The medical staff at the University of Chicago Hospitals was stunned when Lori arrived. A giant, rapidly growing tumor was consuming Lori's body. Her petite 120-pound frame had grown to more than 300 pounds in little more than a year.
Lori's battle began when her mother discovered a small birthmark on Lori's thigh and a tiny lump on her back when she was just a baby. It was an incurable genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumor growths. Over the years, doctors removed various small benign tumors. In 1998 a malignant tumor appeared, and Lori began radiation treatments. However, the tumor continued growing.
Her only chance was a surgery so daring that she would have to risk her life for it. And the only doctors willing to take that chance could guarantee nothing. Lori agreed to allow cameras to document every history-making moment of this rare experimental procedure.
Dr. McKay McKinnon and his team of professionals wanted to peel the 200-pound tumor off Lori's abdomen in one piece. As the doctors operated, they used a hoist to support the weight of the growth. Lori lost 50 pints of blood during the 18-hour surgery. But the surgery was a success and Lori is now back to living a normal life.
"Well, we were just really blessed, and we were also fortunate to find someone who was willing to take the risk," Lori says. "Thank you, Dr. McKinnon."
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