Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Pathology report


Thanks so much for your prayers, encouragement and support.  We have felt and continue to feel loved around every turn.

As most of you know, Susie did well during surgery and is recovering well at home.  We have been waiting on the pathology report from the hospital and from an outside hospital (Johns Hopkins or Cleveland Clinic) for what our next steps will be. 

Last night we received word that Susie has been diagnosed with a grade 3-astrocytoma brain tumor.  While we were hoping for a grade 1 or 2, we had prepared ourselves that it could be a 3. 

So what does this mean?  Well, we’ll meet with our oncologist tomorrow to discuss treatment options.  A few things that have been discussed already are radiation, chemotherapy, and maybe another surgery.  After the oncologist, we’ll also meet with our high-risk ob team that will walk us through risks to the baby.  Then we will wait on the final report to come back from the outside hospital before moving ahead. 

Please know that Susie and I are doing well.  While this is hard news we continue to cling to God’s love, grace and mercy for each day.  We cling to our love for each other, which grows daily.  We also rest and are surrounded by the love of others in our community and all over the world. 

God continues to be God and He is good.  His mercy, love and grace continue to be lavished on us. 

Thanks for all your prayers and shows of support.  It looks like we’ll have a significant battle ahead so please keep them coming. We'll be updating the website a little later today or tomorrow with some more specific needs.  We'll also keep you updated as we get more information as we receive it and are ready.

With love,

Ben

4 comments:

  1. ya'll are amazing. keep singing God's glory and using it all for Him :) it's amazing how you're name is up everytime i get on facebook. i'm praying my heart out for ya'll. i can't imagine all that you're walking through.

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  2. Hi... my name is Jenn Wright and I heard about your circumstances through Tara Ezinkwo, with whom I'm in a Ladies' Bible study. Having multiple chronic illnesses for seven+ years, I know how devastating a diagnosis can be, especially when there are children--and an unborn child, even--involved. My prayers will be with you and your family: for peace; comfort; HEALING; wisdom; support; hope; and to feel our Lord's presence at every moment throughout this season of crisis.
    "To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to the Spirit which is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever!" (Ephesians 3:20-21)
    Receive the blessings God is providing for you; listen for His voice; accept His strength in place of your own. Receive the love of those around the world who care about you and lift you up to the God of healing. May HIS Name be praised through you.
    With humble sincerity,
    Jenn

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  3. I have been praying every single day that the Lord would somehow be preparing you for whatever the prognosis would be and would give you his peace through it all. My heart is heavy for you all, but you manage to continue to encourage others even through this because of your desire to praise the Lord and bring Him glory. That is surely a testimony of his continued work in your lives! Our prayers will be for complete healing for Susie, protection for this baby, and strength for the whole family as the doctors advise on what to do next.

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  4. My name is Missy Shafer. I came across your website via a friend of a friend's blog. We live in Syracuse, NY where our college team's punter, Rob Long, had a similar diagnosis a couple of years ago. He has pulled through and is cancer free. I wanted to send encouragment and prayers your way!
    Best Wishes~
    Missy

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