Blog Entry

Despite not wanting to put overly personal things in this space, I wanted to announce this bit of news once to avoid repeating myself.

Pictured above is my Mom, Pat. On November 15th, I brought her to the hospital because she was complaining of "feeling off." She had trouble speaking. She could not find the right words to express herself.

After a number of tests, it was confirmed that tumors in her brain were causing some of her discomfort. She had had undiagnosed lung cancer for some time that had spread to her brain, adrenal glands and lymph nodes. She was a life-long smoker.

For such an advanced stage of cancer, there is no treatment.

This week, Mom will be going to a nursing home that will attend to her final needs, which amounts to morphine. She can no longer speak and doesn't appear to be eating. We expect the end soon.

Over the past few weeks, my brothers and I have been very busy putting her affairs in order.

If you wish to send your condolences to her, please email me and I will provide you with the contact information. I would ask that you not try to visit her, as she will likely be sleeping when you arrive.

Thank you for your support during this time.

UPDATE: Mom passed at 3:30A on 12/02/2007. Rest in Peace, Mom.

UPDATE: Mom's obituary will appear in Sunday's Boston Globe and Cape Cod Times, 12/09/2007. No funeral is planned (her wishes), but a memorial service will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Lung Association in Pat's name.