KIM WONG'S STORY
Kim Wong is from the island nation of Mauritius, a popular tourist destination located off the east coast of Africa. Formerly a British colony, Mauritius is known for its hospitality and beautiful beaches. Kim worked in the U.S. Embassy for many years, and she and her husband Robert enjoyed ballroom dancing together. They have three grown children.
In 2009, Kim had a routine hysterectomy and followed her doctor’s advice not to remove her ovaries. A few months later, Kim felt full after eating a small amount, and she noticed a lump in her abdomen. A biopsy revealed a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Kim underwent surgery and a round of chemotherapy, and every three months her tumor marker tests confirmed that she was in remission.
On July 4, 2013, Kim went to the emergency room with appendicitis, and doctors recommended treating it with antibiotics instead of surgery. She continued to experience abdominal pain and weight loss even after the treatment. Kim was eager to get well so she could travel to the United States to visit her daughter, who was expecting Kim’s first grandchild. After several weeks of trying to diagnose her symptoms, doctors suggested exploratory surgery. At that point they realized that the cancer had not only returned but had spread throughout her abdominal area.
Despite her pain and anxiety, Kim traveled to Dallas, Texas, where her daughter had arranged an appointment with an oncologist. From January 2014 until May 2016, Kim underwent another surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy, but the cancer recurred.
Kim felt blessed to be in Dallas receiving medical attention while living with her daughter’s family and caring for grandchildren; but she admits that it was difficult not to feel discouraged by the lingering cancer diagnosis, persistent abdominal pain and related digestive issues.
Finally, her oncologist recommended that she explore a clinical trial at Mary Crowley Cancer Research. In July 2016, she learned that she qualified for a combination gene targeted therapy. After seven months on the trial, her tumor has shrunk by 51%, and Kim was recently able to return to Mauritius to visit her family, including the newest grandbaby born to her son.
Kim says, “I have stayed positive by relying on my faith in God to give me strength. Also, the dedication of Mary Crowley’s caring staff has meant so much to me.” She and her family are grateful for the progress she has made so far. Kim was also encouraged when a fellow patient at Mary Crowley arranged to give her a ride to church. She looks forward to volunteering in her community to make a difference in the lives of others.
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