Author: Leslie Toldo
Suffering with a bloated, swollen stomach and irregularity, Elaine Bazydlo visited a surgeon who recommended removing her gallbladder. Elaine told her primary care doctor she wanted a second opinion.
“I had a trip to France with my daughter scheduled for the summer,” Elaine said. “I did not want complications from surgery interfering with my trip.”
However, further testing revealed the possibility of something far more serious going on with Elaine’s health. Scans revealed fluid in her abdomen, and a biopsy detected cancer in the omentum- a fold in the thin tissue lining the abdomen that surrounds the stomach and other organs in the abdomen. Cancer usually spreads to the omentum from other organs.
“I was numb about the idea of me having cancer. I kept thinking I wasn’t going to have it until they told me for sure I had it,” Elaine said.
Unfortunately, Elaine was diagnosed with stage 4 appendiceal cancer, a rare cancer that originates from the appendix.
Elaine’s oncologist recommended treatment with a high-heat chemotherapy procedure called HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy). Surgical oncologist Dr. Scott Kizy, of the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint, is one of just a few surgeons in Michigan who perform the procedure.
“Appendix cancer is rare but is known to spread to organs within the abdomen. There aren’t many good treatments for this cancer once it spreads. HIPEC can be used for certain types of cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdominal organs. It is especially useful for patients with appendix cancer. HIPEC allows us to administer higher doses of chemotherapy, with fewer systemic side effects. Before we deliver the chemo, we remove all visible tumors in the abdomen,” Dr. Kizy said.
While her diagnosis was scary, Elaine was primarily focused on one thing- quality time with her daughter.
“It was surreal,” Elaine said. “My biggest concern was going on my trip to France. I told Dr. Kizy I had to make that trip in the summer. He told me to plan the trip for the following year.”
Though she didn’t like Dr. Kizy’s prognosis for her trip, Elaine took great comfort in knowing her health was in the surgeon’s hands.
“Going into it, I really had a lot of confidence in Dr. Kizy. He’s a special doctor. I knew that he was competent, but I also felt like he really cared about me as a person.”
It’s been two years since Elaine’s cancer journey started. Her road to recovery has been slow and painful at times; her mobility is reduced. That trip to France has yet to happen, but Elaine is taking it all in stride.
“My philosophy of life is that you are always on the path,” Elaine said. “I never thought, ‘why me.’ I just did what they told me. I don’t believe in fighting things but recognizing the wisdom of whatever is happening at the moment.”
For now, Elaine is determined that the trip to France to see the fields of lavender with her daughter will eventually happen. Until then, she will continue to heal with grace.
Whether you are looking for a diagnosis, treatment, or support during your cancer journey, the team at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint is here for you. Learn more about services and this dedicated group of providers here.