Update on Mary: Up...and then Down

Mom had her final diagnostic test yesterday, and the results were discouraging. Apparently, even though the cancer has not spread (for which we are still very grateful) the sheer size of Mom's tumor (which was impressive enough to cause the Doctor to mutter to himself, "It's huge!"), and the extent to which the tumor has wrapped itself around important blood vessels and nerves is leading to a categorization of the cancer as Stage Four. For context, there are only four stages, and one is the best. That said, because it has not spread, there is still a chance that chemo and radiation could shrink the tumor and make Mom's outlook better (pray, pray, pray).

Mom and Dad are heading to a meeting with (hopefully) two sets of oncologists at the end of next week to get opinions on possible courses of treatment. Currently they are having trouble getting both appointments scheduled (both oncologists want to see them at the same time), so please pray that they can get the scheduling sorted out. We want to know that Mom is getting the best treatment possible, and it never hurts to have a second set of eyes look over her results and suggest different options.

Mom's tumor may be extraordinarily large, but we know that our God is even bigger. We will continue to beseech Him to heal her, if that is His will. Whatever He chooses, we know she is in His loving hands, and there is no better place to be than that.