Our Libby

In 2013, Libby received her results after a colonoscopy at age 76. She was actively working in New York City, traveling by bus and walking twenty blocks every day and lived a generally healthy lifestyle.

When Libby turned 50 it was recommended by her primary-care doctor that she receive a colonoscopy. She continued to disregard his suggestion year after year. At 76 years old, during her annual check up, she mentioned to the secretary on her way out that she had been having a minor pain on her left upper abdomen. She almost left until she was encouraged to go back to her patient room and inquire with her doctor, “just to be safe”.

A CT scan revealed a tumorous mass within her abdomen.

Libby began to think if she had any other symptoms that would prove the possibility of cancer to be true. “I guess I get full quick when I eat?” “I guess I’m not as hungry and get nauseous often?”

The colonoscopy revealed the mass that had grown without her knowledge and she was soon diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer.

A whirlwind of medical terms and treatments were thrown her way. She received chemotherapy with an infusion every other week and then continue treatment at home the next two days. She fought and fought, but the cancer fought back.

After two years, the colon cancer began resisting any treatment to the extent hospice became the final topic of discussion. The treatments were no longer effective and the cancer had spread. We said goodbye to our beloved Libby on May 6, 2016.

In honor of her brave fight, our family started Libby’s Choice to Increase colon cancer awareness and educate about the importance of getting a colonoscopy.