Tell Your Story

Heather: A Long Family History with PMH

My first bout with cancer was a thyroidectomy in 2006, with RI follow-up in 2007. In 2011, my daughter was diagnosed with a Germ Cell tumour on her left ovary, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Because of our family history of Dissected aneurisms, I had an ultrasound in 2012, and they found a large mass on MY left ovary. It turned out to be a large Fibroma, so a hysterectomy and oopherectomy were performed, just as my daughter was healing from her journey. In 2017, DCIS was found in my left breast, and I underwent 2 lumpectomies back to back, with follow-up radiation and Tamoxifen. I continue to be followed up with ultrasounds for my thyroid, but am currently clear regarding the breast cancer.
My sister is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cervical cancer, which was diagnosed during COVID in 2020. Her outcome remains precarious.
All of these surgeries were done at UHN, Toronto General and PMH.

Jerry: Never give up.

In 1992 I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. My doctor gave me 3 choices.
1. Do nothing. Lifetime expectancy 5 years.
2. Radiation. 50/50 chance of success and long life. Will probably need surgery anyway later.
3. Operate. 80% success and long life
It is now October 2021 and I am now going on 86. Since the surgery, I have enjoyed playing tennis, badminton, raquetball, and Squash. Unfortunately, this summer I had to give up tennis since I tore my bicep muscle. I usually walk in the nearby park and average 6,000 steps including climbing long, high hills. I give lectures to seniors, and have gone back to an old love, drawing and am surprised at how well I can still create and sketch. I enjoy my children and grand children and my relationship with my best (lady)friend for the past 22 years. We have travelled over a great part of the world during this time and my health (with the exception of a pacemaker and knee replacement) is excellant.

Toby:

Hi my name is Toby Brotman. I am an 82 year old lady. I have three married daughters, one of whom lives in New Paltz, New York, and 5 grandchildren. I was diagnosed with advanced malignant melanoma in February 2019 while I was on vacation in Florida. My nephew Dr. Neill Iscoe a Toronto oncologist wanted me to be treated specifically at Princess Margaret. He set it up for me. I had two successful surgeries by Dr. Laframboise in the groin area one on the right side and a couple of months later one on the left side. I was put on immunotherapy for a few months. The melanoma regrew in the exact same spot where I had the surgery. I was then put on targeted therapy in September 2019. Very successful. I have a CT scan of pelvis abdomen and thorax every three months. I get blood work done at PMH every four weeks followed by a virtual oncologist visit. I had a brain MRI in July where they found three lesions in my brain. Now I have a brain MRI done every three months. I am checked very carefully and the report comes into my UHN followed by a virtual visit, amazing . My care under Dr. David Hogg which was begun in May 2019 has been excellent. I feel well. I walk 45 minutes every day. I swim. I play golf. I see my kids and grandkids for dinners outside at their homes every Friday. I meet up with relatives and friends for lunches outdoors on patios. I attend lectures and play on line games such as canasta and mahjongg. I have been playing canasta on a friends porch every Monday. I play Mahjongg outside at different friends homes every Thursday. I enjoy every day. I’m very active. I plan to do one nice thing every day. I have routines set up. Glad to be alive. When I have a health problem I call the nursing line. The attention I get there has been excellent. As an example on Wednesday I called the nursing line as I was feeling weak and tired. The RN questioned me on my symptoms then called my doctor who told me to get my blood work done the following day. I did that in the morning of the very next day. I received a call from the doctor at 3:00 pm same day that the blood work was done showing that my thyroid was low. That’s why I was feeling weak and tired. I was prescribed medication for my thyroid. How quick and amazing a response was that. I’m in the best of hands. If I need anything he refers me to the right doctors. I don’t need to worry and can carry on happily with my life and enjoy my busy schedule as my doctor looks after me so well. I live very close to the hospital at St. George subway station. I walk there and back counting my steps getting in my exercise at the same time.

Amanda: Another chance

I came here in the hopes of preventing cancer for myself. My mom passed from breast cancer but before she went the doctors discovered a gene mutation. I was tested and found to have the same. One month after her passing I started my double mastectomy and reconstruction journey. With the attentive and sincere care of my team of doctors, nurses and admin staff at Princess Margaret I am feeling less anxious about my own future. I feel a renewed sense of freedom. The community there is a holistic one – caring for your body and your soul. Even caring about your family and their journey. I will be forever grateful for Princess Margaret Hospital and the foundation for the care I received. Now my father has been diagnosed with Merkel Cell carcinoma stage 4 and although he is being cared for at a different hospital I know the staff are consulting with other doctors through the UHN which includes PM. I’m not sure they can save his life but what I know without a shadow of a doubt is that he is receiving the absolute best care in every way. My hope, my dream, my prayer is that cancer will be cured and no one, no family will ever have to go through this unimaginable pain ever again. Thank you for caring. Thank you for searching and working and for sacrificing to ensure that others are given the best chance at life.

Joseph: Lifesaving Care at PMH – Beginning in 1996 and Still Going!

We support PMCF simply because the skilled and caring staff at PMH supported us when we needed it most, beginning over 25 years ago.

I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996. I was 38 years old and my wife and I had been married for just over 3 years. This news threw us for a loop. After my surgery, I was referred to PHM and was treated by a wonderful man named Dr. Jeremy Sturgeon. At the very first appointment, he educated us, calmed us and reassured us that everything was going to be okay. He personally took us to the Chemo Daycare unit to introduce me to a man who was receiving the same Chemo treatment that I was about to begin. Over the next several months I learned that I had a secondary tumor and that the cancer had spread. I suffered a few complications and was hospitalized for a week. The care was exceptional and the people were wonderful. Everyone, from the cleaners to the medical staff treated us with dignity and respect. Things got better fairly quickly and we were once again on our way, or so we thought.

About 18 months later, in 1998, I was diagnosed with an unrelated cancer, this time in my colon. Dr. Sturgeon arranged for me to be cared for by Dr. Amit Oza and his team. We were immediately struck by Dr. Oza’s calming and reassuring manner and his exceptional skill at keeping us informed. (My wife will always remember his colourful socks !) Surgery was followed by months of chemo and once again the care was exceptional. Things were looking up until 1999 when tumors were discovered in my liver. The cancer had spread.

After some detailed testing, it became clear that I was a candidate for surgery to remove a part of my liver to give me the best chance of survival. Everyone on my care team remained positive and treated me with the same attention to detail and the same care and compassion that we had become so used to. Their confidence and their approach allowed my wife and I to stay positive. The next year brought more chemo and it was tough, but slowly things began to improve.

Well, here I am after all these years. My wife and I recently celebrated 29 years of marriage. I am now 63 years old, we are both retired, and we are enjoying life to the fullest. We still visit a clinic at PMH for an annual checkup as the result of some things discovered during my treatments. Although the hospital has become a much busier place than it was in 1996, we continue to experience the best of care, and for that we are truly thankful.

Joe & Annalea Matthews
Niagara Falls, ON

Marlene: My precious Mom

I was in the chemo daycare in 2001-2002. Stage III Colon Cancer at 31 years old. Dr. Hedley (gastro) was a professional with a heart. The staff was beyond compassionate.
and my daughter was at the Magic Castle. Morgan was amazing. I have had digestive challenges ever since with only half a colon, but I am still here. Then my Mom in 2016 was diagnosed with AML, in remission till July 2019 and then passed away in Feb 2020.Dr. Minden was phenomenal. The blood donors are unsung heros. Sadly my Mom lost her battle, it was so difficult to get back into the clinical trials, but everyone did what they could. I try to do my part and give donations when I can. We have come a long way since 2001 but much more needs to be done, especially in the area of clinical trials. I would hope that one day alternative treatments and modern medicine can find a way to unite. That is my wish

Shaeda: PMCF Oncologists & Staff Taught Me To Love & Care For Everyone Unconditionally

The mere diagnosis of a life-threatening disease such as stage IIIC clear cell carcinoma of the ovary, in 2004, significantly impacted my quality of life and taught me what is the best perspective of life.

In 2005, I was treated with 4 cycles of neodajuvant CARBOPLATIN and TAXOL, in the Gynecology Oncology Program Clinic at PMCF, under the care of Dr. Jason Dodge. This was followed up by delayed primary debulking surgery by Dr. DiPetrello; and a further 2 cycles of CARBOPLATIN and TAXOL, followed by adjuvent pelvic radiation therapy under the care of Dr. Wilfred Levine.

My treatment completed in September 2005. Until August 2015, I continued to attend regularly at PMCF, and being 10 years out in remission, they gave me an honourable discharge.

2021 marks 17 years anniversary since my first treament at PMCF. I learned to have the “Best Perspective on Life” now.

I still attend at the Breat Imaging Clinic for Mammograms, regularly.

All the Oncologists, Nursing Staff, Laboratory Technicians, Chemo-Bed Nursing Staff, the Administrative Staff, and the Auxiliary Volunteers at PMCF, are most awesome, kind, gentle, caring always. They do a lot of ‘hand holding’ with understanding and allayed my fears. I count myself fortunate to have received exceptional care by these wonderful Medical Professional Specialists at PMCF.

Maria Lucia: Three Times a Charm!

My father, Antonio Di Placito was diagnosed with stage 3 right lung cancer in 2006. PMH jumped into action! Dr. Darling was his oncologist, who was a true angel! Following a lobectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy, my father was treated. Unfortunately, in 2008, my father was again diagnosed with lung cancer – this time stage 2 in left lung. This time he underwent a partial lobectomy along with more chemo and radiation. PMH was there the entire step of the way, making sure my father survived yet another time. Unbelievably, in 2012, my father was once again diagnosed with cancer – this time stage 2 squamous cell in the throat just above the voice box. Dr. Goldstein and his team at PMH were in charge of his care. The fight this time was much harder – far worse treatment side effects. Regardless PM refused to give up and continued to support my father and our family. It’s not every day where a person survives cancer 3 different times! The determination and efforts of PMH made all the difference. Our hope for the future is for PMH to continue attributing 100% to conquering cancer – to continue staying one step ahead of this disease, catching it early and saving lives.

Gerald: Morning Memories

My wife passed away September -20-2018
A spot on her left lung .
In 3 weeks , strokes ,heart attacks , blood clots etc . Late in supporting cancer research, but I support now .
Morning Memories
1-Well I woke up this morning, with only you on my mind,
Searching through my memories, your weren’t hard to find .
Each day that I pass ,forms a new different scar ,
To have you once so close , now so far .

Three years have almost passed, how have I come this far ?
Some days drag on , others like a shooting star
The day fades to night , just to fade into day ,
Bringing more “Morning Memories “my way.

2-Morning memories, they come and they go,
They may leave you high , they may leave you low .
Today brings tomorrow,
my heart paces to and fro .
What will it all bring, I may never know .

Three years have almost passed, how have I come this far ?
Some days drag on , others like a shooting star
The day fades to night , just to fade into day ,
Bringing more “Morning Memories “my way.
Morning Memories
Morning Memories
My way .

Jerry: August-16-2021

Heather: Gratitude and peace of mind

The year 2021 marks a significant anniversary for me — 25 years ago in Thunder Bay I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and had a complete hysterectomy/oophorectomy. The prognosis was the best it could be — stage 1 and apparently considered curable with surgery. All went well, but within a month I received a report of atypical cells found in the wash. These wouldn’t have necessarily been cause for alarm, but given that cancer was involved I was offered the option of radiation as further treatment. It wasn’t being recommended but it was offered. The decision was difficult for me — all treatments risk side effects and yet I didn’t want to live with the fear and regret of not doing everything possible to beat the cancer and maintain my health. It was my great good fortune to be given an appointment at PMH with Dr. Joan Murphy — a specialist in this particular area. In May of 1996 I travelled to Toronto, received the empathetic and compassionate attention that is appreciated by so many … and Dr. Murphy was able to assure me that I could put this condition behind me with no further treatment. Her expertise and experience, tempered with kindness, gave me the confidence to look forward to a healthy future.
I am pleased to share this story 25 years later and will always feel a deep sense of gratitude for the presence of PMH in my life and the lives of so many others.

Thank you.

Heather Morrison
Thunder Bay ON

Mildred and Ronald: I Survived

In May of 1986, after two bone marrow tests, I was diagnosed with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia. The Doctor at Oshawa Hospital said that I had a malignancy and that I was going to die. However he recommended that I see Dr. Michael Baker at Toronto General Hospital.

I went to see Dr. Baker who is an excellent physician and he ran a number of more significant tests to confirm my diagnosis before treating me. He admitted me for treatment in May, 1986 and after six weeks I was in remission and discharged. During my treatments he recommended that I see Dr. Armand Keating for possibly being a candidate for a new procedure that Dr. Keating was researching.

Dr. Keating visited me and I was told that I was a good candidate for an ABMT if I remained in remission for approx. a year. Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant which uses your own marrow instead of a donor. I did not realize at the time that this amazing Doctor would be the one that saved my life. Dr. Keating removed bone marrow from my hip joint in July of 1987.

In August, 1987 I was admitted as the 16th patient for my ABMT procedure. Treatment began with chemo-therapy and eventually taken to Princess Margaret for Total Body Radiation which destroys all fast growing cells in your body, including your Immune System. During treatment and afterwards I required approx. 54 pints of blood/platlets. While all of this was going on the various tests that I was given were all over the charts. The Drs. thought I was having a reaction to my medicines and they were stopped but that didn’t fix the problem. Then it was thought that I had a Virus which at that time couldn’t be proven, but later it became evident that I had Hep-C from one of the transfusions.

I’m sure it was difficult for Dr. Keating and staff as well as it was for me. For me it was a life or death struggle. It was difficult for my husband, Ron, who was at the hospital every day, driving from Oshawa. I had shingles, fever after fever and lost my hearing twice. Ron fixed the hearing problem by connecting a lamp to the phone which flashed when it was ringing and arranged for a phone for Deaf persons. I had nausea, a strong reaction and could not stand the smell of food, coffee, etc. Therefore I lost a considerable amount of weight.

I always give thanks to Dr. Keating and his amazing staff, as well as the amazing nursing staff who we still see on our yearly excursion to Princess Margaret. Special thanks to Dr. Rubinger (deceased) and Dr. Jack Hilton and others, who rode the ups and downs along with me.

In January, 1988, I was released after five long months. There was still much work to be done and there were many, many followup visits, on my road to recovery. Though I struggled I knew that Dr. Keating and all of the staff were with me, as well as my husband, Ron, my daughter, my sister and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

I am forever grateful that I was able to exist and receive three knee replacements, a hip replacement and a few attempts at curing the Hep.-C with Dr. J. Feld of Toronto General Hospital.

I thank God that this was all possible because of Dr. Baker, Dr. Keating, his staff and the hospital staff.

To complicate matters, would you believe that there were two Bouckley’s on the floor, both with Leukemia. There was a very, very large sign at the nurses station that pointed out there were two Bouckley’s on the floor.

Melanie: PMH Changes Lives

When I was 10 years old my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. In those days, no radiation or chemo was done following the Mastectomy. Ten years after her Mastectomy, she had a reoccurrence in her scar tissue. This time she had surgery and radiation. I drove her to PMH every day for 3 weeks for her treatment. It wasn’t the beautiful building that is PMH today but provided life saving treatment none the less. My Mother survived for another 20 plus years, developing lymphedema (which changed the treatment plan for the current generation), needing a hip replacement as the Cancer had metastasized to her bone, before the Cancer returned yet again and she lost her battle. I am forever grateful to PMH for allowing me to grow up with my Mother and for my two girls to know and fondly remember their grandmother.

Carolyn: Research

My husband was part of a research trial-he met wonderful people and was treated well -it made the journey easier he wanted more time and they gave him
That chance to try
Research research research-I donated a lot of money to research gallbladder cancer

Anne Erickson: Why I’m Grateful to PMCF

One Monday morning last year I called my family doctor. I was worried about how, over the preceding week, I’d become very short of breath and developed a lot of unexplained bruises. On Wednesday morning I was hearing that I had leukemia, and the next day I was at PMCC, being examined by a team of specialists. Later that day I was admitted, for a stay that lasted 38 days.

I was incredibly lucky with my diagnosis: the kind of leukemia I had was APL, which can usually be completely cured. It’s pretty rare–about two cases in a million annually–and in the 1950s it usually killed within weeks. I’m so grateful that we now have a very successful treatment and that I got that treatment quickly, at PMCC.

A few days after I was admitted, the world began to recognize the seriousness of covid 19. The entire staff at PMHC moved fast to implement new safety protocols, in addition to the many already in place. As I told my husband, left to cope on his own, I was in the best possible place–not just for fighting my cancer, but for my overall safety and wellbeing. Dozens of nurses, food preparers, the lady who came to clean my room, the nutritionist, the social worker and the doctors kept me from ever being lonely. And thanks to the free wifi in the patient rooms, I had no trouble staying in touch with my family and friends. I might even have streamed a few movies.

After my hospital treatment, I was scheduled for 80 days of outpatient treatment over the next seven months. The pandemic made everything a bit more stressful for all of us, but the nurses and receptionists in the Day Treatment program were wonderful. Their cheerful kindness made the days easy, even pleasant.

In November tests showed that my blood results were lastingly normal again. I’ll be monitored for a few years, but I know my struggle is over. I’m completely well, and almost back to my former level of fitness.

By the way, this was my second time beating cancer. The first was breast cancer six years ago. PMCF helped me then, too, but that’s another story.

Thank you, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Mazahair: The Walking Miracle

At the age of 56, I became gravely ill. I’d assumed that my back pain was the result of potentially having tendinitis and had been ignoring a number of symptoms for at least 6 months. My back pain dragged on, became severe and made it hard to keep up with my daily routine. It was at that time my family Doctor insisted I go for a MRI scan. In August 2017 a series of tests were ordered by my Doctor and 24 hours later I was diagnosed with Metastatic Lung Cancer.
My initial reaction to this devastating news was shock and disbelief and I pleaded, “Why me”. I did not have much time.

Initially, my treatment had begun at South Lake Hospital’s Cancer Centre in New Market. At this point, I had already lost movement of my body and unable to stand. My first request to the team at South Lake was to restore my mobility so that I would have the strength to fight this terrible disease called “CANCER” . With the help of targeted radiation and pain killers, the team at South Lake fulfilled my request. By end of August, 2017, my mobility was restored.

On 31/8/2017, my oncologist at South Lake diagnosed me with “Adenocarcinoma”. It was at this time that I opted to be treated at Princess Margaret Hospital.

I began my treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital in September 2017. I was schedule to meet the Messiah who would not only show me comfort but also provide me with hope that I would be treated and eventually healed. The Messiah was none other than Dr. Natasha Leighl. Before I met her, I was told that I had advanced Lung Cancer with a predicted survival of 3-6 months. Dr. Leighl educated me on the benefits of Immunotherapy and targeted therapy. I credit my resilience, faith in my Creator and family support for bringing me to Princess Margaret Hospital where my hope was restored and CONFIRMED.

At this time, I must say my ongoing commitment to my healing bore fruit. It is now three and half years later and I am thriving, able to travel and get back to life as I knew it. I feel like myself once again.

My journey of healing is possible because of the immense cancer research at Princess Margaret Hospital and their excellent patient care.

Thank you and GOD BLESS ALL THE RESEARCHERS, ONCOLOGISTS, NURSES, SUPPORT STAFF for making my life comfortable and keep me away from misery.

Mazahair Dhirani

Beth: Grateful

In 2013 I was diagnosed with stage 3 ductal carcinoma breast cancer after finding a small lump. I had a mammogram in Oct of the previous year but it was clear. The following June I was diagnosed. I asked to be treated at PMH. My doctor was not affiliated with PMH but I insisted on going there. I had a lumpectomy with chemo and radiation. I was terrified as my mom had breast cancer at age 45 but then died from pancreatic cancer 8 years later. This June it will be 8 years I am cancer free.
I received great care from PMH and believe they saved my life.
My hope for the future is that better screening will be available, either in the form of a blood test or something not yet thought of. Also hoping that the cause(s)of cancer will be become clearer enabling people to better adjust lifestyle to combat it. The following year I walked in the PMH 60 km weekend walk with friends who had been walking it for years. It was a great experience and very glad I did it. I have lost my mother, sister and brother from cancer, all under the age of 52, and I am hell bent on beating it!! Cancer bit me but I bit back harder!

Leila: Losing a friend

I’ve been walking in the Weekend to Conquer Cancer for six years because of losing a close friend Dr. Mubina Jiwa to ovarian cancer. I have been the second top fundraiser the last couple of years because of my expansive and generous network.

William: Serious Seminoma Sightings

Dear Dr. Aaron Hansen:

Firstly I would like to say, about my cancer journey these years 2020/21 at Princess Margaret Hospital, that I have been very fortunate to meet, talk and compare health issues with various other cancer patients and that I can also never forget the warm and helpful reception people welcoming, screening and directing me. Furthermore, my blood and COVID tests, CT scans, chemo and radiation interaction with the many Nurses, Administrative Assistants and Technicians has inspired and motivated me towards our common goal.

To the men and women of Oncology and Surgery who have worked so diligently to cure my disease, such as, Dr. Bedard, Dr. Jiang, Dr. Chung, Dr. Hahn, Dr. Jerusha, Dr. Sturgeon, Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Warde and of course you Aaron Hansen as my “doctor-of- record”, I want to say thank you, as I hold all of your demonstrated talents, kindness, and professionalism in the highest regard.

May God bless you all in “fighting the good fight”,

I remain sincerely,

W.P. (Bill) Lyon

PS. Just a shout out to Dr. Chung that I much prefer Dom Perignon over Domperidone!

Helen: A Second Chance!

It was the summer of 1996 when I first visited the Princess Margaret Hospital to discuss a life saving Bone Marrow Transplant with Dr. Jeff Lipton. Two year previously I had been diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia and it took over 2 years to find a suitable donor. While the life saving therapies in my community hospital were excellent as I awaited a call from PMH about a match, the care and expertise I encountered there when I got that all important call, was second to none. Dr. Lipton was open and honest and never tried to hide the pitfalls that could occur, nor that at the time, I had a 50/50 chance of making it through. Regardless. I knew I was in such capable hands that I truly never doubted everything possible would be done to give me a second chance at life.
I received my unrelated donor transplant on March 27th 1997 and on Good Friday, 2 weeks later, was told that I was grafting with my new bone marrow. What a joyful day, even though I still knew the road was long. Those first 6 months following were indeed challenging, but any struggles and setbacks that occurred were promptly acted upon and kindly reassurances were given that they were in control. As I said before, I never doubted that.
I was assigned 3 wonderful Nurses while I was in hospital, Sasha, Beverley and Ruth. I shall never forget their care, dedication and kindness. Despite difficult days, we had many laughs and like everyone else they were instrumental to my recovery and discharge home. I became an outpatient 8 weeks following transplantation and 8 months later, returned to work. In March 2021 I celebrated 24 years post transplant. I have enjoyed a wonderful quality of life since thanks to all involved and I could not be more grateful. I also feel privileged!
I would be most remiss if I did not mention my wonderful Mother who came from the UK and stayed to care for me for almost 2 years. She was a quiet guiding light all the way through; without her unwavering support I would not have managed my daily positivity nearly as well.
And of course, without my selfless, thoughtful and undeterred donor in the United States, none of this could ever have been possible. I continue to pray for more people like her who gave because someone else needed help.
Lastly, my hopes for conquering cancer in the future is that everyone will continue to support the foundation in their search for new discoveries and treatments. The work that happens here is so persistent and so necessary to be able to move forward in giving new hope to patients and families. I wish the dreaded “C” word will no longer hold the fear it still does and like many other diseases have now become, will be completely curable and non life threatening.
Thank you PMH for my second chance and for continuing to care enough to monitor me all these years later. Jeffrey Lipton is one of a kind. As was the late and great Dr. Hans Messner.

Ursula: Never give up!

Unfortunately, my story isn’t a very happy one. In May 2012 my husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, stage 4. His oncologist gave him 6 to 8 months to live. Through sheer determination and my efforts with his diet, he made it for two years and 3 months. His motto was never give up. He was on chemo 24/7 for two years, it seemed to have worked and we had great hope for some more years together. His oncologist suggested to try a trial Radiation treatment that was offered at Princess Margaret, which we attended for several weeks. It didn’t give us the results that we were hoping for, and three months later, August 15, 2014 he succumbed to this horrible disease. Needless to say, it devastated me since he was doing so well for a time.

Ulrike: The gift of time

The gift of time

My name is Ulrike. I am 55 years old and a busy wife, mother, kindergarten teacher, church cantor and community volunteer. At least, I still feel that way but many things changed dramatically for me and my family as a result of coping with a sarcoma diagnosis. This has turned the active course of my life upside down but by it, I have come to appreciate the good work of someone who is trying to make a difference in this field. I would like to tell you more about him and his work and how I am now committed to helping make a difference, first by detailing my experience of living with sarcoma.

In March 2018, I was diagnosed with a uterine PEComa (perivascular epithelioid cell carcinoma), a very rare subtype of a sarcoma, a kind of cancer that makes up only about 1% of all cancers. Those who lose the cancer lottery and get sarcomas tend to have a poorer prognosis as compared with other cancers that are easier to treat and have much more funding for research.

My primary tumour was successfully removed surgically at the Toronto General Hospital, and while still in recovery I was referred to the further care of Dr. Albiruni Razak, who is affiliated with the Mount Sinai and Princess Margaret Hospitals in Toronto and who heads one of the world-leading sarcoma groups. Dr. Razak monitored me closely, and during that year I was able to attend our oldest son’s University convocation and my husband Christoph’s and my 25th wedding anniversary, celebrated together with our children and many friends and family.

Fourteen years ago, my husband and I took a big leap of faith and moved our family from Germany to Toronto where he joined the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and assumed a staff position at The Hospital for Sick Children. We have four beautiful children, 3 boys and a girl, (26, 23, 21, 19) who are very active in sports and music. I am proud to have been able to support them to excel and they have matured so much during this challenging time. Once they were established in their schools I went back to school and trained as a teacher. I love teaching kindergarten and singing in my church, but all that is on hold for now.

In January 2019, lung metastases were detected – one of the possible risks predicted from the start. This is also where the challenge of treating diffuse metastases specific to sarcomas comes in. As with most rare diseases, straight-forward treatment protocols are lacking, and therapy is delivered based on the expertise of the treating physician. Being a patient of Dr. Razak’s, however, gave me access to cutting-edge clinical trials in the field, and I was included into a Phase I study at PMH for immunotherapy. It was worth trying but, unfortunately, this treatment proved unsuccessful and I was switched to a more established treatment for sarcoma. I received this treatment for almost one year – a year during which our family celebrated our youngest son’s high school graduation, and I was able to continue working in my beloved job as a Kindergarten teacher.

In January 2020, the lung metastases had started to grow again, indicating that the current treatment was failing and was not controlling the disease anymore. Thus, conventional chemotherapy became necessary.

Still, despite an intense protocol, the tumor progressed, invaded my heart and lung and caused a life-threatening complication (cardiac tamponade). As it became clear that the options available, medical treatment or radiation, would not suffice to save my life for much longer, Dr. Razak recommended open-heart surgery to remove the tumour including the affected parts of my heart and lung, an option available only in a small number of leading centers around the world, one of them being the Toronto General Hospital where successful open-heart tumor surgery has been offered for a few years by a team of world-class thoracic and cardiac surgeons. Removing the invading portion of the tumour and “repairing” the heart would allow for a “fresh start” of chemotherapy – hopefully allowing to regain control over the remaining lung metastases. Based on the recommendation of Dr. Razak, the surgeons and the Tumor Board team, I underwent this rather radical surgery in September 2020. It was successful, and I could be discharged home after only one week.

I recovered from the operation but wan’t able to take too much time off. Chemotherapy was resumed quickly to make sure the remaining metastases didn’t start growing again. Unfortunately, after only a few months, the treatment plan had to be changed yet again as the metastases have shown further growth. At every hospital visit, Dr. Razak reviews my treatment options including other medications or clinical trials. Not only is he an excellent and attuned physician, Dr. Razak is unfailingly honest and straight-forward when delivering the good and the bad news. He is caring and compassionate and has always been generous with his time, even though his clinics are always packed and his staff support is limited.

Sarcoma is a rare cancer and PEComa is an even rarer subtype of it. Dr. Razak is one of the world experts leading this area and is conducting top research with little in the way of support. I wish to speak out now for others like me who should be able to benefit, not only from Dr. Razak’s kind bedside manner and his excellent clinical acumen but from the skilled, cutting-edge, world class research he is currently leading. Because of the challenges I face and have weathered along with him, I am in a unique position to know that Dr. Razak has given me and my family the priceless gift of time and no superlative will ever be able to express our gratitude.

My experience has compelled me to do what I can to spread the word about rare sarcomas. Dr. Razak has never once asked for funding or recognition but I feel strongly about raising my voice to help future patients with sarcomas. Dr. Razak’s skill has extended my life and given me more time with my precious family. This journey isn’t over, I will most likely fight this for the rest of my life. You can only do this with a strong team. We are so very grateful to have the wonderful doctors of the world-class Princess Margaret Cancer Center as our team!

Florence: Honouring the Love of Her Life

Florence Gibbons was only at The Princess Margaret for one day and one night but it was a time she will remember forever. Sitting in Palliative Care at the bedside of her partner of 47 years, Florence remembers the experience like it was yesterday. “The caring, gentle and kind staff made Barbara so comfortable,” recalls Florence. “Barbara couldn’t have asked for any better treatment in her last hours, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better for her. I will always thank The Princess Margaret for her peaceful passing.”

To honour Barbara’s life and give hope to those battling cancer today, Florence donates monthly to The Princess Margaret. She has also left a gift in her Will. “It was very simple to do,” says Florence who hopes her legacy gift will help advance research to find a cure. “I think The Princess Margaret is the foremost hospital for cancer research. There’s a feeling of caring and wanting to find a cure. I believe cancer will be conquered…eventually, with the help of donor support.”

Asked what she would tell others considering a gift in their Will, Florence responds without hesitation, “Do it. Give. There’s not one of us that isn’t affected by cancer. Whether your donation is small or large, it’s appreciated, and so well spent.”

Watch her video here:

Margaret: An Experimental Procedure Saved Her Life

Thirty years ago, Margaret Lynch received an experimental bone marrow transplant, a first in Canada, at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Today, she is healthy and thriving, dedicated to giving back to the place that saved her life.

Margaret’s involvement with The Princess Margaret runs deep. She’s cycled more than 200km to raise funds for cancer research nine times. She also worked for the Foundation supporting its fundraising efforts. She has also left a Legacy Gift in her will.

“I know firsthand that supporting The Princess Margaret will further cancer research and get us closer to a world without cancer,” says Margaret, who was only 30 years old when she was diagnosed with a rare form of acute leukemia in January 1988.

After a combination of chemotherapy and other drugs proved unsuccessful, Margaret was left with few options.

The Princess Margaret was only performing transplants for patients in remission at the time but Dr. Hans Messner, who pioneered stem cell transplantation at The Princess Margaret, agreed to try the procedure. It was the first time this would ever be done at The Princess Margaret and in the country. With her sister as her donor, Margaret received her transplant later that year in May.

Eighteen days later, she walked out of the isolation room with no traces of cancer left in her body. She didn’t share her story until two decades later, when she took part in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in 2008. When she reached the finish line, Dr. Messner was there, waiting for her with a big smile on his face.

“It was just an incredible moment to think that 20 years earlier we were in my hospital room. There’s no way we could have imagined this.”

Dr. Messner passed away in July 2018 from bladder cancer and Margaret helped to honour him with a tribute at the 2019 Ride.

Margaret is now writing her memoir to share her story to a wider audience. “I have no idea why I’m still alive, but the least I can do is try to help other people in the same situation. I want to give back and share my story so other people can feel hope.”