Finding the David Within.

Fear or faith, it’s a choice. These feelings don’t coexist together, one will conquer the other; the one you feed, will reign supreme. I don’t have some supernatural faith. I am a natural worrier, in fact ‘what if’ was my middle name for much of my life. The amount of times I had to read Matthew 6:25-34 as a child and yet it still didn’t make sense. I even tried to convince my counselor on how worry is logical; it makes us better prepared, right? If we worry about all the terrible circumstances that could happen we can be prepared for when and if they come to fruition. LIES. Why do we feel the need to worry about the bad, instead of focusing on the good that could just as easily come? God has been doing a work in my heart over the last couple of years, breaking the heavy chains of fear and worry in my life. I’m not perfect, but its not perfection, its progress. We as Christians are not exempt from tragedy, but we are exempt from fear.

I can honestly say that since finding out about the tumor, I have felt a lot of emotions, but worry has not been one. How? Faith in a God who sees, hears, and is present in the storm. It is not a naïve faith that believes this journey will be easy, in fact I don’t know how you can hear the doctors talk and believe there won’t be challenges. It is a faith that believes regardless of the outcome God is using it and will continue use to it. I have seen him move mountains, I have experienced his mercy, and I will cling to that. As I fight on my knees, I will praise him in advanced for how he will move. I am a warrior; I am a David. We have named the goliath (tumor) and now we conquer. In the words of my Grandma “If your facing a Goliath its because God sees a David in you.” FIND THE DAVID WITHIN.

Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday October 26th; it will be a 5-6 hour procedure. The doctors are fairly confident it is craniopharyngioma, a rare and challenging tumor. On the scale of brain tumors, it is in the middle. Not the worst case, but certainty not the best. The CT Scan shows there is already some inflammation and swelling in the thalamus and hypothalamus part of the brain due to the compression from the mass. They feel the best way to remove the tumor will be going through the nose. First they will remove the sinus bones, and a portion of the base of the skull. It’s only once they are inside that they will be able to assess how much they can remove. The tumor is in the middle of the brain and surrounded by a lot of ‘important stuff’, making it a complicated surgery.

The Neurosurgeon said he has three goals,

1) Confirm his diagnosis by removing part of the tumor tissue

2) Decompress, to alleviate pressure on the surrounding areas

3) Remove as much as possible

Removing the entire tumor is the last goal, and may not be safely possible. They will then close the opening to the brain with tissue from his thigh. This kind of tumor is known to grow back, and depending on the amount they can safely remove radiation might need to be done. It will be a minimum of three days in the hospital, each night a drain will be put in Brocks back to drain the excess spinal fluid. We were told to plan on any where from 4-7 days in the hospital. The possible extended stay is due to getting certain hormones under control. The doctor is almost certain there will be no saving the pituitary, so he will be on hormone replacements. Hormone replacement presents its own challenges, as the body is an intricate system, a simple hormone pill does not exist. We will not know what his vision will be like until post surgery, but the doctor is hopeful that at least removing the constant compression from the tumor on the optic nerve will help. Friday October 15th we go to see the ENT in Hershey, the neurosurgeon and ENT will be working together for the procedure. There are still a lot of possible outcomes and unknowns, but we know God is faithful. Our story is still being written, you are joining us on our trek through the valley.

How are we feeling? Brock is still working; he is low on energy and struggling with sleep. Work is about all he has energy for. He is also noticing his vision is getting worse. We are both happy to have answers and a plan. When you are preparing for battle it is nice to know what you are facing. We know the Goliath (tumor) and now we find the David within. We will not sink in fear; we will walk on water. This is a daily choice, not a once and done decision.

How can you join us in prayer? Sleep for Brock, Peace to surround us, wisdom for the doctors and for complete healing. Let our anthem be praise, Psalms 40:1-3. Yvonne (Brock's momma) is setting up a prayer sign up sheet for the day of surgery. There will be 15-minute spots available throughout the day of surgery for people to pray specifically for the doctors and us.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4caeac23a31-praying

Our next update won’t be until after Brock’s surgery, until then we would love your continued prayer and support. You have been the hands and feet of Jesus to us; we are truly humbled and blessed. Thank you!