After a rapid diagnosis of a pituitary tumour, Tracy Leipsic underwent a five-hour emergency surgery at HSC.
Tracy Leipsic with her husband Richard Buchwald, K.C.
In early 2023, Tracy Leipsic had been deeply rooted in her community, balancing a career in the insurance industry, involvement in sports, and raising her three children with her husband, Richard. Her world was full of love and activity.
“We were busy in our careers and volunteer work, trying to raise a family and having fun along the way,” Leipsic says.
But in early July 2023, Leipsic began to feel that something wasn’t quite right. Fatigue, loss of appetite, and a fuzzy feeling in her left eye prompted her to make an appointment with her optometrist.
Tracy Leipsic delivering cookies to a neighbour before leaving her cottage to attend her MRI appointment.
Leipsic’s optometrist discovered the vision in her left eye had greatly diminished. She was immediately referred to an ophthalmologist and later sent to Health Sciences Centre (HSC) for an MRI.
“It’s not going to be good news if you’re getting a call at 11 p.m. from a doctor, and that was within a couple of hours of having the MRI,” Leipsic says as she reflects on the urgency with which her medical team acted. “At that point, it was starting to set in that something was wrong and quite serious.”
HSC neurosurgeon, Dr. Mohammed Suheel Abdul Salam, broke the news to Leipsic that she had a large, three-centimetre pituitary brain tumour sitting next to her carotid artery and crushing her optic nerve. She needed surgery right away.
A photo of Tracy Leipsic’s MRI results at her consultation appointment.
Feeling as though she was the picture of health only a week before, it was hard for Leipsic to comprehend the velocity of the situation. The doctors informed her that the tumour would likely be benign, but it was significantly larger than there was space for.
“I wasn’t scared. I was in shock. But the doctors were very calm and so kind in their descriptions of what was going on. Their demeanour was to-the-point but compassionate,” she explains.
Leipsic was admitted to HSC immediately and eight days after her initial eye appointment, she underwent a five-hour transsphenoidal (through the nose) surgery on August 4.
“In the operating room, everyone introduced themselves, which may seem like a small gesture, but when you are lying there and everyone is in masks and gowns, it is very overwhelming. This gave me some comfort in that moment,” Leipsic recounts.
Leipsic’s surgeons, Dr. Salam, head and neck surgical oncologist Dr. Paul Kerr, and neurosurgeon Dr. Jason Beiko, were able to remove most of the tumour, which was found to be benign.
Post-surgery, Leipsic was transferred to HSC’s surgical step-down unit where she stayed for a few days before being moved to a unit to further recover.
Tracy Leipsic in hospital three days post-surgery.
In the weeks and months following the surgery, Leipsic says she has experienced short-term memory problems, extreme light sensitivity, and a loss of her sense of smell and taste. She has also struggled with her mental health and says she tends to be more emotional and reactive than before the surgery.
“My recovery has not been linear. There have been setbacks. My brain and body are still processing everything and trying to comprehend all the different ways this could have played out,” she says. “I am very lucky to be here today.”
Tracy Leipsic and her son Adam volunteer with Speed Skating Manitoba and Speed Skating Canada. Leipsic has continued in her volunteer roles after her surgery, saying “It’s truly helpful in recovery, both mentally and physically, to stay active.”
Despite the road to recovery ahead, Leipsic and her family are extremely grateful for the swift and attentive care she received at HSC. In gratitude for the doctors, nurses, and health care staff who played pivotal roles in her treatment and recovery, Leipsic and her family made several generous tribute donations to the HSC Foundation.
“Both Richard and I are beyond grateful for the care I received. If there is any small way that we can thank these incredible health care workers who helped me go through that horrible time, we are just so grateful for the opportunity,” Leipsic says. “Every little gift helps improve patient care.”
Tracy Leipsic and her family at a recent family gathering. (L-R) Tracy Leipsic; her daughter, Serena; son, Adam; daughter, Rachael; and husband, Richard Buchwald, K.C.
As a recipient of one of the tributes, Dr. Salam says the donation does not go unnoticed.
“This successful surgery required swift, coordinated efforts from our entire team, highlighting our commitment to delivering timely and effective care,” says Dr. Salam on behalf of the Neurosurgery department at HSC. “Receiving this tribute gift further reinforces the meaningful impact of our work on individuals’ lives, and we are grateful for this generosity.”
As Leipsic continues her recovery, she remains hopeful and resilient, drawing strength from her family and friends (and her new puppy Howie).
Howie, the latest addition to Leipsic’s family.
Through a tribute gift to the HSC Foundation, you can thank, honour, or remember the most important people in your life, including the health care staff at HSC. The person you are honouring will receive a HSC Foundation tribute card, while your tribute gift makes a difference for health care in Manitoba on their behalf.
For more information about Tribute Giving, visit our website or contact 204-515-5612 or toll-free at 1-800-679-8493.
By Jen Golletz
