Surgery Report On His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami

July 8, 2003

As you are by now aware, His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami was diagnosed with cancer of the prostate nearly six weeks ago. In the weeks following the diagnosis, many hours have been spent investigating alternative treatment as well as carefully considering traditional allopathic treatment.

Finally, after long deliberation with many physicians as well as senior Vaisnavas, the decision was made to conduct what is known medically as a radical prostatectomy. During the 3-hour surgery, the prostate gland was removed in addition to the lymph nodes in that immediate area.

In the weeks preceding surgery, literally hundreds of well-wishers wrote and called to express concern and offer prayers for his well-being and speedy recovery. All of us are eternally grateful to the disciples who performed 24-hour kirtan in distant cities around the world, and to the many other senior Vaisnavas who, during the time of the surgery, performed the most auspicious activities possible, including Govardhana-parikrama and special worship before the presiding Deities of temples around the world, including Jananivas and Pankajangri Prabhus before Their Lordships in Sri Mayapura Dhama, and in Vrindavan.

His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami also stated on numerous occasions that he was feeling extremely fortunate to have received the prayers of so many well- wishers. He also said that whatever the outcome of the surgery, that he was very fortunate spiritually to have been the recipient of so many prayers to the Supreme Lord on his behalf. On Lord Varahadeva's Appearance Day, January 28, 1999, the day of surgery, he was admitted to the hospital at 5 A.M. That day he rose early to finish chanting his rounds before surgery and was accompanied by a group of prayerful and supportive spiritual family members.

After a long wait during surgery, we are pleased to report that the initial evaluation shows that the cancer was contained within the prostate. However, a final biopsy will be performed on the removed tissue. As it presently appears, although the cancer was not caught in its very early stages, it was fortunately found and treated while it was still contained in the prostate gland. The final prognosis will be made when the reports come back from the lab in 3-4 days. At that time we will post another update for all those interested.

I pray this meets you all in the best of health.

Your servant,

Yudhisthira dasa

Dallas Temple President

(Presbyterian Hospital)

Dallas, Texas