“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life” -Psalm 119:50

Well, my return to Wheaton was a fast reminder that I was no longer in the comforts of home as everywhere around me was–and is currently–covered in white. Welcome back; hope you like the snow. 🙂 This post will be shorter, as I’m dealing with the consequences of taking my Thanksgiving break very literally, but there is some great news and praise to report.

This morning, after what would have been a movie-worthy succession of phone calls and messages between my dad, Dr. Santi, 2 hospitals, and myself, (all within the span of about 45 minutes), we got an appointment scheduled with the oncologist. So, Wednesday at 3pm, my parents and I will see Dr. Leo Gordon, the doctor Kirsten Friedl used and who has done TONS of research while specializing in Hodgkin’s disease. Fun fact for you: he works out of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago, which is the same hospital featured in While You Were Sleeping (we watched it last week and decided it was an omen). With this appointment, we should know more about when treatment will start, what it will look like, and what else to expect. I want to thank you again for all of your prayers–the hospital said that Dr. Gordon is very booked but likes to see patients if they’re within a week of the biopsy and results, so he wants to see me. That is a huge praise!

Also, praise the Lord that they take our insurance. Cool story: my dad has co-owned his law firm for the past 20ish years, and they’ve always had Principal Financial health insurance. He said that, for no real reason other than the fact that his office manager asked him if he wanted to, we just switched over to a new insurance company, BlueCross BlueShield, this past year. Well, upon looking into the details of Dr. Gordon and Northwestern (NMH), we saw that they both take BlueCross BlueShield and not Principal. My dad checked his records this morning and saw that the firm switched over in March, and up to this point, the new insurance has meant having to fill out all new records plus a higher deductible, but now we are so thankful. How great is it that God was preparing us for this and already taking care of us back in March when we didn’t have a clue–and even before that?

So many people have said that I’ve been “strong” or so “calm” right now, but rather than attributing that to some inner iron will in me, (the non-confrontational, passive one that I can be), there are a couple reasons for that: (1) we have seen God’s hand and planning along the way (with the insurance and my one class next semester, etc.) so we trust that, having already provided so greatly, He will see that through and (2) with more people than ever before praying for me, I genuinely am at such peace right now–and not of my own volition but from Him–so thanks again.

Your prayers really have been so huge, and so I ask for prayer Wednesday that the appointment will go well, we will figure out all the details, and that my parents will have safe travel, as they’re flying in from Dallas and back again after the appointment (and it’s supposed to be a snowy day and one of my parents, who will remain nameless, hates to fly). Thanks for moving me to tears again and again and for partnering with me and my family in this! He is doing a great work, and as my friend Caitlin said, “in a year or two we’re just gonna be like, ‘what? cancer? oh yeah, I forgot that happened.'”

On Christ the solid rock I stand,

Hannah

5 thoughts on ““My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life” -Psalm 119:50

  1. Hi Hannah,

    I just wanted to pass on a quick note letting you know we prayed for you tonight on Olivia's prompting. Olivia was in your mom's class last year & she loves your mother. We are encouraged by your Christ-like attitude as you enter this treatment.

    Love,

    The Berggrens from TCA

  2. Hannah,
    I finally got to read your blog spot (yes I feel like a bad friend!) and i didn’t even realize the issue at hand. Yes it is in God’s hand, but it is still shocking and your blogs have brought me to tears! O how I wish i could be there with you through it all. I want to as much as possible. Karen and I want to plan a trip up to chilll with you a bit! I love you Heiffy and am prayin hard!
    Becky (Beefy!)

  3. Hannah
    As i said yesterday we are praying for you everyday. Keep declaring those faith filled words. Your great attitude and faith is pleasing to God. Psalm 71- 5&6 For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.
    By You I have been upheld from birth: You are He who took me out of my mothers womb. My praise shall be continually of You.
    You have the favor of God and we are expecting good news.
    Love Aunt Janis and Uncle Mike

  4. Hi Hannah!
    I am Pam Bender’s daughter (she is the office manager at your dad’s law firm). My mom has always shown me the pictures of you and your sisters since you were little girls, and I have heard lots of stories about all of you and your successes! She told me what was going on with you and passed your blog address on to me.
    I just wanted to send you a quick note of encouragement and let you know that I am praying for you and will continue to do so! Stay strong! Trusting in Christ is the only way to go…I find it comforting to know, that in times like these, we are not in control. It is beyond us – but it is not beyond God! He is completely in control and has a master plan for you and your life…what amazing work He has already done in you!
    Take care and my prayers will continue to be with you!
    Michelle Irving

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