Brain

Tumor update

I was going to try and be all witty with a fun title, and caved. Too much work, too little brain power. As many of you praying friends know, I had an appointment with my neurosurgeon today.  We all have been praying for clear direction, on how to proceed, or not proceed. For the Dr. to have wisdom. Huge praise: God answered us so clearly. The appointment today was a follow up to my MRI that happened back at the end February. I knew walking out of that hammer chamber, something was up. The tech admitted to checking my most recent MRI and comparing, then got all flustered. The same guy that does all my MRI’s, we’re tight. Not really. He is a nice guy and a fanatic about removing metal. And is super generous with warm blankets. So I like him. I digress. 
What was supposed to be the doctor calling in 3-5 business days, turned into 2 weeks. Turned into a really unpleasant, wenchy side of Michelle. My surgeon apparantly went to France or somewhere fantastical. When he returned he had the nurse call to say he was in surgery, that it had changed, but he wanted me to come in for a chat. I figured since the appointment they gave me was a month out it was no big deal.
So….back to today. It grew. About 15-20% from my last MRI. The thing never grew once during the pregnancy, which was unbelievable. So my slow growing tumor went from the size (in mass) of a golf ball to the size of an egg inside of 10 months. 39mm-49mm across to be exact.
You can see here:

Before
After


As a result of what I just shared with you, Dr. has scheduled surgery, (craniotomy & resection of tumor), on April 29. Of this year. In 2 weeks. I know-whoa. The goal is to get to the root of the tumor, and take out a part of my falx. It seems like a complicated procedure, but my doc seemed confident. A burly mustache/ goatee thing going on, coupled with his 6’5″ stature, I wasn’t going to argue.  
How do I feel about all this? Relieved. Thankful. At peace. (As much as God is allowing) I am surrounded by doctors and loved ones who God cared enough to providentially plant into my life. They are good and perfect gifts to me and I see, feel, and know that. We have another chance to see how God will work through this next step in faith. He has given me mercy, mercy, mercy amidst the pain and sting of a fallen world. I have no doubt He will faithfully lead us through another trial. I pray this next surgery/ recovery will glorify our MIGHTY God. 
Please pray that with me? 
Also while you are getting right on that, can you pray for my husband who will be carrying the heavy responsibility of both our roles until God works out my recovery? our parents who so lovingly care for us?
Please also pray for my surgeon. I don’t want to out him, so I will give you his first name: Marc. Pray for wisdom, that God would work through his hands to fix my brain. Pray the surgery goes well. There is NO significant blood loss or complication. That I would come out a ‘new and improved’ Michelle. Please for my childrens hearts to be nurtured and that they would be a joy for whomever is caring or them at the moment. 
Most importantly, please thank God for all that He has done for us specifically these last 3 years. His blessings truly are immeasurable. Thank you sweet friends for praying for and loving us. 

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4 Comments

  • Reply Shelley April 16, 2014 at 11:20 am

    Michelle, I wish I was closer to help with your sweet babies. I will definitely be sending many prayers for a successful surgery, your strength, chads and for the kids. Love you all

  • Reply Amy Spires April 16, 2014 at 11:23 am

    Praying. Praying. Praying.

  • Reply Stephanie Shurance April 28, 2014 at 9:54 pm

    We are praying for you all!

  • Reply signer4him April 29, 2014 at 4:58 pm

    Michelle-
    While I don’t know you, I have been following your story through my friend Trisha. I am a brain tumor survivor and remember the feelings you are probably having on this day. Be gracious with yourself and patient in your recovery! I am praying God’s hands all over this journey!
    Liz from Colorado!

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