She trained a carpenter and a welder to treat her: The doctor stranded at the South Pole with aggressive breast cancer | Weekend Exclusive
Dr. Jerri Nielsen, an American emergency physician, arrived at the Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in late 1998. During the Antarctic winter, when the station is completely isolated, she discovered a lump in her breast. She trained a carpenter and a welder to perform a biopsy, was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, and treated herself with chemotherapy after medications were airdropped. She was evacuated months later, entered remission, but the cancer returned and she died in 2009.
Dr. Jerri Nielsen, a 47-year-old American emergency physician, arrived at the Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in late 1998, following a divorce, seeking a new chapter. She served as the sole doctor for 41 researchers and staff. During the Antarctic winter (February-October), when the station is completely cut off, she discovered a lump in her breast that grew and spread. She used early telemedicine (satellites and email) to consult with doctors in the US. Unable to perform a biopsy on herself, she trained a carpenter and a welder to conduct the test, practicing on vegetables and fruits. Microscope images were transmitted to an oncologist in the US who confirmed aggressive breast cancer. In July 1999, a US military aircraft airdropped medical equipment and chemotherapy drugs without landing. She trained a mechanic and a carpenter to insert IVs and administer chemotherapy. Despite severe side effects (nausea, hair loss, dizziness), she continued to treat the crew. Three months later, when temperatures rose, a Hercules LC-130 aircraft evacuated her in 22 minutes due to risk of freezing. In the US, she underwent surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy until full remission. The cancer returned in 2005 with metastases to the brain, liver, and bones, and again in 2008. She continued to lecture and fly, including return visits to Antarctica. She died in March 2009 at age 57, surrounded by family.