Best Kind of Gift

April 7, 2021

For the third day in a row, Sarah has awakened with a no food/no drink order. Today it will last until at least 2 p.m. when her bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are over. That is tough for most people but especially difficult for her because she possesses the famous Smith metabolism.  She burns through food in an instant where she can eat at 8 a.m. and be hungry by 9 a.m.

This has been especially true (and frustrating) for the past few weeks since the mass in her abdomen was found. Her metabolism seems to have gone into hyper mode and then she is desperate to eat but when she eats, she gets full too quickly because there just isn’t a lot of space down there for food and the mass, both.

She is also very dependent on protein which Gage learned early on in their relationship.

He knows that if she starts turning pale, gets emotional, and lacks any semblance of vigor or vim, a peanut butter sandwich or a piece of cheese will transform her back to her old self almost instantly.

So with the metabolism/protein issues to deal with, fasting is quite the challenge for her.  She’ll be glad to have these three days of testing behind her.

The great news is that if she stays fever-free for the rest of the day, she can go home tomorrow!  Which is perfect timing because Nathan is flying in from Florida for the weekend, specifically to hang out with his sister. We were about to have him cancel the trip when it didn’t seem like she was going to bounce back in time but she really turned a corner yesterday as far as getting her energy back.  And the fevers have been staying away!

I know we will have to come back soon to start on whatever treatment path is ahead. But for now, a few days at home is the best kind of gift.

photo by Gage

 

 

 

 

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28 comments so far.

28 responses to “Best Kind of Gift”

  1. Linda in Pittsburgh says:

    Becky,
    It is great to hear that Sarah may be able to get home and have a weekend visit with her big brother. I know how much they mean to each other. Best medicine, to be at home with the people you love and, of course, your canine nurse. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
    Love, prayers and blessings,
    Linda in Pittsburgh

  2. Good morning Becky, Sarah and Gage, I’m thinking of y’all this morning and praying that your fever will stay down and you will be able to go back home and have a relaxing family reunion with Nathan and Pastor Steve. Always in our thoughts, Fred & Lucy

  3. Christina Minton says:

    So glad to hear that Sarah may be coming home for a few days. A good place to rest and enjoy the family. We are continuing to pray for Sarah and sll the Smith family🙏❤🙏

  4. Jan Reuther says:

    You may remember the “teacher glare” that stopped a group out of control students in their tracks. Well, even though I’ve been retired forever, it seems to still work at times, Ergo, I focused on the word “fever” in your penultimate paragraph and gave it glare for a full minute. Hope that works for her and she can “unwrap” her special gift. And hang out with her brother.

    Get some sleep, Becky.

  5. Amen! Go Sarah go. So thankful. Praise God.

  6. Sharyn McDonald says:

    Praying the fever stays away. Thank you Gage for your love and concern for Sarah. You probably wish you could do more for her, but you being there holding her hand is wonderful uplifting I’m sure.

  7. Cheryl Denton says:

    Thank you, Becky. Thank you for sharing and allowing us, your friends, to join your journey with prayers. Our hearts bleed with you. We rejoice with the praise reports. Most importantly, we stand in agreement with you for God to intervene. ❤️

  8. Gayle in AL says:

    That no eating/drinking thing stinks! I know it will be nice to be done with that. I hope the biopsies went well and I sure hope she gets to go home tomorrow. It will do wonders for your family to all be together again for the weekend. I know Steve has missed you all terribly, too. Still praying for great results and an easy treatment plan. And also for some great family time and lots of laughs over the weekend.

  9. Cindy says:

    Praying for Sarah to be released tomorrow! That sounds like the best medicine for her right now, her own bed, spending time with her beloved brother and Dad!

  10. Mrs. Pam says:

    good news is certainly good news

  11. SueEllen says:

    Prayers that Sarah can have food soon and gets to go home and spend time with Nathan (and Steve!). And I’m sure you all will rest better at home. Sending love, hugs and prayers 💕

  12. Wendy says:

    Praying the fever stays away and she can go home. How nice that Nathan can come home for a quick weekend trip to see Sarah and all of you. Continuing to pray for answers as well.

  13. Katrina says:

    I hope Sarah can go home tomorrow and the visit from Nathan will be nice.

  14. Phyllis says:

    Praying that Sarah will remain fever free and she can go home tomorrow. Prayers for safe travels for Nathan and that will be able to have a good weekend.
    I’m envious of that metabolism!
    Thanks for all the updates this week.

  15. Kay says:

    Thx for taking the time to keep everyone updated. So thankful for the team of Dr’s who are supportive of Sarah. Thankful that “the eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are His everlasting arms”

  16. krista121799 says:

    Thank you for keeping us updated. I appreciate it!
    Yay for a visit from Nathan. Hopefully Sarah is feeling much better.
    Continuing to pray!

  17. Beth Kayser says:

    This is GREAT news to go home and have Nathan come into town. It is the little victories that will sustain for now. Praying for God’s peace to all of you and safe travels for Nathan and you as you drive home… Continuing prayers….

  18. Guerrina says:

    All good news! So happy Nathan is coming up to hang out. Prayers continue!

  19. Gail Puckett says:

    Praying for no fever a visit from Nathan and home is just what the doctor ordered. Thank you. Ecky for keeping up updated

  20. Shawn says:

    It is so good to hear that Sarah is feeling better. I am sure she will be happy to go home. Praying that the fevers stay down and she continues to feel better.

  21. LeeAnne says:

    Home is always the best medicine! So glad that you all will get to go there and rewind and spend some special time with Nathan. Continued prayers for good test results and for Sarah as she fasts and for the fever to stay away!!

  22. Lesley says:

    Such great news, so happy Nate is coming up. And hip hip hooray for the comforts of home and food! Next week is next week but this weekend is for refueling and relaxation. Heaven sent.

  23. Debbie Haskell says:

    Such great news! And continued prayers for all of you. A visit from Nathan will be just what the doctor ordered!

  24. SO good to read some good news this morning! Getting to go home will be (I’m sure) a HUGE boost to her (and your, and Gage’s) morale!

  25. Tricia says:

    Wonderful news, getting to go home for awhile!!! Energy!!! And fever gone!! God is SO good, and prayer IS powerful!!! Continued prayers for you all.

  26. Tiffany hawkins says:

    I am jealous of that metabolism!! 🙂 I will remember the protein issue for any further goodie bags as well!! I am praying that the fever stays away so you can all go home and relax and have family time this weekend! That is the best medicine!! Just know, that when you come back, I am at your service!!

  27. Bebe Troppoli says:

    I am continuing to pray for Sarah! My God’s love and peace cover each of you!

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