March 2023 | When I was 53, I had surgery to remove my ovaries due to growing cysts. Upon pathology review, they found mesothelioma cells located in my omentum. The samples were sent to Vancouver for a second opinion and the results were confirmed: mesothelioma. Over 20 years ago, I was working at an office building undergoing renovations. The work was done at night, so every morning, we arrived to find our desks and computers coated in dust. We wiped it away without a second thought, not knowing what we were breathing in. Unbeknownst to us, the ceiling and floor tiles contained asbestos. We were never warned. We were never relocated. Most people with mesothelioma don’t find out until much later. In my case, it was a complete fluke they found it so early. |
April 2023 | Three weeks later, pain in my shoulder led to a chest X-ray, revealing fluid around my lung. The fluid was drained, tested and pathology confirmed the presence of the same mesothelioma cells.
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May 2023 | I was referred to Dr. Stephen Welch, oncologist at Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre (VFCC), for consultation and diagnosis. It was rare to have this type of cancer in two locations, but I was fortunate it had been discovered early. I was diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma. After discussing treatment options, we decided to try immunotherapy, hoping this would help decrease and slow the growth of the cancer cells.
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July 2023 | I began immunotherapy, receiving treatments every three weeks. However, after three rounds, my body had a severe inflammatory response. My immune system went into overdrive and started attacking other areas in my body. This reaction led to Crohn’s and colitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), increased fluid around the lung, pancreatitis and more. I was immediately admitted to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). Due to very low immunity, I spent my first night in a padded room, just outside the Mental Health unit in Emergency, before moving to the Oncology Ward.
Through it all, Dr. Welch became the “quarterback” of my care. With so many specialists involved, it sometimes became overwhelming to keep track of different treatments and ensure they could safely be combined. But Dr. Welch told me, “I will deal with that.” And he did—he managed everything and coordinated with each specialist. |
January 2025 | It has now been sixteen months since my severe reaction to immunotherapy. With ongoing treatment, care and medication, I have regained my mobility, improved my breathing and kept my side effects at bay. I continue to receive scans and tests every three to four months, along with regular lung fluid drainage, Entyvio infusions and RA treatments. I’ve found new ways to do the things I want to do, within my limitations and with support. Living with stage 4 terminal mesothelioma is an ongoing battle, both mentally and physically. This cancer could spread at any moment, which is why frequent screenings are so important—to detect and attack any growth as soon as possible. My husband, Peter, has been my rock. His compassion, empathy, love and support have kept me moving forward. Staying positive and not allowing this disease to take over my life has been essential. “One day at a time.” I can’t change what is happening, but I try to live the best life I can between each scan. My number one priority is to make memories with my wonderful daughter, son-in-law and our two beautiful granddaughters in California. A few months ago, my granddaughter asked if Grandpa or I could come to her school’s “Bring a Special Person Day” in March. At the time, we had to tell her no—I wasn’t healthy enough to fly. Then, at my last scan, I got the best news possible: I was cleared to travel. Peter and I immediately booked our flights and now, we can make it to this important day. I owe Dr. Welch, the team of specialists and their staff, tremendous gratitude for the quick response to my reactions and their continued support and perseverance with my care. They are like an extension of our family. Peter and I are so thankful to have landed at LHSC and are truly grateful to have our team of professionals at our side, guiding us through this journey. Peter and I decided to donate to microbiome and immunotherapy research at LHSC in the hope that someday there will be a cure for mesothelioma, or at the very least, treatments to control or eliminate the growth of these cells, allowing patients to live long, meaningful lives. |