In 2011, Dawn Scott was using the skills she had honed in her work as an event planner to prepare for a joyous occasion, her wedding.
Dawn loved working for a motor home company, which had allowed her to travel throughout the United States. But after many years and adventures as an event planner, Dawn was excited about transitioning to a new life and career. “I was looking forward to settling down with my fiancé, Paul,” she says, “and was pursuing a career in law.”
Like many brides-to-be, Dawn dieted and exercised to prepare for her wedding. The day was casual and joyous, reflecting the couple's personality.
After the wedding Dawn settled into her new routine, which included attending law school. In late November she began to notice an unusual weight gain around her waist and by mid-December, her waist had lost its shape. Concerned, she made an appointment to see her doctor; she was then referred to Loma Linda University Cancer Center for specialized care.
On December 22, 2011, an ultrasound revealed tumors in her abdomen. Dawn’s first surgery was on January 24, 2012; Ron Swensen, MD, removed her ovaries and cancer arising from her appendix was diagnosed.
“Cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity and organs, termed peritoneal carcinomatosis,” says Maheswari Senthil, MD, who would perform Dawn’s second surgery, “is extremely challenging to treat. Dawn’s cancer was extensive, and surgery was scheduled to remove visible tumors and administer hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
“My husband, Paul, was a great help to me,” says Dawn. “He was very supportive—I think he just went into action mode and took care of me.”
Dawn’s strong faith reassured her as she prepared for surgery and HIPEC treatment. In early March, her rabbi led a prayer service for her, led by her attended by family and friends. Dawn was also inspired by a quotation that had become her mantra while she was preparing for an important law school test: “Failure is not an option.” She shared this quote with Dr. Senthil.
On March 15, 2012, Dr. Senthil and her team skillfully removed the cancer and with it, affected tissue and organs. This required removing Dawn’s large and small intestines, gall bladder, spleen, her uterus, and parts of her liver, pancreas, diaphragm, and stomach. As she performed the 26-hour surgery and HIPEC, Dr. Senthil recalled the words Dawn had shared with her before the surgery, “Failure is not an option.”
At the time of her surgery, Dawn’s cancer was at stage four. Within two weeks, Dawn developed a sepsis infection, and she underwent a third surgery in late March. She recovered sufficiently to go home for good by mid-April and just months later returned to law school one night a week. By the next quarter she began attending classes full-time.
"I am grateful to Dr. Senthil," says Dawn, "for not giving up on me when she was confronted by the enormity of my cancer. I'm not sure another surgeon would have taken on the challenge that my cancer presented. If it wasn't for her perseverance I probably wouldn't be here today—I am forever grateful for her tenacity."
As she recalls the care she received at Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Dawn says, “I also want to mention what a great help Laura, the psychologist assigned to me through the Cancer Center was. I saw her several times after I was released from the hospital to help me cope with what was going on. It was great to know there is someone who specifically works with cancer patients; she helped guide me through my feelings.”
“Dawn is one of the most positive people I’ve met,” says Dr. Senthil, who is inspired by her determination. Dawn continues to live by her mantra, posted on her blog on the Caring Bridge website: “I am strong! I am a fighter! I am a survivor! I will beat cancer! I will become a lawyer!” And finally, written in bold letters: “Failure is not an option!!!”
According to Judy Chatigny, executive director, Loma Linda University Cancer Center, patients like Dawn who have complex medical issues are receiving better outcomes at Loma Linda University Cancer Center. The determination to offer the best care available and to continue to pursue research into cancer treatment was bolstered by a $3 million gift from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to support Loma Linda University Cancer Center.
“The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ gift has enabled Loma Linda University Medical Center to proceed with plans to create a fully integrated and comprehensive cancer program in one physical space,” says Ms. Chatigny, “benefiting patients who rely on the Cancer Center for care. We are grateful for this transformative gift.”
