First and foremost- thank you so much for all of your comments. I was blown away just now by reading all of them. I cant tell you how much they mean to me and my family. I totally and completely believe that Christ has His hands wrapped firmly around our family, and He has carried us and will continue to carry us. I have no doubt about that.
First the Neurosurgery appointment. Dr. Cassidy was very straight forward, which I am very thankful for. The tumor is in my front left lobe, it is quite large, and it is inoperable due to the fact that it is not “well formed” and is “entangled” with normal brain tissue. He was very optimistic yet cautious. He told us that if he were to choose a brain tumor, this would be his choice. It is a lower-mid grade tumor, which I am still trying to understand. He said that brain tumors aren’t classified as “cancer” because they do not spread, but there is a high possibility that it is malignant (still trying to understand that). We talked about treatment- he stated that because it is inoperable, he wants to do a brain biopsy next week. The results of that will tell us our next step. If they come back malignant then we will proceed to radiation. When we asked about “life span” he obviously said he couldn’t give us a definite, but that radiation would “double” my prognosis- he said that the average without treatment is 10 years- with treatment is 20 years. But then again, look at my Emma Grace- I tend to not believe averages.
We talked about my dizziness and how he didn’t believe that it was associated with my tumor. He sent me to an ENT specialist at 4pm. Dr. Silverstein does believe that it is related to my tumor, and has prescribed Ativan to make the world stop spinning. I have more tests with him tomorrow afternoon (3pm) to narrow (and nail) this all down.
I have an EEG scheduled for in the morning (8am). Dr. Cassidy wants to rule out the possibility of small seizures due to the location of my tumor (which would also explain the dizziness). Please pray for this test- for some reason it is really stressing me out.
Some people would look at the events of the last 24 hours in my life and think “she must have done something really horrible to deserve all of this”.. My answer to that- You don’t know my God. He is the God of Job, He is the God of Abraham, and His love for me and my family is unwavering. I believe what Satan intends for my harm- God will use for His glory I firmly believe that when I walk out of the other side of this, despite the location I find myself in, I will have been blessed and will have blessed so many lives. I read your comments to me, and am amazed that this “bend in the road” has had the ability to bring forth such a Growling of prayer at the feet of Christ. I am amazed. I will walk through this with the love and and friendship of my family and friends- I am not alone.
Be it cancer, radiation, or whatever else life throws my way- I will walk through it.
I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out; plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11
Now on to phase 2 – biopsy and radiation. I can do this…
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Theresa
Delurking today to tell you that you have been in my thoughts and in my prayers continually today. You are an amazing woman of God and I praise Him that you can testify to having such a strong support group. We prayed today as a family for you at our meal times and for your family and all the logistics that will have to be worked out with your appointments and homeschooling and the children’s care. We know God already has those things planned for, but we’re trusting Him to reveal it to you at the right times, also. God bless you.
You amaze me. I’m not surprised at all, but I am still amazed. I’m passing you on and have no doubt that you are being lifted up 24/7.
Heather,
Sending you so much love and support….you CAN do this. You’re such an inspiration and I am in awe of your bravery.
Karen
xoxo
Girl, you CAN DO THIS, if anyone can, you are the woman and we are the people to support you 100%. My prayers and thoughts are with you completely.
The prognosis sounds much better than you initially thought from your web research. That is great news! Hang in there and we will keep praying. You are inspiring and God is glowing from your praise of Him.
Your post brought tears to my eyes but a smile to my face
I love that verse that says what satan intends for evil God will use for good I cling to that alot. You are a true picture of faith, I appreciate you taking us along to watch your faith be made into sight. Prayerfully, xoxo melzie
i just heard of your condition today via karen with swank. after reading your entries and all about your daughter emma…you are truley unbelievable to stay so strong. remember god does not give us anything that we can not handle! and you are amazing how you handle all of this! many prayers your way…
I have no words for you…I’m sorry. Just know that I am praying.
Heather – I’ll keep you close in thought and prayer.
Heather,
You are so amazing!!! Your faith is such an inspiration to me. I know I wouldn’t be handling this anywhere near how well you are. Even though I am a Christian and have been all my life, I still don’t know that I could display as much courage as you are right now.
Thank you for sharing your strength with us.
I have been worried and thinking and praying for you ever since I heard the news from Laura.
I will keep praying and also thanking the Lord for the peace and courage He is giving you.
Heather,
Your faith is such a powerful witness to me. I will keep you in my prayers.
“You don’t know my God. He is the God of Job, He is the God of Abraham, and His love for me and my family is unwavering. I believe what Satan intends for my harm- God will use for His glory.”
Those words are words of life. A testimony to the life of Christ in you – the hope of glory.
My prayers are with you and for you at this time.
That’s right! You *can* do this and you *will*! We’re all lifting you up!!
You’re stong in the faith, and nothing will happen to you, but what God allows.
I wanted to give you a little heads up about Ativan. My dad was on it, and it always put him into a coma. The doctors keep swearing it wasn’t the Ativan, but as soon as it was out of his system he’d wake up, even though the staff would tell us to plan his funeral, and that he would wake up. It happened twice.
They’d give him Ativan, he’d go into a coma, once it was out of his system, he’d come back around.
My dad had cancer, and at that time I did some heavy research on it. A malignant brain tumor would be a “deep cancer,” which would need to be attacked with a vengance. I don’t know if you use a crock pot, but I suggest you either use a crock pot or bit stock pan, and always have bone broths slow cooking for at least a day or two (cook time) and eat bone broth every single day. It has cancer fighting properties, and will improve your general health.
You can make bone broth from fish bones, lamb, cow, chicken, etc. To learn how to make a bone broth, go to http://www.seedsofhealth.co.uk
Anyhow, as I was saying… I did research on cancer when my dad was sick. If you’d like to see an article I wrote up from my research, then click on the link for my webpage in this post, then scroll down my page and look in the left hand column under the “health” section.
-God bless.
Heather,
I am praying so hard for you and your family. Thank you for continually sharing your faith…it is such an inspiration.
I recieved this today and you were the first thing that came to mind! I hope you dont mind me posting it here for you…
Keeping yclose in prayer!
Tiany
ARE YOU READY FOR BATTLE?
Exodus 23:23, “For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hitites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.”
Do you like battles? I am sure that you would rather avoid them if you could. We often think that battles just come upon us or the enemy of our souls instigates them. However, the above Scripture tells us that it is God who leads us into battle. It was God who brought the children of Israel face to face with their enemies. Before they could enjoy the promises of God they had to face their battles and win the fight!
Do not think that you are out of the will of God because you are facing trials and battles. God wants you to learn how to fight. He wants to reveal to His power to you. He wants to prove to you that He is the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of heaven.
God brought His people face to face with the enemy, but He did not leave them on their own. He stayed with them and fought with them. As they learned to trust God and not their own resources He showed His mighty right arm. They won every battle when they listened to God’s advice and were obedient to Him. (Joshua 24:8, 11)
Are you facing a battle in your life right now? God has brought you to this place and He is with you. He has not left you! He will fight for you. Listen to Him. Trust Him. Learn to use the weapons He has given to you-the power of the precious blood of Christ, the power of the name of Jesus (Yeshua), and the power of the living Word of God. Jesus Himself won his battles by confessing the Word of God and telling the devil, “It is written.” (Matthew 4:1-11) Wield these weapons with the authority that He has given to you as a child of God.
Revelation 12:11 tells us how to overcome, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
The children of Israel did not straggle out of Egypt in whatever manner they felt like. No. They “left Egypt in war-like array.” (Exodus 13:18 Knox). The margin of my Bible says that they marched out five in a rank. They were ready for battle. They were an army.
You are also part of an army. As such you will continually face battles. When you realize this, you can put on your armor, rise up and fight in the power of God. Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for yourself any longer.
Not only do you have to learn to fight, but you must teach your children to fight. You must teach them how to fight against the enemy, how to fight against the temptations of the flesh to moods and to evil. This is our responsibility. Our children dare not go out to face this world without being expert in fighting the enemy.
Judges 3:1-2 NLT tells us, “The Lord left certain nations in the land to test those Israelites who had not participated in the wars of Canaan. He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle.” Each new generation had to be trained in the art of war.
They did not train them half-heartedly. They trained skilful warriors (1 Chronicles 5:18), valiant warriors (1 Chronicles 7:2, 11) and they trained them to be expert in war. (1 Chronicles 12:24). Hebrews 11:34 tells us of those who “waxed valiant in fight.”
Are you afraid of the battle? Do not give in to your fears. Fear comes from the enemy. God will never leave you alone in your battle. Let me encourage you today, “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and “war a good warfare.” (1 Timothy 1:18)
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:
“Lord, I thank you that you are with me in every battle I face. I thank you for the powerful weapons you have given me. Help me to continually confess the power of your name and the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.”
We are here for you. We will pray. God is here for you. He will comfort and give strength. God Bless you Heather.
yes, you can do this…if anyone can, you can! I will not cease praying you through.
Love ya,
I am praying continually and filled with praise right now – YOU CAN DO THIS – and GOD WILL DO MIGHTY THINGS THROUGH THIS. No doubt about it.
I’m fired up now.
Heather,
You are an amazing amazing woman – your in my every prayer and not far from my thoughts! Please know that!!!
Blessings and prayers
Jenn
Heather,
You are 100% right God will be with you EVERY single step of the way, and your family will be showered with blessings poured out from the Heavens. You will be in my families prayers daily!
Dear sister,
I have thought of nothing else and prayed for you and your dear family since I read the prayer request for you at “BooMama”. Know that myself, my family and all who read my blog will be praying for YOU, dear one and for your sweet family!
Father God,
You alone know the beginning and the end…truly Your ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours. We give thanks to You for going before Heather and preparing the way for her to walk. We thank you that there are NO accidents, nothing incidental and no mistakes with YOU. Father, would you pour out Your abundant grace and mercy upon these dear ones. May they feel Your arms of love and strength holding them up and surrounding them like never before. And when the Enemy of our souls comes at them with lies, doubts and fears…Lord God, would you guard their hearts and minds with Your TRUTH! Would you draw them close to rest underneath Your shelter, may they run to YOU as their strong tower…would they find rest for their spirits, souls and bodies in You! Hold them tight, dear Lord and may they feel Your amazing love for them…as well as our love for them. We are bonded together in You, as one family.
Heather, my love to you and our prayers…
In Christ we hope, trust and rest,
Kari
Oh yes, you sure can do this! You have so many people praying for you. We are all here for you. I just wish I could come and help you in real life! Your children will have you for years to come. God Bless you, Heather, you are truly an inspiration.
Powerful words sister,
You amaze me. You are an awesome servant of the Lord.
{{{{{Heather}}}}}}}}
Praying…praying…and praying,
Linda
I know it’s just the initial news and your first appointment, but I think it sounds encouraging. And I think every time the doctors tell you something it will be better and better news. Always up, never down. I’ve been praying all day and will continue to do so.
Heather. I have checked back here repeatedly…knowing I would read something positive. He never lets us down. You CAN do this…you HAVE to…so you will. But you are not alone. Praying and praying for you and for your family.
Hugs.
You WILL walk through it, because Jesus is holding your hand and showing you where to step.
There are still just no words coming from my little head… I’m just praying fervently.
You are so right…you can do this! Your faith in God is so evident and so encouraging. We are continuing to pray for you.
Thank you for providing such a detailed update. Prayers continue, will continue…count on them.
My prayers include that mouths would be stopped, your heart protected for comments like “she must have done something really horrible to deserve all of thisâ€.
God bless Heather. You are in my prayers.
“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.” Psalm 61:1-4
Thinking of you, praying for you. . .
My first thought when I was directed here from BooMama was, Oh, Why Heather? But God has a plan for all of us and after reading all about Emma Grace and continuing to read your blog, I fully believe you will be deliverd through this time of trial and your faith, and the faith of those of us who know you-whether through the internet or in person, will be sharpened. Thank you for sharing this with us. I will be praying for you.
Heather – I read about you on Sprittiebee’s blog. I’m part of that “Growling of prayer at the feet of Christ” on your behalf, and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Your sister in Christ
& fellow homeschooling mom,
Debbie
HE never gives us more than we can handle. Indeed HE has a plan.
Prayers to you and your family through this time.
Heather,
I found your blog through a friend’s. I’m impressed with your attitude in this situation,and your ability to place everything in God’s hands instead of freaking out. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
~Greta
Dear Heather,
I’m here from Suzanne’s blog and just wanted you to know that I am praying for you – that the Lord will comfort you and give you strength to endure – and that He will place His arms around you and each one of your family.
My heart is too full to say much except you are in my prayers.
God bless you Precious
You are a woman a God… A child of the King… A soldier in His Army. You have already won this battle. His Word says it is so. You must continue to speak his word over this situation. In order for it to accomplish what it is sent forth to do, it must be sent.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it.
I will continue to pray for you and your family. Your life is a testament to the supernatural power of God. This is just one more chapter.
)
God bless you!
Amy Grant
I’m this lady in Lynchburg VA, who stumbled on Beth Moores Blog today by accident, clicked on the Swank link, followed a note there to this blog, and now end up praying for a beautiful redheaded sister with a brain tumor. Dear Lord, heal this woman, give her strength, comfort her children, make her husband brave, and strong, and help him lean on the everlasting arms. You are good, we trust you in good times and bad. Thank you for your love. Amen
Karen
Hi Heather,
I followed Boomama’s link to your blog and read your story. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and will continue to do so. God bless you.
Sarah in KC
I have never been to your site before, but saw a post on the contest @ HSB. Read your pages.
You wrote:”I hope that I have been a blessing to you, that you feel Christs presence when you visit here …is my greatest desire.”
I have been very blessed. Your Christ shines through you. Thank you. You have greatly ministered to this wandering soul. I would be honored to remember you and yours in prayer.
Dear Heather,
I’m here from Diane’s. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Be strong..
((hugs))
Hugs and prayers and love from Tennessee…give the girls a big hug from me too!
Heather, I’m asking God to give you and your family more peace than you ever thought was possible. May He bless each of you richly.
Love,
Amanda
Continuing to pray, of course.
You GO, girl! You’ll do it – whatever He allows before you, you’ll do it – and when it’s done, you’ll still stand and say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Amen and Amen. You ROCK Heather. GO GOD! I’m standing with you. I think your feet are planted in the right place (even if the walls need to be tied down). Please keep us updated. We are continuing to pray!
Heather,
I am a baby christian and I want to thank you for having such strong FAITH. You have made me start looking at things so different. Thank you for your strength. My prayers are with you and your family.
You sister in Christ,
JEN
I’m so glad you’ve gotten some (sort of) concrete answers. I’ll be praying for you as you have your EEG and then the biopsy. You’ve been on my mind all day. What a witness you’ve been through this–thank you for your honesty as well as the faith you’re holding out for others to see.
God bless you, Heather.
Once again my tears are flowing. Our God is so good and his strength in you in amazing. He will prove himself faithful.