In this member reflection, Jane Browe shares how science, faith, caregiving, and narrative medicine come together in her family’s experience caring for her adult son, Ken.
By Jane Browe, contributing writer
I
t was a particularly bumpy start to 2026 for our adult son, Ken, 42, who lives with an aggressive and rare autoimmune condition called COPA Syndrome. COPA syndrome is a rare, genetic autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple systems of the body, especially the lungs, kidneys, and joints. In mid-January, he contracted COVID. So many people with “normal” health who had COVID last winter reported intense and persistent symptoms. For Ken, whose condition involves greatly reduced pulmonary function, his experience with COVID was dangerous and frightening, with symptoms lasting several weeks.
On one of the toughest mornings during this ordeal, a cold February morning with foreboding lead-gray clouds, I struggled to lift myself out of my worries over Ken’s discomfort and struggle breathing. His oximeter was reporting a reassuring “98”, but he was describing a “tightness” in his chest as he breathed.
Seeking comfort, I leaned on my faith and picked up a Novena one of his doctors had given me a couple of years ago, The Surrender Novena (Let Jesus Take Care of Everything.). This led me on to a “one decade” Rosary the same doctor had made and given to me.
“Dr. Mike” is one of Ken’s previous primary care physicians. “Dr. Mike” for the purpose of this story. Over the years, Dr. Mike’s medical practice has included military and veterans’ healthcare. It was an interlude during which he was on staff at an area private healthcare system that he was Ken’s PCP. Dr. Mike is a man of deep faith. Despite his demanding work and a large family, he finds time to make Rosaries. He has them blessed at his neighborhood Parish, and gifts them to neighbors, friends, and patients. Both Ken and I are recipients of his Rosaries.
Several years ago, Dr. Mike had the opportunity to serve veterans again, and began practice at the VA. Around that time, Ken was going through radiation to treat an aggressive cancer that was accompanied by a dismal prognosis. Ken had been given three to six months to live. After work one day, Dr. Mike stopped by to visit with Ken. During his visit he gave me that Novena that provided me comfort this past February, and which sent me on this reflection.
During this fight with cancer, Ken was blessed with an incredible oncology team. They applied the best and most advanced techniques science has to offer. I know little about the faith practices of each of the oncology team members, but one DID express her outlook in an appointment with Ken that took place about a year after the “expiration date” of his three-to-six-month prognosis.
What she told Ken was, “I follow the science. I believe in the science. I do not use this word much, because I don’t believe in such things; it’s the science that I put my faith in. But the science says you should not have survived this cancer this long. With no scientific explanation, all I can say is, it’s a miracle. And I don’t believe in miracles! But there’s no scientific explanation.” That was over a year ago, and Ken continues to defy the science and any explanation it can offer.
I am not the patient; I am the caregiver-as-needed, standing by, always observing. Ken gets the direct benefit of these doctors and their individual areas of expertise, as well as their unique personal approaches to their work and patients. As the caregiver, I listen, absorb the information, and reflect on the power each doctor brings with their knowledge and in their individual styles of treating patients.
A Dual Diagnosis: Science and Faith
As the caregiver, I also benefit from the dual avenues of science and faith. Frankly, I view science and God as not simply complementary, collaborative, partnering components. I view them as one Force that communicates in language best received by the audience at hand. And when it comes to Narrative Medicine, isn’t it wonderful that stories can be shared in styles that best suit the patient? And, the caregiver for that matter?
As I reflect, considering the entire team of medical professionals who treat Ken, I observe a wide variety of approaches and beliefs. The common denominator is that all are incredibly intelligent and exceptional medical professionals. The perspective that each brings combines the best in healthcare along with support, each rooted in a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences, varying cultures, and faiths. Each contributes to the narrative that enhances the effectiveness of Ken’s treatments.
Jane Browe is the Cincinnati, OH-based President/Owner - Noumea Strategic Solutions, President/Creator – The Good Blanket and a writer specializing in caregiving posts and ‘Confessions of an Incidental Caregiver.”
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