Journal entry by Leah Pickard —
We are thrilled that Lauren's mammograms came back clear! That rules out the likelihood of one of the second types of cancer they are looking for. Scans for the other two types should come back within the week. Continue to pray with us for no cancer in these new areas.
Lauren also met with her endocrinologist, who said he was optimistic about her treatment. However, her case was so unusual that he would bring it to the team meeting to discuss it this month. He anticipates radioactive iodine treatment starting in June. After that, she will be followed and scanned to make sure the cancer hasn't metastasized anywhere else. With radioactive iodine, she will need to be off her synthetic thyroid medication for three weeks prior to the treatment. This means effectively living with no functioning thyroid and no boost. She's gonna be tired for sure! An updated mealtrain has been added so people can help by taking the burden of cooking off their shoulders during this time.
In the meantime, Lauren was trying to coordinate her care through one healthcare system. She requested an endocrinologist through Penn. The earliest they can see her is July 2. But she hasn't been thrilled with her current doctor's bedside manner (he told her she asked too many questions, for instance, and told her the nausea she's experiencing is in her head). Frankly, my guess is that it's in her stomach... but I'm no doctor. This probably means she will start her treatment, but then start her long-term scans and follow-ups through Penn, unless she can get on a waitlist to catch an earlier appointment.
In the meantime, Lauren is in her second week at a new job and still exhausted trying to recover from surgery. David has also still not returned to work.
Please pray for them during this season for rest, recovery and energy to accomplish everything they have to do with two little kids.
Thank you ALL for everything you've given, how you've shown up, your encouragement, late night texts, offers for support in every way imaginable. It's been absolutely incredible. We LOVE YOU ALL.
Lauren also met with her endocrinologist, who said he was optimistic about her treatment. However, her case was so unusual that he would bring it to the team meeting to discuss it this month. He anticipates radioactive iodine treatment starting in June. After that, she will be followed and scanned to make sure the cancer hasn't metastasized anywhere else. With radioactive iodine, she will need to be off her synthetic thyroid medication for three weeks prior to the treatment. This means effectively living with no functioning thyroid and no boost. She's gonna be tired for sure! An updated mealtrain has been added so people can help by taking the burden of cooking off their shoulders during this time.
In the meantime, Lauren was trying to coordinate her care through one healthcare system. She requested an endocrinologist through Penn. The earliest they can see her is July 2. But she hasn't been thrilled with her current doctor's bedside manner (he told her she asked too many questions, for instance, and told her the nausea she's experiencing is in her head). Frankly, my guess is that it's in her stomach... but I'm no doctor. This probably means she will start her treatment, but then start her long-term scans and follow-ups through Penn, unless she can get on a waitlist to catch an earlier appointment.
In the meantime, Lauren is in her second week at a new job and still exhausted trying to recover from surgery. David has also still not returned to work.
Please pray for them during this season for rest, recovery and energy to accomplish everything they have to do with two little kids.
Thank you ALL for everything you've given, how you've shown up, your encouragement, late night texts, offers for support in every way imaginable. It's been absolutely incredible. We LOVE YOU ALL.
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