Monday, March 31, 2014

MRI Results...

Romans 5:3-5

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.


That is what is being worked out in Jon and I as I type.  Trials.  Endurance.   Strength of character.  Hope.  Love.

This afternoon, we met with Jon's neurosurgeon to get the results from Jon's recent MRI.  The results are not what we had hoped and prayed for.  When Jon had surgery to remove his brain tumor, the surgeon was thrilled that he was able to remove 95-97% of the tumor.  He said the remaining 3-5% was cauterized at the end of the surgery and shouldn't grow.  He said if it did, it would be very slow growing over time.  Unfortunately, Jon's tumor is not acting "as it should."  In the past 5 1/2 months, Jon's tumor has doubled - almost tripled - in size.  This type of tumor is traditionally very slow growing... Estimated at growing approximately 1mm per year.  Jon's tumor has grown over 6mm in the past 5 1/2 months.  The neurosurgeon is perplexed by this.  He said this is extremely rare and he basically never sees this happen.  

You can see Jon's MRI the day after surgery on the left, and his MRI from last week on the right.  :(



Jon will have to start Radiation in the next 2 weeks.  Technology is incredible these days, so the neurosurgeon is hoping to have Jon undergo "Cyber Knife."  He did warn us that our insurance will probably try to deny this special type, but he will fight to get it approved.  This type of Radiation would be so much better than "traditional" Radiation.  Would you please pray with us that our insurance would approve it?  Our Neurosurgeon would perform it - along with a team he is gathering.  I researched "Cyber Knife" tonight and posted the info below, for those interested.  

As Jon and I were driving home from the hospital, Jon was saying how he didn't even want to tell anyone about this.  He feels like this journey has been long enough for You All and that Everyone is probably tired of walking this long road with us.  My heart knows where His heart is.  Anyone remember my EGR post?  "Extra Grace Required."  Yup.  That's us right now.  So humbling.  Jon and I have been SO grateful for your love during this season.  Is it tough to continue to share all of this?  Yes.  Do we fear some may read this and go, "Really!?! More??  You guys are TOO much."  Yes.  Yet you all have been so faithful.  So loving.  So gracious.  So supportive.  All signs point to safety.  But our insecurity points to other places.  So we choose to lay down our insecurities.  So here we are.  Laying it out there.  Asking, once again, for prayer.  

We are confident in the goodness and sovereignty of God.  We know His love for us is extravagant.  We believe He will work all of this together for our good.  We have already seen amazing beauty from these ashes.  So we are not without hope.  

We invite you to continue on this faith journey with us.  Believe with us.  Taste and see God's goodness with us.  He is here.  So present.  The story unfolding is not one we would have written, but we trust.  

Thank you for your love and prayers.
Just as I started, let's end with the same Truth. 
Because sometimes we need to be reminded - not just every Sunday....  Or every day...  Sometimes we need to be reminded every hour. Or even within the same blog post... That your story, my story, will not be wasted.  Good things are happening and being developed.  Very good things.  

Romans 5:3-5

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.



What is the CyberKnife® System?

The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is a non-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of both cancerous and CyberKnife Suitenon-cancerous tumors anywhere in the body, including the prostate, lung, brain, spine, liver, pancreas and kidney. The treatment – which delivers beams of high dose radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy – offers new hope to patients worldwide.

Though its name may conjure images of scalpels and surgery, the CyberKnife treatment involves no cutting. In fact, the CyberKnife System is the world’s first and only robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors throughout the body non-invasively. It provides a pain-free, non-surgical option for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors, or who may be looking for an alternative to surgery.

24 comments:

  1. You all are in my prayers.... please Lord wok your mighty miracles on Jon... bless this family in the most awesome way ! xoxox

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  2. Unending grace, favor, and prayer covering you <3

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  3. May our Lord Jesus see you all through this next trial, and bring you out the other side, with praise and thanksgiving! Never be afraid to ask for prayer! Most of us are thrilled for the opportunity to share in this! God bless you, Deanna and Family.

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  4. HI. I was directed to your blog by a friend on facebook. I am praying for you and your family as you go forward in this fight against cancer! I will be praying that the insurance company covers the cyber knife.
    Oh, and I read the post before this one about your week and daily life. I, too am a mom of 4 and though my kiddo's now have a few years on your (mine are 12,10,9, and 5) I can SO relate with the 'stuff' on your pants from your baby wiping their nose on you, the tangerines in the bowls and the corn flakes on the floor! Praying for your family. It is nice to 'meet' you!

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  5. Paul, be guaranteed that we will be with you and your family through all of this as well the Lord! All things work for good! We all love you so much and Know your prayers are Heard.

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  6. Praying for Jon, family, insurance company and the Neurosurgeon. Praying this surgeon can witness the miracle of God and give his heart to the Lord.

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  7. I remember the first time I got to play on the worship team at Mariners for our Rooted Celebration and will always have this song in my head as Jon was leading. Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer. You're the defender of the weak,You comfort those in need, You lift us up on wings like eagles. You are the everlasting God!
    Will be praying.

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  8. Please know that your family and friends will never tire of hearing about your life, especially when it comes to the big things, like needing prayer. I pray that the insurance will approve the Cyber knife and that God will indeed heal Jon. Blessings to you and your family during this time.

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  9. May the Great Physician intervene through medical procedures, insurance companies, and all experts involved. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray comfort, peace, and great faith to move the tumor mountain from your lives - over you and all the family. In Jesus' name, Amen. Greta Morgan

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  10. Praying for the team! Keep the Faith, keep the Strength and Courage to continue this path. God has the wheel.

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  11. Hi, I came to your blog through Derek Kishida's email (Men's Ministry Mariners). Unfortunately, I will be out of town this weekend, otherwise, I would attend the men's breakfast where Jon will be speaking. I just wanted to share that I'm lifting Jon up in prayer and so thankful he is sharing is story of faith and perseverance with the men of Mariners. Keep sharing and we'll keep praying!!!

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  12. You don't know me, but I have been praying, and will continue to pray. He is in control!

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  13. I am praying for you and your family. God is in control; Rest in His assurances. 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.

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  14. We never tire of praying for you or following your story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Today was a really hard day for you guys - praying for your encouragement.

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  15. Jon & Deanna will be praying for your whole family! Deanna I have watched you grow up singing at Hume & enjoyed watching you & Jon sing together! God is great ... He can get you all through this! ❤️

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  16. I will be praying. We have a huge God who loves to do huge things.

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  17. I will be praying for healing - and that all medical needs are approved by the insurance company -wisdom for your doctors and peace: for body, mind, and soul.
    With God all things are possible and NOTHING is impossible.
    In the name of Jesus, the great healer.

    Elaine Maisen

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  18. You are loved--by God and us. It is a wonderful thing to pray to our LORD for our brother. Stay strong in the LORD!!!

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  19. Hi Deanna ~ I found your blog through a mutual FB friend. (We used to attend Scott Memorial, I forget what it's called now, but that was before you guys were there.) I've been following along with your story and you've frequently moved me to tears with your vulnerability and openness. What I want to tell you is that I believe it takes courage to reach out and tell our stories and to be open about our need. I'm so glad you're not being silent because I, for one, can say you've ministered to my flagging faith many times in the last several months just by being who you are and by not hiding. Both of you have. I want so much for you to see that you're not "EGRs" (although I can definitely tell you went to Scott Memorial with that phrase! ;-) ). You're blessing others with your openness and grace just as much -- if not more -- than you feel blessed by others' prayers and love, but that's just the part you can't see. You can't see the difference YOU'RE making for someone like ME. That's why I'm telling you. You're NOT EGRs. You're grace givers and grace sharers. You are courage under pressure. You are faith in each little step. Thank you for sharing and please keep sharing because we are all blessed by you.

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  20. Deanna-we continue to pray for Jon, you and your sweet kidlets. May The Lord continue to strengthen you and be by your side through this tough journey. Lots of love from the Heath crew!!

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  21. Praying for your precious family. Please keep us posted.

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  22. I am so sorry to hear this. I went through a similar trial in my life and it was tough to get through it. We started praying like I did not know that we could. And we were just with others who were constantly encouraging us and also praying for us. The support we got was so touching and encouraging.

    Kacey @ Glendale MRI

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