Dan and I met with Dr. Chen at Seattle Integrative Cancer Center on Monday and we both feel a deep sense of peace about moving forward with Dr. Chen.
We’re encouraged by his approach and the expected outcome, and we truly believe the Lord is guiding our steps in this. One thing that stood out is how differently he looks at cancer—he treats the whole body, not just the disease. After meeting with him, I can see why his methods don’t always align with traditional oncology.
They drew blood for a test called the Norstar Tumor Methylation Score, which helps track cancer activity very precisely—even before it shows up on scans. Dr. Chen will monitor this every 4–6 weeks to see how I’m responding.
The treatment plan will be finalized once we get those results and my PET scan. If the cancer is localized, I’ll likely do 12 weeks of low-dose weekly chemotherapy. If it has spread, we will trust the Lord to meet us there and give wisdom for the next steps when the time comes.
Dr. Chen’s approach is different from standard treatment. Instead of higher doses every other week, he uses smaller, more frequent doses, which he says is easier on the immune system. He also includes high-dose vitamin C alongside chemo, believing it helps the treatment work more effectively.
Navigating such different medical opinions isn’t easy—but through it all, we truly feel the Lord’s peace directing us forward.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6
Now comes the practical side—cost and logistics.
I’ll be honest, I had a moment of panic. Meanwhile, Dan was already problem-solving. That’s one of the things I love most about him—he’s incredibly solution-oriented. I’m so thankful for the way God pairs us together in this.
Right now, it looks like treatment is out of network, which could mean significant out-of-pocket costs. We’re praying and believing that insurance will cover more than expected. Each treatment is about $2,000, plus travel expenses, so there’s a lot to figure out—but we know God is our provider, and we’re trusting Him to make a way.
We’re exploring the possibility of me flying in and out the same day for treatments, since many patients tolerate them well. Thankfully, the clinic is very close to the airport, which makes that option doable.
“And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of His glory
in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
We also heard some very encouraging testimonies from others who have gone through treatment there and are now thriving. That brought a lot of hope—and a reminder that God is still writing stories of healing.
As for next steps: PET scan Monday, oncologist Wednesday, schedule port, and then more appointments the following week with Dr. Cochran and Dr. Chen to finalize the plan. After that, we’ll lock in travel and treatment schedules.
We’re holding onto hope—not just for treatment, but for an end to this chapter. I’ll likely continue supporting my body afterward, but I’m already looking forward to life feeling more normal again… and focusing on truly living the life God has for me.
Now we wait, trust, and see how He unfolds it all.
Prayer requests:
Favorable PET scan results
Better-than-expected insurance coverage
Peace surrounding the port procedure
Smooth, affordable travel logistics
Financial provision in every area
That this journey would feel more like an adventure than heavy
That I would reflect Jesus and be a blessing to others along the way
That I would draw closer to the Lord and abide in Him in every moment
Complete healing and clarity for what’s ahead
As always, we are so grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and financial support—whether through our GoFundMe page or given directly. We truly feel God’s love through each of you and are so thankful for the way you’ve come alongside us in this journey.
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