2014...Finally!

Hello all!

I promise I haven't forgotten about 'The Mustard Seed' - in fact I'm happy to share that I haven't provided an update in quite a while because life has been so busy in the best of ways!

You'll notice that we're back to the blog - it took me a year to muster up the courage to get back to Blogger, but I think it's time to have all of my updates archived together (and having a link makes it a lot easier to share with others).  It's kind of amazing, actually, to see it all together.  To scroll from top to bottom of all the entries puts together quite a story - sometimes hard to believe!

Quick health update - I had lab work in January and everything was stable - so I'm scheduled for the full work-up of scans etc. and a follow-up in NYC at the end of March.  After my appointment in January I had such anxiety about the results that I had awful muscle spasms in my back.  When things didn't calm down I took a trip to the ER with Drew.  We were beyond nervous that my 'pulled muscle' was a replay of last January, but a round of lab work and x-rays (and a muscle relaxer later) proved that it truly was all tension.  I felt so silly!  A 'clean' bill of health was such an answer to prayer that night (quite literally).  As we waited for test results Drew and I just started to pray, and literally seconds later the doc came in and said, 'Everything is clear, you're just fine.'  Praise God!

Please keep us in your prayers - all brides have some level of anxiety - this bride wants an A+ report to carry her through a spring/summer of newlywed bliss (haha)!  I'm feeling great - started exercising again (yay!) and busy as ever with work, family, friends and of course...wedding plans!  We're just 3 months away from the big day.  Finally!!

As many of you know, I still keep in close contact with my team of doctors in SC (after a long stay in the hospital, I've decided that they will forever be 'my' team)!  They are such an incredible group of individuals.  In fact, I had to smile when one of the docs e-mailed me to say, 'Is everything alright?  We look forward to your Mustard Seed updates and haven't heard from you in a while.'  It was really nice to know that they still care and are eager to hear of my progress.  In fact, that same team of doctors had the opportunity to present my medical case at a conference in Orlando on February 21.  While it was difficult to re-count my experiences to them, we are all hopeful that my story can help others.  One of the first doctors that saw me in the ER was going to give the presentation - he asked me to send some engagement photos to share with the group at the end of the lecture - we thought that was really sweet!

In other news - I'm 24!  Older and wiser - right?!  I had a fabulous day with family and friends on February 22 - Drew planned a surprise tour at a winery with a number of our couple friends, mom, dad and Amanda - it was such a special day and I so valued the time we were able to spend together.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers - they get us through each day, each month, each doctor appointment - it's the glue that holds us together. 

Living today in His presence, knowing that through Him I can face uncertainty with perfect peace,

Sarah

November 2013

Good afternoon!

I hope this e-mail finds my southern friends enjoying a warm day...because it sure is frigid here in PA!

Just wanted to send an update after a bit of activity this morning.  My last appointment was in July - I had a great report.  I had routine lab work done mid-October, and the good news is that everything came back "fine."  Actually, the test that measures my tumor markers had a sizable drop for the first time since February - praise the Lord.  My oncologist says this is "unexplainable" - but we're giving all the glory to the Lord and extending an enormous thank you to everyone for your continued prayers.

That being said, I received a call from the doctor's office this morning - the Calcitonin level (test that eventually led us to my diagnosis) is high.  We have known this since the journey began in January - however, the lab assay for this test has been incorrect since May - so my doctor wasn't putting much (if any) faith in this number.  However, the assay seems to be "fixed" and so in an effort to be extra cautious we're moving my December lab work & scans up to November 20 and 22.  Of course, as you can imagine, when the NYC area code came up on my desk phone this morning I about had a heart attack.  The nurse at MSKCC assured me not to get worried (easier said than done) - we're just being extra careful.

Please pray for these November appointments.  Wisdom for the doctors, a correct lab assay (I act like I know what a lab assay is - my Dad explained it once, but all I know is that I need it to be accurate - ha-ha!) and peace for my family and I as we anticipate another set of CT scans.

Now for some happy news - I feel FANTASTIC! Work is great - I'm loving my job.  It is amazing how we can have one plan for our life and then the Lord turns us in a completely different direction and we can find complete fulfillment in that - I feel so blessed to be where I am.

We are a little less than 7 months away from our wedding - sneak peak of our engagement photos attached!

And, last but not least, I moved to the home that Drew and I will call our "first place" this past week.  Three moves in one year took a toll, but we are SO excited about our new home - now I'll just wait for my groom to join me in May!  Until then, we're working to make it our own.

I know this e-mail has already taken too much of you time...but there is just one one more thing I would like to share...

A couple of months ago I was at the local farmer's market in Lancaster City.  As I waited in line to make a purchase at one of the stands, I turned around and who was there...? Sarah Yoder - my nurse, from 800 miles away...MY nurse from Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia SC.  It was incredible...and SO God that she was there (visiting friends).  We hugged and just kept saying, "This is crazy!"  She blessed Drew, my family and I in so many ways throughout my stay in the hospital.  I'll never forget when she saw the absolute desperation my eyes (and Drew's) as they wheeled me into the OR...she grabbed our hands and said, "Let me pray with and for you."  She's an angel, I tell you!

Okay, that's all - promise.

Sending hugs from PA and thanking you all for your continued prayer.

Sarah

August 2013

Good morning!

As many children across the country return to school today, it's funny...this is the first time in 17 years (did I do my math right?) that I have not returned to the classroom.  That being said, I know more than ever that I am where I need to be.  The Lord has proved his faithfulness time and time again - His love is truly unfailing as we have once again felt the power of His strong embrace.

I know many of you received a quick text on Friday after my NYC appointment, but nonetheless I wanted to send out a brief update.  Thankfully, the update is short and sweet...my oncologist said, "You are doing great, Sarah." In fact, I think he used the word "great" three times in the 20 minutes we spent with him...and believe me, I'm embracing every single one of them. There has been no progression since I became a patient at MSKCC in February.  My lab work looks good, I feel great, and the plan is not to have another CT scan until December.  For good measure I will have lab work done mid-October.  I was very proud to say, "Have a great fall, Doc, see you in the winter!"

Additionally, for those of you who are well aware as to how this started, we have finally gotten clarification on why my lung collapsed.  My type of Cancer can sometimes be associated with protein deposits in the lung, and in my case one of them burst.  After several biopsy reviews and a visit to the pulmonologist at MSKCC, they have concluded that there is nothing to be done at this time and if/when treatment becomes necessary the existing deposits will probably shrink.  My oncologist also shared with us some "exciting" clinical trials - it's always good to know that the experts are hard at work.

Finally, thank you.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, calls, texts, e-mails - you have no idea how incredible it is to feel the power of your prayer. 

Sending hugs from PA!

Sarah

July 2013

Good morning!

I hope this e-mail finds each of you enjoying your summer.  It's hard to believe that it is almost mid-July!

Just wanted to send out a brief mid-summer update, as I have some good news to share! 

I had complete lab work done on July 1, and received word this morning that my oncologist at MSKCC is comfortable with not doing CT scans/an office visit until the end of August.  Yipee!  Dr. Sherman has an incredible nurse who has been so gracious in corresponding with me throughout the past six months.  This morning she said to me, "no worries" with regards to my lab results.  It might seem silly, but those are two words I don't often have the luxury of hearing...especially from medical doctors.  So, that was a big answer to prayer..

Also, last week I received a job offer from Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center - www.schreiberpediatric.org.  I have been the Interim Special Events Coordinator in Financial Development, but have been offered the permanent position - I will officially start August 5...my first big girl job, and I'll be making use of that PR degree from MU.  I am amazed by the ways that God has provided for me and for Drew as we begin to make steps towards building a life together.  Schreiber has been such a blessing - the people are incredible and the children who struggle day in and day out with varying disabilities remind me that we all have our own challenges to face, but it's how we face them that makes all the difference.  Many of you may be wondering about continuing my graduate work - that is on hold for now - I am just so thankful to be settled, working, and happy.  I am confident that the rest will come with time.

Drew and I went to our last of 5 weddings for the summer this past weekend, where we celebrated the incredible union of our very best friends - now Mr. and Mrs. Bobby & Brooke Rhoads.  It was definitely the highlight of our summer - we are beyond thrilled for the happy couple and felt so lucky to be part of their special day.  Now that we are finished attending weddings (for a little while), we are busy planning our own!  It is all very exciting and we cannot wait for our special day...318 days...but who is counting?

Sending hugs!

Love,
Sarah

May 2013

Good evening to my family and friends!

I hope this e-mail finds each of you well.  The past two months have been filled with an abundance of progress and therefore I am excited to send an update!

After receiving good news at my oncology appointment at the beginning of April, we wasted no time in putting together a plan to visit the south!  It did my heart such good to be able to arrive and depart from Columbia feeling physically strong and having had the opportunity to spend quality time (and a great quantity of laughs) with friends and new family! 

I was fortunate enough to spend a little over a week traveling between Hilton Head Island and Columbia.  One of the highlights of my Columbia visit was being able to attend the Student Personnel Association’s end-of-the-year banquet.  My classmates surprised me by voting me the “Most Outstanding First-Year of the Year”…let’s just say that resulted in a tearful and humbled “thank you" (see attached pictures).  Another Columbia highlight was having the opportunity to have lunch with the team of doctors that treated me at Palmetto-Richland hospital.  Having never seen me out of a hospital bed (or with freshly washed hair), it was certainly a pleasant reunion for everyone.  My mom and I also stopped by the floor I “lived” on for 2 ½ weeks with bagels for all of the wonderful nurses and patient care technicians who cared for me…and my parents!

After a great visit in Columbia and some island time in Hilton Head, Drew was able to fly into Augusta, GA where we spent 5 fun-filled days with the Gilchrist family (Drew’s sister’s family) – it was great to be “Uncle Drew & Aunt Sarah” – so sweet!  A visit to the Columbia zoo, a Blue-Grass festival, and genuine rodeo were just some of the highlights of our visit (see attached pictures).  Drew and I are so blessed with such fun, loving families, and are thrilled about bringing them together for our wedding next May.

After arriving home from our visit to SC and GA, it was time for some more change – on May 1 I was able to start a new job as the Interim Special Events Coordinator at Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center of Lancaster County (www.schreiberpediatric.org).  Overall, May has brought a lot of excitement for Drew and I as I moved into an apartment in Lancaster City, we have started our pre-marital counseling, made additional wedding plans, and started to get more “connected” with our church, Calvary Church, in Lancaster.  We have been so blessed by all of these changes and not a day goes by when we are not thankful to be geographically close and both employed by great organizations.

So, that brings us to this past Friday where we traveled to NYC for another oncology appointment and this time an added pulmonologist (lung) appointment.  God is good and the power of prayer continues to overwhelm us as we received news that my blood work and CT scans showed that everything is stable.  This past Thursday marked four months since my lung collapsed, and to date my “images” are unchanged and therefore there is not a need for treatment at this time.  There will be some additional follow-up with the pulmonologist, as my doctors are not convinced that the “trouble” in my lungs is related to the Cancer (and thus the collapsed lung).  Additionally, I will have blood work in 6 weeks to check-in on everything, but Lord willing won’t need CT scans or an appointment in Manhattan until the end of August.   I remain without symptoms and am keeping as busy a schedule as ever – and for that, we are so thankful!

So, on that note – here is to a summer full of watching incredible friends tie the knot, spending time with family, and enjoying my engagement to the love of my life as we play our special day…May 25, 2014!

Thank you for all of your continued prayer.

Living today in His presence knowing that through Him I can face uncertainty with perfect peace –

Sarah

 

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

~  Romans 5:3-5

The Mustard Seed

Dear family and friends,

WOW...what a crazy few months it has been for myself, Drew, and the Darling family.  As I put together the "recipient" list for this e-mail, I quickly realized how wonderfully diverse and far-stretched our support is, and am reminded of how each of you have continued to pray for us, care for us, and show your love (which has left us at a loss for words time and time again).

As you all know, this past August I packed up my life and headed to SC to begin a Master's degree program at the University of South Carolina.  Upon heading south I started a blog called, "The Mustard Seed," in an attempt to keep everyone updated on my adventures below the Mason-Dixon line.  Below is an excerpt from my first entry...

First, I know the burning question you all have - "Where did she come up with the mustard seed?"  Well, it's quite simple.  As I was packing fervently earlier this week, I came across a necklace given to my by my aunt and uncle that has a mustard seed in the pendant...I thought of the parable of the mustard seed.  From what I can remember, indeed the mustard seed is small, but when it grows, it really grows - and if I'm correct, it can grow among weeds and all other sorts of plants.  I was reminded of the thought that even as the mustard seed starts small, it quickly grows into a flourishing and sizable mustard plant.  So here is my analogy, I might be like a mustard seed now - but I know that USC and SC is where God wants me to be, and therefore I know He will use me in ways that I can't even imagine right now as I am planted in my new home.  My prayer is that I can flourish and grow in my faith, while demonstrating God's love to others, just as a mustard plant becomes deeply rooted and grows strong from a small seed. 

Now, let's fast-forward 6 months...and each of you have heard the varying versions of the "walk to class" and collapsed lung that changed life forever. Here is the new take on the mustard seed analogy: The Lord has literally used something a comparable size to a mustard seed to lead me in a new direction of life in which we are confident is being used to glorify Him in more ways than we could ever imagine.

The mustard seed object?  The 1cm tumor on my thyroid that to the best of my doctors' knowledge started to take it's toll on my body 10+ years ago, and led to the diagnosis of metastasized medullary carcinoma (Cancer) on February 13, 2013.  The good in it all?  I have no symptoms, this type of Cancer is slow-growing, I am not receiving treatment at this time (CT scans and more blood work to monitor things at the beginning of May), I am young, healthy (besides this whole Cancer thing), and I have the love of incredible family, friends, and one outstanding fiancé who have stood by me through it all!

So, it's simple.  I rejoice in each new day, I praise God for the large and small victories, I place my trust in the Lord, the power of prayer, and the promise of hope and peace we have in Him.  (And I'm already working with those in SC and PA to decide how I can continue to move forward with my degree, have made significant changes towards an all organic, Cancer-fighting diet (yum!), and enjoy planning our wedding for next May!)

I promise to keep all of you updated by means of the "new" Mustard Seed...this e-mail group.  I think it will be the best way to reach out to everyone when I have an update.  Everything should be quiet for the next 6 weeks or so, as we had good results at my oncology appointment (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) last week.  Also, do not feel the need to reply, I just want to keep everyone in the "loop" (feel free to forward it too, I tried to make sure I got everyone)!

Wishing you all a wonderful week,

Sarah Darling