Deborah Finck’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering love of family. This 57-year-old mother of three sets of twins from Brookfield, Connecticut, has been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer, leiomyosarcoma, for five years, defying the odds and medical expectations time and again. Her journey began in early 2019 with a persistent cough, initially misdiagnosed as bronchitis. Despite repeated dismissals of her concerns, her intuition and her ailing father’s worry propelled her to seek further medical attention. A seemingly unrelated accident, a broken rib caused by a falling waiter, led to a CT scan that revealed the plum-sized tumor in her pulmonary artery. This initial discovery was shrouded in confusion, with doctors initially suspecting an embolism. It was Deborah’s own daughter, a PhD candidate in immunology and oncology, who stepped in to navigate the complex medical landscape and ultimately connected her mother with the specialists at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania who would finally provide a diagnosis.
The diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma, a cancer originating in smooth muscle tissue, was devastating. Affecting fewer than 300 people worldwide, this rare cancer presents limited research and treatment options. Deborah’s tumor was located in her left pulmonary artery, adding to the complexity of her case. In 2020, she underwent high-risk open-heart surgery to remove the tumor, a procedure with a low survival rate. Her family braced themselves for the worst, saying their goodbyes. Miraculously, Deborah survived the surgery and embarked on a grueling four-month chemotherapy regimen, followed by the removal of her entire left lung and proton radiation therapy. These aggressive treatments took a toll, but Deborah’s spirit remained unbroken.
However, the respite was short-lived. The cancer returned, manifesting as dizziness and fainting spells in 2022. By early 2023, Deborah was oxygen-dependent and her health continued to decline. In April, she underwent emergency surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital, where a team of specialists discovered tumors in both pulmonary arteries and her aorta, along with complications from her previous lung surgery. In a complex and innovative procedure, the cardiologist removed the tumor and reconstructed damaged tissue using Deborah’s pectoral muscles, the lung specialist rearranged her internal organs, and a plastic surgeon implanted a breast implant in her lung to provide stability. This remarkable intervention allowed Deborah to breathe without oxygen for the first time in a year.
Despite these triumphs, the cancer continued its relentless advance. In September 2023, doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered the tumor was growing around and into her heart. The grim prognosis, initially 3-9 months in 2020, was now defied by Deborah’s unwavering fight. Her resilience placed her in the statistically improbable 0.0001 percent of survivors. In November, another life-threatening complication arose: superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), a blockage of the vein returning blood to the heart. After 16 days of hospitalization and radiation, the fluid buildup was partially alleviated. Currently, Deborah is undergoing immunotherapy at Penn, where her daughter is completing her PhD.
Throughout this arduous journey, Deborah’s strength has been fueled by her deep love for her family. She and her husband, Paul, share a remarkable love story, their paths intertwining since she was 11 years old. They reconnected in adulthood, and their journey together has been marked by both joy and adversity. They adopted their first set of twins, Amanda and Alexandra, followed by Stephen and Katerina, and finally, identical twin boys, Daniel and David. Deborah’s children have been her constant source of inspiration and motivation, providing unwavering support through every medical challenge. She credits them for keeping her alive.
The resilience Deborah embodies is symbolized by the sunflower, her favorite flower. Just as the sunflower stands tall and strong, weathering storms and reaching for the sun, so too does Deborah continue to persevere. She has become an advocate for research and awareness for leiomyosarcoma, a cancer that affects so few but leaves a devastating impact. Deborah has chosen to share her journey publicly, documenting her experiences on social media and inspiring others with her strength and unwavering spirit. Her story underscores the importance of advocating for one’s own health, seeking second opinions, and the immeasurable power of family and love in the face of adversity. Her fight continues, fueled by hope, determination, and the love that surrounds her.
Deborah’s story is not just about battling cancer; it’s about embracing life amidst its challenges. Her recent Costco trip, undertaken despite pain and discomfort, exemplifies this spirit. It’s about finding joy in everyday moments, cherishing time with loved ones, and refusing to let illness define one’s existence. It’s a story of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Through it all, Deborah has found strength in vulnerability, sharing her experiences with honesty and grace. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, the need for increased research funding for rare cancers, and the unwavering strength that can be found in love and family.
