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