Many of our lives were forever changed on September 11, 2001. For Jolanta, her husband, and three children it was not the news of the World Trade Center but instead a call from her doctor with the words "you have cancer" that altered their lives. Jolanta was diagnosed that fateful day with ocular melanoma. She underwent removal of her eye and for the next five years did really well. Ultrasounds and blood tests were performed for follow up and she was good to go.

In the middle of October, 2006 she had gone to visit her mother for her 80th birthday. A friend of hers worked at the hospital in Poland where she could have a CAT scan for $100.00. Jolanta went for the scan, not expecting or anticipating anything to be wrong. However, when the results were in she was told she had to speak to the doctor first. The news was shocking. The physician thought that her OM may have spread to her liver.

When Jolanta came home she went to her primary care physician. He saw the scans and said she must see an oncologist. She conferred with one and he suggested a more specific scan on her liver. The tumor was now even bigger than when she was in Poland. She was scheduled for a biopsy. She had to look for insurance in a hurry as she was told in October that she had only 6-8 months to live. In the meantime, her husband started looking for options and found out about SIR-spheres. They called the hospital that was listed but found out that without insurance they weren't eligible. After they secured insurance, Jolanta had a biopsy in November, 2006 and again asked about SIR-Spheres. Her tumors began to multiply and grow. They read a story about someone else that had the procedure with excellent results and told their oncologist. She didn't recommend it but instead suggested a trial.

Jolanta and Marek pushed a little harder and were then directed to Dr. Nutting and set up an appointment. He looked at Jolanta's scans and thought she might be a perfect candidate. Their questions were answered almost before they could be asked and Dr. Nutting covered everything. A screening procedure was scheduled and Jolanta was indeed eligible for treatment. The celebration began and the actual appointment was set up for just a week later.

Jolanta was concerned about insurance but Dr. Nutting told her not to worry about it - the insurance was his part and that hers was to get well. He was true to his word. He wrote to the company telling them that she had no other options and that without it she would likely die. The treatment was approved.
During that week, fatigue and pain continued for Jolanta. At times so bad that she would "hold her breath" while waiting for it to subside. Her abdomen was distended and she looked six months pregnant. The appointment was something she was very much looking forward to and was glad that it was happening so quickly. She went into the outpatient procedure with a great deal of hope and confidence. Dr. Nutting talked to her and let her know what to expect. Because her veins were abnormal the treatment had to be done through both legs, with Sir-spheres going to her entire liver. Everything else went well and she was almost ready to go home. With a long drive in front of them and some unexpected pain it was decided that she should be admitted for overnight observation. This was probably a stroke of luck as just hours later the device implanted in her vein broke free and lodged in her leg. Surgery was required to remove it and it was a good thing she was already at the hospital. Two days later she returned home to recover.
Since the procedure Jolanta reports she hasn't experienced any more liver pain and that as her leg is starting to heal she is walking around and gaining strength.

Only a few weeks later her abdomen is already much less distended and her appetite is beginning to increase. She is regaining her energy and enjoying the outdoor air. Later this week, she will have her follow up scan to see if the beads are making as much progress as she herself feels.
Jolanta has high praise for Dr. Nutting and his office. She said that even after the procedure he called to check on her and that he made her feel at ease every step of the way. He was kind and compassionate, open to all questions, and helpful with every aspect.

Was it worth all that she went through? One month later all of the small tumors have disappeared and the largest has started shrinking!!! Would she do it again? Absolutely!

You may contact Jolanta by email at jolantastettler@yahoo.com.

1-877-937-7478

When The Improbable
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