Mid October 2025 Update #2-Scan moved one day

My Scan moved one day til tomorrow

Please keep me in your prayers — my CT scan has been rescheduled for the morning of Friday, October 17th.

-I don’t know how prayer works-

I showed up for my scan at UCLA this morning, but was told that it hadn’t been approved by insurance. It turned out to be a number of administrative issues. Something fell through the cracks.

I was told that the next available appointment would be either in late November or Tomorrow!  

Yes, yes, we’ll gladly take tomorrow!

Hopefully, the extra time would give us a chance to sort things out with the insurance company and UCLA. After a few hours of phone calls and waiting on callbacks, we finally got a casual call letting us know the scan was approved. Yippee!

Later, a friend asked, “For the people that were praying for the CT Scan that didn’t happen this morning – do we let them know it’s been moved to tomorrow? Do the prayers “transfer” over to the next day?” 

I said I wasn’t sure, but I think it’s good as is and that we didn’t need to update everyone – I trust that the prayers still count.

I’ve since changed my mind.

To those of you who’ve been kind enough to pray for any of my appointments or procedures –  thank you!  I believe your prayers opened the door for a next-day appointment and gave me a sense of peace when everything was quickly approved.

Prayers are often answered in ways that we don’t expect. Who knew that today’s appointment would not go through only for a last-minute opening and quick approval to come together just when I needed it?

So even though the scan didn’t happen today, everything aligned perfectly for tomorrow.

Pain and Prayer

Yesterday was especially difficult because of my abdominal pain. 

I have a close friend who continues to grow in their faith. Yesterday, when I tried to ask them something in the midst of pain, they said “hold on for a moment.” I was then told that they were quietly praying for my pain. I appreciated and was humbled by their effort. A few moments later, they asked if the pain had gone away. I laughed and said, “No, it didn’t immediately go away…” That led us to a conversation about what it means to “pray without ceasing.”

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Over the years, my prayers have shifted. What began as simple requests — “Please heal me,” “Please help my friend,” “Please find me a parking spot” — became something more “conversational.”

Eventually, the continuing “conversation” I would have with God would include “Thank you for giving me such good friends” or “Thank you for a wonderful day”, etc.  It’s an ongoing conversation with God – not always filled with requests, but with gratitude and acknowledging Him instead.

Of course, I still make requests. I still sometimes whine and ask,  “Why me?”, but there’s a deep sense of appreciation and often discussions about ordinary things.

I think my friend was surprised with the simple ordinary tone of my “prayer,” asking “is that all it is? Do you consider that prayer?” I said yes, for me, the main thing is having a conversation with God, and acknowledging His presence. And, I appreciate that simplicity.

Faith and Free will

Recently, a fellow Christian I had just met was troubled when I said I “don’t know” what happens after life. I had to explain that as much as I believe in the afterlife, and assured of my place there, I choose these words to acknowledge that it’s a faith journey. I have a very good idea based on what I’ve read about in the bible. As much as I’ve had a life full of undeniable experiences with God, every day is still a step of faith.

I remember before I became a Christian, I was so averse to the concept of a God, and of Him being involved in my life, that perhaps becoming a Christian would mean I would be remote controlled by God.

But, I soon found that I have too much free will. I can choose good or bad in so many situations. Or worse yet, I can think I’m a judge of defining good or bad.

Every day I still struggle wanting control over my life, while simultaneously wishing God would just tell me what to do, or to do it for me. But I’ve come to respect how much He values our free will. I find it so surprising that just by thoughts or words, I can deny God in my life. The God of the universe respects my free will so much, I can stop Him entering my heart or life, just by my choosing.

So I continually try to welcome Him in the process. And that includes you and your prayers. If you haven’t tried praying, praying for someone in need is always a nice place to start. And, I’m grateful if you take the time to pray for me in my time of need.

While it’s very humbling to ask for prayer, it’s considerably more humbling to receive prayer. But, I want to invite you and your spirit, will and heart to be part of my healing. I believe I’m still here the last two years because your prayers matter and make a difference.  

Prayer doesn’t need to be fancy – just with a heart as open and honest as you can for that moment. 

Why I’m talking about this so much

I woke up this morning, and my pain, while still there, was significantly decreased! I could move around much better than I have in the last few days. I’m sure a good night’s rest helped, but I also believe that God took the time to honor the prayers of all of us, including the quiet one my friend offered yesterday. 

Today was much more comfortable than yesterday, and for that, I’m very grateful.

So, I have to thank you, thank God, and ask that you continue to keep myself, yourself, and others around you, in prayer.

The answers to your prayers may not always look like what you were hoping for or expecting, but I’ve found that with time, and an open heart, you start to see why things happened the way they did.

Prayer Requests

1. CT Scan: that is moves forward as scheduled tomorrow with no issues.  
2. Fewer complications: both administrative or medical.
3. Clarity: that the scan helps identify the source of my pain and provides a clearer picture of my tumor(s).
4. Next steps: wisdom to create the next best treatment plan, if one is needed.
5. Comfort for others: continued prayers for the families of my friends who have recently passed.

And please don’t forget to pray for yourself and any questions you have of God, whether big or small.

I thank Him for allowing you to help lift me spiritually and physically. I’m honored to have you as part of the process!