Updated: Best, last hope

MONTREAL - Ella Shepherd Marchildon has been told she needs specialized surgery that's not available in Quebec if she is to have any chance of surviving a rare form of cancer.

The Marchildons have passed on letters from doctors to RAMQ asking it to reconsider. The statements of the medical professionals are unequivocal. Dr. Lawrence Stein, radiologist-in-chief at the Royal Victoria where Ella had her latest surgery, stated “the expertise to effectively manage this type of tumour is not present in Quebec.” He went on to say that given Ella’s age and physical strength she is an excellent candidate for the Sugarbaker procedure. He concluded that “the Sugarbaker procedure and intraperitoneal chemotherapy are the only chances for a cure and prolonged survival.”

Dr. Lucy Gilbert, chief of gynecological oncology at the Royal Victoria and one of Ella’s surgeons, concurred stating, “this (the Sugarbaker procedure and ipec) is her only chance of cure and prolonged survival.” One of Ella’s original doctors at Lakeshore General, Dr. Horace Laryea, wrote that “the medical expertise to assist this patient appears to be available, albeit outside the province of Quebec” and also recommended Sugarbaker.