Rebekah's Second Surgery & Ablation

In November 2017, Rebekah discovered a 5 cm mass in her thyroid.  Through a battery of medical tests, it was determined the mass was benign, however, it needed to be removed quickly. So, in December, Rebekah flew from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to have a partial thyroidectomy performed at the Surgery Center of Oklahoma. Through the generous gifts of many people, all the expenses for surgery, travel, accomodation, and all costs were met. However, two days after surgery, the pathology came back on the mass: it was cancer. Obviously, this diagnosis was jarring and shocking. Instead of leaving Oklahoma City being finished with this health situation, Rebekah returned home to Tanzania realizing this health journey was just begining.  

So, what now?

Well, the whole family has changed their tickets and are flying back to America early for a previously planned furlough. Rebekah is scheduled for a second surgery in Oklahoma City for February 6th where the rest of her thyroid will be removed.  Four to six weeks later, she will return to OKC for a radioactive iodine ablation done by a local endocrinologist. The purpose of this treatment is that it will destroy any possible remaining thyroid tissue (thus destroying any remaining malignant cells). After this step, if all is well, the only remaining thing will be to get Rebekah on a regular dosage of thyroid hormone supplement. She will also have regular blood tests over the next year to monitor hormone levels and make sure that replacement hormones are doing what they should do. Rebekah and her family have been greatly blessed and encouraged by the outpouring of support during this difficult season. Humbly, they ask again for your prayer, love, and generosity to be able to fully meet this health challenge. Thank you for your consideration and support.