August 4th Announcement
Aug
4
Written by:
8/4/2008 1:24 PM
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