by Sarah Seitz
September 23, 2023
Sarah received shocking news following surgery. Instead of despairing, she stayed composed and found treatment. In September 2023, Sarah performed in our HIPEC Awareness Talent Show in Baltimore. Here is her story.
Full Transcript (edited):
My name is Sarah Seitz and I'm originally from Flint, Michigan, but I've moved all around because I was in the Air Force. I was diagnosed with abdominal cancer February 1st, eight days before my birthday. And it was while I was on leave for my hysterectomy, which is where they found it. It's neuroendocrine tumors, and it started in the appendix, but it's stage four, so it ended up spreading.
I found out about Dr. Sardi and the HIPEC procedure through Mercy Medical Center, my gynecologist, the one who did my surgery, said "Sarah, I'm so sorry to tell you, but your surgery showed that you have cancer. But have no fear, I know this wonderful doctor and I've already put a referral in for you, and he should be calling you ASAP". I received treatment in April of 2023 as a result of finding out I was stage four in February. April 20th, I had the HIPEC procedure.
Dr. Sardi and the HIPEC procedure have affected me and my family in a tremendous way. Once I got to actually talk to Dr. Sardi and he went through everything, I had my scans. The way that he explained it and his demeanor and just his kindness and he's been doing it for so long and his reassurance, it helped me and my husband be our best selves so that we could be there for our children.
If you have appendix cancer, take a deep breath, take it one day at a time, try not to think too far ahead.
So the talent that I'm going to be performing today is singing. Dr. Sardi asked me, he hadn't even said hello yet, when he came and was getting ready to take out my staples. He looked at me and smiled and said, "can you sing?" And I do sing, not professionally or anything, so I'm gonna be singing, a song today. So I'm Gonna Love You Through It by Martina McBride.
If you have been diagnosed with [appendix/colorectal/etc] cancer, please review our resource pfccap.org. If you'd like to connect with our Patient and Caregiver Network, please email networkcoordinator@pfccap.org.