The Waiting Is the Hardest Part

Hi Everyone,

This is DonnaLee's friend Patty Maloney. It's almost 4:30 p.m. now and DonnaLee has been in surgery since somewhere between 8-9 a.m. I spoke to Warren a little before 4 p.m. and he wanted me to let everyone know that the surgery won't be over until at least 6 p.m., and it could be 10 p.m. before it's finished. The surgeons said this type of surgery generally takes 10-12 hours, but that it could take 14 hours and that is normal and nothing to worry about.

DonnaLee, Warren and Taryn woke at 4 a.m. this morning to reach NYU by 6 a.m. Warren and Taryn left DonnaLee at about 8 a.m. as she was being taken to surgery, which was going to start within the hour. So began the long wait for Warren and Taryn . . . and all of DonnaLee's family and friends who are anxiously awaiting good news.

On a side note, Ian wasn't able to go to the hospital with them because he just returned yesterday afternoon from California and wasn't feeling well. He and Emily had been out visiting their Grandma Jane (their mom's mother) who was very ill and she died while they were there. Our thoughts go out to both Ian and Emily who have been given a lot to deal with right now.

Warren and Taryn took a nap this afternoon at their friends Mark and Cindy's apartment. Mark and Cindy, Warren wanted me to tell you he was grateful to you for lending your apartment to them! They were going to pick Ian up a little after 4 p.m. at Penn Station and then get a bite to eat.

There's a chance Warren will get an update at some point during the surgery. But again, the surgeons cautioned them if that didn't happen, that they should not get scared.

Of course, I'm sure they are both a bit nervous and dealing with lots of emotions as well as logistics. I had spoken to Warren briefly this morning a little after 8 a.m. and when he called back, he had forgotten that we had actually talked.

I called DonnaLee yesterday afternoon -- and she was at work, sounding remarkably calm! She was wrapping up some final details and then heading to the airport to pick up Emily and Ian.

I have always marveled at how DonnaLee faces each challenge presented to her with a combination of grace and grit. I know she is in all of our thoughts right now. I have great faith in her ability to overcome this latest recurrence and recover, though I know the weeks ahead won't be easy.

DonnaLee's positive attitude has always been an inspiration to all of us. I'm sure your thoughts and prayers are with her now, as are mine. As soon as I hear from Warren when the surgery is over, I will send out an update.

We love you DonnaLee!