"I had a dream that I was washing in a pool and felt weak but stronger as I washed. I felt immense authority to be there as if I had been invited. God clearly said BETHESDA! When I woke up I said to God " thanks Daddy for the geography lesson but Im dealing with a brain tumor and 12 plus seizures because the only thing I know about Bethesda is it's a city in Maryland. I felt compelled to look it up on my bible AP and came to JOHN :5. I instantly burst into tears.
Sometimes God speaks to us so perfectly it practically sings to our heart. The man in the passage was afflicted for 38 years with an illness (I'm 37) and wanted to be healed but every time he tries to go the pool others go in ahead. Recently I spoke to my students at school on National Epilepsy Day! I said I'm an epileptic. I've been that way since 17. Don't worry it's managed by drugs. Epilepsy is noncurable but can be handled by drugs and people can live a very normal life. Jesus had a better plan! Jesus asks the man in the passage if he wants to be healed, when he says yes Jesus answers "arise take your mat and walk." I started praying to be free of seizures and meds 2 weeks ago and I was told by my neurologist that when this tumor comes out I will be free of seizures and meds forever! I am picking up my mat and walking all be it weak and tired!
Rick has been dreaming of the chance to have a green mohawk at some time in his life. He had the chance years ago in college while playing in a band, but chickened out. Teaching at a small private school does not lend to the realization of his dream.....but having a brain tumor with likely brain surgery does. This blog will track his latest news, progress and with any luck a picture of his green mohawk.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Quick thoughts....
I had the chance to sit with Rick for a few hours the other night and discuss this whole situation....I just went to drop some cookies and he opened with "Dude, I have a brain tumor!"....Wow, did not expect that.
His trust and confidence in Jesus as savior, healer, mender of broken hearts, lover of hearts makes me tear up as I write this. I love his heart for Jesus and am always astounded by the boldness of his words and the depth of his trust in Christ. To quote Rick from the other night:
"Another seizure? Bring it on if need be. The battle is already
won....Jesus already conquered death for me; what is there to fear?"
I love his clarity and ability to simply articulate the Gospel of Christ.
His trust and confidence in Jesus as savior, healer, mender of broken hearts, lover of hearts makes me tear up as I write this. I love his heart for Jesus and am always astounded by the boldness of his words and the depth of his trust in Christ. To quote Rick from the other night:
"Another seizure? Bring it on if need be. The battle is already
won....Jesus already conquered death for me; what is there to fear?"
I love his clarity and ability to simply articulate the Gospel of Christ.
11/24/10 - Synopsis from a doctor-friend: Dr. Steve Surratt
Rick ask me to again fill you in on the latest news with his health.
A lot happened today. There are some answers. The MRI from two days and 2 1/2 years ago confirms that there is an abnormality that is most likely a small benign tumor. This is a subtle finding on the MRI and was not seen 2 1/2 years ago--i.e. it was missed. It hasn't changed significantly, and given the type of tumor that it appears to be, it likely hasn't changed in years--it was probably even present 20 years ago when his seizures began. This tumor has also likely been the cause of his seizures all along. The tumor needs to be removed at some point, but not urgently. The good news is that removal of the tumor should cure his seizures and the location of the tumor is in a safe place for removal with a very low risk of any loss of brain function. The surgery can also be done using a "gamma knife" so that no real cutting occurs--all done with high energy radiation. Another piece of good news. Rick is planning to see a neurosurgeon in the next couple of weeks to discuss his options.
The other news is that based on a sleep test he had several weeks ago, he has pretty severe sleep apnea. His neurologist thinks this is contributing to his seizures and that some of his seizures may actually be apneic episodes--i.e. he stops breathing and his brain doesn't get enough oxygen. So, he will be getting a c-pap machine soon. This should help as well.
A lot of info, but Rick wanted me to bring you all up to speed. He also wanted me to go ahead and get it out there that if his brain surgery requires him to shave his head, he reserves the right to have a full Mohawk and to dye it green! Great photo op.
Guys, let's continue to pray specifically that God will heal and remove this tumor and when Rick has a follow up scan to localize the tumor for surgery, it won't be there. Jesus, be Rick's surgeon. Let's also pray that his seizures will cease for good.
A lot happened today. There are some answers. The MRI from two days and 2 1/2 years ago confirms that there is an abnormality that is most likely a small benign tumor. This is a subtle finding on the MRI and was not seen 2 1/2 years ago--i.e. it was missed. It hasn't changed significantly, and given the type of tumor that it appears to be, it likely hasn't changed in years--it was probably even present 20 years ago when his seizures began. This tumor has also likely been the cause of his seizures all along. The tumor needs to be removed at some point, but not urgently. The good news is that removal of the tumor should cure his seizures and the location of the tumor is in a safe place for removal with a very low risk of any loss of brain function. The surgery can also be done using a "gamma knife" so that no real cutting occurs--all done with high energy radiation. Another piece of good news. Rick is planning to see a neurosurgeon in the next couple of weeks to discuss his options.
The other news is that based on a sleep test he had several weeks ago, he has pretty severe sleep apnea. His neurologist thinks this is contributing to his seizures and that some of his seizures may actually be apneic episodes--i.e. he stops breathing and his brain doesn't get enough oxygen. So, he will be getting a c-pap machine soon. This should help as well.
A lot of info, but Rick wanted me to bring you all up to speed. He also wanted me to go ahead and get it out there that if his brain surgery requires him to shave his head, he reserves the right to have a full Mohawk and to dye it green! Great photo op.
Guys, let's continue to pray specifically that God will heal and remove this tumor and when Rick has a follow up scan to localize the tumor for surgery, it won't be there. Jesus, be Rick's surgeon. Let's also pray that his seizures will cease for good.
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