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Susan Fitz-GibbonBritish woman with cancer
Country:
 Great Britain |
Biography of Susan Fitz-Gibbon
Introduction
Susan Fitz-Gibbon, a 52-year-old British woman, was diagnosed with chordoma, an extremely rare form of spinal cancer, in December 2007. Facing this terrifying diagnosis, Susan decided to create a charitable foundation to fight against chordoma, as there was no existing organization dedicated to this cause. Her son, Freddie, decided to participate in the London Marathon to raise funds for his mother's foundation.
Early Symptoms and Diagnosis
Susan first experienced symptoms of chordoma while lifting weights at the gym. She felt excruciating pain and initially believed it was a slipped disc. She sought help from a manual therapist, but the pain persisted. Eventually, she was referred to a neurosurgeon who discovered a tumor at the base of her spine. It took five weeks to confirm that Susan had chordoma, due to the rarity of the disease.
Treatment Journey
Despite the debilitating pain, Susan tried to live a normal life while awaiting a diagnosis. Her family supported her throughout this challenging time, but the final verdict from the doctors was devastating for everyone involved. Chordoma presents significant difficulties in treatment, as it is challenging to completely remove the gelatinous substance and any remnants can lead to the growth of new tumors. The proximity to the spinal cord complicates surgical procedures.
In January 2008, Susan underwent a 13-hour operation at a hospital in North London. After recovering from surgery, she underwent a course of radiotherapy that lasted several months. However, the tumor did not completely disappear, and Susan had to endure five more surgeries within the following three months. Another round of radiotherapy followed, and the effectiveness of this treatment is yet to be determined.
Creating a Charitable Foundation
Rather than sitting idly waiting for news, Susan and her husband decided to establish a charitable foundation to raise funds for cancer research. While the foundation has made some progress, Susan emphasizes the importance of providing moral support to those suffering from chordoma. Her son, Freddie, plans to show his support by participating in the London Marathon as part of a new charitable project for his mother's foundation.
