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