12/17/13 Update

In the past two weeks, Pastor Sue has gone through many different assessments. Amazingly, we see a significant improvement in her overall situation. Thank you for all your prayer and accompany with her in this journey. We truly experienced God’s healing power! We exalt Him and give Him all the glory. Following are some updates that we would like to share with you:

Test Results:
1. Liver function indexes have dropped and are almost going back to the normal levels.
2. MRI result show extraordinary improvement in brain metastasis; many lesions in the brain have disappeared: It shows much clearer image from the previous one.
3. CT scan result shows the original lower-right lung lump (2.7 cm in length) is no longer visible. Only some scattered small nodules are left but significantly shrink in size.
4. Bone scan result still shows bone metastasis; however, her oncologist believes that overall it is improving, based on the blood test reading.
5. Water retention in her right lung is draining slowly, but still presents.

Treatment Plan:
1. All tests results show Tarceva is extremely effective for the past two months. She will continue to take Tarceva without interruption.
2. Since her MRI shows significant improvement in her brain, radiation therapy is not required.
3. She has to continue to evaluate the side effects of Xgeva (injection to prevent bone fracture) and consider other options if needed. Her second injection will be on next Monday..

Prayer items:
1. First of all, we need to thank God for what He has done! He truly has accomplished great things for us!
2. Next, we need to focus our prayers on her bone metastasis. May God use all the treatments she is receiving to strengthen her bones and control her bone metastasis; protect her from any bone fracture/osteoporosis, yet continue to kill the tumor cells.
3. Pastor Sue’s thighs and arms are starting to hurt due to weakness of the bones or possible side effects from Xgeva. May God ease her pains/discomforts and enable her to do her daily routines. At the same time, minimize the side effects (difficulty of breathing and legs cramps), after next injection.
4. The water retention in her lung is still bothering her. May God help drain the water quickly and naturally.
5. Continue to pray for God’s complete healing upon Pastor Sue.





Hear my prayer, Lord;
listen to my cry for mercy.
When I am in distress, I call to you,
because you answer me

Psalms 86:6-7

11/26/13 Update

In this past week, Pastor Sue's energy level was good enough to take a walk with Pastor Donald for 45 minutes everyday. She was also able to join with us in Sunday worship. She looks great except she has to wrap herself up with scarfs and gloves to keep warm. Due to the water retention in her lung, she still has to avoid some positions to prevent coughs and discomforts. From this Monday's doctor visit, we were provided with some updated information. Please continue to remember her needs in your daily prayer.


New blood test result shows:
1. Elevated liver function. The new reading has increase more than twice of previous test result that was done only three weeks ago. It indicates that liver is damaged.
2. Other readings and kidney function are normal.
3. Her bone and muscles pains have alleviated.


New treatment plan:
1. If the liver function indicator does not drop, the doctor will have to discontinue Tarceva and seek for other alternative treatments.
2. Her next MRI is scheduled on Dec 3. If the result is not optimistic, the doctor will have to start radiation treatment and discontinue Tarceva as well.
3. Pastor Sue is currently receiving Xgeva injection every 6 weeks to prevent bone fracture.
3. Another blood work will be done on next Monday 12/2 to monitor her liver function.
4. Next CT scan is scheduled on Dec 13.
5. Next doctor appointment is on Dec 16.


Prayer items:
1. Pray to God for bringing her liver function back to normal; current elevation liver function is only temporary.
2. Pray for the MRI result on Dec. 3 to show the shrinkage of the tumor so that she doesn't need to interrupt Tarceva treatment and go for the radiation treatment.
3. Pray for the fluid in her lung can be excreted out so the next CT scan can show clearer images.
4. December will be a very challenging month for both Pastor Sue and Pastor Donald. There are many assessments and possible treatment changes to be done. Please pray for their assurance doesn't fluctuate based on the test results but anchor on God’s promises and His love.
5. Continue to pray for God’s intervention and complete healing on Pastor Sue. We believe only God Himself knows the best and the most effective treatment for her.

11/19/13 update

Pastor Sue’s first visit of her oncologist at UCSD went very well. Thank God for providing her a doctor who is experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. Dr. Bazhenova was pleased to hear that Pastor Sue had cut down on her pain reliever intake by 1/3. In the visit, she casually asked the doctor if she needed to take any supplements for bone metastasis. This reminded the doctor to prescribe another medication for her to prevent bone fractures.

However, at this point the doctor could not evaluate the progress of her treatment without more tests done. Pastor Sue is still in the process of scheduling for the next MRI and CT scan. Thereafter, we will be able to find out more information about how much the tumor cells have shrunk after using Tarceva.


New treatment plan:
1. To avoid bone fracture due to bone metastasis, the doctor will give her first injection of the new drug Xgeva on next Monday and once every six weeks afterwards.
2. If next MRI result shows that the tumor in her brain doesn't shrink, Pastor Sue will have to stop using Tarceva and start brain radiation. Tarceva will be resumed afterwards.
3. Next doctor appointment will be on December 16 to go over all test results.


Prayer items:
1. Pray for the shrinkage of the tumors in her lung/bone/brain, and the results will reflect on next MRI and CT scan.
2. Pray for the maximum effects and the least side effects of Tarceva and the new medication Xgeva.
3. Protect Pastor Sue from any fractures.
4. Continue to pray for normal liver and kidney functions under the use of the medications.
5. God Himself works behind the medical team to heal Pastor Sue thoroughly through His intervention.




The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:5-7

11/9/13 Update

This past Sunday, the whole congregation was encouraged to see Pastor Sue back to Central to worship with us. With Pastor Donald at her side, they thanked everyone for the support in the past two months.  

Pastor Sue has been transferred to UCSD successfully in November.  On the past Monday, she has been to her first nurse appointment and has some lab work done.  Praise the Lord, the blood test result indicates both her kidney and liver functions are fine. The nurse was surprised to see her in such a good spirit and her Tarceva side effect is under control. 

Pastor Sue's next appointment with the new doctor at UCSD will be on Nov. 18.

Please continue to pray for:

1. The medication will totally restrict any metastases in other body parts. It will block the growth of the cancer cells and eventually kill them.

2. Her liver and kidney functions will not interfere with the use of Tarceva. 

3. Her side effects will continue to be manageable.

4. The maximum effects of Tarceva. The result will be evaluated by next CT scan and MRI after Nov.18.

When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.     Psalm 94:19

10/26/13 Update

" So many times in this week, I forget I'm a cancer patient" exclaimed Pastor Sue. She sounds so energetic and confident again just like the Pastor Sue we know. I couldn't say anything more but just thank God for His gracious love and praise Him for His wondrous power.

Pastor Sue has been taking Tarceva for two weeks now. Thanks to our faithful prayer warriors, we have seen the effectiveness of the medication and so far minimal side effects. This was our first prayer request in last update letter! Besides, we would like to specially thank our meal team as Pastor Sue enjoys every bit of the food and juice with your love in the recipes.

Another good news is that the new insurance plan has been approved. Pastor Sue will transfer to see her new oncologist at UCSD starting early November. As you can see, God has been working mightily through this process, and our second prayer request has just been answered. Hallelujah! Afterwards, her progress from the treatment will be evaluated and tested. Please refer to the dates in Pastor Donald's update.

Below is the update and prayer requests from Pastor Donald:

After taking TARCEVA pills for two weeks:

(1) Pastor Sue's condition has been stabilized. Pains are under control through taking Advil and short-of-breath symptom has been alleviated.
(2) Side effects are manageable. Slight skin rash.
(3) New Insurance is approved. Will transfer to UCSD on 11/1.
(4) Will have blood test on 11/4 for liver and kidney functions.
(5) Will have CT/MRI scans at the end of November for progress.

Prayer Items:

(1) Pray for the smooth transition after 11/1, since TARCEVA needs to be approved by the new insurance again.
(2) Pray that the liver and kidney functions are untouched.
(3) Pray for maximum effects and minimum side effects.

10/16/13 update

I just talked to Pastor Sue on Wednesday evening. She sounded very clam and thankful. Once again, she expressed her appreciation to all brothers and sisters for your prayers and love. We thank God for His special provision and intervention. She was able to start the medication Tarceva on 10/12 which was five days before the insurance company approved it on Wednesday. In around a month, she will be scheduled to be evaluated. By that time, hopefully she will be transferred to UCSD Medical Center. Praise the Lord that after taking Chinese herbal medicine, her appetite has been getting better and her nausea has disappeared.

Please continue to pray for:

1. The best result and the least side effects of the medication (Tarvceva). The side effects usually show up a couple weeks later.
2. Smooth transition to UCSD Medical Center on 11/1/13. She is in the process of changing the insurance company.
3. May God orchestrate every detail behind the scene in the transferring process so that there won't be any delay of the treatment.
4. May God clear the fluid retention in her lung.
5. May God ease her pains and protect her from other unexpected pains.
6. Continue to pray for good night sleep, good appetite, and physical strength.
7. Continue to ask God for the inner peace from above, and help Pastor Sue to keep focusing on God Himself instead of her feelings and the circumstances.
8. Continue to cry out to our Almighty God for complete healing in His way.
9. May God continue to reveal His glory through the whole process.
10. May God accomplish His perfect will for Pastor Sue with no interference from the enemy.

10/10/13 update

Dear all,

Pastor Sue just returned from her oncologist visit at Sharp today. The doctor recommended Tarceva (targeted cancer therapy) as soon as possible. Based the MRI result, it showed possible brain metastasis. She currently has some fluid in her right lung. As a result, Pastor Sue will not participate in the study group at UCSD. The information we received today might be different from what we have asked for; however, let us not grow weary, but keep focus on our Almighty God. Nothing is impossible for Him!

Please continue to pray for the following items:

1. The insurance company will authorize the use of Tarceva as soon as possible. The functions of Tarceva include reducing the fluid retention in her lung and preventing the cancer cells from growing.

2. May God maximize the effectiveness but minimize the side effects of the use of Tarceva.

3. May God clear the fluid retention in her lung.

4. May God ease her pains and protect her from other unexpected pains.

5. Continue to pray for good night sleep, good appetite, and physical strength.

6. Continue to ask God for the inner peace from above, and help Pastor Sue to keep focusing on God Himself instead of her feelings and the circumstances.

7. Continue to cry out to our Almighty God for complete healing.

8. May God continue to reveal His glory through the whole process.

9. A smooth transition to UCSD on 11/1.

10. Ask God to accomplish His perfect will for Pastor Sue with no interference from the enemy.

10/1/13 Update

Dear all,

Praise the Lord and thank your for all your prayers. Pastor Sue was able to sleep a lot better in the past few days. Her pelvic pain has alleviated. Both MRI and PET scan are authorized and scheduled. After seeing another oncologist at UCSD on last Friday, they confirmed that she's a good candidate to participate in the clinical trial. If the MRI result show no brain metastasis, she will be able to enroll in the targeted therapy study, which is proved to be very effective for Asian women with her currant diagnosis: stage 4 adenocarcinoma.

Following are some updated prayer requests:

1. May God contain the growth of the cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body especially PROTECT HER BRAIN so that she can be qualified for the targeted therapy.

2. May God ease her pains and protect her from other unexpected pains.

3. Pray for the best results from PET scan on this Thursday, 10/3, and MIR on next Tuesday,10/8.

4. Continue to pray for good night sleep, good appetites, and physical strength.

5. Continue to ask God for the inner peace from above, and help Pastor Sue to keep focusing on God Himself instead of her feelings and the situations.

6. Continue to cry out to our Almighty God for complete healing.

7. May God continue to reveal His glory through the whole process.

8. Pray that the insurance company will allow her to transfer to UCSD on 11/1.