Doctor Beats Stage 4 Stomach Cancer, Praises MD Anderson Care

When emergency physician Derek Cooney received a stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis in July 2024, he knew exactly what quality patient care should look like. What he experienced at UT MD Anderson in Houston exceeded even his professional expectations.

Cooney, a Pain Medicine Fellow from upstate New York, sought second opinions from multiple institutions before enrolling in a clinical trial at MD Anderson. The decision changed everything.

"It was just mind-bogglingly easy to be a patient here," Cooney said. The hospitality began the moment he and his wife Norma walked through the door.

When Cooney arrived stressed and checked in at the wrong location, staff didn't just point him in the right direction. They personally escorted him to his appointment, showed him the Cancer Connection rest area with refreshments, and made sure his wife felt equally welcome.

That level of care removed the anxiety that typically accompanies cancer treatment. It allowed Cooney to focus entirely on getting well.

The efficiency impressed him just as much. When pneumonia delayed his clinical trial start, surgeon Dr. Brian Badgwell arranged a same-day pulmonology appointment within an hour. Dr. Carlos Jimenez cleared him for treatment that afternoon.

Then Winter Storm Enzo hit Texas in January 2025, right before Cooney's scheduled surgery. Dr. Badgwell prioritized his safety and rescheduled without hesitation.

When Cooney and Norma finally arrived days later, every staff member had just survived a natural disaster. They still showed up ready to deliver exceptional care.

"Don't worry. Everything is going to be fine. We're here to take care of you," they told him. And they meant it.

Why This Inspires

Cooney's story shows how compassionate, efficient healthcare can transform the cancer journey. As a physician himself, his perspective carries weight. He knows what good care looks like, and he experienced something extraordinary.

His experience proves that even during emergencies and unexpected delays, dedicated medical teams can maintain excellence. That kind of consistency gives hope to patients facing similar diagnoses.

For anyone navigating a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, Cooney's journey offers a powerful reminder: the right care team makes all the difference.