What I know so far..
April 10, 2007
I have a tumor in my brain. I don’t know what part, or where it is located. I dont know what grade the tumor is. When the nurse called me to tell me about it, her words were short. She told me that the Radiologist had found a tumor that is indicative of a glioma That was all she would tell me other than she had scheduled an appointment with a neurosurgeon for Thursday morning at 8:30 am.
I don’t really know what to say, or how to formulate my words- other than I am just really scared, and really …. scared.
Luckily I was at my parents house when they called, so I wasn’t alone. Mark came home immediately and is now on the phone with his family- so pray for him too, he is really struggling with this right now.
Like every other event in our lives, I trust that God has a plan for this- I trust Him. I have seen Him do miraculous things in our family, and know that, despite the outcome of this current situation, he is sovereign and His love for me is far more reaching than I can ever understand. I know that I am not alone…
Thats all I know.
Specific things to pray for at this moment:
1. My daughter, who was there when the doctor called. She has already experienced so much through Emma’s health, please pray protection over her precious heart.
2. My husband. He hasnt stopped crying.
3. The spinning- I think I could handle this alot better if things would stop moving.
4. For me. For my heart to not be angry or bitter. For me to not second guess the path that is ahead of me. For me to be real in all of this, and not portray strength where there is none.
I know that glioma is cancer. I know that it is treated with neurosurgery to remove the tumor, and radiation and chemo.
I know that I am scared completely out of my mind right now, for me- my family- but mostly my precious children. The things that go through your head when you are told something like this will bring a mother to her knees. I dont want to miss out on their lives.
I also know that I serve an amazing God who is the master physician- and I trust his perfect hands.
Pray hard Thursday Morning at 8:30 am..
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In other words: Play Nice
133 Responses to “What I know so far..”
I would love to hear from you!
I haven’t stopped praying… and I won’t. I’m here for you- if you need anything. Even if it’s just for someone to listen at 3am. I’m your girl. ;)
You’re going to get through this.
((sis)) I have faith, that all will work out. God has a hand on this. He has gotten this family (ours included) through so much and I have faith he will see you through this as well.
you know I am here for you. I love you sis!
keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers
You are going to be bathed in prayer, sister friend…there’s no doubt in my mind. It will be my sweet privilege to lift you and your family before the Father who sees and knows all. Love you!
((Heather)) God’s hand is on you and we, your sisters in Him, are standing with you. If you need anything. A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G. You know my number.
Love you!
I will be praying for you.
Oh, Heather, I’m so sorry that you are dealing with this. You are definitely in our prayers. I know I would be scared, too. The unknown is always tough. I pray that you will be able to clearly hear and understand what the doctor has to say and that God uses him (or her) to heal you completely.
You’re heavy on my mind and I will continue praying for you. Thanks for the update. I am in shock.
Don’t know you and this is the first post of your that I have ever read, however, I will pray for you and your husband and children. I am a Mom and this is a very scary thought. You always pray for the safety of your children (school, sleepovers) and your husband (driving home from work,health) but sometimes we forget to keep our selves in our own prayers. I know others who pray for me, now I will do the same for you and myself. Godspead!
you have no idea who i am but i will storm the heavens for you. it will be my honor.
peace to you and yours.
I just can’t get my mind around this, Heather. I can’t. Oh my God, I’m praying for you.
I’m praying for you and your family. I’m not a regular reader, but BooMama sent her readers over here and I didn’t want to “lurk” with something this big. Hang in there.
Heather,
My heart is in my throat. I am praying. I emailed you.
dawnz
Coming over via boomama’s. Praying for you!
Blessings,
Angel
Storming the heavens with m2…
Praying in Jax!!! Words cannot express how my heart feels for you!
BIG HUGS!!!!
Praying for you……your children, hubby, parents, and friends. Bless your heart.
Oh my dear friend, we are praying for you
We shall add our prayers to the chorus. Your faith and grace are, as always, a witness to us all.
Heather, I will be on my knees in
Lee’s Summit praying for your complete healing; that your family will feel the arms of God wrapped around their shoulders through all of what is ahead. ~Stacey
I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I am praying for you and am certain God will move mightily in your life through this.
I am praying for you Heather, and your family.
Praying for your complete healing.
Words fail.
Prayers won’t.
I’ve placed you on my blog.
You remain on my heart.
Praying for your healing, the peace of God in your life and your family’s lives and for a sovereign understanding during this time.
Lifting you and yours up, and will do so Thursday morning at 8:30.
Your Sister in Christ,
Cathy
Heather my prayers are with you! A big hug from me to you~
I’m praying for you. Honestly and for real! My dad went thru cancer & chemo, etc. He clung to Psalm 91. I’m praying it for you.
Praying for all of you. I pray that God will wrap His arms around your children right now.
Oh Heather, I am praying, and will be.
I will definately be praying, Heather.
((HUGS))
You and your family will definately be in my prayers. And I’ll be praying for ya on Thursday morning.
God Bless~
Karen
Heather,
I am keeping you in my prayers, even more now than before. Prayer is powerful.
I am praying and getting the word out to praying friends.
Ps 112:7-8
7 He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
NIV
I’m praying for you too, Heather. I’ll be praying for your family as well. I’m spreading the word to ask for prayer for you.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).
And the prayers of strangers are no less effective. Another “you don’t know me but I’m praying for you” sister in Christ.
Psalm 91 (Heather’s version)
Heather dwells in the shelter of the Most High she will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Heather will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.â€
Surely he will save Heather from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover Heather with his feathers, and under his wings Heather will find refuge; his faithfulness will be Heather’s shield and rampart.
Heather will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at her side, ten thousand at her right hand, but it will not come near Heather.
Heather will only observe with her eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
If Heather makes the Most High her dwelling—even the LORD, who is her refuge-then no harm will befall her, no disaster will come near her tent.
For he will command his angels concerning Heather to guard her in all her ways; they will lift her up in their hands, so that she not strike her foot against a stone.
She will tread upon the lion and the cobra; she will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because Heather loves me,†says the LORD, “I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges my name.
She will call upon me, and I will answer her; I will be with her in trouble, I will deliver her and honor her. With long life will I satisfy Heather and show her my salvation.â€
I have been thinking about you all day… and I will certainly keep praying for you especially with what you listed.
Hugs to you all.
Praying and praying some more. I barely know you and yours, but Emma’s mito diagnosis puts you close to my heart.
Remember - He will keep in perfect peace she whoe mind is steadfast, because she trusts in Him (Is. 26:3 - adapted a bit).
Above all things, may you have peace because you know Who is in control. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Prayers are going up from Iowa to God in Heaven for you and your family.
Oh, dear Jesus, I pray for heather right now. Bring healing in Jesus name. Touch her and her family with a sweet blessing. Bring peace and restoration into their lives. In Jesus name Amen!
I won’t stop praying until it’s healed.!
Hello Heather,
I am praying for total and complete healing, in Jesus’ name - Amen!
Heather,
What a wondrous testimony of the grace of God in your life. Your story saddens my heart; but I take hope, knowing what a great God we serve. Praying for you and your family. I can’t imagine your pain.
love,
sarah
Yes, praying for you……
I’m so sorry Heather. I’ll be praying for you especially on Thursday.
I will be praying for you! This is horrible without even considering all that your family has already been through. I can’t imagine how you feel right now! (((((Hugs))))
Praying, Heather. You have my number and email address… any time you want, call or write. I’ll pray continually - it’s a promise.
Praying in Arkansas, my friend.
I pray that God will comfort your heart and give you His peace, no matter what may come, and for healing if it’s His will.
My prayers are with you, your husband, and your family. My heart goes out to you all.
Praying … trusting God … encouraging you that God has a plan for you a future and a hope!
Heather,
I believe it is God’s will to heal. I believe God’s promises. I know God has worked in your life too so you know this as well. I believe God’s words in Mark 11:24, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be YOURS.” You are in my prayers. I pray that there is nothing to find on Thursday Heather.
Praying. Hard.
Here via BooMama, and praying with and for you.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family, Heather. I hope you can feel the love and strength surrounding you all.
heard about you from my friend lundie, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this very trying time.
wishing you all of the love and healing in the world…
amy @ ladybug picnic
Praying
Here via Wendy (Showered with Grace) - praying and sending my love.
Wish there was more I could say or do, but I am praying :-)
I just heard about this from BooMama. I’m so sorry! I will be praying for you and your family.
I have not left a comment here for a long time, but I read at Boomama’s about your diagnoses and I just had to come over here and support you and let you know I WILL pray for you and that I am awed and inspired by your honesty and trust in Christ. I know you give Him all the credit. And I believe He honors that. You have SO MUCH on your plate. And from what I see here, you handle it all with absolutely astounding, beautiful, and example-setting grace.
Came from Annie (My Life as Annie…). Offering prayer.
Julie
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
WANT YOU TO READ WHAT I WROTE ON MY BLOG ABOUT YOU. Hope you won’t mind that I stole that lovely photo of you and your son. Still praying, sweetie.
http://sbees.blogspot.com/2007/04/perspective-on-homeschool-blog-awards.html
Praying for you, Dear!
You are in my thoughts.
Heather,
I don’t know you and normally don’t even pray. You have my prayers though.
This EXACT SAME THING just happened to my very young Uncle a couple years ago. I don’t know all the terms but his tumor was the spiderlegs kind instead of the golfball kind and apparantly the spiderlegs kind is a bit harder to remove.
He fully recovered. 100%
It happens. It can happen that way.
Stay AWAY from the negative/scary/sad internet reports. You don’t need that.
My thoughts are with you and your family,
Jamie
Praying fervently for you and your family.
I’m praying right now for you and yours, and I’ll continue to remember you in my prayers!
I wish I had better words to tell you how I’m feeling right now, the love and hope that I’m feeling for you, but I don’t really have anything other than to promise that I’m praying for you. And especially on Thursday. Hold tight, Heather.
I’m praying Heather, and I received some messages this evening already from prayer warriors who are praying too. God is able!
I just want you to know that I will be praying for you and your family.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I don’t even know you, but I am lifting you up to our Heavenly Father tonight!
May you and your family feel His arms wrapped around you. May you know His love, His joy, His peace in all of this.
We are praying for you and standing in faith for Gods hands to heal and make new! I know that you know anything is possible with our God! Praying for God to comfort and keep you and your precious family!
Hugs,
Tiany
I’m scared for you, too. And I’m confidently praying for your faith and trust to be multiplied as you walk this path that’s been ordained for you! *heavy sigh*
Soooooo many incredible advances have been made in treating brain tumors since I watched my brother-in-law lose his fight 18 years ago; if he’d been diagnosed today, he’d more likely have survived.
Dr. Black in Los Angeles (UCLA Med Center, I think) is supposed to be one of the very best.
Heather, I will be praying for you and your sweet family. God is holding you all in His hands.
There are no words.
I found your site several weeks ago from dcrmoms. Just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you! If God does not instantly heal you with one touch - May all the things you have learned from Emma Grace help you navigate the journey you seem to be beginning, and may God mightily sustain you.
Heather, One more person here praying for you and your family.
Heather,
I will be praying for you. I’m not sure what more to write because I can not even begin to imagine what you are going through, but know that I will be praying for you. We serve an Awesome God and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Also, someone gave me this scripture the other day and now I want to share it with you:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
I know you don’t know me, but I want you to know you and your family will be in prayers.
Praying for you and your family. May God bring peace and joy, even in this trial.
Tiany Shared today on her blog what you are experiencing on your blog. I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. I have a Heather too. I do not know if you know it or not, but one of the meanings of Heather is “Joyful Spirit”.
Heavenly Father, I lift up this sweet sister in the Lord to you and to your plan for not only herself, but her family as well. Marriage is a gift that allows us to experience not only our own trials, but our spouse’s and childrens’trials as well. We are all connected and your plan is to bring us closer to you in everything we experience. I pray strength and wisdom for her beloved, tha he will know when to just hold Heather and not speak and whenshe will need his words of comfort and peace. Only You know the times and the differences in the two. I ask for mercy Lord o her behalf and on behalf of her children. Your grace is sufficent, but sometimes we need more than grace Lord, sometimes we need Mercy, we need miracles and we need Your limitless compassion. Heather is strong, she knows Your promises and on the days when “having done all,You find her standing, I pray You will surround her with those that are strong enough to hold up her arms just as Moses arms needed holding up in order for the Battle to be won.Everytime someone speaks her name, fill her spirit with great joy. You are a Mighty God, our Great Physcian. In Your care Heather is safe. Become the hands of her surgeons, give them wisdom beyond that of books and experience, super natural wisdom to care for Heather. May she hear words for hope and promise in every step she takes on this path, lighted by Your Word. In the Mighty name of Jesus that gives light in the darkness, amen
Faith is the substance of things hoped for….keep your hope up!
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Heather,
I read of your diagnosis from another blogger sister over at Mayhem and Miracles. Please know that I will pray for you, your dh, children and extended support system as you walk through this valley together. I will pray for complete healing as I lift you up to the Father and trust you to His care. And for strength and courage for each and every small and large moment of the path before you.
Love in Christ,
~Toni~
Dear, precious Heather… I’ve been literally on my knees tonight, lifting you up to our powerful Heavenly Father. I’m just about speechless when it comes to leaving any sort of comment here, and all I can come up with to say is that I’m praying. You are being so completely covered in prayer by so many… the Lord is in control, and He is not slack concerning His promises. He will get you through this. Sending hugs…
Heather~
You are in my prayers to the Lord of all, now, through Thursday and beyond. May the supernatural peace of Jesus fill you, your husband and your children!
(((Hugs)))
Heather:
Praying for you, your husband, your children and all of your family. Our family will pray for the doctors, but most importantly we pray for peace in your hearts and for God’s healing to fill your body.
God bless,
Michelle
Hang in there. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. I know you have no clue who I am but if you ever want/need another mama with cancer to talk or vent to. I’m easy to find.
Hugz,
Jo
Just said a prayer for you and your family.
Absolutely brutal Heather. I am so incredibly sorry that you all have to endure such agony.
Praying for sure!!!
I’m a cancer patient. It IS scary. But God says He will be your strong tower, and you can count on that to be true.
Please go to http://www.desiringGod.org (John Piper’s site) and read his article, “Don’t Waste Your Cancer.” I printed out a copy so I can read it again when I focus more on my disease than on my Savior.
Soli Deo gloria.
I have just read the news, and I am praying too. I am walking to the grotto on the mountain today and have so many candles to light. Yours will be one of them. God is near. He is all powerful.
You and your family are in my prayers. God is in control. Rest in His grace and mercy!
Heather,
I’m afraid you don’t know me either but I wanted to say how sorry I am about what has happened, but isn’t it a blessing when God’s people unite together in prayer? ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble’. Ps 46:10
Just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you and your family.
Beverly
Heather, I am so sorry for what you are going through. You have our prayers. God bless.
Wishing you complete healing.Praying for you on Thursday and in all our prayers. Praying that all evil goes away and grace and God’s love shower you and yours. Amen.
thinking of you and sending prayers up on your behalf.
~liz
You will be in my prayers!!
I’m here via Musingsofahousewife, dcrmom. Will be praying for the peace that is above all understanding for you and yours!
I’m praying, Heather. . . . What a blow. I don’t have to give you any of the Christian platitudes, because you know them, and stated them yourself. Hang in there.
Heather,
I’ve recently came across your blog, and enjoy visiting. I am so sorry to hear about your brain tumor. But we serve a mighty God, who can heal! Lifting you up in prayer… as well as your family .
Please keep us posted.
Blessings,
Amy Beth
Heather…covering your family in prayer. Will be praying specifically for the points you outlined and trusting in Him in the details.
praying for you and your family!
We are praying for healing and peace for you and your family. I am so sorry.
Girl! I am lifting you up to the Father with all the faith I can muster. He will be glorified, so stand strong in that.
“He rescues me when my ship is tossed at sea. He rescues me when my mountain’s too high to see. And when my valley is hot and dry - I can’t find a place to hide. Jesus comes and He rescues me.” - Kyla Rowland
“Impending storm just ahead. I can see the darkened clouds. There’s no way around it. There is no way out. There was danger all around me. Surely I would drown. Til the force of His presence made the waves to lay down.
He walked out on the water. Facing the wind. How it roared and it thundered til He raised His hand. Then the waves that were raging were suddenly calm. When He stepped between me and the storm.” - Kyla Rowland
Praying that He will step out onto your sea and speak peace to the waves that are tossing your ship. May the “force of His presence” be with you, your family, and your physicians during this storm.
Much love and many prayers.
Praying for you, your husband, and your precious children.
Shalom, Heather!
I have a friend who had a tumor in the parietal lobe that was cancerous. She is still alive and in apparent remission, despite dire predictions. The miracles of modern medicine are many!
May the Source of Strength who blessed our mothers and fathers bless you also with healing and bring a complete healing to you and your family.
Our thoughts are with you and we have added you to our healing prayer list every morning.
Heather, I will be praying for you each day.
Love, Rebecca B. in Ohio
I came over via BooMama. I’m praying, Heather!
Heather, I’m praying for you and your family too….that you would find comfort and peace,
even in the midst of this trial.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Y’all will be in my prayers each and every day. (((Hugs)))
You are in our prayers, and we will continue to keep you held up.
Ali
Praying so hard for you right now, and will continue to do so!
Oh Heather I am so sorry this is happening. My heart aches for you and your precious family. Our daughter was diagnosed last February with Papillary Thyroid Cancer at the age of 9. We are still fighting this cancer and it sucks.
When we found out my husband posted about it on my blog and so many people reached out to us and it helped SO MUCH! The prayers and love that we received was overwhelming and still is. Even though no one has ever said any magic words to make the cancer and the heart ache go away their comments and continued prayers and encouragement helped and do help immensely and will forever be unforgettable.
So that’s why I’m writing you to let you know you have another sister praying for you and your family lifting you up to the Father.
*huge cyber hugs*
I am praying for you and your family.
Oh Heather I had no idea of all that you and your family had all been through. Today is the first time I have been to your blog, I think (you look familiar), and read about Emma. I am speechless and I just don’t know what to say. You are one amazing AMAZING woman and you totally inspire me. Thank you so much for so beautifully writing your story about Emma. She is so blessed to have a Mommy like you fighting for her life the way that you have, it’s just admirable.
I’m praying hard for you guys.
I pray that God lifts you up during these days. That He draws nearer to your than He has ever been. I pray that your husbands heart will be healed and filled with love instead of grief that God too may rest His presence upon him and your daughter. That hope may be placed into your lifes. The plans that He has for you are for good, not evil, so that you may have hope in your final outcome. That in your hearts you may know that the Lord is your sheperd and that you shall not want. That God loves you more than the human could imagine or understand, and that He keeps you. That the truest beauty and love may pour and overflow through your heart as He restores you and manifest His promises according to His will and that you may know that when the sun rises up in the morening God is good. He for you and not against you, and that He will lift yourself up and be merciful towards you and your family. That Love never fails and that God is Love. That You may know Him and receive and know him deeply. That you all may know that you are stronger then you think and that you will prosper in live, no matter what happens and what you go through. Also know that Jesus who died for you knows your pain as He lives inside. You are not your physical body alone and that your soul will rise above the occassion and that the Lord Himself will watch over your life. You do not have to fear or worry as He draws nearer to you. And that you may always share and express all that you endure and feel inside in pure honesty. That you may love and receive love in the deepest your heart and that you may life forever. That no weapon formed against you shall prosper and that you may be healed by Jesus’ stripes. In Jesus’ name amen.
Praying for you and your family.
I know that I don’t know you however, I am praying for you just as if I do. I read about this at BooMama’s site and when I linked over and read your heading I thought ” how fitting”. There you are in this place of worship drinking in his glory and strength. Let the rain of his love fall hard upon you.
Praying for you & your family
Debra
I’m so so very sorry to hear this Heather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Himself be your peace.
A family friend of ours is about 7 or 8 months into her battle with a cancerous brain tumor. Perhaps her blog (started by her husband when this started for her) will be of some comfort or encouragement to you.
http://www.welovekaren.blogspot.com/
Grace and peace be yours in abundance as you wait on him.
Nan
Hi,
I came here from DCRMom’s website. I’m praying for you and your family.
I read all of this with these words from Gateway to Joy this morning whispering close: “God has no problems,” Corrie ten Boom said, “only plans.” When ours are interrupted, His are not.
Let’s hold on–no problems–only plans!
Whispering to Father for you all this evening…
All’s Grace,
Ann
Found you via Musings of a Housewife. You are in my prayers, darlin. Please take care.
It is storming(lightning and thunder) all around me but I am in my safe place(my house) and can not be unsettled unless I allow it. You too are in the safety of the Lord God. Your walls and roof are the fervent prayers of your new found sisters. You can not be unsettled by this unless you allow it. Be strong and trust in the Lord for all good. He is merciful. Be Blessed today.
Heather,
I know you must be scared to death, but God has you wrapped tight in the palm of His hand. We are praying and will not stop until you are healed. He is a big God. Just ask me. My mother had a brain tumor and she is alive and well after walking through the fire! Praise God because He is with you!
Hallie
I am very sorry to hear this. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Praying for you and each one of your requests. May the peace of Christ fill you and your family fully and spill out on all who know and love you.
Love in Jesus,
Holly Smith
Monument, CO
Came here through the Wittingshire blog. Have prayed for you.
I’m praying for you and your family.
Round Rock, TX
Heather, I read your blog all the time and I am shocked. I will be praying.
Heather… I do not know you, but came across this website. I will pray for you and your family. I went through a very similar issue, and because of God’s grace I am here now to speak of it. You will have a lot of tough decisions to make regarding your treatment, and it will be very scary and overwhelming. Please, please contact me if you need to talk or need any information (amyk22@comcast.net). I had a grade 3 glioma, brain surgery, and a year of chemo. There are many things I can tell you that I learned from my research and my treatment, one of which was key in my recovery. God bless you!!
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