Dena – April 12, 1955 – November 29, 2006
A 30 year journey

At 21 and a new bride, Dena suddenly sensed something “like a chicken bone” stuck in her throat. Not able to get rid of this feeling, she visited her GP and subsequently a specialist who attributed this “feeling” to an abscess. After a simple procedure to drain the abscess, Dena waited for results to be forwarded to her GP. In the meantime, that “feeling” eased and life continued. Within 2 months, that nagging feeling returned and she arranged another consult with her GP. After apologizing for his busy work schedule, vacation time and not getting back to Dena, he arranged for a visit with a thyroid specialist. Within 2 days of this visit, an 8 hr radical surgery took place – Dena had cancer.

One short month later, the cancer was spreading quickly and a referral was made for cobalt radiation. With no success, a second 8 hr surgery went deeper than the first. However,, the second surgery,did damage to Dena’s esophagus, making both eating and swallowing medication challenging.

Within 4 years, it was discovered that some rogue cells had found their way to Dena’s lungs that necessitated the administration of radioactive iodine, used to treat thyroid cancer by destroying cancerous thyroid cells. The side effects to be concerned about, which Dena experiences, is a lack of body moisture – eyes, saliva production. Still in fair spirits, Dena took medication to compensate for the lack of a thyroid – medication that took its toll on her emotional well being, introducing stress issues and bouts of paranoia. Over the next few years it was necessary to have a second and third round of radioactive iodine. Dena’s physical and emotional condition deteriorated. The RAI treatment seemed to contribute to weakness and an inability to shake off even the common cold. Dena did, in fact, develop a cold that she couldn’t fight off and was eventually admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia and blood poisoning. After a two week stay in hospital Dena’s immune system was challenged by the common cold. At each sign of a sniffle, she would begin a regimen of antibiotics and often times, there wasn’t an anti-biotic strong enough to keep her out of hospital.

In September, 2006, Dena had a mild night time fever and felt very tired and winded, with not even enough strength to navigate the stairs to the second floor of the family home. This visit to the hospital revealed yet more cancer in the windpipe. Deteriorating even further, it became necessary to place Dena in palliative care. By mid November, Dena was classed as stage 3 but within a couple of days went to stage 4 and lost her battle on November 29th, 2006.

To this courageous woman, a wife and mother, whose family stuck close together through it with her, we are dedicating the Dena Bracelet in memoriam.

Remembered by her family and friends for her courage and fight.