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Pereira suffers setback in cancer fight
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Pereira, a Cove resident who received a bone marrow transplant in Seattle June 28, is facing another struggle for her life. Doctors at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance discovered that her leukemia has reappeared and is advancing at a dangerous pace. She will begin an intense round of chemotherapy later this week. “It is a race against the clock,’’ Pereira said. Normally a person who sees the bright side of every situation, Pereira was stunned by the news that her cancer was back. “It is hard to stay upbeat. This was a punch to the stomach,’’ she said. The disturbing news came shortly after doctors had given Pereira a promising prognosis. Cancer specialists found no evidence of leukemia in bone marrow tests conducted in late July and about two weeks ago. Shortly after the second test doctors decided to perform another exam. It was then that they found that Pereira’s leukemia was back and advancing quickly. “The doctors were shocked, it had taken off,’’ Pereira said. The chemotherapy Pereira will receive over the next week will be intense. “I am not looking forward to it.’’ Following the chemotherapy doctors will then check over the next two weeks to see if it was effective. Should it be determined that the chemotherapy did not help, treatment will be suspended and Pereira will return home where she will receive hospice care. If Pereira makes a head-turning recovery, it will not be the first time. Pereira, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, has stunningly bounced back from several life-threatening medical problems over the past five years. One doctor earlier called Pereira his “miracle girl’’ because she had recovered from so many medical difficulties. Today Pereira again needs another work of wonder. “This is my last try, my last miracle,’’ she said. Cards and notes of encouragement can be sent to Linda and her husband Skip at 4111 Delridge Way SW Upper Level, Seattle, WA 98126. |
