Rachael Caruso

We decided to start a CaringBridge site as an opportunity to keep you, our family and friends, updated as we 'embrace a new thorn' that has been put in our path.  We appreciate your unwavering support, prayers and kindness.  God is good all of the time, and know he has us in the palm of His hand as we move forward.

Nov. 16  I went in for a colonoscopy, due to some bleeding I was having in my stool.  Needless to say, when I woke up from the procedure, I wasn't expecting to hear the words, "You have a mass, it's likely that it's cancer."  The "C" word...yikes!  How could this be, we don't have a family history of it, I'm young, I'm healthy, etc. 

The biopsy came back positive and we were at the hospital the next morning getting a MRI and CT scan.  We took a break over the weekend for some Tommie football and were back at the doctor on Monday.

We learned the CT scan came back clean (meaning it hasn't spread to other organs) but after having an ultrasound in addition to the MRI, the diagnosis is Stage 3 rectal cancer.  We are in the process of figuring out the best treatment plan and course of action.  We should have a clearer understanding in the next couple of days and treatment will start as soon as next Monday, Dec. 4.

Thank you for your prayers as we move forward.
Rachael

"My God, I have never thanked You for the thorns.  I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns.  Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain.  Show me that, through my tears, colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."  Praise Him for the roses; Thank Him for the thorns.