Andrew's MRI

Andrew's MRI went well last night at Duke.  He was back there about 45 minutes total, and we got back to the hotel a little after 11:00.  Peter and Sam had waited up for us, and we all got a good night's sleep before coming home this morning.

And...we just read the MRI results online and got a note from the doctor already through their portal!  I must admit that I have had trouble signing up for some of these, but the Duke one was very easy.  We have already sent a message to the doctor about Andrew's meds before our EMU (epilepsy monitoring unit) stay and got a reply right back.

The MRI shows the same scar tissue (for lack of a better medical term).  It's in the same spot and appears to be unchanged from 2004 ~ good news.  Everything else looks normal.  That's a huge praise.  I sometimes worry that issues are chalked up to previous things, and that something new would easily just march right by me.  That is where I have to pray and pray and pray that God will tell me when to check something out.  I cannot tell you the times He has nudged me when I needed that nudge.

If this scar tissue is determined to be the cause of his seizures, they can look at surgery to take care of it, as long as it does not go too deep.  I am so scared about the possibility of surgery on his brain but hopeful that the trouble spot could be taken away.  It's been a huge trouble spot his whole life, and he would love to be rid of it.

We ate a good breakfast, and then Peter got a speeding ticket on the way home ~ Wilkes County.  I am sure it is playing over in his head, my words, "Drive safely but never speed in Wilkes County; or you'll get a ticket!"  Now he believes me.  He was very respectful to the trooper.  Oh well.  I still appreciate that Peter took another day off to drive us.

I just finished my second antibiotic and was hoping the steroid shot I got Tuesday would kick in.  I am so dizzy and have pretty bad sinus-like headaches.  I sip on Ginger Ale all day for nausea.  I have used every home remedy for sinuses that my grandfather did and one I learned from a veterinarian!  My nose refuses to run, and I am convinced my sinuses are locked up.  I keep praying this goes away soon.  Six weeks is a long time, and I keep reminding God that my shift in the EMU is not going to be easy.  I know He knows, but frustration is creeping in.  I had a hard time walking to the car last night in the dark.  During this, I really feel like God is reminding me how it feels to not be able to do what you need to do - literally.  I had this once before and wondered how long I could go and keep doing what I needed to do.  So I am trying to be patient and hopeful while getting the bare minimum done each day.  And some days I have had to ask God to take over and show me what to do.  And He has.  I just cannot wait to feel like myself again and will never take it for granted.

That said, I am going to bed as soon as I get Sam squared away for the night.  He had such a fun time swimming a little bit again!  Peter found his shoes on the way yesterday for his internship (Thanks, Mimi and Grandad, for the early birthday gift!).  Andrew and I are still looking for pj shirts that button up the front and think some were located in Bristol!  We appreciate all of the help getting our stuff together.  I still need some new author ideas!  Robert Whitlow's new book is not out until September 12 ~ oh, so close!  I wish he knew I was his biggest fan and would send me an early copy!

Everyone else seems fine.  The older boys are working, and Peter starts his internship and final semester soon!  Pete and I attended a celebration of life at the home of a dear couple who lived in Blowing Rock.  It was a wonderful service with many opportunities for people to hear about what gave/gives this family hope.  Remembering that sharing eternal things and not getting bogged down here puts my life in a better perspective.  If you don't know Jesus, you cannot have this hope.  And it's not a statement I put lightly.  I am not His best messenger, but I hope sometimes He can work through even me.

I have gotten cards and texts and messages and face to face visits lately from people I know God put in my path.  And I am so very thankful that when I am so worn down and worn out, that He puts them right in front of my nose where I will not miss them.  And I want to be looking for His provision and the ways He takes care of me (and mine!).  I want to be expecting those things, not wishing for them but not really believing.

Thanks for praying for us.  Please pray as we get ready for this next step.  Andrew seems very fine with it all, and I am dreading it (and trying not to show it).  I am praying for peace for all of us before we walk in those hospital doors.

Happy Friday!  I will leave these verses here that I needed extra today.  I am so thankful I don't have to lean on my own understanding.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Prov. 3:5&6

"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." Isaiah 40:28