Beloved in Christ,
I hope and trust that this correspondence finds you well. I have been in constant conversation with Mandy and Michael over these past two days, and they have asked that I write to you to give you the latest update on Lauren’s condition. As you can well imagine, this past week has been a roller coaster ride for the family and our parish. Please continue to pray for Lauren, Addison, Leah Kate, Michael, and Mandy as they continue to find clarity in Lauren’s diagnosis.
The doctor’s at Presbyterian hospital have conducted numerous tests over the past 48 hours. Original testing indicated that Lauren had a cancerous tumor. Following this diagnosis, a PET scan and MRI were conducted in order to image the tumor and determine the best course of treatment. To date, all tests have been inconclusive. There are two problem spots that have shown up on the scanning, but their locations make it impossible to biopsy without invasive neurosurgery. After much consultation, the doctors have decided to treat Lauren’s infection and to re-image the mass in two weeks. While Lauren’s original diagnosis was cancer, there is now a possibility that all of this trouble is the result in a massive infection that is giving conflicting results. The belief is that with two weeks of treatment, the doctors can retest and compare the mass with previous images. The resulting comparisons should yield a definitive conclusion whether the mass is cancer or the result of an infection.
Beloved, it is my firm belief that our prayers are at work. Your faithfulness in prayer and love has yielded results. I continue to call on all the people of Saint Margaret’s, and all who have joined us in intercession, to continue in diligent prayer for the next two weeks. What is hidden to us and the doctors is not hidden to God, and He is where we will put our trust.
Fall to your knees. Pray for the Divine hand of God to intervene. May His mercy and healing power be with Lauren, her family, and all who call upon His name.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Todd+
Almighty God, who hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son’s Name: We beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto thee; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP pg. 834)
