Mary Bentley

Information Journal Guestbook

In July 2009, I was diagnosed with a lumbar chordoma.I did alot of research on the internet and some of it was scary. I found this site and the chordoma support group-both very helpful in helping with my medical choices. After many tests, and doctor appointments locally, I decided that I needed to see a doctor with experience. I met Dr. Wolinsky at Johns Hopkins on September 1st. I took all my current test results for him to review. After a long and informative consultation, I was scheduled for surgery starting Sept.21, 2009. I ended up having 3 days of surgery. The surgeries went well. I had my L3,L4 & L5 vertebrae removed. A titanium cage was placed in my spine. My spine has been fused from my T10-pelvis. It is now 9 months later and I will be starting proton beam radiation therapy at Massachussetts General Hospital on July 12. The plan is 8 weeks of M-F treatments.

My reason for fundraising is to help find a cure for this horrible disease. There is not alot of research money for this rare bone cancer. I hope to help find a cure.