December 11, 2013
Dear Praying Friends,
Susan’s surgery on Friday went very well. The doctor said that her thyroid was very inflamed – he had to be careful when he separated the tissue because it bled so easily. He also cut away scar tissue that was wrapped around her vocal nerves (from a neck fusion in 2006). Susan stayed overnight in the hospital and we were able to bring her home on Saturday afternoon. She is very sore and is getting some much needed rest.
We received the Pathology report last night (Tuesday). All of the nodules/tumors came back benign, but the thyroid tested positive for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (thyroid cancer). The doctor said that the cancer was in both lobes of Susan’s thyroid. The first treatment is total thyroid removal (which happened on Friday), and now we are waiting on a call from the doctor to discuss the next step.
On Thursday, Susan has some follow-up blood work and a couple of doctor appointments. Depending on what the doctors say, our plans are to travel back home to Athens, TN on Friday (just in time for the Christmas program at our Church on Sunday).
Tentatively, our next appointment with the specialist (here at the Mayo Clinic) is on January 20th. We’ll know more after we have talked with the doctor.
We appreciate those who have let us know that they are praying for us. Your faithful prayers have definitely been felt! Please pray specifically that God will give us and the doctors wisdom in the right treatment, as well as the right timing. Pray that God would heal and strengthen Susan’s body.
St. Augustine Road Baptist Church (where we have our 5th Wheel parked), is having a special time of prayer for Susan tonight in the service. We would like to ask that your Church also has a special time of prayer specifically for Susan. We know that God delights in our coming to Him – and He is concerned with what concerns us. This time of prayer would be greatly appreciated, as our brothers and sisters go to the Throne of Grace on our behalf.
“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, FEAR NOT; I will help thee.” This verse has been especially encouraging during this time. We have had such a peace – and we know that it is the Lord carrying us and refreshing our minds with His sweet Word. He is so Faithful! His Grace is full to overflowing!
Tim, Susan, and Rachel Vermaas
