For the last couple of years, I’ve noticed that I have been losing the ability to hear from my left ear. That, along with an annoying, constant ringing, prompted me to visit my family doctor, and eventually, an ear doctor. I didn’t really think much of it when they ordered that I have an MRI done. I really didn’t expect anything to come from it. I work in a relatively loud environment, and I just assumed that this was a normal part of growing older. Even when my family doctor called to inform me that I had an Acoustic Neuroma (brain tumor), I didn’t think much of it. I could tell she was concerned, but she was also very comforting. Especially as she ended the phone call saying “I’ll be thinking and praying for you”.
I think the point that it really started to sink in was after a visit with an Otologist (Ear Doctor). As we viewed the MRI scans, I felt this nervousness come over me. The doctor was compassionate, but clear to let me know that the size of the tumor is large enough that my only viable option would be surgery, and that I should expect to lose all hearing in my left ear. Along with SSD (single sided deafness), There can be a possibility of facial paralysis, balance issues, and severe headaches, among other things.
In the past few days, my wife and I have been exploring options for treatment. We visited with a radiation oncologist to confirm that the tumor is, in fact, too large (his words were “man, that thing is big”) for CyberKnife radiation. We have also met with a couple of people locally that have recently undergone this surgery. We feel blessed to have met these ladies, and listened to some great advice and suggestions on what may help us through this journey. It was also great to see how well they are recovering from their own surgeries.
From here, we plan to visit with a few surgeons and decide which route we feel will be the best fit for us. I’m not sharing this for sympathy, but we would greatly appreciate your prayers for us during this time. We have complete faith that God will have his hand guiding us through this, but it will be the most difficult thing this body (and mind) has been through.
Dear Jacob, what I don't know is why and how and what caused it and are you sure and all of the questions that come our way when the doctor looks at us and says words like, "you won't see the end of the year if we do not operate!" So, I can empathize with what you are going through. What I do know is that God has allowed a diagnosis and He has brillant people able to do wonderful things to help us and then we have the blessed assurance of a God who loves us so much Yes, it is very scary and that fear can grab us by the throat and paralyze us with its intensity. But, God does come to us in the wee hours to strengthen us and hold us close. I am here for you and willing to talk anytime you like. May God hold you and Mel very close during this time. Keep us posted. Pastor Brad
ReplyDeletePraying for you.. Where two or more are gathered HE IS THERE.. He is also everything you need.. for every circumstance. the Mightiest physician!!.. God healed my husband thru docs at the mayo clinic.. praying He puts the perfect doctor in your path..(kim - a friend of jens)
ReplyDeleteJacob, with the help of God, my family, wonderful doctors and the radiology oncology team I have beat breast cancer. I'm a 3-year survivor. It is the scariest thing you'll ever hear but go forward knowing that thousands of people are praying for you. Even the medical doctors admit that prayer makes a difference in the lives of a person's recovery. Cecelia Mercer
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