Warning: This story contains a graphic surgery image that may be disturbing to some readers.
A crowdfunding campaign has raised more than $42,000 for a B.C. woman needing post-cancer spinal surgery — in just four days.
In 2017, doctors told Telkwa's Marlene Thimer she had a rare form of sarcoma cancer in a back muscle near her spinal column, according to a GoFundMe post.
The cancer would respond well to intensive radiotherapy followed by immediate surgery to remove the tumour, the family was told.
Thimer underwent six weeks of radiotherapy and then went under the knife for 13 hours three months later.
However, the major surgery involved removing large sections of four ribs, several muscles, part of her diaphragm and more.
“Imagine a chunk approximately the size of two one-pound blocks of butter side by side being taken from your body,” the online post reads. “The end result was that she now has no natural muscular support for her spine, and gravity is quickly pulling her helpless body downwards, eventually pressuring her lungs, heart and diaphragm which without treatment (meaning more surgery) could take her life. Surgically induced scoliosis (was) not an outcome she was expecting or one that was even floated as a possibility prior to surgery.”
Marlene's back, post-radiotherapy. (via GoFundMe/Marlene Thimer)At this point, Thimer’s spine is “rapidly twisting downwards in a corkscrew fashion.” This creates pressure on her organs, which causes pain, heartburn after eating and difficulty breathing and sleeping.
Through their own research, Thimer and her husband Paul have found a surgeon in Germany who can help stop the scoliosis. She’s scheduled to see the specialist this August.
The surgery is believed to be less invasive, using small entry holes rather than an open-chest-type procedure. If all goes according to plan, the surgery could happen as soon as December 2019.
The surgery, travel and accommodation are going to cost the family $60,000. Another $14,000 will be needed for back braces.
As of June 29, the GoFundMe campaign was at $41,945 out of $85,000.
— Tereza Verenca, Jessica Fedigan
