Margaret Sugar's Site

Hi Friends and Family,

Here is an update regarding my Mom, Margie Sugar, as of 8-15-08. In the future go to the Web Site  msugar.com where you can go for updates regarding Margie's condition and state of affairs. My brother John is still in the process of setting it up so keep checking back on the website for updates. Hopefully, most of you received the first email I sent on 8-4-08. If not please see the attachment and feel free to forward these emails to anyone who cares about Margie. It would also help our family to have any current email addresses that we have missed.

When I wrote the last email on 8-4-08, we were expecting the biopsy test results to come back as ovarian cancer. On 8/8 Margie was given a definitive diagnosis of neuro-endocrine metastatic cancer. This is an "umbrella term" for this rare and aggressive cancer. It affects protein and hormonal cells that are found throughout the body. We won't ever know the primary site as we've decided not to chase it down with further tests. It probably started in her lungs even though a chest X-Ray in January was clean. She has masses throughout her abdominal cavity as well as in her uterus. Mom is experiencing pressure from these masses. Her abdomen is extended and the masses are pressing on her internal organs causing her discomfort.  She had another ultrasound today and it is not accumulated fluid that is causing the pressure. So, now we have to wait and see if the Chemotherapy is affective in reducing the masses. Mom is taking quite a bit of pain medication to relieve her symptoms so at times she is groggy.    

Mom started chemo treatments this week and had three rounds on Tues, Wed and Thursday.  Hopefully this treatment will kill the cancer cells and ultimately shrink the masses. There is a 30-50% chance that she will have a 50% positive or better response rate. (The studies only track a 50% positive response rate.) Margie's oncologist Dr. Moran feels she has approximately 6 months left of life but this could go either way. Mom continues to be very pragmatic and says she is ready to die. She is focused on cleaning out her refrig, her closets and her bookshelves. Sometimes this approach is hard for family members who love her and want her here on earth as long as possible. But in fact, the family is clear about her wishes and will do what ever it takes to make her comfortable and enjoy her to the fullest in her remaining days.  I think we are all feeling overwhelmed with all that is happening. It is so difficult witnessing Mom's decline. I think I speak for all of us, it is a struggle accepting her diagnosis and prognosis.

On Sunday, Abby (my 24 yr old daughter) came to stay with Margie for two weeks. This is a big help as she supports me with running to the pharmacy and spending time with mom while I am at work. My brother John arrived yesterday for a month. He will stay with us in our studio. As a family will be working together to get her affairs in order as well as plan with Margie her memorial service. Margie's other children & spouses (Peter & Jill, Lib & Marv) arrive next week).  Everyone is coming to help mom celebrate her 82nd Birthday on 8/22.

Many people have come forward with love and support. Please don't hesitate to contact Mom via email or regular mail. She is taking great pleasure in hearing from loved ones across the nation. Mom is having to pace herself especially now that the first round of chemo is making her fatigued and she is on pain medication. It would be great if everyone would send her Birthday wishes on or before 8-22-08. Margie will be 82 years old. Her address is:

Margaret Sugar
624 Pearl St. #404
Boulder Colorado 80302.

Take care and remember to check the msugar.com website for updates.

Love,

Anne Donovan
(Margie's third child)

Dear friends,

I have some sad news to share with you about my mom, Margie Sugar.  My mom is in the throws of being diagnosed, most likely with Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. The CT scan results (that were given to Mom last Monday) show tumors throughout her uterus and abdomen. She will have a CT scan guided needle biopsy tomorrow morning and the doctor has ordered a blood test called C125; a blood marker that can detect ovarian cancer. With these two test results we will meet again with the Oncologist (Pat Moran MD @ the Tebo Center) on Friday of this week or next Monday (depending on when the test results are back) to get a definitive diagnosis of either Ovarian, Pancreatic or Lymphoma disease.

Mom has had vague symptoms for about 8 months and has had full work-ups by a Cardiologist, a Gastroenterologist and her Internist. Unfortunately, despite seeking medical care (and even having had a hernia operation one month ago) her advancing symptoms of weight  loss, lack of appetite and pressure in her lower abdomen have finally lead to a cancer diagnosis.  See the article that I have attached below. Ovarian cancer is rare but a very insidious disease. There is no screening tool and only when symptoms get worse is it often detected in a advance stage.

I have made my mom my top priority and we are busy with doctors appointments and procedures. It will be better once we know the diagnosis that we are dealing with. Mom is pragmatic saying she doesn't want any heroic measures and that she isn't afraid of dying at the age of 82 yrs old. Mom acknowledges that she has had a wonderful life and that she lives without regrets.

The oncologist offered her some hope saying that 6 cycles of chemotherapy could potentially shrink the tumors and hopefully make her more comfortable as a palliative treatment (not to be considered a cure or a heroic measure). Mom will need to make a tough decision once we get a final diagnosis; either enter into Hospice and just receive palliative care for 2-6 months before death or go the chemo route that could give her 1-2 yrs. As most of you know Mom's husband George died with Hospice care in 2003. Since George's death Mom has volunteered weekly at the Hospice Thrift Store here in Boulder so she knows as best as one can what to expect with her own demise with the support of Hospice, family and friends.

I'll keep you posted via email. Live today fully!

Love, Anne 

Margaret Sugar
624 Pearl #404
Boulder, Co. 80302