Jessie was diagnosed in her early 20's with hypoglycemia. This was managed for years through diet and monitoring blood sugar levels. In the spring of 2014, Jessie had an increasingly difficult time maintaining her sugar levels and began seeking medical attention. After months of various doctor's appointments, blood tests, meetings with nutritionists, and a referral to her endocrinologist, there seemed to be more questions than answers. During this time, Jessie's blood sugars began dropping to dangerously low numbers; so low that doctor's were amazed that she was not only maintaining consciousness, but fairly functional during these episodes. On October 8, 2014, Jessie's sugar levels dropped to the all-time low of 30 and was taken to the Emergency Room where she was immediately admitted. Through a series of scans and tests, it was discovered that Jessie had a tumor on her pancreas and multiple tumors in her liver. They explained to her that they suspected she had insulinoma. Insulinoma is a very rare tumor in the pancreas, causing blood sugars to become dangerously low. The occurrence of insulinoma is only 4 of every 1 million people and is generally (90% or more) benign (non-cancerous). Upon receiving this news, Jessie was sent to Indianapolis, IN for further testing and a biopsy was performed on the liver. On Tuesday, October 14, 2014, Jessie was officially diagnosed with cancer. She has stage 4 Neuroendocrine Insulinoma that has metastasized in her liver. Because of the rarity of this case, doctors from around the world are consulting regarding Jessie's case. Plans of action are being discussed and some implemented. When Jessie asked the doctor how rare this disease is, he replied the "rarest of the rare." There are more unknowns than knowns at this point, but they are trusting God for direction and believe they have been placed in the best of hands. Though this information has been overwhelming at times, they are steadfast in their faith and believe God will use this journey for His Glory.
Although this news was a surprise to those who love Jessie, we take comfort in knowing that this was not a surprise to God. He knew these days were coming before Jessie was even created. He designed for her to walk this journey. He specifically equipped her for this moment. He created her to be the rarest of the rare. He knows....
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand - when I awake, I am still with you." Psalm 139:13-18 (NIV)
