Against All Odds
Sunday, October 11, 2009
By: Christine Boulos

Diagnosed with a functioning Islet Cell Tumour (VIP oma) on the pancreas (9.5cm), June 2004. Surgery in 2004 Whipple Plus, meaning more was removed than a typical Whipple procedure. Not expected to live. June 2009 hit my 5 year mark!

My name is Christine; I was 33 when I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer; Vipoma, which is a functioning islet cell tumour and also known as a neuro-endocrine cancer. No known chemotherapy to combat this cancer. I had the 9.5 cm tumour on my pancreas removed in June 2004. I had several organs removed. Surgery is the only known form of treatment for this type of cancer. I was not expected to live! I was sent home after my surgery with the anticipation that I would not survive. I have three daughters and every reason to live. I came home from the hospital and fought like hell! I have had many set backs physically through this journey, but every single day of my life I fight to live, and to control my fate. Cancer is hard enough to hear, let alone RARE, and no treatment! But I am here to say; You can beat it! I am a "5" YEAR living proof!