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Sat to read about the passing of Dr Jerri Neilsen FitzGerald this week. She has died of cancer age 57. Epic story of her being on winter duty at Antarctica in 1999, National Science Foundation's Amundsen-Scott South Pole station as the camp doctor. You need to appreciate that during winter months these people are totally isolated and even life saving rescue is pretty impossible most of the time. Having found a lump under her arm, it became apparent she needed to deal with this. With communication back home in USA to specialists she made the decision to treat herself for breast cancer. She performed her own biopsy, had a machinist help with her intravenous therapy and the welder helped with her chemotherapy. That is the short version of the story but you get the drift. One gutsy lady!! The drugs were airdropped to her midwinter, thankfully. And she was evacuated ASAP when an aircraft could get in. Thanks Air National Guard!! Amazing flight way earlier than normal. Back home she had a masectomy and cancer went in to recession. Dr Neilson even returned more than once to Antarctica. Sadly her cancer returned in 2005 and now she has passed on. I salute you Dr Jerri Neilsen. kiwiPam.
wow this is really sad Pam and she was only 57 too -- i did not know this thanks for letting us know!!!
the doctor's passing received an initial mention on the media in the states but following the death of michael jackson was swept away like several other notables by the tides. a fascinating story of a woman with courage, rip. i recall reading about her self diagnosis and treatment years ago and was struck by her strength in the face of adversity.
I saw the documentary they made showing Dr. Nelson and the rest of the team. I thought she showed incredible courage as did the fellows who were following her instructions and thus helping to treat her. I was so sorry to hear such a brave lady died. I believe I also saw her interviewed on tv.
OH great stuff, I hope they play the docu over here soon. We all heard about the Antarctic occurrence at the time because of our close relationship with Antarctica and the winter programme normally sets of from here.
So sorry to learn this. I read her book and was so impressed by her courage and what she went through. She's a hero and someone that the media should focus on! Thanks for letting us know.
Thanks for letting us know; I had not heard about it either. I remembr her original story. I did just hear, though, that Karl Malden, age 97 has passed away today--he sure had a long life!
Great update and tribute. Too bad it was not covered with the same emphasis as recent "celebrities"
These days Copenhagen airport is actually closer to Malmø than to Copenhagen after they build the bridge just 500 meters... more
