Christine Update

Thankfully we were able to get another update quickly. A real answer to prayer! Please continue to keep this family in your prayers as they continue this journey.

Christine Neall’s Brain Tumor Update #27

A quick note to share a praise to God for his love, continued mercy and sustaining grace.  We had a safe trip to and from the NIH in Maryland for another MRI and checkup.  The night before the appointment, we talked with Rob’s cousin James (an oncologist) about Temodar (the chemotherapy that is being recommended) and how it works on a cellular level.  We really appreciated the time he spent to talk with us.  It made us less hesitant to start chemo if the tumor was growing, yet more sure we wanted to wait to start chemo until the tumor showed definite signs of growing.

With some apprehension we awaited the doctor.  When she finally arrived, she walked in and said something to the effect of, “Well, nothing has changed.  The tumor remains stable.  Stable is such a good word in this profession.  We’ll see you back in 3 months.”  I think this was the shortest visit we have had to date as that was about the extent of it.  We talked a little more but were soon out the door and on our way back with much relief and very grateful hearts. 

We haven’t yet seen the radiologist’s report (which caused so much apprehension after our last visit), but it should be here the beginning of next week. 

Although in our Christian life “stable” is not something that is possible (“You cannot stand still; you must either advance or retrograde.” 5T 264), in other areas of life “stable” is such a wonderful word.  In a world of mind numbing changes happening at blinding speeds, we are thankful for a consistent God who “changeth not.”  He is “the same yesterday, today and forever.”  And although we are thankful for a “stable” tumor site, we trust Him who “changeth not.”

Thank you for your prayers in our behalf.  The Lord mercifully heard those prayers and continued to grant a “stay” to the tumor… “And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:” Job 38:11

Have a blessed Sabbath,

Rob and Christine Neall

Christine Update

I've been posting the updates about my friend Christine on my blog since I asked for prayer so many months ago. People still stop me and ask how she is doing and mention these updates. So here is another one that requires prayer.

Christine Neall’s Brain Tumor Update #26

This is a quick e-mail to solicit your prayers in our behalf as we journey back again to the NIH for another MRI and checkup.  It has only been 3 months since we were last up here and they told us that an area of the tumor bed showed some subtle changes from previous MRI’s.  Because of the potential tumor growth they wanted us back sooner.  This MRI may reveal if there has indeed been some tumor progression.  We, of course, we hoping and praying that it is not and perhaps only gliosis or continued healing from the surgery.  We were scheduled to go back up last week but plane delays forced us to cancel the appointment after we had traveled to Little Rock and gone through security for the trip.  We trust that there was a purpose as “all things work together for good.”

Christine continues to nurse Ella and with very busy summer plans, we elected to wait till this MRI to consider our options.  God has guided us to this point and we continue to trust him for the future.  Please gray for his guidance.

Our summer was indeed very busy with work at OHA and around the house and garden, traveling to family reunions, and with planning and leading a trip to ASI with a choir and string ensemble from Ouachita Hills.  It proved to be a highlight of the summer with Kevin and Shelly Powell also coming on the trip and Christine and the children joining us the 2^nd weekend in Orlando Florida.  We are very blessed that Christine continues to have no deficits other than the speech aphasia which can be more pronounced when very tired – an event which seemed to happened more frequently with our exhausting summer schedule.

We just celebrated Elliot’s 4^th birthday in August.  On his birthday he essentially mastered the skill of coasting downhill on his bicycle without training wheels – accompanied by skinned elbows and bruised knees which cut short his endeavor.  However, when he received his scooter a few days later, his interest renewed and he mastered the skill this time on the scooter.  Ella continues to develop she approaches her 2^nd birthday in December.  Although her vocabulary is limited she clearly communicates her wishes.

When we recently told someone about Christine’s brain tumor, he responded with great earnestness, “It’s in the mind!”  It made us chuckle because, quite literally, it is.  However, the importance of our thoughts should not be underestimated.  I have been studying habits lately and particularly habits of thought.  This morning I read these two encouraging quotes on the power of right thinking:

No one but yourself can control your thoughts. In the struggle to reach the highest standard, success or failure will depend much upon the character and the manner in which the thoughts are disciplined. If the thoughts are well girded, as God directs they shall be each day, they will be upon those subjects that will help us to greater devotion. If the thoughts are right, then as a result the words will be right; the actions will be of that character to bring gladness and comfort and rest to souls.-- 2MCP 655

As we are not our own, as we are bought with a price, it is the duty of everyone who professes to be a Christian to keep his thoughts under the control of reason and oblige himself to be cheerful and happy. However bitter may be the cause of his grief, he should cultivate a spirit of rest and quietude in God. The restfulness which is in Christ Jesus, the peace of Christ, how precious, how healing its influence, how soothing to the oppressed soul! However dark his prospects, let him cherish a spirit to hope for good. While nothing is gained by despondency, much is lost. While cheerfulness and a calm resignation and peace will make others happy and healthy, it will be of the greatest benefit to oneself. Sadness and talking of disagreeable things is encouraging the disagreeable scenes, bringing back upon oneself the disagreeable effect. God wants us to forget all these--not look down but up, up! 2MCP 662

Scripture has this powerful promise. 

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3.

Thank you for your continued prayers for health and healing of this malignant brain tumor. 

Sincerely,

Rob and Christine Neall

Christine Update

Some of you might remember my friend Christine that has a brain tumor.

She's been doing great and her little girl is just precious.

But I received an update and thought I'd pass along the news so the prayers could continue.

Her last update is here. If you want to read the whole story search my blog for Christine.

Christine Neall's Brain Tumor Update #25
It is now 2 years since the discovery of Christine's brain tumor and
the 22nd of June will mark 2 years since the surgery to resect the
tumor.  How grateful we are for every day of life and for God's mercy
in granting the last two years of life together with our precious
children (now 1½ and 3 years old).  At times, during these past two
years life has seemed so normal that we have often forgotten that we
are living with a malignant brain tumor.  However, every 3-4 months we
are brought back to reality as we travel back to NIH for another MRI
and checkup.

When Christine was first diagnosed we soon realized that the "cancer"
roller coaster has many ups and downs and they often came in quick
succession.  We have been grateful that the past two years have had
many highs in providences, hopes and encouragements.  However, we just
returned from another checkup this last week and the roller coaster hit
another downward loop.

Before this, every MRI had shown that what was left of the tumor was
stable and there was no indication of growth.  However, the MRI this
time showed an area of the tumor bed that showed some subtle changes
from previous MRI's, although they are not exactly certain the true
nature of it.  In short, the radiologist cannot tell if it tumor
recurrence or if it is just scarring from the surgery two years ago.
Something has changed, but they are not sure what.  One good thing is
that the tumor has not shown any contrast enhancement which would
indicate clear tumor recurrence and progression to a higher grade
tumor.  For this we are very grateful.

But I suppose it was just the uncertainty of the report that left us
with a big question mark and a nagging feeling of potential tumor
progression. They want to keep a close eye on it and want us back in
just 3 months this time.

To date, Christine has not had any official treatment for the cancer
in the form of chemotherapy or radiation although we have found some
natural things we pray might be beneficial.  The doctors continue to
encourage chemo and radiation though they think it is OK to continue
to watch till the next MRI.  It is not that we are totally opposed to
chemo and radiation, but we would be most grateful to be able to avoid
it and so far Christine being pregnant and then breastfeeding has
removed the option from the table.  The question is, "What should we
do now?"

We are grateful for the many prayers of God's people in our behalf and
we are encouraged every time we hear of someone else who prays for us
"every day."  It seems we encounter this often and we are amazed and
humbled at the care and support we have received.  We again solicit
your prayers for God's healing and continued guidance in our lives.
We have clearly seen him leading throughout these past two years and
although the road ahead is uncertain, we continue to trust the Hand
that never misjudges or makes a mistake.  Below is a quote that gives
us courage.  We have a prayer hearing God!

Sincerely,
Rob and Christine Neall

Update on Christine

Christine Neall’s Brain Tumor Update #23
Sabbath, August 4, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

We are thankful to be back home again now after a couple of thousand miles and seven weeks of travel this past summer. It was a busy summer but we are grateful for the chance to see many family and friends and to attend a 3 weeks lifestyle session at Uchee Pines Health Institute in Seale Alabama. We had to leave home a week earlier than anticipated to go and help care for Christine’s mother who had become seriously ill and was admitted to the hospital. Thankfully she has been recovering well though it looked very serious for a while. We also were two weeks later in returning than we were anticipating so our hopes for work around home and gardening this summer have met with little fruit but we are thankful indeed for the time spent together as family. Every day is precious and we cherish the time we can spend together.

We are especially grateful for the chance to visit Uchee Pines and learn from the many experienced people there. Dr. Agatha Thrash was Christine’s attending physician and it was wonderful to connect with her again and learn from her incredible wealth of knowledge. She is such a wonderful, caring lady, with a firm faith in the Lord. We were indeed blessed and inspired by all the dedicated people we met, especially Christine’s Lifestyle Counselor, Rukiya Charles who treated her so expertly each day.

Christine underwent hyperthermia (fever treatments) 5 days a week and was able to use their Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber to recover in after them and even to sleep in at nights. We are thankful for the things we learned as far as diet and lifestyle which have helped us tweak our protocol to better equip the Christine in the fight against cancer. We also had some positive changes in Christine’s blood work while there. Using cilantro smoothies, they were able to chelate out the high levels of copper in Christine’s blood which was one of our goals. We learned many different strategies which we hope may prove beneficial in preventing the cancer from growing or upgrading into a more aggressive form.

We just arrived back home again after another visit to the National Institutes of Health in Maryland for another MRI and checkup on Christine’s brain tumor. We are thankful that the MRI still indicates a stable brain tumor with no new growth. The doctor said that the tumor is acting more like a low grade oligodendroglioma since it has been a year now since the operation and the tumor looks just about like it did one year ago, post-op. She said that a year is a good long time to observe these things since they know how they act so it is a good sign. They do not treat low grade tumors but just monitor them so she thought it might be reasonable to continue to monitor it for now and delay treatment so Christine can continue to breastfeed our precious daughter. Christine is such a good mother wanting to do the best thing for Ella and her health. We are so very grateful for the good news of no growth and we are earnestly hoping and praying that with God’s blessing on the things we have learned at Uchee and Nutritional Solutions we may delay the progression of the tumor indefinitely. Thank you for your continued prayers for us in this regard.

For the most part Christine is pretty much normal except for a some speech aphasia (which means she can’t find or express words very well). Some days are more pronounced than others but were are thankful that is the only residual effect of the surgery and tumor at the moment. We wish to ask for your continued prayers in our behalf as these types of tumors tend to upgrade to more aggressive types over time and can suddenly change.

Elliot is doing well and talking more than ever. He enjoys doing flips onto the couch and loves swimming in the pool. He just broke his arm on his last day of being 2 (he’s now 3). Ella is 8 months now and still smiles at everyone just about continuously.

I pray this finds each of you in good health and enjoying God’s blessing on your lives. We certainly are enjoying the same and thankful for every new day.

Blessings,

Rob Neall

Update on Christine

An update on my friend Christine, one year after we heard the terrible news about her brain tumor. So thankful for the many blessings in her life. Her husband Rob wrote this letter.

Dear Family and Friends,

As I write this, it was exactly one year ago today that Christine was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  How thankful we are that God has granted us another year of life together as a family but what journey this past year has been.  A flood of unbelievable memories sweep over me as I recall the events surrounding the seizure and of the days and weeks that followed the diagnosis.  I must say that the Lord is faithful and has sustained and guided us all along the way.  We are so very grateful for his providences and all the support and help we have received.  As I look back over the last year I am encouraged in remembering that, “the fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines.” (FLB 64)

We recently went back up to the NIH for our 2^nd post delivery checkup and were very thankful that MRI showed that the tumor was still stable – there is no sign of growth or change.  In fact if anything the MRI showed that the grey area surrounding the resection cavity was slightly smaller in size than it was before.  They said that this was most likely still healing from the surgery and not something to get excited about.  But we are hopeful it might actually be tumor shrinkage and we are just praising the Lord for every indication of his mercy and for each day of continued life. 

As I consider the past year, there are so many things that we are incredibly grateful for.  Allow me to list a few.

1) For a safe, natural, vaginal delivery of a full term, healthy baby Girl: Elizabeth (Ella) Joan Neall was born Saturday, December 24 at 1:28 p.m. and weighed 7 lbs 13 oz.  She continues to grow and is a real joy, smiling everyone.  At 5 months now, she just laughs and laughs at the antics of her big brother who dotes over her and loves to entertain her by jumping off a stool onto the floor.  We are so grateful for our little miracle girl!  The Lord brought her through so much.

2) Family and Friends: We feel so privileged to have had so much support throughout this ordeal.  We have appreciated all the care and concern, the cards and gifts, the words of encouragement and faith, the many prayers with and for us, and the many sacrifices in our behalf.  God has blessed us through so many, I cannot list them all but a few prominent ones come to mind: the Clarks for their constant care and concern, for their adopting Elliot and Ella as “grandchildren” and helping to care for them through this trial; for Mrs. Clark for dropping everything to come to doctors appointments and coming up to NIH with us; for all my siblings for coming to be with us before and during the operation; for my sisters, Carol and Shelly for staying by Christine’s side during recovery from the operation; for mom and John Wood for coming to see us through the surgery and for their love and support; for James Gulley for helping to get us into the NIH, for giving us expert counsel and answering all our many questions; for he and his wife Trenise for opening up their home for us and feeding us whenever we come for checkups and picking us up or take us back to the airport and to NIH; for Megan Smith for sacrificing her summer plans to “go where ever you go” to caring for Elliot during our time at the NIH; for our OHA family, for their love and prayers and for providing food during our crisis; to the Gillises for showing up at our door with loads of food.

3) The Anointing Service: This remains in our memory as a special plea for the Lord’s intervention.  Indeed we saw Him part the waters and guide us through the wilderness in answer to these prayers of faith.

4) The National Institutes of Health: It was truly a miracle that we were able to be treated at the National Institutes of America.  They have some of the best neuro-oncologists in the world and the whole medical team has been so compassionate and caring as well as professional.  It has truly been one of the most incredible medical experiences we have ever had.  It is an amazing place and we feel very privileged to be able to be patients there.

5) For a successful operation to resect the tumor: The operation went well without any serious complications.  Christine has very little residual affects from the surgery other than a scar from ear to ear across the scalp.  She still occasionally has some speech aphasia and her right arm has some weakness.  They were able to remove 90-95% of the tumor without compromising her quality of life.  We are very grateful for the expertise of Dr. Lonser and Dr. Zaghul who did the surgery.

6) For our precious son, Elliot: We realize that he has not been immune from the stress of the whole situation and we are grateful for his resilience.  He continues to grow in many ways: in height, in curiosity, in energy, in vocabulary, and into our hearts.  The other day he fell out of his bed onto his toys left on the floor beside the bed.  Thankfully he was unhurt except for a scrape and a shiner or two on his face from the toys.  He is in a “big boy bed” now (a queen bed – so we still have room for guests should they come by) so it was not a terrible fall but shook us up some.

7) Counsel: We are so thankful for some resources the Lord has led us to.  We have found some very helpful information on creating an anticancer environment that is evidence-based on scientific research which is specifically tailored for brain tumors.  Also, the Lord has also opened up the way for us to be able to go to Yuchee Pines this summer to see what we might be able to learn from them on strategies for cancer treatment and an anti-cancer lifestyle.  We are excited about the opportunity and thankful for the opening up of doors to allow us to be able to go.  We will be attending one of their lifestyle programs during the middle of the summer so it looks like we will be gone much of the summer.

8) Lessons Learned: One of the lessons that we are continually learning is that we cannot take life for granted and we are continually reminded of the necessity to appreciate every day of life that He grants us here on earth.  Even 80 or 90 years is “short.”  Let us make sure there is an infinity beyond.  This is what counts.

Blessings,

Rob Neall

Update on Christine

Another update on my friend Christine.

Dear Family and Friends,

Elizabeth Joan Neall is now just over 1 month old and is a healthy baby girl.  When we took her to the pediatrician she said that she tried real hard to find something wrong but couldn’t find anything.  She is now over 10 lbs and growing by the minute.  We are so thankful for the Lord’s mercy in a safe and full-term delivery and now for a healthy baby.  With all that both mother and fetus have been through it is a miracle for which we are so grateful.  Elliot loves his little sister and often smothers her with hugs and kisses. 

We have just gone back up to the NIH for our first visit after the delivery.  This time they were able to use the gadolinium contrast agent which they did not want to use before due to the potential affects it may have on the fetus.  It reveals more details regarding the nature of the tumor that is left.  However, the Dr. said that everything still looks stable and the gadolinium did not reveal any new growth or developments in the area.  We are again so thankful for the Lord’s healing mercy in keeping the tumor stable.  The Dr. was comfortable to allow Christine to continue to breastfeed Ella for a few more months before proceeding with treatment options.  So life will continue on as normal for a few more months though normal means adjusting to a life with two kids now. J  Ella was a great traveler while in the plane but after finally arriving at James and Trenise’s she didn’t settle down until after midnight. 

So for the most part the visit was uneventful except for a late, bumpy and delayed air flight on the way home to Little Rock.  But at least it rocked little Ella to sleep even while it gave us butterflies.  We are thankful we can fly out one day and back the next. 

Please pray for the Lord’s continued intervention in the process and guidance in treatment.  We have seen his hand continuing to provide for our needs and we are so grateful for his mercy.  Thank you each for your prayers.

Love Rob, Christine, Elliot and Ella

An Early Christmas Present

A beautiful update on my friend Christine.

You will be happy to know that Ella Neall was born this afternoon about 1:30.  She arrived after about 7 hours of labor--quite a lot less than that which brought forth her brother!  Ella weighs 7 lbs 13 oz, which may account for some of that difference! (Elliot was 9 lb+)   Mother and child are doing very well and are at Baptist Hospital in Arkadelphia, perhaps going home tomorrow.  Thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to remember them.

Update on Christine

For those just starting to read this blog: My friend Christine has a brain tumor that was mostly removed a few months ago. She's my age and is also pregnant with her second child which complicates things. She is waiting on baby Ella to be born before starting chemo. Christine and her husband Rob post updates periodically for their friends. Because I asked my blog readers for prayer and have had so many people asking me about her, I decided to post the updates on my blog as well.
Tima

Dear family and friends,

It looks like these MRI check-ups will become a way of life for us for the next few years.  The PA at the neruo-oncology branch at NIH told us this morning that Christine will be “married” to an MRI machine for the foreseeable future.  She will have to go in every couple months for several years for another MRI scan.  But we are thankful that modern technology enables them to monitor her so closely and detect any changes that might develop in the tumor early on.  We are so thankful for the expert medical care we have been receiving at the NIH.  It has truly been an unbelievable experience and miracle as we have seen God’s hand leading in it all.

We are on our way back home after another trip to NIH.  Thankfully the residual tumor shows no signs of progression and remains stable.  One good sign was that the cavity where the tumor used to be appeared to be slightly larger this time than on the last MRI.  They said that this was a positive sign in that it most likely indicates that the brain is healing from the surgery - the swelling has reduced, leaving more room.  A larger cavity would also indicate that there is no “mass effect” where the tumor would be growing and thus reducing the cavity opening.  They are still waiting until after the pregnancy before using gadolinium enhanced MRI’s.  This contrast agent would be able to reveal more detailed information about the type of residual tumor that is left and its current activity.  They will start that in January.

We saw a different neuro-oncologist this time who was helpful in answering many of our questions though no new, significant information was learned.  We have known for some time that Christine’s tumor is part of a sub-category of oligodendrogliomas which have a 1P/19Q co-deletion in its gene.  People who have this deletion have a better prognosis in general and it apparently makes the tumor more susceptible to the chemotherapy agent.  We are thankful for every indication of hope.

We also had a consultation with a physician from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the NIH.  This branch does studies on CAM modalities and practices.  Although we didn’t really learn anything new or extraordinary we were interested in talking to someone there about how nutrition and lifestyle might affect the cancer.  Most of the information we have received thus far seemed to indicate that the mainline opinion is that these types of brain tumors aren’t caused by or really affected by any specific diet or lifestyle issues.  We have been told that there was nothing that can or should be doing that might change the situation.  Although the NCCAM doctor steered clear of recommending any specific herbs and/or supplements she talked a lot about whole foods and a positive lifestyle.  She said they had very little hard evidence or any studies on specific supplements or herbs and as such NIH cannot really give out recommendations on them.

One interesting thing that she shared was that several studies had been done regarding supplements derived from plants (carrots mainly).  One study took two groups of smokers where one group was fed lots of whole vegetables like broccoli and carrots and the other ate the normal American diet.  The group that ate the vegetables had 40% less lung cancer.

Then scientists decided to extract the most beneficial components from the vegetables and put it in a pill.  They again took two groups of smokers and gave one group the vegetable pill supplement and the other group nothing.  She said that this time the pill takers had a slightly higher risk for getting cancer.  The scientists gave up trying and it wasn't until 10 years later that they tried again.

They did the trial one more time with three groups: vegetable eaters, pill takers and a control group.  The same results were reported, 40% reduction in cancer for the whole vegetable eaters and slightly higher cancer rates for the pill takers than the control group.  I guess we should have asked for the sources on this study (or three studies) as it was very interesting.  It not only confirms what we already know about the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet but may bring into question the validity of a certain amount of supplement taking.  She said that there were some studies on the benefits of some supplements, namely green tea, garlic, calcium and vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin B.

She was very general in her recommendations but other areas she talked about were eating more things like garlic, getting adequate rest, reducing stress, listening to your body and getting some exercise.  It sounded really similar to God’s 8 natural remedies.  It was a good reminder that there is more than just proper nutrition in the battle against disease.  Of course I understand she is a principle investigator in a study they are currently conducting on alleviating lower back pain through acupuncture which might reveal a lot about the diverse nature of CAM modalities and the difficulty they have in studying them.  But the NCCAM branch does receive something like $127.7 million for its research.

There remains “good news” on the baby front.  Our obstetrician says the baby is doing well and everything looks good.  The due date is only one month away.  Baby Ella will be here before we know it.  We plan on naming her, “Elizabeth Joan Neall” after her two grandmothers.  She will be the fourth Elizabeth (like her aunt, grandma, and great-grandma) on the Bothne side.  We will call her Ella.

Thank you for your prayers for the baby and Christine through this whole ordeal.  We can see God answering them every day.  We are so thankful for all the love and support we have received through this whole experience.  Your many prayers in our behalf give us courage and the cards and comments we continue to receive given us renewed strength.  We have seen His leading and trust His hand for the future.

Blessings,

Rob and Christine Neall

Christine Update

Another update on my friend Christine -

Dear family and friends,

Well, we are excited about nothing!  That is we are very grateful to have nothing to report, grateful that things are not getting worse or progressing into a dire situation.  But mostly grateful for the Lord’s sustaining grace and for every day of life. 

We have just returned from another visit to the NIH for another MRI and consult.  It appears this will become a common way of life for us as we will frequently have to go there for continued follow-up and care.  They want to monitor her with monthly MRI’s until after the pregnancy and then every two months after that while she is under treatment.  We are so thankful for the miraculous way this has opened up for us and the care we are receiving here.  It has truly been an incredible experience at a most amazing place.

As for the MRI this time the Dr. said that basically there were no changes and it looked essentially the same as the one a month ago except that the brain had collapsed some into the cavity some more after the resection.  He said this was normal and everything looked stable.  It had not grown at all.  This is all good news.  Praise God!

We saw a different attending physician this time and were very impressed with him as well.  He was helpful and answered our questions very thoroughly and helped us to understand some of the issues we were not clear on.

So for now we are waiting and praying and thankful for every day.  Indeed we are daily proving the truth of this passage of scripture, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait I say, on the Lord.”  Ps 27:14

Please know how much your love, support, and prayers have meant to us. Please continue to pray!  We have seen his leading and trust hand for the future.

Blessings,

Rob and Christine Neall

Christine Update

Many have been asking for an update on Christine's brain tumor. Since we got back from NIH, I have been inundated with things to get ready for registration and then first weeks of school at OHA is always hectic. My sister Shelly, her husband Kevin and their family as well as my Dad have all moved into their new “dorm” home and are in the full swing of a new school year. With everything going on, none of us have had much time to write an update--so when my sister Carol came to visit last weekend, she wrote this one, which we have adapted.  Some of you may have already received much of this information from her e-mail but I will send it again so as not to miss anyone on my list.

Christine is doing amazingly well right now, and we are praising the Lord. She is looking very maternal, and is showing her pregnancy of five months along just beautifully.  We will have a little girl sometime in mid-December, the Lord willing. Since weaning off the Keppra (an anti-seizure medication) a few weeks ago, Christine is feeling 100% better. No more dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, etc. She says, besides the normal fatigue of being pregnant and caring for a toddler, she is almost feeling nearly back to normal. Her speech is also greatly improved, but at times we can tell it's not quite normal yet. But, overall, she is looking well and feeling well, and able to do most things. She has a big scar across the top of her head where most likely the hair won't regrow. But, she is able to pull her hair back and it covers very well.

Our last visit to the NIH on August 17 revealed some good news and some bad news.  I'll share the good news first. The MRI showed no growth in the remaining portion of the tumor, and in fact it was slightly smaller, which was expected since the last MRI was immediately after surgery and there was some swelling. The neuro oncologist who is top in his field and has written textbooks on brain tumors said that it appeared that the surgery had been successful in removing 95-99% of the tumor. That's really good! We understood after surgery that they had removed only about 80% of the tumor. The other positive fact is that Christine's tumor had the genetic marker called a 1p/19q co-deletion. Those patients who have this marker tend to have a better prognosis in general. This is in part because it seems these tumors are more sensitive to the chemotherapy agent. The plan is for her to have monthly MRIs until birth to monitor the tumor and not to begin any treatment until after the baby is delivered. They said that if she wasn't pregnant, they would want her to start on treatment right away. We are thankful that she is pregnant, because it gives us more time to research our options, contact other people, and time to process all of this. We also believe that God has a special plan for this little one through all of this.

Now for the not so good news. They said that the vast majority of the tumor was an oligodendroglioma grade 2 but that the few spots with greater cellular density had all the characteristics oligodendroglioma grade 3 tumor cells. As such the entire tumor has been up-graded to an "anaplastic oligodendroglioma." This means it is classified as a more malignant (cancerous), faster growing and more invasive tumor. These cells tend to infiltrate the brain and migrate and grow which is why the whole tumor must be upgraded. (Even if they had removed 100% of the tumor, some cells would still would be there because it infiltrates into the rest of the brain.) We were hoping the tumor would have been classified a grade 2 because they don't recommended any treatment for these but just to monitor them over time.

The doctor encouraged Christine to do both chemotherapy and radiation. They are recommending an oral chemotherapy drug called Temodor (temozolomide) which is typically taken daily for five days a month for one year, sometimes up to two years. In appears to be better tolerated by most people and have fewer side effects than most of the chemotherapy drugs. People who are taking it generally don't lose their hair or get really sick however it does have some common side effects (fatigue, nausea, etc.) and a small percentage of people do not tolerate it very well at all. It has only been around since around 2000 so its use with this type of brain tumor doesn’t have long term data on it but many patients who have been treated for this type of tumor are still alive 10+ years later.  We will probably not do radiation at this point. 

When Christine asked the doctor what her prognosis would be if we chose not to do chemotherapy and radiation, he told us that the tumor would most likely take her life within 3-5 years. Of course, we are doing all we can naturally to fight cancer. Christine is not eating any refined sugar (and eating lots of foods rich in anti-oxidants), and is reading a lot (as much as possible with a toddler and still some work for school), researching, and trying to learn all the ways to fight it naturally.

We are thankful for the good news and trusting the Lord through the bad.  He has lead so far and we know he continues to lead each day.  Our summer was consumed with the brain tumor but what a blessing it was that all this happened during the summer when I could be there 100% for Christine and then take care of Elliot when we got home and she was recovering.  But how providential it is that she has recovered sufficiently just in time for me to be able to return to my full time responsibilities at OHA for a new school year.  I know we must live one day at a time but the evidences of his guidance through all of this gives us great solace amidst the uncertainty.

Please know how much your love, support, and prayers have meant to us. Please continue to pray!  God’s will be done.

With gratitude, trusting in His promises,

Rob

 

Christine Update

It has now been more than 2 months since the seizure and 8 weeks since the surgery.  Here is a quick up-date and prayer request for Christine and I.

MRI: We flew back up to NIH today for another MRI today and consultation with Dr. Fine regarding treatment options tomorrow.  We in the waiting room right now as Christine is in the MRI.  Please pray again for no harm to be done to the baby.  We understand that it is relatively safe but just unknown.

NIH Consultation: Also pray for God's guidance on our consultation with Dr. Fine tomorrow.  We should find out more about the tumor and we expect to find out what he recommends as the best treatment plan.  He is probably one of the best neuro-oncologists in the world and probably has more experience treating brain tumors than anyone in the world.  He is personally overseeing some 3000 some brain tumor patients a year and we understand he has personally seen each one.  We are thankful he was willing to take on our case.  God has guided so far and we trust he will guide us along the journey ahead.  But we covet your prayers in our behalf.

Baby: The baby is making herself known more prominently now.  She is "showing" more with each passing day.  Christine has been feeling the baby move now for a while.  She seems to be a busy child.  I think she is 5 months along now.  Delivery date is December 17.

Aphasia: We ordered and just received a fascinating book called "Anticancer" by David Servan-Schreiber, M.D. PHD.  Dr. Schreiber battled a brain tumor himself and explores the role of the immune system in combating it.  We have amazingly created bodies which are multifaceted and complex.  He shares his own journey and what he has learned and supports it with much research.  I don't believe the brain surgery has slowed down Christine's reading speed much.  She is well into the book.  Her "intake" is as fast as ever, it is her "outgo" that is slower.  I guess that's called "lag time.

Rob

Christine Update

Over two weeks have passed since I last posted anything regarding Christine’s progress. Our lives are mostly consumed with daily living. My plans regarding the many things I wanted to accomplish around the house this summer have mostly stayed put on my eternal “To Do List.” But I am reminded that, “often our plans fail that God's plans for us may succeed.” {MH 473.3} We don’t know why we are passing through this valley but we trust ourselves to the hand of him who never errs. I am reminded of this quotation which brings us so much hope:

   "Not without a purpose does God send trial to his children. He never leads them otherwise than they would choose to be led if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling, as workers together with him. He subjects them to discipline to humble them, to lead them, through trial and affliction, to see their weakness and draw near to him. As they cry to him for help, he responds, saying, "Here am I." He is not regardless of the entreaties of his children. He bears long with their impenitence, and when they turn to him, he receives them graciously." {RH, March 7, 1912 par. 1}
   It has been four weeks today since the surgery and we are thankful that Christine continues to improve although much more slowly and not without some complications. We are grateful she has gotten over the cold that she caught with its fever and that her headaches have become more infrequent. Perhaps the most discouraging and difficult is her lack of energy. I suppose this is to be expected with the surgery, the Keppra medication and pregnancy. She is easily exhausted with much effort. Some days are better than others but bad days usually follow the count our blessings. She still has difficulty finding words and her speech is slower than usual but I think she is still improving just at a much slower rate than her initial improvement. When she is tired or exhausted it exacerbates her speech aphasia and conversation comes more slowly and with difficulty. Her right side function is almost normal but still lacks fine motor skills. Both the right arm and leg continue to have some residual weakness. As we have talked with several others who have had brain surgery we are so very thankful that she does not have more complications from the operation. Many others have had to deal with much more severe and debilitating after affects from such an operation and we are grateful Christine is seemingly returning to normal. It seems the “conservative removal” of the tumor near the motor cortex was successful in preserving her function though they knew it would leave some of the tumor there which it did. Another recent development is that she has now developed a sharp pain in the stomach which seems to begin in the late morning and then becomes quite severe by early afternoon. We are hoping it is not an ulcer though with the stress of the last month it would be understandable.
   It is hard to believe we have just one month left before school starts. With her fatigue it will not be easy for her to care for Elliot or take care of other necessary duties unless she improves more by then. We have clearly seen God’s hand providing in the whole situation and we know he will continue to do so. One of the ways we see him doing this is that my brother-in-law and sister, Kevin and Shelly Powell, will be moving down here in three weeks. Kevin will be the new boy’s dean at OHA and having them nearby will be a tremendous benefit. How true has been the promise, “before they call, I will answer!” (Is 65:24) We are so excited about having them come join our staff and be close by!
   Our visit to the obstetrician on Tuesday indicated that the baby is healthy and continuing to develop normally. He agreed with the NIH obstetricians that it looks like a girl! We are grateful and still hoping to make it through the pregnancy before any treatment is needed. God is good and we continually pray for His protection over this gift of life.
   One of the neuro-oncology fellows from NIH called last Thursday and said that the 2nd opinion from Harvard had come back but now Dr. Fine, the chief neuro-oncologist who was our attending physician is out on medical leave for a few weeks. We were really impressed with him as he is one of the best and most experienced neuro-oncologists in the world who was also very compassionate and hopeful. We would really like to consult with him again so we will probably wait until he returns before we go back up there. It is looking like it will maybe the first or second week in August before he returns to work. At this point we don’t know anything more regarding the diagnosis, treatment recommendations or prognosis. Sometimes maybe ignorance IS bliss at least for a while. The respite from urgent care has been good.
   We are continually thankful for the many cards, e-mails and Facebook comments that we have received over the past month and a half - far more than Christine or I have time to respond to. The outpouring of concern and prayer for her has been one of the unexpected blessings that this difficult situation has brought and we are ever more grateful for our loving family and friends who have helped to “hold up our hands” during this battle as did Aaron and Hur for Moses. (Ex 17:12) That is what Christian brothers and sisters are for. I believe that this is what Paul was referring to in Hebrews 12:12-13. Note how he relates it to healing: “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” Thank you for “holding up our hands!”
   We have also seen God providing for our increasing financial need in medical bills. Thankfully at this point the medical expenses have not been astronomical due to NIH being a governmental institution and covering most of the expenses of the surgery. This was indeed a unbelievable miracle from God. Had this not providentially opened up for us, we would have likely been looking at thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. Though we do not know what the future holds we are so very grateful for what God has already provided through NIH. We are also grateful for the health insurance that Ouachita Hills was able to obtain for its employees this past year. However, the benefits it offers are very limited and we have already maxed out and gone over much of the coverage it offers for this year and it is only the beginning of the yearly cycle. And some of the medical expenses we have occurred are not even covered by the plan. But we rest assured in the promise that “God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Pp 4:19) We have seen Him do this in many ways but He has used many of you to help fulfill that promise specifically. Many of you have sent in funds to help with these growing medical expenses. We are so very grateful that Ouachita Hills has set up a fund to help cover these medical bills which are not covered by insurance. Some have also offered their expertise and services to help negotiate with medical institutions in our behalf. This has all come without solicitation but we are so very grateful for each offer for assistance. Truly the family of God is the best family on earth.
   I have been soooooooooo thankful for the incredible gift God has given us in the Spirit of Prophecy during this crisis in our lives. It has been a source of hope and comfort, of faith and courage for us. The promises and counsel therein contained have buoyed up our spirits and strengthened our faith. We have so appreciated the quotations which many of you have sent to encourage us. I have compiled them in to a master document to which I often return for strength. Here are a few favorites:
   "To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest." DA 528
   “When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of His name.” 8T 12
   “To go forward without stumbling, we must have the assurance that a hand all-powerful will hold us up, and an infinite pity be exercised toward us if we fall. God alone can at all times hear our cry for help.” ST 7-28-1881
   "It is because God is leading them (Christians) that these things come upon them. Trials and obstacles are God's chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. . . .The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. . . . It is valuable ore that He refines." MH 471
   I recently encountered the following quotation in my personal devotions which I never recall having read before. It is only found in one location. Speaking of consumptives (those with tuberculosis) she said:
   "Let all be taught that cheerfulness is God's remedy for sickness. Let them talk faith, and think as little as possible about disagreeable things. Let the heart go forth in praise and thanksgiving to God. Let them pray for themselves and for one another, and let them keep the love of God in the soul. The great Physician can heal…" {9MR 285.3}
   Though I know this counsel must be combined with all of her other counsel and is not the sole remedy it still behooves us to be cheerful and count our blessings. We are told:
   "He knows each individual by name, and cares for each as if there were not another upon the earth for whom He gave His beloved Son. Because God's love is so great and so unfailing, the sick should be encouraged to trust in Him and be cheerful. To be anxious about themselves tends to cause weakness and disease. If they will rise above depression and gloom, their prospect of recovery will be better; for "the eye of the Lord is upon them" "that hope in His mercy."" Psalm 33:18. MH 229
   Indeed do we hope in His mercy! Please continue to pray for us. The road ahead is still uncertain but we are certain God is already there. He said he was the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Rev 21:6) We trust ourselves to Him who holds the future.
   Stay faithful!
   Rob Neall

Christine Update

Tima here - I am sure that updates will get more and more infrequent. But I'm thankful that Rob is so diligent at letting us know what is happening. Christine still needs the prayers. The health risks are still there and her little baby girl needs our prayers as well. It seems more real somehow now that I know the sex of the baby. Please continue to pray!

From Rob -
It has been a week now since we posted an update regarding Christine’s progress. Here is a quick update on what has happened in the last week. They discharged us from NIH Last Thursday and we flew home. What a relief it was to be home and sleep in our own bed again. We have been here trying to recoup and get our lives sorted out and regain some sense of normality. Elliot has been readjusting to life in quiet, rural Arkansas. He misses Megan and his cousins that he had so much fun with for a few weeks.

Christine continues to improve in strength and stamina though it seems the improvement comes more gradually now. We take morning and evening walks down the lane behind our house and get in about a mile each time but it wears her out and she has to rest a while. Her speech is also improving and seems to be almost normal at times but when she gets fatigued it starts to becomes more delayed and she struggles to find the words. She has been off all medication except the Keppra.  After she stopped the steroids to control the swelling she started to get some headaches. Some extra strength Tylenol seems to knock it out for the day if she takes it in the morning. I’m sure the surgery and the steroids have affected her immune system and after Elliot came down with a cold after Sabbath, Christine has caught it as well. She even has a slight fever with it now.

We have been blessed by friends and staff members who have been helping to provide some lunch meals for us this week.  It is one less thing to have to worry about and has been such a blessing.

We feel now a little bit like Elijah by the brook Cherith right now - the calm retreat after the storm. But I think the waiting is harder than active service. We must wait and depending on the Lord for our daily bread. He has led us so far and we trust he will continue to do so.

We are so appreciative to hear how many people are lifting us up in prayer. It is a blessing to be part of the family of God – a family much larger than we ever will know. We have heard of many people we don’t really know who are praying for us. Times of suffering draw us closer together and we thank you for your prayers in our behalf.  Please continue to pray.  We need the Lord’s guidance to lead us to any specific natural treatment options that he would have us follow. Pray for the little baby girl. Pray that the second opinion on the tumor will reveal that all of the tumor is a slow growing oligodendroglioma.  They were concerned there may be a spot which is faster growing. More on that next time.

Blessings,
Rob Neall

Christine Update

Well, they didn’t “discharge” Christine yesterday or today but they did let her go “home” on “pass” last night. The Safra lodge has become a little “home” away from home for us and the people there like family. It is a lovely facility which only just opened in 2006. However we weren’t able to leave the hospital until about 8:00 p.m. last evening so there was little to do except go to bed. But at least she could sleep without interruptions and in an environment which is less stressful. I think she slept better but still had a hard time going back to sleep once she woke during the night. They wanted her back in her hospital room at 8:00 in the morning so it was still a short night. Today has been a busy day with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. For OT she made a salad and did fairly well using the specially designed knives for people with motor deficiencies on one side. Speech therapy was more difficult as she was being tested in many areas. The higher level reasoning and abstract information manipulation was very challenging. The therapist called it “discourse level expression” which is coming very slowly. Normal day to day things and describing/naming objects comes much easier with only 3-5 second delays.

Thankfully she has been off all pain meds for two days now which helps with bowls function. She is still on a steroid to reduce swelling, a blood thinner and Keppra and maybe some other meds. They said they can remove the staples on Thursday. Yesterday another OB visit still revealed a healthy baby. Few babies have had this many ultrasounds. Everything looked good they said.

After talking to the neurosurgeon yesterday, most likely they will keep her here until she regains more strength and function. She easily fatigues with exertion. Even the speech therapy wore her out. If we can stay a few more days but be on “pass” we can get some more rehab before we leave but not have to be in the hospital room. So we may be able to fly home on Friday. I guess the plans change every day so we will see. Today she said “Fly home Thursday!” Every day she feels better and better and is more and more anxious to get on her way home. Elliot is anxious to be with mommy more too. He comes and visit mommy in the hospital ever day but has to leave her every evening. He can’t wait to be with her all the time again. He has grown in the last two weeks we have been back here and is not the same little boy we left.

We are going back to Safra lodge for the evening again. What a blessed sanctuary that place is. God has indeed been good to us. The initially told us that there was no room available but a room opened up on Monday night the very day Christine came into the hospital full time. It has been such a blessing to be here on campus.

Praise God we will get to go home this week. Please continue to pray for the recovery of Christine’s right hand motor function and speech abilities. These can be very frustrating at times. They should know something on pathology soon. Pray that it is a very slow growing variety.

Blessings,

Rob Neall

Christine Update

Christine is continuing to improve this morning. She has already gone for a walk and asked to get on the computer (the first time since the surgery). I think this is a really good sign. It means she is feeling more her usual self. Though she was not on it very long before she wanted to take another nap. She appreciates your posts and e-mails though she cannot respond right now.

Her speech continues to show improvement and she can express things without as much delay and in more complete sentences. Shell said she used her right arm to eat breakfast - at least she used it to stab the fruit with a fork and bring it to her mouth. Praise God! This morning her urine appeared a little cloudy which may indicate a urinary tract infection - they are going to do a test to see. Apparently UTI’s are very common after surgery and the catheterization. That may be what is contributing to her nausea or dizziness. However this afternoon it came back negative for bacteria.

I slept much better last night for about 8 hours and feel much more rested today. I don’t think I have slept more than 4-5 hours a night for the past week so I was getting drained. But another complication on my end is that I have had a bad headache for the past two days and apparently developed a fever last night because after I took Aleve I woke up in the night in a sweat. Then this morning I woke up with a rash (spots) on my stomach and back. They have remained all day and not gotten any better. At times they are itchy. Kerry thinks it is probably associated with a viral infection or maybe it is a reaction to the antibiotics I am taking for the thumb infection. It will probably pass without problems. Anyway, feel better today but not quite back to normal. I hope not to communicate it to anyone else, especially Christine. I guess with all the stress and everything my immune system is overloaded. Maybe it is “sympathy headache” for Christine. I have heard that men can have “sympathy labor pains” for their wife during child birth. Hopefully it is nothing unusual or serious. I sat out in the sun this morning for breakfast and hope to get feeling good enough to get some exercise today. Both have been lacking in the past four weeks.

Christine had the surgery one day more than 4 weeks from the day of her seizure. This Tuesday will be 5 weeks. So much has happened in a month.

We watched the wedding together this afternoon and really enjoyed seeing everyone we could identify on the computer. It was almost like being there. We looked for and saw many of our family, friends, students and colleagues. We have a good connection to the internet here at the NIH. We missed seeing the reception though but hope that it might be recorded. It was such a beautiful wedding and lovely service. We wish God’s blessing on Chester and Jane as they start their new life together and thank them for arranging the live streaming.

The Doctors here will get their in-house pathology report on what type of tumor it is in about 5-7 days but they like to send off a specimen to the Harvard Brain Tumor Clinic pathologists for a second opinion. We are thankful they do this as we have heard this is a good thing to do. This will take longer (up to three weeks). I don’t know if they will tell us what their in-house pathologists think it is when they find out or if they will wait until the second opinion comes back. I think they will wait for the latter. They like to talk to us in person and would like to see us again in about 3-4 weeks.

We don’t know when we will be going home but it will probably be sometime this week if she continues to improve as she is. They like to send them home as soon as possible but keep them here as long as necessary – usually until they regain most or their abilities. But I am sure they will make a judgment call on what how much “most” is. But this afternoon she walked down the hall twice. The OT came by today and really thought she was improving greatly. She is able to move her right arm much better now and control her finger. The brain is figuring out how to re-wire the circuits. Christine wants go for a walk again “right now.” So… we just got back from the walk. She did the hall again.

Psalms 139 has become a favorite of ours during this time. Especially verses 12 and 13.
Vs. 12 tells us that the dark future is light unto God. He sees everything. “Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light [are] both alike [to thee].” We claim vs. 13 for the baby. “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.” We pray for the lord to protect the little one and cover “her” with his hands. May none of the medications or procedures cause harm.

Have a good night.

Rob

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.”

Update: 
Good news. This morning the Doctors said they may discharge her today or tomorrow! I wasn't there so I don't know what will determine which. We may stay in the area a few more days for her to regain more strength but I guess she is showing enough improvement to let her go. PTL

Christine Update

As the sun sets in the west another Sabbath has past bringing us one more week closer to Christ’s return.  How we long for it!

Today seemed to be a busy day.  It was past before we knew it.  Neither Christine nor I slept very well last night and between meals, doctors visits, PT visit, naps and Grandma, Elliot and Megan coming to visit that was it.  Christine continues to show improvement in expressive aphasia and can find her words some better though she still struggles.  Her vitals are normal but she has experienced some dizziness and nausea this afternoon particularly after trying to walk.  She did walk down the hall but got dizzy and trembly.  Basically she did not eat anything for supper.  Hopefully it is just her Keppra or other meds.  She is going to bed now and Shell is staying with her.  I will stay in the lodge tonight.  I seem to rest very fitfully in the hospital and have a hard time going back to sleep after the nurse comes in for something.

One special Sabbath day’s blessing came about 10:30 am when someone knocked on the door and in walked Wayne Dysinger.  “What are you doing here?” I asked totally surprised.  We had not heard that he was going to be in DC as a speaker at a special weekend seminar that is held in honor of a resident he helped train who was killed on the plane which hit the pentagon.  Anyway we had a pleasant visit together and it was a blessing to talk with him for a while.

Other Sabbath day's blessings came in beautiful flowers.  Three bouquets sit on her window sill and several thoughtful cards surround them.  The view out her window looks over the roof of another part of the building but you can see some nature in the distance.  So these reminders of our creators love also remind us of the care from friends and family.  They also remind us of Christ’s words, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”   What a blessed reminder not to worry about tomorrow!

Mom stayed with Christine in the afternoon as she rested so I could go over to the lodge and try to catch some sleep while Elliot took his nap.  He slept well but I didn’t make it to the land of snoozes.

Please pray for a man named, John Nichols.  His wife had surgery on her pancreas the same time Christine was in the OR.  So we were waiting in the waiting room together.  After some time everyone left except him and his sister-in-law and us.  Our operations were much longer than most.  He overheard us pray several times throughout the day and when we finally got news that Christine had come through and were preparing to leave we talked with him.  He had been very touched overhearing our conversation and our prayers and asked some questions.  We shared with him and had prayer with him for his wife.  I plan to visit with him tomorrow as he indicated he wished to talk more.  His wife had a rare genetic disease which causes cancer of various types.  They have been here before.  There are so many suffering people here at the NIH but what an incredible place this is to provide hope to so many which have so little.

Happy new week!

Blessings,

Rob

Christine Update

Happy Sabbath. What a week. Feels like it has been a month. God has been good through it all. God is refining us and getting us to trust through the valleys. We welcomed the Sabbath together as a family with Elliot and me in mommy’s hospital bed. Elliot came to visit mommy “in the Hospital” and see mommy’s “ouchy.” He points to her head and says, “Ouch! O….uch.” He loved playing on the hospital bed and blowing in to mommy’s inhalation gizmo that helps her not get pneumonia. I guess he will be good for a while. I think he is getting used to saying goodbye to mommy and daddy as he doesn’t cry any more. Megan is taking such good care of him. He said “Bagan” today for the first time. I suppose that is better than “Pagan” but he should get the “m” on it soon.

It was a good day. Christine continues to improve – thank the Lord. We have had some really positive contacts here in the hospital. I think suffering makes people more kind and compassionate of others. There is a genuine sense of helpfulness, generosity and friendliness in the lodge. Some people have been here at NIH for a year or more. This must be the way heaven is without all the suffering necessary to make it happen. I have noticed that many times those with chronic diseases have the sweetest personality.

We regretfully missed the rehearsal dinner for the wedding this afternoon especially as the wedding party was going to go out to eat at Sweet Basil Thai Restaurant in Chatt. Thai food is one of our favorites. About 3 pm Christine said, “I…. want…. …. ….Thai food.” I commiserated and we splurged and ordered in Thai food from a local restaurant that delivers to the NIH. So we were there in “stomach” if we could not be in presence. It was good.

I am staying with Christine tonight and Mom and Megan will come after church and we will have lunch together.

Blessings and Goodnight.

Rob

Christine Update

Christine is doing better this morning. They took her off her IV and removed the head wrap. The incision goes basically straight over the top from ear to ear but it is healing nicely. They did not have to shave her hair so she was eager to take a shower and get cleaned up. They said it was fine for her to take a shower though we should not scrub on the incision site. She feels and looks much more like herself. She can walk quite well and only her right arm still remain very weak. They were more concerned about her leg and they think that if she can move it well the arm will come back too. Her speech has improved slightly but she still can’t express very well what she wants to. The words just don’t come. This is probably the most disconcerting thing for her. But they think this will come.

OT and PT came by and she walked down the hall about 200 feet. My finger and lymph node are doing much better. Praise God.

Just a quick update for today.

Christine Update

The Lord has poured out his blessing again. The roller coaster is on the upswing again. This morning it seemed Christine was having a really rough time but this afternoon she really perked up and seemingly is doing much better now. They were going to keep her in ICU overnight to monitor her but the decided to transfer her to the neurological floor about 7:00 pm. We are very thankful for this as she will sleep much better up here than down in ICU with all the bells and beeps that keep going off and people coming in to check on you. And the Lord answered prayers again in that we have a private room with two doors so it is much quieter. It is actually a sleep study room so it is designed for sleeping. I don’t think the situation could be more ideal. It is a little bigger than the last room and has a room leading into it with a window so that someone can be out here and on the computer like I am right now and not bother her. I can still see her through the window and listen for her if she needs something. It couldn’t be a better arrangement for her to get rest. Christine also sleeps with a fan for white noise and I just asked the nurses’ station and they have one in their storage room. It will block out the many odd hospital noises.

But the best news is that soon after they got her up here on seventh floor she said she needed to use the restroom. They hurried to get a bed pan but she said she wanted to WALK to the bathroom! She did so and with very little assistance! In fact, Carol and I had were just returning to her new room and when Carol looked in there she didn’t see anyone. She said, “They have not transferred her yet. She’s not in bed.” Then we nearly cried when we found out she was in the bathroom. We were all astounded and praised the Lord for the quick increase of strength in her right leg. Her right arm is still very weak and she has a hard time moving it and there is still a speech deficit. She knows what she wants to say but she can’t form the words or quite get them out. Sometimes she does and it is very clear. They think this will improve because they were not near the primary speech cortex so they are not too concerned about the speech deficit.

I shall go to sleep now thanking the Lord for his continued blessing and providence. “His mercy endureth forever.”

Rob

Christine Update

Christine’s Surgery Report 6

Here is a quick update on Christine. She will be in ICU another night. Her pain is moderate to severe she rates it at a level 5 out of 10 which I think is higher than most would rate a similar pain as I think she has a fairly high pain tolerance. They have stopped the phentenyl as it was making her drowsy and they really want her to start moving. But she is so tired. She says she just wants to sleep but can’t really sleep with all the beeps and buzzes in the ICU. She lays there with her eyes closed and just wants someone to be with her and sit. They just gave her an oral morphine which has eased her situation. They say that she is the least critical patient in ICU so if they need the room for someone else they will bump her to the floor but they want to keep her over night for better monitoring.

She has been up and out of the bed and sat in the chair. They want her to be moving as much as possible but the pain makes her want to stay put. Hopefully the pain will subside more tomorrow. I’m sure it is such a shock to her system. It is just hard to see her in such a condition. I want to alleviate it but can do very little.

The doctor gave us a report on the post op MRI and said that there was one section of the tumor still there which they avoided because it was part of the secondary motor cortex and they were afraid it would paralyze her or make her permanently weak if it was removed. So they choose a conservative removal to preserve her motor skills. I think her right side strength is continuing to improve slightly. She is still very weak. She is able to speak but rarely does so and with difficulty. But my cousin said her condition is basically on the path to normal recovery. It is what they would expect from her surgery and he would expect that the most likely scenario is full recovery. It is not anything unusual. Despite her weakened condition, we are praising the Lord she is not paralyzed. We are so thankful for the fact that she can move and have promise of recovery. Considering all the circumstances she is doing well.

Your prayers are still needed. Praise the Lord for his protection during surgery. Praise Him for the ability to move and speak after surgery. Praise Him for his mercy in sending us here to one of the best places for brain tumors in the country. Praise Him for a room opening up in the Safra Family Lodge for us to be able to stay right here on the premises. Praise Him for the door closing for Carol to go to Madagascar this summer as she was planning. Praise Him for Shelly being able to be here and not already moving down to Arkansas. Praise Him for Megan being here and helping with Elliot! It brings so much reassurance to Christine and I. Praise Him for His great love and concern for Christine. Please ask Him that the tumor might be as slow growing as possible and that what is left won’t be as much a problem. Please pray that her pain will subside and she will be able to put more effort into movement. The risks of pneumonia and blood clots are higher when the patient is not moving around as much so they try to move her a lot. She just can’t rest very well in the ICU. Pray that we she will be able to go to the floor soon. Pray for Elliot that he will be unaffected. Megan brought him over today and I am hoping to spend some time with playing with him this afternoon. Pray that Christine will feel well enough to see him soon. He keeps asking for Mama.

I think Christine will be in 7SWN 3662 when we move up to the floor. It is a private room and really nice. Praise God! She will be able to sleep very better there. Praise the Lord for his blessings. Many of the rooms there are double occupancy which would be difficult to rest if others are in the room. It will be better for family to visit too.

Trusting in the great physician,

Rob