This entry is from Shannon's dad, David. As some of you already know, Cary died early Thursday, June 19th, of complications from the cancer.
Although her condition was serious, none of us thought it was grave. Her sudden decline in health and passing was a shock to us all. From the time she was transfered to intensive care to her death was only about six hours.
She had been short of breath for the last week, and getting worse almost daily. Her conditions and symptoms were puzzling to the doctors. Only late Wednesday did her oncologist get enough information to conclude that she had a very rare condition where the cancer was spreading countless micro-tumors through her circulatory system causing her platelets to form small clots throughout her body. Eventually these clots overwhelmed her circulatory system.
Having been by her side through the entire ordeal, from first diagnosis through the final hours, I would like to say that I have nothing but the highest admiration and the deepest gratitude for the staff of Swedish Hospital.
Her oncologist, Dr. Henry Kaplan is thought by many to be one of the best breast cancer oncologists in the country. He is! He and his staff at the Swedish Cancer Institute are beyond belief in their concern for the patient and level of service.
The nursing staff at Swedish, both on the 12th floor Oncology wing and the doctors and nurses in intensive care were so professional, and at the same time so compasionate to Cary and her family during those final hours, that we will forever thank God that he placed them there. They are a credit to their professions.
To all who have visited this site and contributed to the guestbook, Cary's family and I thank you for your prayers and support.
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