The neurosugeon opens the conference room door, and beckons us to come in. Mom and I gather our things and bustle through the door. The surgeon is kind in manner and with his directness. We weep. Sobs come deep from the diaphram. The worst of the options on the short list explodes, sending waves and waves of perplexity and grief.
Our dear friend David Gerber sent out this message:
Hello Friends of Doug and Sherry,
I have some very difficult news to pass along to you. On Tuesday, Sherry was admitted to the hospital. On Wednesday, they did MRIs that revealed five lesions in her brain. Yesterday they biopsied and have tentatively diagnosed the condition as Stage 4 Glioblastoma.
This is very serious and does not have a good prognosis. This is same cancer that Senator Kennedy had. Stage four is the most severe.
Sherry is doing OK following the biopsy, is in ICU, and will likely go home sometime this weekend. Doug, of course, is trying to sort through this whole thing, needing to be her advocate, and also needing to protect her. He will be fine……eventually.
What we can do:
1. Sherry is not yet aware of the full extent of the problem, so it should not be discussed with her at this point if you happen to talk with her, unless it is obvious that she has the full information. She needs to hear this from her doc, not from us.
2. Doug prefers that she not have visitors until she gets home.
3. You can send cards to their home, send Doug an email, or leave phone messages. But if you send and email or leave a message, PLEASE be sure to tell Doug that you don’t want a call back or reply right now. He is overwhelmed.
4. If you are the praying type, now would be a good time. If not, your kind and supportive thoughts for these wonderful friends is most appreciated.
5. This is not a secret, so you may forward this to whomever you feel should know. Knowing Doug and Sherry, I imagine the lists could be substantial.
Dave & Suzy Gerber
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