winterbadger | on a much more serious note

The mother of a friend of mine went into the hospital yesterday for an operation, during the course of which, apparently, it was discovered she had an advanced case of ovarian cancer. I'm trying to find out what I can about this; apparently ovarian cancer is among the less common forms (accounting for about 4% of cancers detected in women) and can usually be treated successfully if diagnosed early (five-year survival rate: 95%). Unfortunately, early diagnosis is not common, and long-term survival rates drop sharply for women over 65 (which I think J's mom is); the average in that case is only 33%.

I'm not much of a one for prayers, but since J is mostly a friend-by-email, it's the only think I can think of to do. Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers, and if you have any spare karma, send it their way.