A Fateful Journey that Led to One Grateful Patient
Rose Mary Rimer believes in fate. In fact, she believes she may be alive because of it.
Rose’s journey began with her diagnosis of prolapse - a condition in which structures such as the uterus, vagina, and surrounding organs begin to descend from their normal positions. As recommended, she was scheduled for surgery to correct it.
During surgery, Dr. Gary Sutkin, her urogynecologist, discovered a cancerous mass on her ovaries. Rose was still under anesthetic when she was officially diagnosed with ovarian cancer – the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. When she awoke, she thought she had been cured of prolapse. Little did she know, she had been treated for something far more dangerous. Her upbeat attitude got her through the tough times. Those around her claim she never once complained about her condition.
Here is Rose’s story.
Like many others, I always thought of Magee as the “baby hospital.” I delivered my second daughter, Darla, there in 1972, and she bore her children there as well.
I got another taste of Magee when Darla experienced several kidney issues due to her pregnancy and when her son, Max, spent time in Magee’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I am impressed with how well versed the staff and doctors were in resolving a variety of medical issues.
One day, I began having issues with my bladder and I mentioned this during my regular gynecologic exam. Nothing came of the appointment, but my companion, Jeff, suggested I get a second opinion. Eventually, I complied.
It was suggested I visit the Women's Center for Bladder and Pelvic Health at Magee, so I scheduled an appointment to see Dr. Gary Sutkin. Dr. Sutkin assured me I was in the right place and that he would take care of me. He wanted to conduct surgery through an incision to remove my uterus and attach mesh to my tailbone to cure me of prolapse. My surgery was scheduled for February 27, 2008.
When Dr. Sutkin began surgery, he noticed a cancerous mass on the ovaries. He conducted a hysterectomy then paged Dr. Joseph Kelley, a leading gynecologic-oncologist at Magee and Dr. Scott Richard, a fellow at the time. They arrived and removed the mass immediately.
In the recovery room, I faintly remember Dr. Sutkin talking to me about cancer. I blocked it out and the already blurred memory faded. Upon waking, my family and friends were silent. I didn’t ask questions thinking I was cured of prolapse. I had no idea about my new diagnosis, ovarian cancer.
The following morning, Drs. Kelley and Richard informed me about the ovarian cancer. I didn’t know how to react. Eventually, a wave of thankfulness washed over me. Fate had saved my life.
Some time after surgery, I went to an appointment with Dr. Sutkin regarding my prolapse. Oddly enough, he told me it was no longer there even though he never attached the mesh to my tailbone.
Since then, I have had appointments with Dr. Kelley for ovarian cancer treatment and follow-up. My last chemotherapy treatment was July 29, 2008. Since then, I have been in remission. More recently, my CA-125 count was very low.
If Jeff didn’t suggest I get a second opinion I wouldn’t have met with Dr. Sutkin. If Dr. Sutkin hadn’t suggested surgery to cure the prolapse, the ovarian cancer may have never been found. This string of events will forever resonate in my mind. I am thankful for the Magee doctors who saved my life. Guided by my faith, in addition to the strong support of my family and friends, I was able to keep a positive outlook throughout my diagnosis, treatment, and moving forward.
“Rose’s case is one I will never forget,” says Dr. Sutkin. “The mysterious twist her case took was remarkable. But the primary thing I will never forget was her contagiously upbeat attitude throughout her treatment. It was enviable.”
Drs. Sutkin and Kelley agree on a theory that may explain why the prolapse disappeared without the corrective surgery. Sometimes ovarian cancer, even in the early stages, puts pressure on the organs and vagina. When the ovarian cancer was removed, the pressure was relieved and the prolapse disappeared. This is yet another unique occurrence in this fateful story.
Currently, there are no prevention measures or specific screening tools for ovarian cancer, the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. Every day, researchers at Magee-Womens Research Institute are closer to discovering ways to better prevent, detect, and treat this devastating disease.
For more information about how to support ovarian cancer research at Magee, please call Magee-Womens Foundation at 412-641-8977.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING: Ovarian Cancer Research
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING: Julene Fabrizio Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
OUR COMMITMENT: Women’s Cancers
RELATED ARTICLE: Ovarian Cancer Research at Magee Highlighted in Post-Gazette
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