When Davidsonville resident Theresa Puher was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 she had to focus on someone who she normally overlooked—herself.
“I strongly believe in helping others and giving back to those who are not as fortunate as I have been,” says the mother of three grown sons who has been married to her high school prom date, Paul, for 35 years. “Helping others is what I do.”
Puher, who grew up in College Park and graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising from the University of Maryland, has taken that mindset and turned it into action.
“I was the original creator of Delta Tau in Davidsonville, a chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, which is an international sorority that provides avenues for women to form friendships and meet new people, especially those who have recently moved to the area and feel isolated,” Puher says. “I also am fortunate to have been on the committee which raised money for Camp Dreamcatcher, an overnight camp that brings children together whose parents are HIV positive.”
“I believe in putting others before yourself,” she says. “I enjoy helping other people reach their potential.”
But that all changed Memorial Day Weekend 2016. Puher had to put herself—and her health first.
“Initially I was being treated for a urinary tract infection,” Puher explains. “Even with medication I was still not feeling well. My husband noticed my abdomen was bloated and encouraged me to call my gynecologist. She examined me and immediately ordered a CT scan.”
“‘Suspicious findings’…that’s all I remember hearing,” Puher continues.
Puher was advised to get the skill and expertise of a top-rated Gynecologic Oncologist.
“I was stunned. I had just had a hysterectomy in 2015 due to a history of endometriosis and having fibroid cysts on my ovaries,” Puher shares. “I didn’t expect this.”
Puher’s radiologist referred her to Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes, a Board Certified Gynecologic Oncologist and Medical Director of The Neil B. Rosenshein, M.D., Institute for Gynecologic Care at Annapolis. Dr. Diaz-Montes is recognized as one of the leading GYN Oncologists in the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive tract and proved to be more than just a gifted and experienced clinician. She was the right choice for Puher.
After careful diagnosis, tumors in Puher’s abdomen were identified, biopsied, and a treatment plan was put into place.
“Dr. Diaz-Montes gave me hope in my most difficult moments, which helped me stay calm and positive. Her keen eye and determined spirit put a name to my illness and a team of Mercy experts together who would change my life.”
Dr. Diaz-Montes diagnosed Puher with advanced Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma (PPC), a rare cancer that develops in a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen. Often, PPC produces a fluid called ascites, which if left untreated can cause liver failure.
“Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma is an aggressive cancer and is hard to diagnose,” Dr. Diaz-Montes explains. “Because there are no screenings for this type of cancer, listening to your body and knowing your family history is key. Theresa took immediate action and that is what gave her the best chance for a positive outcome.”
Dr. Diaz-Montes worked in collaboration with her colleague Dr. Armando Sardi, a Board Certified Surgical Oncologist at Mercy Medical Center. Dr. Sardi is one of the foremost experts on HIPEC Surgery, the life-saving procedure Puher needed. HIPEC uses Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy or “heated chemotherapy” to treat late stage, complex cancers of the abdominal region.
During the 10-hour surgery, Puher received a “heated chemo wash” that eradicated the cancer cells in her body.
“You learn a lot about yourself when you go through something like this. I was so incredibly blessed to have a great support system with my family and friends,” Puher says. “I was always there for others and now others were there for me.”
Every Day is a Gift
May 2021 marks five years since Puher first received her cancer diagnosis. She is now free of cancer.
“I feel great and am excited for the future,” Puher says. “The one thing I learned during this process is you can’t be overcome by fear. Winston Churchill said ‘Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.’ And he was right. You can’t be consumed by fear. I’m so glad I made the decision to be treated by Dr. Diaz-Montes, Dr. Sardi, and the wonderful team at Mercy. They were there for me and saved my life.”
Puher continues to focus her attention on helping others reach their potential. It’s who she is. Now her helping hand comes with a word of advice, “Take care of yourself. Make ‘Me’ your No. 1 priority. Listen to your body and find the best doctor you can.”
“Don’t take it for granted. Every day is a gift!”
This article was contributed to What’s Up? Media exclusively by Mercy Medical Center.
