Where to begin...

On Wednesday April 6th, I made an appointment with the doctor to check out some pressure I had been feeling just below my right rib cage.  I went into the 10am appointment assuming (at worst) it might be an ulcer, and at 5pm I was told after an ultrasound and blood work that I had "multiple masses in my liver."

The next day an MRI was scheduled, the day after that, a liver biopsy.  On Wednesday, April 13th I was diagnosed with an extremely rare metastatic cancer: neuroendocrine tumor.  Since that day, I have been through another MRI, a CAT scan, three days of octreotide scans, all to try and find where the primary tumor that spread to the liver is located.

I have met with an oncologist at Northwestern and one at University of Chicago.  The origin of the primary tumor is suspected to be the lung, but is unknown as of now.  What is known is that the cancer has spread to my liver, and that I need chemotherapy right away.  It begins this Tuesday.

In two short weeks I have had a lot to wrap my mind around.  I am blessed with a supportive and loving family (as well as precious friends) who are taking care of me every step of the way.

As my doctor said, "the boys will get you through this."

Love,
Dawn Berlynn

Live Good & Keep Believing

At hospital - waiting to meet with the oncologist.

At hospital - prior to octreotide scan