Current Plan

Hi All,

We have really enjoyed Mom staying at home these last few days. While she hasn't been too mobile, her presence has been a great comfort. When she arrived home Tuesday, she still was experiencing some abdominal pain which has continued until today. Various families have brought dinners and have helped clean, etc.--THANK YOU!! We can sense the prayers and overwhelming support from all of you.

Today Mom went with Anna and Dad to Brigham and Women's for a 12 o'clock appointment with Dr. Berkowitz (head of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology at BWH and Dana Farber). They had to wait for about 2 hours, and at first saw the Physician's Assistant. The PA was concerned about the pain Mom felt and thought she might need to be admitted as did the doctor. He also discussed surgery. He said they will use the surgery to diagnose the cancer, cut out all the cancerous tumors they can, assess how developed the cancer is, and prepare for chemotherapy. During the surgery, they will send a sample of the tumor to pathology for a quick diagnosis. If for some reason it is not gynecologic, they will immediately bring in other oncologists to make judgments. This surgery will take place Monday. Until then, Mom will stay at BWH on a comfortable floor with private rooms and excellent care. Dr. Berkowitz is on call this weekend, so he will be able to visit her frequently.

Mom, Dad, and Anna said Dr. Berkowitz seemed to be a very caring, genuinely trustworthy person and they feel Mom will be secure under his care. We have heard reports from several others who have seen him and all their comments were positive. BWH does appear to run more smoothly than BID, which has also brought peace and added security. As Mom said, it is truly God's sovereign arrangement that she is here and receiving treatment.

Mom is in need of much rest and sleep (she hasn't slept for more than a few hours a night in well over a week) so please offer her support by prayer and comments on the blog, email or cards which we can pass on to her. We will be sure to let you know when she can take visitors at the hospital, but for now, rest is most important.

We will try to update you all regularly using this blog. Please continue to pray for Mom's stay at the hospital, that she will get necessary rest and will not feel alone, afraid or depressed. Also pray that the surgery Monday will be effective in diagnosis and in the beginning of treatment.

Thank you so much for all of your care and concern--and especially your prayers. They are much needed and much appreciated.

For the the family,
Andrew