(Note: I thought it would be fun to feature a younger version of Sarah today for the heading. I’ve always loved this photo.)
I was running errands when my phone rang with “Durham” showing up on the caller ID. I knew it had to be Duke and when I answered, I heard the reassuring voice of Dr. Driscoll on the other end. (For new readers, Dr. Driscoll was Sarah’s oncologist starting in 2003.)
I was so grateful to hear a familiar voice on the line, so grateful to know we have him looking out for us at Duke. He was actually calling to let me know they were ready to schedule a scan and he needed Sarah’s phone number to do so.
(Note: one of the many adjustments on this current journey is transitioning from the mama who took care of things to the mama who watches her daughter take care of things. I told her that her dad and I were ready to step in and help at any time–like with insurance questions–but she is doing great managing most of the details on her own.)
A PET scan has been scheduled for her Friday morning.
Here’s a description of a PET scan:
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that allows your doctor to check for diseases in your body. The scan uses a special dye containing radioactive tracers. These tracers are either swallowed, inhaled, or injected into a vein in your arm depending on what part of the body is being examined.
They’ll also be doing bloodwork in addition to what was done with our local doctor.
Although there was talk of a biopsy last week, that hasn’t been mentioned for this week so we’ll see where that fits into the picture.
Although I would have loved to have had the scan scheduled today or tomorrow so we could get it behind us, at least we now know what the rest of our week looks like, so that’s helpful. We probably won’t have results until Monday.
As I was entering the date on my phone, I was stopped in my tracks by those three words that I never wanted to see in the same sentence again.
But on the positive side, “Sarah at Duke” also means she is getting world-class care. So I’m grateful beyond words we are able to take her there.
I am also grateful to all of you for commenting, for praying, for emailing, for donating to the medical fund (you’ve raised over $2,000!), and for reminding us over and over that we aren’t on this journey alone.
Becky…I’m a voice from the past. Used to be Jojy Smith, but now it’s Hayden. I had a whirlwind marriage in my 70’s! So I sort lost touch with your blog..but checked in now and then. I was so shaken to see Sarah is back at Duke, she has so very many prayers going up to God everyday…and she’s one tough little cookie! My mom’s heart goes out to you and Steve. I know you’ll stay strong and stay the course. God Bless your family. Jojy
Jojy,
Love to hear voices from the past!
I rarely comment but I wanted to let you know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have been following your family for many many years. I had tears of joy learning that Sarah and Gage are engaged and getting married….and just as quickly, cried tears of sadness that Sarah has scary medical issues that she has to deal with. I know God is in charge and has a plan, but it sure is hard to understand what that plan is. Stay strong knowing you are in good hands. Please give Sarah a hug and let her know that she has so many people who care and are praying for her.
Ann from Wisconsin
Having Dr. Driscoll involved makes me feel a sense of calm in this storm. I hate that there’s the dreaded “weekend wait” – it seems so unfair, and the time does drag.
Stefanie,
Yes, it sure is nice having him around!
Progress, not as quickly as hoped. Progress still the same. Prayers and hope for more information and a plan of action.
Cindy,
Yeah, medical stuff seems to take a lot longer than regular stuff.
Sarah and your entire sweet, compassionate and loving family are in my prayers dally. Sarah is so blessed to be surrounded by you all. We know “God’s Got This” and praying Sarah gets good news. She is such a brave girl. Just like her Mom.
Love and Hugs
Joy,
Thank you for your prayers; we are safe in God’s hands, whatever the report says.
Becky,
How are Nathan? I imagine it must be hard for him to know his sister is fighting cancer but this time he is living far away.
Katrina,
Thanks for asking about Nathan. Yes, it IS very difficult to be so far away but, thankfully, he is going to be able to fly here in about a week to spend 3 days with us. We are very excited about that.
So happy Sarah is able to get into Duke so relatively soon.Continued prayers for all of you as you embark on this next phase of Sarah’s journey.
Sue Ellen,
I agree. It could have been a longer wait than just a few days. Thank you for the prayers fr the journey.
So glad to hear that Sarah has an appointment and that Dr.Driscoll is on the case. I’m praying for Sarah and all of you.
Heather
Heather,
Extra, EXTRA thankful for Dr. Driscoll. And for prayers!
Our then 11 year old son had his first brain surgery (for a tumor) on 04/02/2010. Like 04/02/2021, it was Good Friday. I remember writing on his Caring Bridge page that we loved that his surgery was on Good Friday—we knew that people would already be in a frame of mind to think of God, to pray, to remember, to be thankful.
I know that on this Good Friday I will be thinking of Sarah. I will pray that her scan and blood work go well, that nothing that needs to be seen remains hidden, and that you all know the peace that passes all understanding. I will also ask God for healing for Sarah.
Thank you for keeping us updated.
DeLynn,
What a beautiful thought to see the positives of your son having brain surgery on Good Friday, knowing that people would already have their hearts turned toward heaven.
I love your thought that “nothing that needs to be seen remains hidden.” And prayers for peace. Always prayers for peace.
God Bless Dr. Driscoll
Mrs. Pam,
Yes, indeed.
Thankful Dr. Driscoll is on Sarah’s case! Continuing prayer. It’s still difficult to watch my 31 y/o make his life decisions, lol! Hugs, Becky!
Guerrina,
Yeah, no matter how old our adult kids get, somewhere in the back of our minds we still have a niggling thought that they’re just not old enough. 🙂
Thankful that you have an appointment although I agree, would have been better if it were earlier this week. I’m sure it is reassuring to know that she has the same doctor that she had all those year ago.
My nephew is the same age as Sarah, I think their birthdays are a day apart. I can’t imagine him taking care of scheduling appointments like this by himself though.
Prayers for safe travels and for the scan.
Phyllis,
Thank you for your prayers for the week. I’ll just be so glad to have this part of it over so we know what we are dealing with.
Know we all will be praying for All of you on Friday – throughout the day!
Sharyn,
Thank you so much for that–your always encouraging words and steadfast prayers.
Becky, I’m way behind on catching up on your blog and today as I read, my heart became quickly heavy for what you and your beautiful family are walking in and through. Words aren’t easy….but I’m thankful that Jesus knows and understands, and I’m lifting ALL of you up in much prayer! I’m so thankful that none of this has caught the Lord by surprise….instead he’s going before you making a way! Praying that the Holy Spirits sweet comfort, wraps you like a warm blanket! I love your family so!!
Kim
Kim,
Thank you so much for your words of compassion and comfort. I know more than most people, you understand the depths of suffering and your sweet compassion springs from that.
Love you!
I will be thinking of you all.
Thanks for letting us all on this journey. Are you going with her on Friday or is Gage or will she will be going alone?
It feels wierd to think about you have to update the Meet the Smiths page at some point too writing about her latest cancer journey but also her wedding.
Katrina,
Gage had wanted to go with her on Friday but we’re having a large kids’ event on Easter Sunday and he needs to stay behind and work on that with the other staff member. I know his heart will travel every mile with Sarah and me.
Yes, that page will definitely need to be updated!
Yay that it’s Dr. Driscoll! Praying for all the things. ❤️
Buff,
Yes, yay! Not sure if Dr. Driscoll will be able to stay on the case since he is pediatric; however, if it does turn out to be NB, then I would think he WOULD stay since that is his specialty. We’ll have to see.
But nice to have him on board for the time being, at least.
As I have just read through the last 5 posts, I will add my comments as a devoted reader (but a once or twice commenter). To read the past few posts has been a whirlwind of emotions, which may seem strange as I don’t know you or your family personally, but feel as though I do as I have read your blog for many years! My heartfelt congratulations to Sarah and Gage on their pending nuptials. I had hoped that was where their relationship was heading – their love and devotion to each other definitely shined through in your posts! Sarah is the same age as my oldest son, and they are both on the same relationship path, so I share that joy with you! Know that I will keep Sarah and your family in my prayers as you prepare for this medical journey and send healing thoughts your way. My son is a medical student at Duke, so if there is anything that you need, from a meal to someone to sit with you, please let me know. He would be honored to help.
Debbie,
How wonderful that your son is studying medicine at Duke. I know you’re so proud of him! And how sweet to offer his assistance; I can’t tell you how much that means to be on the receiving end of so much compassion and kindness.
Yes, I agree that the past 7 days have been a HUGE whirlwind of emotions. That’s a good way to put it.
Continued prayers for Sarah and Gage and all of you……She couldn’t be in better hands!
Cindy,
She is in good hands, indeed!
I am so glad that she (and you and Steve) are going to bein the competent, compassionate hands of Dr. Driscoll who knows Sarah so well and cares about her so much. We will all be praying for you on Friday. Sending love and hugs.
Dale,
Yes, we are grateful to have Dr. Driscoll on board, in these initial stages, at least. It brings a lot of comfort.
Great News… especially Dr. Driscoll! Great comfort there! Hope all the family can go together to this important appointment.
Fred and Lucy,
Unfortunately, Steve and Gage are going to be doing a lot of stuff to finish up prep for Easter Sunday. But Sarah and I will make a day of it and enjoy some more mama/daughter time.
An appointment….that’s progress! I know we all will be on pins and needles thinking her on Friday and of the results. Knowing Sarah will be in the best of hands at Duke is so comforting.
Lee Anne,
Yes, progress is a very good thing. So comforted by the fact that Duke will give her such good care.