Terry's Legacy

I just watched a documentary that outlines the advances in cancer research and treatment and some of the information is amazing. Since Terry Fox's diagnosis in the late 70's to now, the survival rate for osteogenic sarcoma has increased from 15 to 75%. Of course imaging technology has also improved with CT scans & MRI, which allow doctors to pinpoint where tumors & lesions are. Better imaging techniques allow the doctors to perform surgeries to remove the tumor, as opposed to amputation. In fact, approximately 90% of cases of osteogenic sarcoma don't require amputation.

I had a friend in school who was diagnosed with bone cancer when we were 12. I remember sitting in art class & she told me to feel her thigh. There was a weird, painless lump about halfway up her right thigh. She was scared because she had to go to a secialist for biopsies. Long story short--chemotherapy, hair loss, sickness, numerous surgeries, inclduing bone lengthening etc.--she's now cancer free & did not have to have ampuation. Mind you, she endured years of surgeries and ultimately had bone removed from her left leg to even out her gait & the chemo prevented her from having children. But she's alive.

Today is the 25th anniversary of my Gramma's death, also from cancer. She's buried in the Port Coquitlam cemtery, about 3 headstones away from Terry Fox. Go to the Terry Fox site.