This is Rachael- family & friend oriented. She has tons of photos with her friends and family on facebook, being young and acting silly.
She just graduated from OSU in June with her Bachelor's degree in Biology and is now in grad school working on her Master's in Public Health. She has the world at her fingertips.
Now Rachael's new Journey begins...
Rachael has been having back pain since July, but being young and active we all assumed it was a pulled muscle or something of the sort- as did her family doctor. We came to the ER last Monday October 31st when the pain became too excruciating. Little did we know our world was about to turn upside down. They've discovered that Rachael has multiple tumors in her abdomen and in and through her spine- causing the bones to be so brittle that all of her lumbar vertebrae have been either broken, collapsed or disintegrated. Her spinal cord has been compromised and she in fact has numbness down her left leg. She is completely immobilized in bed for what looks to be several months. Our general game plan is to shrink the tumors with chemo & radiation, then stabilize her spine surgically with rods, then finish her chemo treatments.
But first we must come to a definitive diagnosis. We are scheduled for round two of biopsies tomorrow morning to try to determine exactly what type of cancer she has, so we better know how to treat it.
Through all of this Rachael has maintained her playful sense of humor and positive outlook, and she has won the heart of every nurse and caregiver here at the James Cancer Hospital.
Please pray for Rachael along her journey...
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31
Our God is greater, our God is stronger God You are higher than any other, our God is Healer, awesome in power, our God, our God!~ Chris Tomlin
I am Rachael's Mom, and I will be updating this blog daily.
Here are two events currently happening to rally finances for Rachael so that she can fight this without having to worry about her monthly expenses while being in the hospital for an extended period. There is also a button at the top of the blog where you can donate directly to Rachael via her PayPal account.
Rachael.. I love you!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for creating this account Sis.. I think most of us are trying to follow Racahael's journey...and if you don't have direct access to the family or a FB account.. it may be hard. This is a great idea.
Back in high school, one of my teachers always said: "Attitude determines outcome!"...I believe that to be true. Rachael is already displaying such a sweet spirit and great attitude-I am convinced she will be blessed for it. As you said, she is already winning the hearts of every Dr., Nurse, and PCA at that hospital. She is the "hospital's sweetheart"...
It would be very easy to let our thoughts consume us and be very sad at this time.. but we have to keep our minds free of negativity. We have to focus on how nothing but good can come of this...
Rachael is cracking me and Mom up.. we and giggle (and then cry) on the phone everyday.. recalling things Rachael says =) Of course, I can't think of anything right now... Heidi, can you blog some of her funny comments/stories?? She says and does some of the sweetest/funniest things and doesn't even know it!!
Can we get pictures on here? I would love to post some of Katy helping take care of her...
Anyway... I love you Sis. Keep your chin up, you are doing a wonderful job taking care of your baby-girl.
Great idea sis! I hadn't though to put some Rachaelisms :)
ReplyDeleteand I will find out about posting the pics...
I am still trying to figure out also how to update on here LOL
Rachael,
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a time that you didn't have that beautiful smile of yours. You are beautiful inside and out. Just remember, if God brings you to it he will bring you thru it and you are truly a child of God. You've accomplished so much in your life and should be proud of yourself. Keep your spirits up stay strong. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack & Debra