Most of you probably know that Taylor was
diagnosed with cancer on May 29th 2003, during a routine
pulmonary exam while assessing her for asthma.
She was admitted to Memorial Sloan-Kettering on Friday
May 30th 2003, and spent the weekend undergoing multiple
tests to get an accurate picture of the tumors and assess her
health. On Tuesday June 3rd 2003, Taylor
underwent surgery to obtain a biopsy of the main tumor and to
implant a tube known as a Mediport to administer chemotherapy
and draw blood.
Here's what we know. Taylor has a primary tumor approximately the size of a large plum between the 2nd and 3rd ribs in the back of the chest. The tumor has spread to the lungs as well where we can see several nodules. The tumor has been identified as an Osteogenic Sarcoma - bone cancer.
There is some good news in this story. Osteosarcoma is very responsive to chemotherapy. The Onocologist believes he can kill and shrink the tumor significantly with some cutting edge treatments. He also believes he can kill the cancer cells in the lungs. Further, there has been no spread to the bone marrow. In any case it is treatable and removable.
More importantly, Taylor is amazing the doctors with her robust health, enthusiasm and "can-do" spirit. She is the ultimate patient. She looks well, feels fine and is ready to do battle. If you know her, you know how determined and tough she can be. She can handle anything with a little support from family and friends. The treatment is tough but Taylor is tougher.