Here’s the latest from the Neuro-Oncologist. First of all, a big sigh of relief. Second of all, never get your diagnosis from a Neurological Surgeon. Although we love him, and he is a great surgeon (if you need one I’ll give you his name.), he did not leave much room for detail.
He was right, the tumor is an Astrocytoma grade 3, and the average life expectancy is 3 to 5 years. But lets remember that average is a mix of 80yr olds, 50yr olds, 30yr olds etc etc… not to mention, smokers or heart patients or whatever. Heather is only 32 and in perfect health. Look at it this way, if I told you that the entire 3rd grade was going to be given a C for a grade no matter what, all the A students would think that is totally crazy, All the F students would think that was great. the tumor that was in Heather’s brain is just barely a stage 3. Therefore you cannot say that she is a C student but much better. Another great thing is that our great surgeon was able to take out 99% of the tumor, that’s almost like starting over. He said that it was there for several years. Which means, if there are any microscopic cells (which there probably are) they would still grow fairly slow.(by the way Heather is correcting all my typos as we speak, and of course laughing at me.)
He cautiously used the cure word. Once Heather’s head wound is all healed up, she will start radiation and chemotherapy treatments at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. They will be in close contact with the Mayo Dr.’s. The cool thing about the chemotherapy is that it’s done with pills that have a drug built in to them to minimize the side effects, and that is good. The Hand of God will either Kill the Cancer or He will use the drugs to do it.
Pathology:
Astrocytoma vs. Olioglioma or however you spell it.
If the genetic study of this tumor comes back as an Olioglioma then that is even better news because that type is the least agressive in the tumor family. The only reason they say this, is that it looks like a Olioglioma but has cell division like an Astrocyoma. If it is an Olioglioma it would be a stage 2 tumor but treated the same.
There you Have it.
We are going home tomorrow yippee. See you later Rochester, MN. We love our new friends from there.
Special thanks to our new Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Yes that means you.
“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
such a simple verse, yet means more to me this day than most others.
We Keep Pressin On.
HD’s Hubby
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Home is waiting. Safe travels and enjoy your own beds!
Blessings,
~Toni~
Our God is anything but “average,” and we can trust Him to do anything but average things with you, Heather! I’m praying for a safe trip home, speedy recovery from the surgery, and amazing, amazing results from the chemo–thank you for a testimony that has held fast!!
Thanks for the update. This is great news. How great is our God? As Travis Cottrell said, “How great do you need Him to be?”
I’m so thrilled you are going home – and on my birthday, to boot! That is amazing news! And Heather is laughing – keep it up, it’s good for you! I’ve been praying for you many times a day and will keep it up. Have they let you wash your hair yet? Happy homecoming! God is SO good!!
Kate
That is the most excellent news. Go Heather
(and family!!!)
That is awesome news. I was lying in bed last night thinking about Heater and then my aunt. My aunt had lung cancer. They opened her up to try and remove the tumor but once open they realized that it had spread to the sides of her heart and obviously it was inoperable. Before the op they gave her the 3 – 5 year sentence. After the op they basically expected her to die soon. Well, she did not. She went on to live a very full life for another 13 years and in my opinion could still have been alive today (she passed away in November) had it not been for nurses not taking good care of her. Basically I just wanted to say that the medical personnel try their best but only God can decide..they can’t
Wonderful news! I am on that rollercoaster with you guys too! This is so much better,
My verse for today is “Be still and know that I am God!. Oh yes He is!
Going home! Praise God!
brilliant!!
prayers continuing….
Awesome news! Praising God and asking Him to continue his good work and eliminate the rest of the tumor.
Im praying for you all. Have a safe trip home.
It is amazing how one thing can mean different things (profoundly different!). God Bless you and keep you all safe on your journey home.
Heather my prayers are with you. I know there will be a positive outcome for your family. We all really only have today and must enjoy it. Your strength and positive outlook is an inspiration to us all.
Carol/Australia
Continued prayers!
That sounds fightable!!! Blessings!!!
Don’t you love that life expectancy does not rest in the hands of cancer or a doctors best estimation? God Almighty will not be controlled by anything. He is absolutely wonderful that way! We will live till His will is complete in us not until cancer has had its way with us.
Heather, you are a wonderful woman of faith. God is singing over you.
Heather & Mark, Family, What wonderful news, have a safe trip home, continuing to lift you up in prayer. Samuel.2.22-29..You are my lamp O Lord; The Lord turns my darkness into light. Karen
wondeful news!
How wonderful you are going home! God is amazing–thank you both for being such an awesome testimony to that fact. I continue to pray. Enjoy those first hugs with the kids!
THANK YOU so much, Mark for posting this today! What a great update for us to be praying more specifically. So glad that you were able to talk with this second doctor to give you a better idea of what’s going on. Know that we’re praying for y’all and lifting you up…so happy y’all are headed home to your sweet kids.
Much love and prayers…
99% of the tumor! Wow! That is awesome!
This sounds like a great report, and I am standing with you that our God is the Great Physician and able to heal (whether through His mighty hand alone or the modern marvel of medication that He’s blessed us with)!
Hallelujah!
My very best friend in the world went through cancer treatment at Moffit, that was 18 years ago. She is still here, and credits the hand of God AND the wonderful Dr.’s at Moffit.
She has only great things to say about them, and I still remember how positive they were, they really went above and beyond and believed with her for her healing! You will be pleased.
Still believing with you
Love from Indiana
Mark and Heather:
Grateful you are going home! What a celebration that will be. I hope that C. and I can come visit later in May. Each day we get up and check the blog and continue to pray. Praying today for safety on the trip and rest as you go and oh, the joy when you hug Easton and Eli. Love from the Ragland’s!!!
Heather and Family,
I have never met you but have been praying diligently for you for the last few weeks….and passing on your blog and story to friends and family. We are all rejoicing and praising God for the success of this surgery! We will continue to hold you and your family up in prayer as you walk forward on this journey. God is glorifying Himself in you!!!
And the news just keeps on getting better!
99% removal? WHOO HOOOO!! Yes, indeed…great news!
Going home??? I bet you both can’t wait to wrap your arms around all 3 of your children and soak each other up!
Have a safe trip home. Surround yourselves with your family and get some rest. There’s still a battle to be fought…but I really think you WILL win this war
Hugs to you Mark and Heather! Still praying for all involved~
It is just astonishing that you have recovered so quickly that you’re going home! Amazing! I am so blessed to have come to know you through your postings about your ordeal, and you have brought me closer to God.
I pray every day for a miraculous recovery for you, Heather. I will not stop.
Awesome news! Keep being faithful in allowing God to heal you through His way. You are being a wonderful example of His vessels!!! Much love
Heather and family! What a wonderful testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness! He holds you in His everlasting arms. Although i don’t know you, I feel like I do and I update my husband everyday on how you’re doing! We live in Panama City, Fl….I see you live in Florida too. In Christ’s love. .
Going home?!! Alright. I will continue to lift your family in prayer.
To Heather and her DH-
You guys are an incredible team! Together with our Lord, satan doesn’t stand a chance! Blessings and prayers for a safe trip home and I think a HUGE party is in order!!!!
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of Creation!
Heather – you and your husband are such a great encouragement to me — there is NO way to tell you how much! Your faith is amazing and makes me want to strive even harder in my relationship with HIM!
THANK YOU both so much!
Still praying in NC for you and your family!
God will work wonders in your life. I am still praying for you and your family and your doctors.
~Jennifer
It’s hard to know what to say…Homer Simpson would say, “Woo-Hoo!”, Bill and Ted would be all, “EXCELLENT!”, and of course, Beth Moore would shout, “YA-HOO!”. So, I guess you can just pick your favorite, and celebrate the goodness of God! HE IS GOOD! And I am so happy for His goodness to you!
Thanks for posting this, Mark. What an encouraging update. I know that God’s hands are all over this, and I will continue to pray. Love you all!
Thank you for posting the update! I was very upset to read the 3-5 year diagnosis. Sending prayers and I hope you have a safe trip home.
what a roller coaster ride this has been for you both!
That’s great news that you are going home!!
Be safe!
Blessings,
Karla
i knew there would be HOPE! congratulations on the good news. you will beat the odds, no matter what they are. thinking of you and praying.
amy in chicago
Amazing! I know the kids are thrilled you are coming home so soon and can’t wait to see you! Have a safe trip and get some rest.
PRAISE THE LORD!! That report is sooo much better than the surgeon had given. You are going home. You will absolutely be better just to be HOME!
We are still standing with you. Keep on standing, Sister and Brother!
It’s amazing how the Lord has brought together so many believers. That is the body at work, praying, encouraging and loving each other.
PRAISE THE LORD!!! You go girl!!
Oh thank you so very much Dear Lord Jesus! Your recovery is phenomenal Heather and I thank our Heavenly Father for that! Will pray for safe travel mercies home and of course will continue to keep you in prayer as you begin treatment at home. Thank you for the explanation of your condition.
very good news, keep your hopes up!
Praise God for answered prayers!!!! Woot!!! Glory, glory, glory to a powerful, loving God — HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING YOUR PRAISE????
Okay — so I know you get a lot of song lyrics on your comments … but I can’t help but add this one — it’s Chris Tomlin’s “How Can I Keep from Singing” — and it’s just so appropriate!!!
v1:
There is an endless song, echoes in my soul, I hear the music ring. And though the storms may come, I am holding on, to the rock I cling…
chorus:
How can I keep from singing your praise; how can I ever say enough, how amazing is your love. How can I keep from shouting your name, I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.
v2:
I will lift my eyes, in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives. And I will walk with You, knowing You’ll see me through, and sing the songs You give….
I can sing in the troubled times; Sing when I win; I can sing when I lose my step; And fall down again; I can sing ’cause You pick me up; Sing ’cause You’re there; I can sing ’cause You hear me, Lord; When I call to You in prayer; I can sing with my last breath; Sing for I know; That I’ll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne …
How can I keep from singing Your praise; how can I ever say enough, how amazing is Your love. How can I keep from shouting Your name, I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.
I have goose bumps reading your update. I feel like I want to cry. I don’t know you guys but somehow by following you the last few weeks, I feel as though I am close to you. Continue to hope. God did amazing things so far and more is to come I think. Praying for you… Love from Canada
You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
My 11 Year old Daughter and I watched Living with Cancer last night. I pray for you every now and then during the day, put your name before the Lord.
He loves us and I’m so thankful you have this already established. I feel as if a gift the Lord has given me is to pray for people, and it makes the Prayer Warrior job so much easier when I’m praying for someone who believes!!
Your faith is refreshing.
God is so great, thank you so much for posting during this time, it means a lot to us pray’ers!
Hang in there, we’re all still petitioning the Throne on your behalf.
Love Di x
Mark and Heather,
I have enormous goose bumps right now and I am overjoyed!!!!!! I will continue to pray for you and your family every day and I cannot say enough, THANK YOU for sharing this journey and your faith and inspiration with us. I will walk with you in bloggityville every step of the way. (((((HUGS)))))
We will continue to pray I know you are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination but what a difference a hopeful spirit can bring to a difficult situation. May you all find healing, and as you said, GOd WILL heal but he will choose the path of it!