Dianne was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2009. She took chemo treatments for many months and had a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in Nashville, TN. In 2010, Dianne was told she was cancer free.
On Sunday, May 26, 2013, Dianne discovered a new a knot under her arm. She called her doctor immediately, and he ordered an ultra sound and then ordered a biopsy. The results showed she had stage 4, Triple Negative cancer, which is very aggressive, and was derived from her original breast cancer. Her doctor ordered a total body scan; every lymph nodes in her right arm and many around her heart and lungs showed positive. She had multiple (20 plus) cancer tumors scattered in each lung, so tumors are inoperable.
Her doctor locally sent her to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO to see a breast cancer specialist. The report worsens, there is no cure for stage 4, Triple Negative cancer. Basic life expectancy is 1 –3 years, average is 2 years with taking chemo treatments. This doctor recommended to put her in a drug research study program, chemo once a week for 3 weeks at Barnes hospital, plus a research drug in a pill form everyday during the 3 weeks of chemo and no treatment the 4th week, and repeat this same cycle for the rest of her life.
Dianne was confused with this report, and got a 3rd opinion from a doctor at M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX. He didn’t have anything new or better to offer, the report was the same. He did offered 3 suggestions; (1) He could prescribe chemo and another drug and allowed her doctor locally administrate it. (2) Go with the plan from the doctor in St. Louis, because they had a research program,. (3) No treatments and have a better quality of life.
After many prayers seeking God’s wisdom and plan, Dianne chose option #3, and feels at peace with her decision for the first time. Since Dianne already knew what chemo was like and both doctors from Barnes and M. D. Anderson gave her the same report, she decided the best quality of life is how she wants to spend her time with her family and friends. Dianne is a very strong Christian woman, and she continues to give God all the Glory, Honor and Praise, all the days of her life on earth and when she goes to live with Him in Heaven.
10-17-16 Update by Dianne I am currently involved in clinical trials at Tennessee Oncology at Centennial Hospital in Nashville. I was in the first one for 12 months. Tumors grew smaller for several months, then stable and I then had to leave because multiple tumors were growing. Trial #2 was 8 months long with stable tumors for 6. Did 2 standard chemo drugs with research drug. All three lowered platelets making it difficult for my blood to clot. Took a while to get drugs regulated. Last two months my bone marrow did not recover quickly enough so treatments were postponed ore delayed. As a result tumors grew again so looking at trial #3. Betty mentioned average with triple negative breast cancer was 1-3 years. I passed 3 years in May 2016. God is so good. He has been with me every step of the way.
8/22/17 After 8 years of treatment, fight, and prayer, Dianne has chosen to stop further cancer treatment and begin hospice care. She has the full support of her family. Our family is grateful for all the support and we ask for your continued love and prayers as we go through this next phase. We are praying for many quality days that are full of life and free from pain.
9/8/17 Dianne's pain level was excruciating and could no longer be control in her home with Hospice Care. She was admitted to Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center at Lourdes Hospital, where they could get her pain level more under control.
9-17-17 After a long battle with breast cancer, Dianne passed away at 5:00 am today. She is now living her final journey of life in the arms of our Lord and Savior. She is no longer in pain and is rejoicing eternally in heaven with Jesus Christ and all the saints. May the perpetual light shine on Dianne!
9/23/17 Dianne's memorial service was held today at Lone Oak First Baptist Church in Paducah, KY. She has been put to rest.
Rev. 21:4 He will every tear from their eyes, and there be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
My chains are gone, I've been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me, and like a flood His Mercy Reigns, Unending Love, Amazing Grace.
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free, I'm following the path God laid for me. These were Dianne's wishes.
Let us celebrate Dianne's life on earth as she celebrates her new life in heaven.
Good bye my dear friend until we meet again. We love you, and you will forever be missed, but never forgotten!
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
