Jennifer Matthews: Dorothy is a born caretaker, she is a property manager and loves tending to animals.
Two years ago, she was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer and had little hope of surviving.
Dorothy Brimberry Smith: When I first heard that I had cancer, I was devastated, I was really devastated. I said, oh my God, my life is going to end.
Jennifer Matthews: Dorothy was the first patient to try experimental radiation therapy at the University of Miami. Instead of a standard metal implant, doctors here use a plastic cylinder to deliver radiation to the tumor.
Dr. Aaron Wolfson: This shows the device inside of patient with the radioactive sources in the cervix, in the uterus -- in the cervix exactly where it should be.
Our device allows only one hospital stay, no pain medication is required and a much faster placement of the device in surgery.
Jennifer Matthews: Dr. Aaron Wolfson who created the device says early studied results are promising.
Dr. Aaron Wolfson: We have yet at this point had any woman having relapses of their cancer which is extremely unusual considering that our patients have very advanced cancers.
Jennifer Matthews: A few days after the procedure, Dorothy was back at work tending to buildings and her birds.
Dorothy Brimberry Smith: I stayed less but on the fourth day I came home and from then on it's been smooth sailing.
Jennifer Matthews: This is Jennifer Matthews reporting.
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