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Susan S. Durkin Age: 43
Raleigh, NC

Type of Cancer: Cervical

Susan was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 1987, when during a minor surgery, the cancer was discovered. Because it was outside her uterus, it had gone undiscovered for quite awhile. She had several surgeries, but after 3 years of treatment, she passed away. Susan was married and had a 9 year old daughter and a 7 year old son when she died.

Highlights: (Memorable moments, turning points, favourite memories)
Susan called me one day to say that she had eaten half of a cheeseburger and it tasted so good. We cried together because she had been unable to eat solid food for so long; because sometimes the simple joys can be the most profound; because we thought maybe this was a turning point and a sign that she was on the road to recovery.

Lowlights: (Moments of courage, digging deep within)
The day we found out unequivocally that there would be no physical recovery.

Current Status:
Susan died on March 18, 1990.