of my care. When I lost my hair, Massey gave me a wig and a wig stand.”

Brauning later developed an infection that led to sepsis. She spent two weeks in the hospital and then faced a long, slow recovery at home as she worked to regain her strength. Throughout those difficult weeks, strong communication with her care team helped her feel supported and never alone.

Midway through treatment, imaging scans revealed small nodules in Brauning’s lungs, confirming that her cancer was stage 4. Her medical team coordinated closely, adjusted the treatment plan and kept her care moving forward. Brauning remembers that turning point clearly: “They were just trying to give me maybe a couple good years. And they have given me a whole new life.”

Brauning expected excellent medical care at Massey. What surprised her was the depth of her connection with the people providing it.

“Everyone at Massey was absolutely wonderful to me. They treated me with such kindness and respect, like I was family and not just a patient. I feel blessed that I was led to Massey.”

Faith, loss and unshakeable resilience

For more than 10 years, Brauning was the full-time caregiver for her eldest son, who passed away two years ago. She believed that, in caring for him, she had fulfilled her purpose.

“Evidently, I have not finished my job, because now my other son is sick. I am still here for a reason.”

During her treatment, Judy experienced another loss when her best friend’s husband passed away. Through all of it, she held tightly to her faith and the support of her church community.

Moving forward with confidence

After surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy, Brauning’s scans showed no evidence of cancer, and she did not need radiation therapy. She transitioned to maintenance immunotherapy every 21 days and continues to have scans every three months to monitor for changes. “If the cancer comes back, they are going to jump right on it. I am in good hands with that team.”

Now 82, Brauning continues to live independently and stays busy and involved with her family and church. She often tells people in her community about her experience and encourages anyone facing a cancer diagnosis or seeking a second opinion to consider Massey.

Brauning’s experience reflects unwavering faith, extraordinary resilience and the life-changing impact of a care team that sees the person, not just the patient. Her advice to anyone newly diagnosed with cancer is simple: do not give up.

“Exceptional, compassionate cancer care is possible, and I found it at Massey.”

Written by: Lynne Blasi