Toy winning toughest battle
by Dan Rzewnicki, Editor in Chief
October 26 , 2010
Ellen Toy has taught at Leechburg Area High School for 20 years, played four years of volleyball at the University of Pittsburgh, coached volleyball for 24 years, and is the mother of two. Many people would liken her to a superwoman of sorts. However, she met her kryptonite on Oct. 16, 2009, when she was diagnosed with gastric cancer.
Originally, doctors diagnosed Toy with a bleeding ulcer, which, while painful, is very treatable. However, after further investigation doctors discovered that Toy had a much more serious condition: gastric cancer that was cellular in nature. The cell is called a “signet ring,” a cell shaped almost like a horseshoe. Signet ring cells can be very aggressive, so it was important for doctors to act quickly.
Surgeons removed 65 percent of Toy’s stomach in a procedure very similar to a gastric bypass surgery. After the surgery, however, doctors discovered that the cancer had penetrated the wall of the stomach and had entered the lymph nodes. Therefore, Toy had to undergo chemotherapy.
As a result of her treatment, Toy lost over 50 pounds, has a weak immune system, endures nearly dangerously low blood pressure, and lost her hair. In spite of the pain, though, she is making a strong recovery.
Toy said her first reaction to her cancer diagnosis was that of a person who has been teaching health for 20 years, but also that of a mother of two. “The first thing you think about is your family,” she said. While she was unsure of the severity of her illness, she said she was quick to analyze her situation and realize that she could make it through to a full recovery.
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While her insurance paid all of her treatment other than one PET (positron emission tomography) scan, Toy said she had many other expenses to pay. Due to her weight loss, she had to purchase an entirely new wardrobe. Also, she said she was forced to hire a housekeeper since she was unable to do any work, not to mention the cost of living and raising a family.
Toy said she was amazed at the community’s response to her predicament. She said that in light of her experience, she hopes to start a scholarship fund that will go to a student who has a family member battling cancer.
Thus far, Toy said she has received over $9,000 through fundraisers. She returned to teaching this school year, and, after a year, she recently received a clean bill of health from her doctors and is well on her way to victory in her battle against cancer.
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