June 4, 1936 - November 17, 2002

My mother’s philosophy about doctors was “no news was good news”.  For many years, she ignored all the traditional appointments other women make.  Annual physical, Pap smear and mammogram.  She did not think she needed to consult a doctor.  But in 1998, the symptoms became too obvious to ignore.  Bloating, bowel trouble and abdominal discomfort.  She was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer.

After several rounds of chemotherapy the oncologist removed what remained of the tumor.  He then asked my mother to participate in a study.
She hesitated only for a day about whether she should participate or not.  She said to me “I want to do this for you, your sister and other women; maybe they can find a cure.”  They injected a radioactive liquid into her abdomen and let it slowly seep out.  For 24 hours no one could be with her in the hospital room.  For the next 4 or 5 months there followed more chemotherapy.

For three years everything went well.  In April 2002,  my mother developed a rash over most of her body.  She saw several doctors including her oncologist who assured her the cancer had not returned.  They were not sure what was causing the rash but she responded semi well to steroids.  As my mother’s health slowly deteriorated, she still sought treatment.  Then in October 2002, the cancer was back.  She died on November 17, 2002.

Through all of this, my mother remained optimistic.  She tried not to burden anyone with her problems.    She loved her family and all her many friends.  She was my mentor, my advisor, my sympathetic listener but most of all, my best friend.   I will miss her forever……

~ Susan