Sorry I haven’t updated earlier today. I’ll give the medical info first and then fill in the gaps with a few more things.
We left the emergency room at 2:45 a.m. and got Sarah right to bed since she was beyond exhausted. There was no reason discovered for the fever. It did try to climb a couple more times during the eight hours she was in there, but they gave her Tylenol and were able to keep it under control.
As I sat and waited in the car, I was so comforted and encouraged by all the comments that came in. Thanks to many of you for staying up with me. I want to reply to a few of those comments when I have some time.
I got to bed at 4 a.m. got up at 8 a.m, and went to work for a few hours. While I was there, Dr. Driscoll called to check in on Sarah. (I had told him the night before about the fevers.)
Of course, I was worried that the scan would have to be cancelled but he said as long as her temp stayed under 100, we could still keep the appointment.
He also explained to me that he can only take patients up to 26 years old and even though Sarah is only 25 right now, he wants her to get established as soon as possible with an adult oncologist so she doesn’t have to switch mid-stream.
However, right now he is definitely a big member of Team Sarah, keeping in touch, asking for scan/test results that have been done outside of Duke, and pointing us in the direction of the right doctors/surgeons. He already has someone in mind he wants us to use for the surgical biopsy. Don’t know when that is planned but it’s good to know he’s on the case.
He also rearranged some appointments tomorrow so that he could sit down with the two of us for a while before we head out to get Sarah’s IV placed, get blood work, and have the PET scan.
So anyway, after he and I talked for a bit, I finished my work and Sarah and I hit the road.
As she and I were leaving, Gage pointed out this luna moth in the corner of the porch. A lovely send-off, if I do say so.
It took us almost 5 hours to get to Durham which I think might be some kind of (unfortunate) world record.
But it was partly due to this traffic jam so I can’t complain too much. (The bridge was opening so a few boats could pass through.)
I had been wanting to try an Aloft hotel because I knew Sarah would love the artsy, creative, colorful vibe. I was happy to find a good deal on Priceline so we are quite happily encsonsed.
The elevator.
And here’s the exhausted mama looking forward to a quiet night and most importantly, lots of SLEEP!
The best view of the night is right here–my girl clad in her comfy clothes, tucked into her spot.
I have to say, it was a strange feeling to be headed back to Duke with Sarah.
She was in the back seat sleeping as I drove, absolutely worn out by the night in the ER. As I looked at her face in the rearview mirror, I felt like I was taking a brave warrior into battle–a brave, weary, warrior who is not afraid of the battle, a warrior who has graced this battlefield before.
Prayers for Sarah, Gage and the whole family for comfort and healing. I’m so sorry she has to go through this again when she should be enjoying everything involved in planning a wedding.
We love Aloft and stay there frequently. We first stayed there because dogs stay free – but liked it very much and now stay there when there’s one in the area.
Becky,
I have followed Sarah’s story, and your beautiful family for many years. In that span, you have assembled an army, led by Dr. Driscoll and Sarah herself. Consider me as one of your prayer warriors, as we gather our courage to join the battle.
Many, many prayers to you all.
Tobi,
“Gathering our courage to join the battle.” Love that imagery.
I realised you messages were going to spam so have only just caught up on your last few posts. What a mix of emotions. Huge congratulations to Sarah and Gage! As for the worries, I will be thinking of you all.
Sue M, UK
So glad you have Dr Driscoll helping to transition Sarah to a new team. Based on how you’ve spoken about him over the years, he will certainly direct you to just the people she needs.
I’m offering my prayers today for Sarah, those that love her and those that will be her medical providers. May grace, trust and discernment be clearly present.
Standing with you in prayer!
Praying that everything goes smoothly today with your scans and I hope you both feel much better after a full night’s sleep!
Becky I read with a breaking heart about Sarah I have followed your blog since she was a small child and I am a rare commenter too but felt I had to let you know I am praying for sweet Sarah and for you. Nothing is harder than watching a precious child suffer even a warrior like your precious warrior. Thank you for taking the time to let us anxious readers be updated. Know that my heart is with you and I will be looking for good news. Love to you from Tennessee
Thinking of you all today. Prayers that sweet Sarah will get the best possible news.
Praying for Sarah and you today. May you both feel God’s warm embrace through out the day while waiting.
Love and Hugs
Aloft…I have never heard of that hotel. It sure is colorful and contemporary. I love it! I am hopeful that you both got some much needed and well deserved sleep. Sarah and Gage and you and Steve have been on my mind and heart all week. I pray that today goes as smoothly as possible and for clarity and a plan as you move forward. Sarah, sweetheart, you are grace and bravery personified. Wishing you gals a safe trip home and a Happy and blessed Easter to all of you!
Praying for what today holds for you. What a blessing to have doctors so caring and compassionate. A brave warrior indeed. May God‘s mercies be new every moment on the journey ahead.
Becky,
Thank you for the continued updates. I am praying that all goes well today, that God’s loving arms continue to surround you and He sends peace, strength and healing to Sarah, you, Steve, Gage and your families. I continue to trust that God has special plans for Sarah and that he sent Gage to help fulfill those plans.
Love, prayers and blessings,
Linda in Pittsburgh
Prayers continue. Glad you made it and have such a good Dr looking out for you now and into the future.
Continuing to pray for healing and comfort during the battle. Given that today is Good Friday, I keep going back to the recording I saw years ago called “It’s Friday but Sunday’s Coming”. I’m sure you’ve heard it – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS2wPotScZY. Praying now because I know Sunday is coming!
Thinking of y’all this morning.
I bumped into Steve at Ace Hardware on Wednesday afternoon. I was looking for some plumber’s tape as he approached me, and he held out his hand for a fist bump and said my name, and I thought, “Wow, how nice. Steve Smith must be working part-time at the hardware store and he’s going to help me find the tape!” He inquired about Emma, and I told him she was doing great and was finishing her student teaching over in Nashville. I then tried to share how OVERJOYED we were to hear about Sarah’s sweet engagement. We’ve always thought so highly of Sarah, and your entire family. I had no idea until just this morning, Saturday, all that she and you all have been going through. Our prayers and hope are with you all. God is Good!
Tim,
Steve would be right at home working at ACE!
Thank you for your words and your gift and your encouragement. You are Melanie are special to us!
Thank you for taking the time to update us, Becky. First thing I did this morning (in Italy) was checking my phone for updates. Keeping my fingers crossed that tomorrow will go as smoothly as possible.
Olivia,
Always good to hear from my Italian friend!
Thinking of you all today
I’m glad you made it there and Sarah can get her tests done.waiting must be so hard. Praying for the best possible results and for a clear plan for the doctors going forward. Will thinking of you all…
You have a luna moth in the corner of your porch…but, better yet, you have
Dr. Driscoll in your own corner….
What a very cool hotel! I’m so glad y’all will still most likely be able to make Sarah’s appointments Friday. And how wonderful that Dr. Driscoll is involved and guiding Sarah on the next phase of her journey. Continued prayers for all of you, and especially that things go well for Sarah tomorrow.
Thank you for taking the time to update us. Praying for rest for you all tonight in body, soul, and spirit. God is with you.
What a beautiful hotel! I’m praying for Sarah (all of you). God has you all in the palm of his hand! 💗
Becky – I am saying the Misherberach, the Jewish prayer of healing, for Sarah. I have followed you for years and years and have cried with you, laughed with you, smiled with you and rejoiced with you. I am praying for the doctors to figure out their plan and for Sarah to continue to have her strength of a warrior, so she and Gage can live a long, joyful life. Love from Southern California.
Becky – here’s a beautiful recording of the Misherberach. xoxo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHKo3CjuzpY
Jan,
Thank you for that! I’d never heard of that prayer before. So beautiful!
Another michaberach coming from Minnesota.
Becky, like so many others, I’ve been following your family since the Caringbridge days, when I came upon your sight from another warrior’s link. I love the title, Battlefield Grace. I have a vision in my mind, of you and your sweet girl, heading into Duke, with quite the troop of back-ups behind you: those of us out here, of all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds,…marching, walking, limping, skipping, praying, singing,…. I admire the grace and fortitude of Team Sarah/Team Smith, and it is an honor to serve behind our steadfast weary warrior, offering constant prayers, and love.
Ann,
What beautiful words and imagery. Picturing you all today, walking into Duke behind us. Thank you!
Dear Becky, Thanks so much for taking the time to send an update. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers today as you were driving to Durham, and you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers throughout the weekend. We pray for the best possible outcome for sweet Sarah. As always, we enjoyed your beautiful photos. Love, Fred & Lucy
Prayers for Sarah! I will be sending all the good vibes!!
I’m not a big commenter lol…but I’ve been following your sweet family since way back in the CaringBridge days. It warmed my heart when Sarah met Gage and I love how they obviously make each other so happy! I just wanted you to know there is one more person out here lifting you all up in prayer, Becky. I hope you and Sarah got a good night’s rest (in that brightly colored hotel that is nothing like I’ve ever seen! lol)
I like your post title. Glad you two warriors can have a pretty room to rest in and prepare for tomorrow. All our love and prayer goes with you. ❤️
Deb and Randy
I’ll be monitoring the blog for updates. We flew to Houston today, and for the first time in a year, everything was packed. MD Anderson still doesn’t allow visitors, so I’m really glad that someone gets to be with Sarah. I’m honored to walk this path with you and grateful for how beautifully you’ve lit it for all who follow. I love y’all so much!
Pam,
I am SO grateful I can go with Sarah today. Grace to you and Chuck today.
So happy you two are ensconced in your room, it looks wonderful. So glad you are there and hopefully you both will sleep well. My prayers continue.
Again. So grateful and thankful for Dr. Driscoll. And for safe travels for you. Hopeful y’all get some quality rest tonight and Sarah remains fever free!
Aloft Hotels are my favorite of the Marriott brand. What a lovely room!
Glad that you made it safely and that you were able to get a good deal on the hotel.
It’s good that Dr. Driscoll will make recommendations on a new doctor for Sarah. I agree that it’s probably better to go ahead and switch now although I’m sure you would both like to keep him as Sarah’s doctor.
Prayers for her appointment tomorrow and the trip home.
Thinking of your family and praying for a successful battle plan.
I kept checking my phone throughout the night for updates. Couldn’t seem to sleep for thinking of you all. Guess that was Godway of keeping me awake and giving me extra opportunity to oray!
That is a very cool hotel! You must be exhausted. I will be thinking of you both tomorrow. Thank goodness for Dr Driscoll.
I followed you on Caringbridge so I guess that means your entire blog. I usually find people through other people that I don’t know either. My heart goes out to all of you and I hope for easy answers, easy painless treatment and a full recovery. My love to you all
I am so sorry it has come back to this. Just know that there are so many praying for Sarah as she battles yet again. I’m thankful you will have Dr. Driscoll with you tomorrow and he will have input on new doctors. Will be waiting anxiously for updates over the next few days.
Safe travels home and have a blessed Easter.
Praying fervently for the best results possible.
Buff
Sending prayers your way for a good nights sleep and that Sarah gets through her PET Scan okay.
Becky, Sarah and Gage (and all other Smith’s too!) I’m not much of a praying type person but I’ve been following you since the Caring Bridge days and I feel as if I “know” each of you. And Ive been praying non-stop for each of you since first reading about this newest challenge. I’m sending you all love and prayers ❤️
Yes, Sarah has braved this battle before….a she has the necessary stones in her arsenal….ready to defeat the giant before her! I’m standing with you….lifting your tired weary arms up in pray as we stand together fighting this battle!
Praying that tonight and throughout the coming days you feel the sweet comfort from our savor like never before! He weeps with us when we weep, and he’s close by, and he understands what you are facing. And, I’ll continue praying to the one who loves Sarah down to her toes…..knowing he’s with her….each step she takes! I LOVE your family SO much!