First and foremost thank you for your prayers 
Mark and I felt alot more ‘optimistic’ after this visit. When we arrived they handed me a clip board with questions (like at most doctors visits)- the first question hit me pretty hard- “What type of cancer do you have?” Im not sure how long it will take to get use to all of this.
We met with the Medical Director of Oncology, who was very professional and answered all of our questions honestly and thoroughly. He agree’d with Dr. Cassidy in the fact that he wouldnt recommend surgery- but his reasoning was a bit different. He said he would wait until I showed more symptoms, because of the potential to cause a deficit to that portion of my brain during surgery. Because my tumor is intertwined with healthy tissue, and because of the location (speech, memory, etc) the risk is great- and because I am only showing mild symptoms (speech and memory) he would feel more comfortable doing a biopsy and radiation for the time being.
The good news is that he did say that he didn’t believe it was inoperable- which was huge for me. Not because I want someone cutting into my brain, but because it is one more option for when the time comes.
I feel pretty confident that Mayo is going to say the same thing- although they have more technology available to them than MD Anderson does (in Orlando). He (the doctor we saw today) was very encouraged to hear that we were going to Mayo in MN for an opinion.
Regarding my tumor. He said that it could be one of 3 types. Astrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma, or a mixed glioma (a combination of the first two.) He believes it has been there for several years, and is slow growing. He referred to it as a “low level 2″ glioma. When I asked him what my odds were time wise, and told him the time frame that Dr. Cassidy gave me, his exact words were “I resigned from the practice of prediction along time ago, but with modern medicine, I think you will be amazed”. That made both Mark and I feel alot better.
We talked about treatment. He said dependent on the type of tumor I have, he would definitely start with radiation, and possibly chemotherapy. He said that, if I were his patient through out this course, He would make sure I was on a seizure medication because of the location of the tumor (and the chance of inducing a seizure during radiation).
Over all, he was alot more optimistic- He was clear on what course he would take, and he explained things in a very “direct” manner. I didn’t leave there with any questions unanswered (short of “what caused this”- which no one can answer)
I am still very anxious about going to Mayo- out of the 3 hospitals, they are able to offer the most to me for treatment.
Other than that- I am exhausted and overwhelmed. Those of you who have a medical background of any type will understand what I mean when I say that I feel like I am in “Hurry up and wait” mode.
Im going to go lay down with my amazing husband and watch goofy discontinued sitcoms on television and just let my mind think about anything other than the thing growing in my brain….
That was actually me – Janice – not Sue. Silly me – I am on her machine and forgot to change my name!
Still praying for you, Heather. Praise God for a more successful doctor’s visit. So it has been there for a few years…maybe God has been protecting you from it thus far while you were coping with so many other things?
May you continue to rely on God for all things.
Linsey
I am so thankful that you got answers in a positive way, that give you encouragement. I’m still praying that you feel Held during this time. Blessings to your family.
Heather
That is indeed a positive approach and I could hear the lift in your voice last night. Enjoy your weekend and stay wrapped in God’s love and all of our love for you. Take care my friend and hug the kids. I also want to say how lucky you are to have a friend like Laura. I think we get “one” of those kind of friends if we are lucky and you are certainly blessed to have Laura.
That is much better news.
Still praying! Enjoy your weekend!
praying for you and your sweet family. God is so good.
I am so glad that this doctor was able to answer your questions and give you some peace of mind. Here’s hoping the news only gets better from here on out.
An answer to prayer!!!!!!! I felt like jumping up and down when I read this!!! HOPE!!!!
“But hope that is seen is no hope at all; Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:24-25
dawnz:)
Continuing to pray…
Praying for deep peace for you Heather and for your husband and children.
Heather, I’m so glad that you had an encouraging day. You are in my prayers. If there’s anything else I can do, let me know. Really.
Heather,
I am so glad that you got more of your questions answered at your doctors visit. Being left in the dark only makes matters worse. I know for me, I want to know exactly what I’m facing. I am praying for your Mayo clinic visit and for your peace throughout this ordeal. I’m so glad that so many people have banded together to help you all financially. It’s terrible to be on the outside looking in and feeling like there’s nothing that can be done to help. At least it gives us all a way to ease your burden a little. May God continue to walk with you each and every step of your journey and bring you peace in the midst of the storm. {{hugs}}
Dear Heather,
Wow, talk about getting better news! Praise God! Now you can go into Mayo and feel more informed and because this is such a great research hospital, you’ll get even better care and answers! I will continue to pray for you and your family. You are demonstrating amazing strength and perspective throughout this ordeal and it truly gives God the glory. I’m checking your blog reguarly so I love to hear good news about your health!!! Keep that chin up and let those around you encourage and love you through this all. Best wishes!
Molly (:
Heather, I was lead to your blog this morning, and have spent a couple of hours reading about you and what you are going through. You are a strong, beautiful, amazing woman. Please know that you and your family will remain in my heart and in my prayers. God bless you.
Vicky
The very very best wishes to you and your family Heather!
Hanne, Norway
This sounds much better. That doctor is thinking more along the lines of what I’m thinking. Don’t start resigning yourself to the negative talk of “when the time comes”. Trust that the Lord is going to move in your life in a big way – and that HE will HEAL you.
I am praying for just that.
Remember that my dad took tumor shrinking meds and his tumor is almost nonexistant after ten years. Doc says his poor eating habits would get him faster than that little tumor would now. Go organic – no pestacides, no white breads, no refined or preserved foods, no chemicals. You will be amazed at how God’s diet and healing power will turn this whole thing around!
Wow! I’m blown away by the difference in “tone” and info from the first doc. I “hear” such a sense of peace in your posts. Hang in there…Mayo is a’comin’!
In Him…
Saying prayers for you.
Very encouraging news indeed.
Still praying!
You have constantly been in our thoughts and prayers. I’m so glad you were able to get your questions answered. That helps so much. Get a good rest, and we’ll be praying about the visit to Mayo.
I get all mixed up with time differences but I just have you on my mind all the time. I am so thankful that this doctor differed slightly from the first one. There are variables. I am praying for you all. And for that tumour to disappear completely.
Heather,
I know that I am just one of a gazillion people praying for you. As I go about my day I find my thoughts on you, and your family, and your strength in your faith (even when it might not seem strong). You have really brought home to me what it means to say I can do anything with Christ who strengthens me, and I hope that should I ever need the kind of strength and faith you are exhibiting, I can reach deep inside and find it. You have touched so many in just a few days, I hope we can all touch you as well.
Your BELIEVE GOD bracelet is on its way to you! I hope you get it before you go to the Mayo clinic.
Heather, I will continue to believe God with you for the miracle you so deserve!
I’m praying for you…a total stranger. You’ve impacted me greatly.
This band, on the video, is Wideawake. My husband and I know them – they love the Lord.
Heather – I’m so glad you got a more optimistic opinion this time. He’s right – there’s so much available in medicine these days, you will be amazed. Plus, you have the Lord on your side!! I think it’s going to really help you going to Mayo. We have one here in our state (not the one you’re going to), and I’ve got one particular friend that had been told to prepare her will, and she went there very ill and is now working again and cancer free. Yes, she still has to hit that 5 year mark to be cancer free, but it’s a lot better than what she was told in the beginning!! As a cancer survivor myself, I know exactly what you are going through and my heart is with you! Please know I’m praying for you – and your family. I know it can almost be harder on them. Again, I know because my hubby had cancer surgery in November 2006. My prayers are with you, Heather! God bless you!! Love, Julie
I am so glad you found a doctor who answered all your questions and was positive and direct and even told you what he would do. Praying for your trip to Mayo now. May God’s peace just flood you and your family, Heather!
I’ve been praying every time you meet a doctor or hear more news it will always be one step closer to good news. And I think this showed some of that! I’m still praying all the time!