Mary McCaslin's Roundup

Oct. 13, 2006

AMY HABERMAN

You never know just how or why fate can lead to exactly the right place at the right time. But this seems to be what happened to Amy Haberman, long-time partner of guitarist Steve Palazzo.
In late August she went down to Los Angeles for a one-day sports medicine conference at UCLA. While there she took advantage of a full physical exam offered by the UCLA Medical Center next door. After completing many tests, it was discovered that her blood pressure was particularly high. This was very odd for someone in as good a physical condition as Amy, who is a runner and athletic coach. She also does "body work" and more than one musician with arm and shoulder problems has counted her as a true healer.
Because of her high blood pressure doctors followed up with tests, including an ultrasound, which revealed a very large cyst attached to her left ovary. She was given an immediate appointment with the medical center's chief of gynecological oncology, Dr. Robin Eisner. He said that her high blood pressure was due to the size of the cyst and that it was pressing on one of her kidneys, compromising its functions. Regardless of whether it was benign or malignant it was imperative that it be removed as soon as possible and surgery was scheduled for September 21st. She and Steve flew down and she was admitted the night before.
During the surgery they found that the tumor was not on Amy's left ovary, as expected, but was in fact adhered to her sacrum. Due to internal bleeding and the size and location of the tumor they decided it was too risky to remove it at the time. It was believed that it was malignant and that it would require chemotherapy to shrink it to a manageable size.
The next week was a very long one for Amy's loved ones and of course for Amy herself. The tumor had completely destroyed one kidney and seriously damaged the other to the point that dialysis was considered a likely possibility. It was most imperative that she be stabilized and she was placed in Intensive Care. Fortunately, a couple of close friends provided company and support for Amy and Steve. Steve also had a laptop computer with him. His emails kept us all updated and gave him the emotional release needed to face each day. They also gave us an opportunity to think about how suddenly life can change. Just the week before her diagnosis Amy ran from Pogonip across Hwy 9 through Henry Cowell Park to Felton.
Then, things changed again! The "Tumor Team" of Oncologists, Radiologists and Nephrologists met to discuss the findings of the biopsy. Indications were pointing to a type of tumor known as a Schwannoma, which is by definition benign and born of nerve fibers. There is no potential for this type of tumor to become malignant, although one so large is very rare. It would still have to be shrunk before any attempt to remove it. Along with the original surgery to remove the tumor, there had been other procedures, and Amy's strength would have to be built up. A new hope that everything just might turn out ok sprang up in the place of the dread. Steve and Amy were told that a second lab would look at the biopsy and render a final decision, but it would be four or five days until the results could be confirmed for the good or the bad. So the wait began. Friends and family all over held their breath and prayed.
Amy had begun to show signs of improvement and had been moved out of the ICU a couple of days before. Her good kidney had rallied considerably and she was eating. On October 2nd Dr. Eisner came in with some very good news: the tumor had been confirmed to be a (benign) Schwannoma - and she was told she could go home! She and Steve chose to fly rather than drive, accompanied by their friend Michelle.
There will be a long recuperation, with another surgery to finally remove the tumor, once it is shrunk. Our friend Amy will now have the chance to be on the receiving end of the healing she has provided to so many over the years.
While a malignancy has been ruled out, Amy is still far from "out of the woods" and many folks will want to show their love and support. Sending flowers is a loving and thoughtful gesture. However, with the legion of friends, students and clients Amy has, along with Steve's music fans, the number of bouquets could quickly multiply. Very soon their home could take on a very somber appearance.
Those planning to send flowers might consider that the cost of a bouquet could be equal to a nice monetary gift. Even the best medical insurance does not cover day to day living expenses and most likely will not even handle all of the medical costs. When major illness strikes work schedules are interrupted and may halt altogether for months, stopping the flow of income and adding a sort of insult to injury.
The thoughts and prayers of the community are with Steve and Amy and a benefit concert is in the planning stages. Keep an ear out for the date and place.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Last month the Cayuga Vault celebrated its 6th birthday. Located at 100 Soquel Ave. on the east side of Santa Cruz, this venue presents an eclectic selection of music from North America and around the world. They also present emerging art, various cultural events and have an ongoing calendar of classes in Yoga, dance, etc. For complete information go to www.cayugavault.com, or call (831) 462-6480.
Another beloved Santa Cruz institution, the Santa Cruz Guitar Company, has just celebrated its 30th birthday. Known the world over for their finely crafted guitars and the impressive list of musicians who play them, the Santa Cruz Guitar Company is a local success story.
Happy Trails!

Email Mary at roundup@marymccaslin.com