Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The tumor

OK, so it was bad news. A brain tumor...

Shall I start at the beginning?

I woke this morning to an earthquake....well, OK, so it wasn't an earthquake, it only felt like one. My husband is a big guy. So I guess it goes to prove if a big guy goes into a seizure he will shake the wahozits (it's a word...to me!) out of the bed. And that is just what happened. Andy was seizing and it was so intense it woke me up. I dove over him, stuck my fingers in his mouth to make sure he was not trying to swallow his tongue ( I have already been informed by a nurse not to stick my fingers in a seizing persons mouth again) when he clamped down hard on them. When I finally got my fingers out of his mouth I called 911.
EMT's and other important medical people arrived in time to help me gain composure and we loaded him up and to the hospital we went. It was a scary few min. Caden never came out of her seizure, so when Andy finally replied to my screams and prodding, I almost collapsed in relief. It took him a full half an hour to fully become the Andy we all know and love. By this time we were firmly planted in the ER...this was 6 am.
They took some blood, scheduled an MRI and whisked him away to the metal tube of doom...(he is very claustrophobic) I went out to the waiting room with all who awaited there. When he was finished with the testing, they admitted him and sent him to a private room for the remainder of his stay.
About lunch time is when we got the news. The MRI showed a very large mass at the front left part of his brain. The neurosurgeon will see us around 5.
We waited until 5...with some friends and family and all the calls to those not able to be there.
Dr. S. came in and told us the best news that can follow the worst news. A brain tumor that is (highly) probably not malignant in a very operable position. Surgery and some meds and we could have a great outcome.
Most people who get these types of tumors have one surgery and that is that...life as normal. The one tricky thing is that this type of tumor looks just like brain matter....so although the position of the tumor is good and the Dr is great...there is a risk of not getting it all. If they do not get it all, it could grow back and potentially become malignant.

PLEASE PRAY. I think we might have a couple of days at home before the surgery which is temp. scheduled for Friday. We will know a def. time and date tomorrow.

Pray that they are able to get all of the tumor.
That it is a quick and routine surgery.
For Andy' peace of mind...he hates MRI's and he has to get another one.
Pray for the Dr.'s and nurses.
For my family, peace, comfort and acceptance of Gods will.

I am sorry for the brisk and impersonal feel of this post...I wanted to get the info out...but the day has been long and I am tired. I feel like one of those people who try to balance on the logs rolling them down the river...very off kilter.
Mentally we are doing well. Andy is such an example of a Godly man...I have the most wonderful husband.
I will keep you all posted as best I can.
Pray
Pray
Pray

Lord come quickly

18 comments:

Lil said...

I've been praying for you and Andy and the family since earlier today that Richard called me. Love, Lil (Richard's Mom)

Grandma Barb said...

Even after all that went on yesterday (I thought it was like a roller coaster and I hate roller coasters) some how the mental picture of sweet Cari, wildly doing a log dance down a river at almost 7 months pregnant made me smile!! Whew, be careful on those logs will ya???

Stacey said...

No more log dancing! I will tack that onto my prayer requests. You have already been taken before the throne once again this morning. And my heart, soul, and mind shall remain there the rest of the day! I am so thankful God hears our prayers and he is a personal, loving, compassionate, and merciful God!

Extraordinary Ordinary Life said...

I just read the e-mail from Rick. I will be praying for you all. Please let me know if I can do anything. Your example continues to amaze me.

Bethany said...

Thanks for putting up a post and letting those of us on the 'fringes' of your life know what is going on. Doug and I will continue to pray.

Bethany

kelli and joe said...

We are praying over at our house too Cari. Let us know if we can help in any way, and remember you have to take care of you and Rigg too, so if you need anything don't hesitate to ask.

The Kelly's said...

I heard about Andy yesterday. Mike and I have been in constant prayer for him, and you, since then.
Nate Gast has been having us memorize Bible verses and one of them is Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".
You're in our prayers!
Mike, Lori and Megan Kelly

Angie G said...

Cari, Ryan and I are praying. You and Andy are in our thoughts day in, day out.

Robyn said...

Ah, sweet Cari, thank you for sharing your lives with so many others through your blog. I can't even begin to imagine what your heart feels right now. You have a great group of friends who are not only lifting you up in prayer, but asking others to do the same. Hence the fact your family is being covered with prayers even on the West Coast! Please continue to let us know how to pray.

Love,
Robyn
(married to Stacey's cousin and Barb's nephew)

The Mitchells said...

You don't know me, friends of Michael and Katherine here in Dallas, but I love you both. I loved you when Caden died because my son was the exact same age and my heart physically ached for you. I loved you when I found out you were pregnant, because although God doesn't do swaps (I've had to learn that myself) it is a joy you needed to celebrate a new life. I love you because as Katherine told me yesterday of your news my heart broke for you again, but in hope that you would get to see our Lord lead you through another valley. Micheal weeps when he speaks of you guys in class at church and now you are a part of our hearts so we will cry and pray along side your family. You have strong Dallas roots now, even if you've never been to Texas. Love and LOTS of real prayer coming your way!

Lea said...

Jeff & I've been praying since I heard the news from Melanie yesterday! We will be praying for the surgery. God is the Great Comforter! Continue leaning on Him & all of us, your friends!

Lindsey said...

We are praying for your family and asking that you would feel "the peace of God which transcends all understanding." My family and college friends (and their families) are praying for you, as well. We love you.

Mark Bennardo said...

I will be praying for you.

My wife, Tammy, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2000. Unfortunately, hers was brain cancer. After 8 1/2 years, though, against all odds, she continues to battle on with God's grace and help. We are so grateful.

I wish I could give you some great words of wisdom or comfort, but all I can really say is this:

God is God and He can do whatever He pleases. There is NO thing on earth beyond His reach or ability to overcome. I believe it is His desire to bless, heal and care for His children. So, with that faith, I boldly make my desires known to Him and wait with eager anticipation of what He will do.

May the Lord richly bless you all and grant grace, peace and HEALING to Andy.

Mark

Unknown said...

Praying for you all. You are such true examples to us all. And yes, the thought of you 7 months pregnant also made me laugh.

Justin said...

Andy and Cari, Hey guys, I love you guys, I don't know what else to say other than I love you so I will keep it at that and by the way its a manly I love you not one of those sissy I love you's, I actually sounded like Barry White when I said it in my head. I'll be by tommorow to pray with and for you guys. I really love you guys.

Amber Schmidt said...

Many prayers for peace, for wisdom for the surgeons and doctors, for comfort and for perfect healing for Andy!

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you all~ You are an inspiration to everyone! Love, Lori Ramsey (Bunker Hill)

Anonymous said...

I had no idea all of this was going on. I am so sorry that you go through so much but my goodness you might be the strongest woman I "know".
All my prayers are with you and Andy and baby Rigg. Thanks for all the updates~!