It’s been greater than 20 years since she was recognized with a uncommon type of most cancers. This affected person holds onto hope that she will discover a nurse she mentioned saved her life.
By IU Well being Senior Journalist, T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org
There have been Google searches, LinkedIn viewing, and different social media scrolling. Emails have been despatched, and telephone calls have been made.
However nonetheless, Lee Ann Martz is unable to discover a particular nurse that she says saved her life at IU Well being Methodist Hospital 23 years in the past. Why is she nonetheless wanting?
“She by no means left my facet. I might not be right here if it weren’t for her,” mentioned Martz. “Because the years have passed by, I simply can’t overlook her and I preserve hoping I can discover her and inform her how a lot she means to me.”
It was August of 1999 when Martz, was recognized with major primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). The malignant type of most cancers largely happens in youngsters and younger adults. The tumors are usually widespread within the trunk, limbs and stomach. Martz was 23 and her tumors have been situated in her cervix. An August 2001 report by IU College of Drugs medical doctors of inner drugs, pathology, and hematology/oncology described Martz’ case in medical element. On the time, the article signifies there have been solely 4 reported instances of cervical PNET.
A graduate of Elwood Excessive College, Martz was married on the age of 18. “I wished to begin a household instantly and thank goodness I did or I’ll by no means have had the possibility to grow to be a mom.” She has an grownup son and daughter.
It was when she was pregnant with a 3rd youngster that her most cancers was found. She was about six weeks alongside when a pelvic examination and ultrasound confirmed what was initially regarded as a fibroid. It took up most of her pelvic space, making it harmful for her to hold a child full time period.
“I had a selection to hold the child and danger that we each would possibly die, or to terminate the being pregnant. I wished to be right here for my children,” Martz mentioned. She nonetheless will get emotional speaking in regards to the heartbreaking loss. It was July 23, 1999 – the day after her 24th birthday.
The mass and the being pregnant took a lot out of Martz that she didn’t know if she would get well. She ended up at IU Well being Methodist Hospital and that’s the place she met the nurse she is going to always remember. On the time, Martz’ final title was “Yocum” and the nurse’ title was “Tiffany Meyers.” Martz reached out on social media to see if the nurse was nonetheless working at IU Well being. There was no nurse by that title and even different nurses who labored at the moment couldn’t place Meyers.
However that hasn’t stopped Martz from looking out and hoping.
“I used to be within the hospital and went into the toilet. I used to be dropping a lot blood, I didn’t suppose I might even stand alone,” mentioned Martz, now 46. “Tiffany went with me and the following factor I knew, I wakened surrounded by medical doctors and nurses. I used to be so scared and I informed her she couldn’t depart me – that I’ve two little ones who want me. She by no means left my facet all the night time,” recollects Martz.
After her prognosis, Martz required blood transfusions and a uterine artery embolization to dam the blood provide to the mass. Chemotherapy adopted at IU Well being Simon Most cancers Heart after which radiation. As soon as the mass shrunk to in regards to the measurement of walnut, medical doctors carried out surgical procedure to take away all contaminated areas.
In Could of 2000, medical doctors informed Martz she was most cancers free. 5 years later, she was recognized with a grapefruit-size mass on her proper ovary. She underwent surgical procedure to take away the tumor and since then has loved renewed well being.
“It’s a miracle I’m even right here. I would like so badly to search out my nurse and to thank those that had a hand in saving my life,” mentioned Martz. “I’ve spent a number of years pondering and reflecting and I’ve to say, most cancers completely modified my life. We take a lot as a right however now, each breath, on daily basis is a blessing.”
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