Jerri Nielsen-Doctor Rescued From Antarctica in 1999-Dead at Age 57

Jerri Nielsen-Doctor Rescued From Antarctica in 1999-Dead at Age 57. Even thought it only seems like yesterday that Dr. Jerri Nielson was rescued from a remote Antarctic research station after diagnosing herself with breast cancer, Dr. Jerri Nielsen died early Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009.

(pic) Jerri Nielsen treated herself for breast cancer while stationed at the South Pole in 1999, until she was able to be rescued in sub zero temperatures.

For the past 5 years, Nielsen had once again been fighting cancer. Her health has been deteriorating. Her struggle ended just before 4 a.m. in Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family.

Nielsen caught America’s attention in June of 1999, when she found a lump in her breast as a 47 year old physician stationed at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Research Station. She self diagnosed herself with breast cancer and began treating herself using chemotherapy agents that the U.S. Air Force parachuted to the station the next month.

Early October, rescuers braved temperatures of nearly minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit to land a ski-equipped plane at the pole, drop off a replacement doctor and pick up Nielsen. It was the earliest such flight attempted.

But in 2005, Nielsen’s cancer returned in her bones and liver, later spreading to her brain. Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009, her body gave up the struggle and her family, friends and the world lost Jerri Nielsen.

For the full story of “Jerri Nielsen-Doctor Rescued From Antarctica in 1999-Dead at Age 57,” go to CNN News. BBAC sends out it condolences to Jerri’s family and friends with hopes of peace, now that the struggle is over. Jerri gave it her all, but a lady always knows when it is time to leave. Baby Boomers, for yourself and Jerri, remember to get your breasts checked at least once  year.