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
Hi Heather and Mark,
Welcome Home….The two of you are special and caring people.With the love of God , your father,you can handle the challenges ahead.Rest Heather and we will always be praying and wishing
the best for all of you.
from sunny Savannah, Ga./ Love… Baba
Heather you are in Gods hands. I think of you and your family daily, and each time I do I send up a quick prayer. Thank God you are doing so well, It will get better. I am sure. Keep smiling and keep those spirits up. Sounds like you are doing a fine job of that already!!! You are one strong lady!!!
Prayers for safe travel and continued prayers for healing and your family.
Julie
That news totally rocks…and so do both of you…I can read the joy between the lines of your post…and I can feel the faith that radiates from your words…God knew what He was doing when He chose the two of you to walk this valley…don’t know why He chooses some for one thing and others for another…but He chooses both of you…for great and mighty things…the lives you’ve touched and the people you’ve ministered to…I’m so privileged to know you…
Happened upon your website and what a blessing it is! You are amazing people, your attitude and outlook is a testimony to all. God is faithful always~
Amazing~
That sounds promising. I will keep you all in my prayers. Have a safe trip home. Keep the faith.
Heather is definitely an “A” student. You go girl!!!
Have a wonderful trip home! I can only imagine how excited you children will be to have you home. Praise the Lord for His mercy!
Hi Heather, just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. Your story touches me personally because My own Mom died of a brain tumor. But don’t let that discourage you…. because she was given only 6 months to live when I was 7 and she lived another 7 years. And that was back in the 80′s. We are sooo much more advanced now.I have so much hope for you. May the Lord continue to bless you with peace and strength in this time.
Gratefulness to God for His protection of you during this time.
Privileged to continue praying that the “diagnosis” from the Great Physician will bring you peace and comfort as you begin radiation, et al.
Safe travels home to the arms of your kids!
Again, thank you for sharing part of your journey with us.
Thanks to your dear husband, Heather, for sharing more info with us.
What a joyful reunion in Florida! And what praises we need to remember for this reunion to happen!
I’m following your story and I wish you and your family all the best.
We tried to watch the show, but found that we don’t get that channel. Maybe it will be available to watch another way? I hope so! Prayinf for you and asking God to Bless you Big!
Love,
Holly
“The Hand of God will either Kill the Cancer or He will use the drugs to do it.”
Yes, yes, yes! Your positive spirit is simply contagious!! I’m sending up prayers right now!
I truly feel you’re gonna beat this thing. I’m awaiting more and more good results!
God Bless you!
Praising God, and continuing to pray.
Praying daily for you Heather!
Heather’s got joy, a good attitude, love, and the will to live — all VERY good medicine!!
Thanks for the update, and still praying!!
How encouraging. Thank you for the update, HD’s Hubby. Heather remains in my prayers!
Praise God for the good news! And Praise God that Heather is definitely an A student! Very good analogy, by the way. Still praying and checking on you!
Love,
Alayna
Praying for a safe trip home to your babies.
Much love.
Goodbye from Rochester!!! So glad you will be able to get home and continue your treatments there. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you for the daily updates. Your spiritual strength has been an encouragement to me. It’s an amazing example of God’s strength in our weaknesses.
Becky
Good good news! We prayed for you at church at our healing service. And still praying. Blessings from England.
I’m so inspired by you guys…Heather and hubby.
I can’t stop checking!
Now tell us that you’re home, safe and sound, surrounding by three happy children!
(Oh, and the chemo plan, of coures, and other prayer needs for the family.)
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee—haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw! That’s a hopeful report. Thanks for the updates. As my own father battles cancer, y’all are an inspiration. Prayers from Central Texas.
Praising God!!!
I was so glad to read this encouraging post!
You go girl!!!
Still sending up prayers!
Dear Heather,
I just finished chemo in Dec. of 2006. I have Hodgkins Lympoma and had a thoracotomy (removal of a lung lobe) in June of 06. I am praying for you as your begin your walk with cancer. It is long and hard sometimes, but it is nothing that you cannot handle. We recently found out we are expecting and the chemo was suppossed to make us infertile, PRAISE THE LORD! God is good.
Here are some quotes from a book that a dear friend gave me called There’s no place like hope, by Vicki Girard ( a guide to beating cancer in mind-sized chunks) I strongly recommend it.
Your mind and your heart will be either your greatest allies or your most formidible foes. They will never, ever be ignored.
We have cancer – cancer does not have us.
We must stop speaking of cancer in whispers, as if it is something shameful. For when it is brought out into the brilliant light of the day it seems to shrink, to pull back, to diminish.
Above all, know this: (I am living proof!) Cancer is a beatable, treatable, survivable disease.
God only made each day to be 24 hours long because He knew that’s about all we can handle. When we get into trouble, iti s often because we are either hanging on to hours from yesterday or borrowing them from tomorrow.
Breathe, take these few days to reflect on how much you love your dad. Tell him you love him… and pray. Life is precious, we take too much for granted.
I am thinking of you.
Rani
Hebrews 10:23-24
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
Heather you have motivated so many to acts of love and good works!
Hold tight to THE HOPE!
Thank you Hubby dear for sharing the latest news. I feel the positive attitude, the fighting spirit, the will and faith to live. Heather and your entire family remain in my prayers.
And thank you for bringing me closer to God through sharing your struggle, faith, strength and love.
God loves you, Heather, and he is good. Blessings to all.
I found your website through another blog that I have followed for a while. (Eliott Mooney)
When I first went to your site I saw the information about the surgery and then immediately went to read your daughter’s story. I thought she was the one having the surgery.
I was astonished to find out that it was Heather having surgery. I read back in the archives until I figured out what was going on. The trials and tribulations that are given to some people to bear are incredible.
Heather’s faith is inspiring to say the least. So unwavering…
I am not a very religious person but I believe in the power of prayer… and there are a lot of people praying for Heather. So happy to hear you are going home tomorrow. I am praying for good news!
I have been following you all since boomama’s fundraiser and have been in such admiration of how you all stay so strong in your faith in God throughout all these trials. You are an inspiration for all and I can’t say that I have ever seen God shine so brightly through a person as much as you eminate all that is Him. I am thrilled to hear some good news and know that it means even more to you all. Your family is in my prayers!!!
Don’t forget those averages don’t include 100′s of people praying for miracles. I’m on my knees for you Heather! So glad to hear the good news.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” Psalm 103:4
Heather…I’m a Heather, too…a believer, with four homeschooling kiddos…and a fellow patient at Moffitt. I just finished my last round of chemo, but still have to return there from time to time. I’m praying for you, and would love to be able to encourage you. God Bless!
God’s grace and mercy are surely yours. You have an awesome hubby too.
Praying for you and will continue to do so!
So wonderful to read that you are going home so soon. I don’t know you but have been following your story from Moms of Grace and I am praying for you and your family at this time. You have been so inspiring during this whole thing and I am continually amazed at your strength, determination and above all your love of God. I can only hope that if every I have to face something like this that I will be able to maintain even just half of your courage.
Continue fighting on and enjoy going home to your children!
Man, I could feel the weight lifting when I read this. I have been just distraught over the grief you guys are having to deal with, and here I was worried for nothing!!! I’m praying that Heather will be her bouncy, fun and wonderful self – fully recovered soon! May the chemo go quickly and without a hitch. May the cancer cells DIE. May you remain uplifted in the Lord. Thank you for your bright and shining example of faith in such a difficult season.
We’re still praying. I have also passed on the news to many others who are non-internet users (but faithful prayer warriors).
God bless your family… and friends (that means You too, Laura!).
My sister was 10 when she was first diagnosed and had surgery for a brain tumor. Her’s was also an astrocytoma although I don’t quite remember what the grade was. She was also given a life expectancy of 3-5 years but she celebrated her 13 year surgery anniversary on November 1, 2006. Although she is nearing the end of her time here on earth with us, she has lived a very full life. She went on to graduate from high school and college and did many things in her life we would only dream of. Only recently has she fallen ill and there are no treatment options left. I pray for you and your family daily. Like my sister, you have a positive outlook and that will get you far!!! God bless.
I have tears and goose bumps as I revel in what God has done and is doing – and in the testimony this has to be to the doctors and nurses you are working with. You’re home by now – hope the trip went smoothly! What an amazing blessing that you got to go home so quickly.
Praise God you are going home.
What wonderful news that you are all going home!!! Praise God!
Heather and family,
You are an inspiration. I will continue to pray for God’s clear direction in your life.
Here is a great article. Please read when you have a chance.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2006/1776_Dont_Waste_Your_Cancer/
Blessings,
Molly
Wanted to pass these thoughts along that I got from another blog yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com
If He has anything more for us to do or suffer, though life be holden by a rotten thread, that thread is more than cable; we are immortal till our change comes.
William Jay
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions, He addeth His mercy
To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance
When our strength has failed and the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
—Annie Johnston Flynt
With love and prayers,
Keri
Praises to God!
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 43:4 & 5
Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And on the harp I will praise You,
O God, my God.
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The Help of my countenance and my God.
We are rejoicing with you! Much love and prayers your way!
Heather and Mark,
WOW!!! God is good and I am so encouraged when I read your blog! Thank you for sharing –God is glorified in your perserverance and Faith!!! We are praying for you and your family!!
Grace and Peace,
)
Michelle Watt–(frm Jacksonville
More prayers…
Thinking of you today and praying for you that God would heal you quickly and give you a quick recovery. Also, that God would the doctors the wisdom to treat you in the way He wants you treated chemically.
Much love,
Shari
I was directed to your website from Matt and Ginnys site and i just wanted to let you know that my and my family are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. Take care and be strong.