Coverup:
We had this situation in the last few years on the board with another young cancer patient (in her 20's) with a young child who was also reluctant to undergo the procedure needed to save her life. Most of us who have been here awhile followed the story (OCF members will remember Rosemary's daughter) and were stunned that she didn't opt for lifesaving treatment right away. I recall Rosemary letting us know much further in the process that her daughter was in a way not able to see herself as potentially fallible due to her young age. She also feared her appearance would change and she found this very troubling and frightening.

Unfortunately, Rosemary's daughter did succumb to the cancer and Rosemary remained a force here on the board as an advocate for early tx at a cancer center.

Is there a cancer support network at Mayo that perhaps can pair another young patient with your daughter to talk to? It may be that sharing the perspective of another young person will help. Most cancer centers also have pain management teams-it would be good to consult with one of them NOW as it may be easier to make a clear decision without the fuzzy headedness of intense pain.

Does anyone on the board know if Rosie has an active e-mail? Maybe she would be a good contact for Coverup?

Kim