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