Tiffany's Treatment History
| "Minor Query" | 19-22 September 2006 | ||||||
| After feeling a lump in her abdomen, Tiffany visited her GP, who thought it might be an ovarian cyst and ordered an ultrasound for the following day. The ultrasound did not show clearly what the problem was. An MRI brought the first devastating news that it was likely that Tiffany had ovarian cancer. An operation to remove her ovaries was scheduled for the following day. | |||||||
| Major Surgery | 23 September 2006 | ||||||
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The next blow followed quickly with the news that not all the cancer was able to be removed, and there remained a shower of cancer seeds through Tiffany's bowel, and another tumor close to her rectum. As Tiffany, Darren and their family reeled from such shocking news, support and strength from all those who love them came flooding in:
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| Recovery and discharge from hospital | 28 September 2006 | ||||||
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All your love played its part in helping Tiffany and Darren find the strength to face this ordeal, and decide not just to survive it, but
to thrive through it, and to live all the blessings God was bringing into their lives.
The children were amazing. Joshua, Nathaniel, Grace: what beautiful gifts! And their cousins Chris, Ben, Tim, Laura, Ashleigh, Sophie, Shevon, Brad, Sarah and David all coped so well with the huge upheaval, and really took care of each other. Thank you! | |||||||
| 29 September 2006 | |||||||
| Cancer diagnosed - nothing ordinary about Tiffany Tiplady | |||||||
| This is the girl who managed to have a "bendy bus" in her blind spot, so it's no surprise that she had to have the rarest possible cancer: signet ring cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix. In explaining her cancer, the surgeon used the word "weird" four times! Tiffany and Darren were to meet with the oncologist the following week, to discuss treatment options. | |||||||
| Another surgery | 30 September 2006 | ||||||
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Not long after being back at her parents', Tiffany became very sick and in a lot of pain, having had a complication from bowel surgery.
It was particularly difficult for Joshua, her 5-year-old, to see his mother so unwell, and to have to go back into hospital.
As Tiffany's condition worsened the surgeons decided to operate again, as it was likely that she had a bowel blockage.
The day of the second operation was Sunday 1st October, Feast of St. Therese, a Saint who has had many miracles attributed to her. It was also the last day of our novena prayer. Tiffany believed that this second operation was meant to be, as she had a very strong sense that the cancer was being healed, and hoped that this would be seen when the surgeons went in again. In fact, instead of being upset at this complication, she was happy, and told the surgeon: "Make sure you have a good look around and don't be surprised if you don't find any cancer." The surgery was a success, as the bowel blockage was found and quickly fixed. When questioned about the status of the cancer, the surgeon's response was very strange and a little cagey. He was unable to say what the exact status of the cancer was, as the area was still very swollen from the previous surgery. It is also difficult to tell the difference between small cancerous cells and "fibroids" (what is left behind when a cancer dies). What he did say was that the bowel looked remarkably improved. We all take great hope in this. | |||||||
| Not another complication! | 5 October 2006 | ||||||
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| Oncologist's Report | 6 October 2006 | ||||||
| The oncologist confirmed what we already suspected: from a medical point of view, Tiffany's cancer was terminal and very aggressive. Because of its rare nature, the only chemotherapy available in New Zealand was aimed not at a cure, but at buying Tiffany more time, and not much at that! Therefore they have no option but to look overseas for treatment. | |||||||
| Treatment Options | |||||||
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Darren has spoken to numerous surgeons and oncologists around the world, and has been directed to a Dr. Sugarbaker in Washington DC. Dr. Sugarbaker has developed a treatment that aims to cure the cancer using intensive surgery (15-30 hours!) where all cancerous cells are removed and a warm chemotherapy is then injected into the peritineal cavity where the cancer had been located. Tiffany's surgeon in New Zealand agrees that this type of surgery is what she requires. It is also available in Sydney through a Dr. Morris (trained by Dr. Sugarbaker) at St. George's Hospital. Dr. Morris will accept Tiffany's case providing that further tests show her to be a suitable candidate: she needs to be very strong and in optimal health for this surgery to be performed as it is highly intensive and complex. Tiffany and Darren will go to whichever country/hospital/surgeon that is able to offer the best outcome. The surgery is likely to be performed within the next six weeks. Please click here to find out how you can help with Tiffany's treatment. | |||||||
When asked how the surgery went, Tiffany replied, "Well . . . it would be quicker to tell you what's left inside than what's been taken out."
True to form, Tiffany managed to keep her humour even after finding out the devastating news that that the cancer had spread. As well as her ovaries,
her appendix, part of her bowel, some lymph nodes, and uterus were also removed. 
A terrible day for Tiffany and Darren - the symptoms of sickness again appeared. The bowel had gone to sleep again, and the surgeons were unsure why.
Another lot of surgery would have been detrimental to Tiffany's health - it would have meant a transfer to Auckland Hospital with major procedures
to ensure adequate nutrition. Fortunately the bowel started working again before more surgery was necessary!
Tiffany is filled with an incredible determination and resilience and with God's help, will undergo whatever treatment is necessary to
regain her full health. She is building up her strength through natural means: a special diet, exercise etc...