It is with a very heavy heart that I update this blog.

Yesterday morning we met with Cyn’s oncologist Dr. Thomas Chen who had reviewed her CT Scan from Monday. Unfortunately, the cancer has spread very quickly and although the mass in her chest that they treated aggressively with chemo and radiation has reduced in size, she now has cancer cells spreading quickly throughout her body.

One option was to continue chemo and hope that it would help without any guarantees.  Since it has spread so rapidly, he did not think that they could really reduce the cancer enough to prolong her life in a way where she would have  a good quality of life as well. The other choice was to not do chemo or radiation and let the cancer run its course.  My sister told us that when she initially was diagnosed, she knew it would not be a good outcome regardless of the treatment so that she has already made her peace with the situation.  She was just waiting to hear her status for sure.

My sister has chosen to forego more chemo, and to enjoy the rest of the time she has with all of her family and especially her daughter and husband.  They will meet with hospice on Sunday to figure out what’s next and what we all need to do to get through this painlessly, comfortably and peacefully.

I will continue to go down to San Jose on Monday nights and stay a few nights to help Joe with her care, for as long as I can.  I will continue to update you on her journey as I am able to and if I can get her to dictate while I type I think it would be a good thing too.  We'll see what she's up for.

If you'd like to communicate with her, best thing is to send her an email at cfilarca@yahoo.com.  She makes an effort to read her email at least once a day.  She also enjoys looking at your photos so send those as well.  (Many of you know she loves San Francisco so any pics of those famous spots she will enjoy as well.)

It's difficult for her to receive visitors often because she is just too tired to interact, but do know that she appreciates all of your friendships and concerns and especially your prayers as does Joe. 

Thank you so much for your support and your love for Cyn.