The Ultimate Gift--Life to Her Child--today's LA Times

[CaliforniaPeggy]

Mother-to-be sacrifices her chance of surviving cancer for her baby

By Linda Reid Chassiakos

May 11, 2009

She leaned on her husband, using his strength to hide her unsteadiness. Her steps were tentative, measured, cautious, with her gait more typical of a woman decades older than her late 20s. She could still walk, shake hands and almost smile, at least with one side of her mouth; she couldn't let the tumor take those gifts away -- not yet. She had to stay healthy another few weeks, until her baby was born.

The father-to-be gently guided his wife into her chair, helped her adjust her sari and, still clutching her hand, eased into the seat next to her. The neurosurgeon waited for us all -- oncologist, neurologist, obstetrician, pediatricians -- to be seated, before giving a brief update on his patient's diagnosis: astrocytoma, an aggressively malignant cancer of the brain.


For the neurosurgeon, the verdict was clear: An immediate operation was needed to remove the growing tumor. The invasive and complicated surgery -- under many hours of general anesthesia -- was likely to greatly increase the risk of fetal injury or death.

I couldn't keep my eyes off the mother-to-be's burgeoning belly. My mind struggled for alternatives: Could we not deliver the baby by C-section as soon as possible so she could have neurosurgery?

Read the rest at the link: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-practice11-2009may11,0,7963315.story

[redqueen]

1. Oh man...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Something else, isn't it?

I was enormously moved...

[peace13]

2. There are brave acts in many places.

This woman has joined the ranks of brave souls.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. She truly did...

[UrbScotty]

3. Oh, my dear CaliforniaPeggy...

If there is a Heaven, then I know who's there!

Thank you for sharing.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. My dear UrbScotty...

It was my pleasure, sweetie...

I'm so glad I found it.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. .

[Road Scholar]

8. K&R nt

:)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Thanks! nt

:hi:

[cherish44]

9. That's big love there

When I was pregnant I told my hubby if we were ever in a situation where it's save me or save the baby, definitely save the baby. This story makes me cry, but it's testament that a mother's love is the most powerful force in the universe.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. Big love is right!

It is a powerful force ...certainly the most powerful!

Thank you...

:hug:

[Beaverhausen]

10. Oh...

:cry:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. My dear Beaverhausen!

I hear you, sweetie...

It made me cry too...

:hug:

[MadMaddie]

11. CaliforniaPeggy what an amazing testament to mothers around

the world! It was a family decision and her husband respected her wishes.

May she RIP!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. My dear MadMaddie!

I think she will...

The ultimate sacrifice...

:hug:

[elshiva]

16. K&R Thank you for posting this!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

18. My dear elshiva!

I felt very strongly that this story should be told...

It is one of hope and love...

And we have far too few of those these days...

Thank you, sweetie!

:hug:

[UndertheOcean]

17. Remember to set aside some money each month for Cancer research foundations . k&r

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. My dear UndertheOcean...

Absolutely right...

Thank you!

[siligut]

20. Bittersweet tears here.

I can imagine not being able to make any other choice, but how sad to have had to make it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

21. My dear siligut...

I had the same bittersweet tears...

Very sad situation...I hope some day those choices won't have to be made...

Because we will have found the causes of cancer and stopped them in their tracks.

:hug:

[OhioChick]

22. That brought tears to my eyes....

K&R

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. Thank you, my dear OhioChick...

As it did to mine...

:hug: