Thursday, October 01, 2009

Ethical & Moral Dilemma

We are doing two weekly breast cancer clinics in Mbabane and Manzini each week. This is an opportunity for women to have examinations free of charge . A lady in her mid-to late thirties that has just been diagnosed with breast cancer, just informed us that she is 3 or 4 months pregnant. She has small children at home to take are of as well. This is a very difficult situation, because the same hormones that sustain the baby, also cause the breast cancer to grow and spread. So if she continues with the pregnancy without treatment, the cancer grows and spreads. However, if we give her treatment during the pregnancy, the baby is compromised. I am very much against abortion, however, in this case, I don’t know what the right answer is. I have discussed my feelings with the doctor, but ultimately, the decision is not mine. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and the lady in this situation, and for God’s perfect will to be done!

Late addition: we had a special meeting on Saturday with the doctors to discuss her case. It looks like we will be able to give chemo in the third trimester that may not affect the baby!

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