Hi Friends and Family!
Thank you for checking in on me. For anyone who does not know, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Appendix Cancer after an emergency appendectomy in April.
I will be admitted to Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore on May 22nd. My treatment will begin on May 23rd with the following procedure, also called MOAS (Mother of All Surgeries):
"Cytoreductive (tumor debulking) surgery to remove the tumor and mucin in the abdomen. Parts of the intestine, gallbladder, spleen, liver, ovaries, uterus and lining of the abdominal cavity may be removed.Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (
https://www.mdanderson.org/treatment-options/hyperthermic-intraperitoneal-chemotherapy.html) (HIPEC), also known as heated chemotherapy, which is performed during tumor debulking surgery. The abdominal cavity is filled with a chemotherapy drug, which is heated to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Your abdomen is rocked gently back and forth for 90 minutes to ensure the drugs go to all areas of the abdominal cavity."
The procedure will last between 10 and 14 hours. I will be in the hospital at least 10 days. My diagnosis is Goblet Cell Carcinoid with Signet Ring features. Dr. Sardi is a world renowned surgical oncologist and one of a handful of surgeons that can perform this procedure.
Because this cancer does not show on scans, we will not know the extent of the disease until after surgery.
My mother, Stella Parolisi and my daughter Cammie will be updating this site for me, so check back! Please keep me and my family in your prayers. This is a long, scary road. I am grateful for all the love and support. Thank you.
Katherine/Kat/Kathy
