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CLINTON — Additional tissue samples were discovered after a woman with breast cancer was told by her physician that her original samples — presumed to be the only ones — were lost while being sent via FedEx to a lab for testing.
"It's been ups and been downs, and then all of a sudden I get a phone call," said Marlene Van Duyne, cancer patient.
An additional 20 blocks of tissue samples were still stored at McKay-Dee Hospital. For the last week, hospital officials have been trying to track down what they believed was the only sample usable for testing.
"I got to the point where I felt like I was not heard and not seen anymore,” said Van Duyne. “It's almost like people slammed the door in my face and said, 'ya know what, you're the patient you're just going to have to figure it out. You're just going to have to make phone calls,' and that's all I did to tell you the truth."
Here's where it gets tricky as explained in an email from an official with McKay-Dee Hospital:
“McKay-Dee Hospital was not involved or aware of the process involving the tissue samples contained in the lost package. The original tests were not performed at McKay-Dee Hospital, however, the patient’s surgery was performed at McKay-Dee Hospital.
After learning of the patient’s need from the recent KSL news story, we immediately researched the information and proactively notified the patient’s physician that we had tissue samples from the surgery. These samples will be sent for testing which we hope will help the patient and her physician identify a care plan.” — Chris Dallin, Spokesperson, McKay-Dee Hospital, Ogden, UT.
Van Duyne was told her original sample was sent off via FedEx by Ogden Regional Medical Center to Associates of Pathology on the Ogden Regional Medical Center campus for testing. Ogden Regional Medical Center hasn't returned a call in a request for a comment, and the original shipment with FedEx is still nowhere to be found.
But Van Duyne is moving forward. Her recently discovered breast tissue sample has now been sent to a lab and results should be in by next week. Her physician said Van Duyne now has plenty of time to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with chemotherapy.
"If there are women out there, just be strong. Don't give up, ever give up," said Van Duyne.
As Van Duyne waits for her test results she plans to keep busy by spending time with family and focusing on herself. She said bought a wig in case she does have to go through chemo.
