Deb Brown

Deb’s journey with cancer has spanned nearly 17 years, beginning in 2001. During August of that year, she noticed an abnormal fullness to her stomach. Though it wasn’t painful, it was persistent and she quickly sought a doctor’s opinion. It was later confirmed that she had a tumor within the lining of her abdomen. The diagnosis was retroperitoneal sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in the connective tissues. The course of treatment was 5 weeks of radiation followed by surgery, which were successful, and she left the hospital in October 2001 cancer free.

In July of 2013, with no symptoms, she went in for her biannual oncology appointment only to find out the cancer had returned. This time, it presented as a tumor in her abdomen that had attached itself to several of her internal organs, including her pancreas. Another successful surgery followed and she was cancer free once again.

In December of 2017, Deb attended her usual routine check-up and was given the good news that all her scans had come back clear. Only 3 months after this appointment, she felt a hardness in her abdomen, and was told to come in immediately. A CT scan revealed another tumor, which grew rapidly in the weeks leading up to her surgery on April 13, 2018. Again, doctors were able to remove the tumor surgically and she went home the following week. At her next scheduled oncology appointment, exactly two months from the day of her surgery, she was told the cancer had returned for a fourth time. Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, her doctors recommended a 9-week trial of chemotherapy. Her first chemo treatment was on June 21st, 2018.

Through the help of prayer and the support of Deb’s many friends and loved ones, we remain hopeful. Thank you for being here!