Sunday, December 14, 2008

Stunned....

Sometimes when the news on Brad's health is disappointing, then it takes me several days to find a way to write about it....this is one of those times. On Wednesday of last week Brad & I went to Methodist to have a CT scan run on his chest. The first sign of the seriousness of the situation was just after the scan was completed when the radiologist nurse came out to get me from the waiting room and brought me in to sit with Brad (he is normally wheeled out to me). The nurse told us that Brad had a very large pulmonary embolism (blood clot) in his right artery and was ready to send Brad immediately to the emergency room. Of course, we already knew about the blood clot...but because of the overwhelming concern from radiology, we waited around for the next several hours to follow up with an appointment with Dr. Lehane.

Lehane took one look at Brad scans and said that things did not look good. The scans showed Brad's right pulmonary artery being completely blocked by both tumor and blood clots. Because the artery was blocked there is no blood going to that lung and it is not functioning at this point. And, Brad's left lung is partially filled with clots and tumors, thus only working at 50% capacity, therefore, causing the shortness of breath. The last scan, taken just 5 weeks before, showed significantly less tumor on the left side. It was unbelievable to us how quickly the condition had changed in such a short period of time.

Lehane said that at this point we have one of two options. One being that he could give Brad oxygen (which we already have) and morphene to make Brad as comfortable as possible...letting come what may. Our second option was to perform radical surgery on Brad's artery to try to clean out the clotting/tumor and cut off the right side. The surgery would again not be a curative procedure but, should he survive it, would possibly give him more time. Dr. Lehane referred us to see a Dr. Shawnda Blackman, a pulmonary/cardiac surgeon so that she could take a look at Brad's case and determine if surgery would be possible for him. When Brad asked if this surgery could wait until after Christmas, Dr. Lehane responded in saying that he wasn't certain that Brad would make it to that point. It turned out that Dr. Blackman was on her way out of town that afternoon, so we have plans to see her on Tuesday to see what insight she may shed on Brad's condition.

We spent this past weekend with family. We decided to go ahead and celebrate Christmas with Brad's mom's side of the family. In case Brad chose surgery this week, we thought it would be best if we had our celebration together prior to that procedure. Our family was blessed on Saturday with a holiday meal cooked by the Hankins/Martin life group from Southeast. It was such a special gift. Following church service this morning, we were also blessed with a special prayer held on our family's behalf. It was so uplifting to hear the prayers of those we are closest to, sent aloud, to the Lord in our presence. The energy in that moment was indescribable and I felt incredibly physically and spiritually uplifted from each of those prayers, hugs, and kisses. I could feel the Holy Spirit's presence in that moment. It was emotionally healing and empowering. Thank you for those special prayers and for so freely expressing your love for our family. We are so blessed by each of you.

58 comments:

debralynne said...

We are continuing to pray for you all. You are such an inspiration to us all. Hang in there! We love you all.

Camille, Blake, Pierce and baby Asher said...

Please know that I will be on my knees tonight for you and Brad... I am praying and He is listening.

AlisonB said...

Praying for Brad and your family tonight.

jch said...

may god provide for you in this time a cleft in the rock so that you all may find rest and peace. and when it's time for him to draw you out with his hand, may you all follow him with confidence wherever that might lead.

peace - joe

Matt, Kara, and Hank (plus Teej) said...

In prayer...begging our Lord.

Matt

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family. I wish there was more I could do, so I am completely trusting the Almighty to take care of you. I am praying that he will hold you close and give you peace as you make decisions this week. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of lots and lots of Christian people. We love you!
Joelle

The McLain Family said...

Continuing to pray and thinking of yall constantly.

Jeff said...

Through your unwavering strength in God, I am gaining strength in God. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us all. We will pray more than ever for Brad and your family. Jeff Warner

Lisa said...

As Matt said, I'm begging our Lord. You are so loved.

Mary Anna said...

You'll stay in our prayers. May God give you peace in these difficult times.

da momma said...

Thank you again for letting us into your situation and to be apart of a prayer chain so powerful. May your hearts know what to do and your souls feel a peace of understanding. I love you guys and am praying so hard!

Tracy said...

Praying, praying, praying...

Jenna said...

Please know that our family is praying for yours.

pcb said...

More prayers from Georgia.

Unknown said...

I am a friend of Lisa Starr. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers at this time. Your situation has truly touched my heart...

Bobbie Brodsgaard said...

You are always in my thoughts and constantly in my prayers. Much love to you all. Bobbie Brodsgaard

Nellie said...

Praying continuously for healing, comfort, strength, and discernment through the Holy Spirit in making decisions. Every early morning begins with prayers for all of you and every late night ends with a prayer for you. May we all find peace in the wisdom of our mighty God. Love you!!

Kate said...

We are praying and we love you!!

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for quite some time and have continually kept your family in our prayers. Know that God is with you and this is the time of year for miracles. We will be praying for you every day.

Shawna

Eckmama said...

We are friends of Bryan and Lisa's from New Braunfels and I've been keeping up with your blog for a while.

I wanted you to know you all are constantly in our prayers.

~Cara Eckman

Leigh Leigh said...

Constant prayers for all of you, begging God for Brad's healing. Nothing is too hard for our God.

Love you all,
Leigh

Rachel said...

I am praying...and getting the word out for prayer from everyone I know. I stand firm in my faith that God can move this mountain!!! This cancer is not too big for Him and he is capable of miracles that are way beyond what can possibly imagine.

Rachel

Anonymous said...

Your family is constantly on my mind I will be saying prayers for comfort and for direction and for peace with any decison made this week.

Anonymous said...

Praying here.

Richie and Ashley Malone

Anonymous said...

We are continuing to pray for Brad, you, the kids, Sandra and David. Your family has been such an inspriation to everyone. Love everyone of you. Ray, Kim & Megan Garcia

Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Neal and Shirley Burroff
(Hudson's Mimi and Pop)

Sarah said...

I wish I had some magic words, but since I don't, please know that we are praying, we are thinking of you constantly and are ever thankful that the Holy Spirit is interceding on our behalf! Your family is precious to us and we love you all so much.

Linda said...

Brad and Jenny...I had a dream about you both last night...I know it has been over 10 years since Brad carried me up then down that mountain in Asia, that moment was so defining for me and I'm not sure if I ever truly expressed it the way I wanted to. The two of you still mean so very much to me and the strength you both gave me when I was weak. I continue to pray so hard for you and your family...my heart is always with you.

CC said...

We love you and we are praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Your family is always in our thoughts and prayers. The strength and perseverance you have as overcomers is inspiring. We love you very much.

Trey and Tanya

Melanie said...

Your husband and family are in my prayers! I am new to your blog. I found you on The Hoyt Family blog today since she does Monday Prayer Requests so here I am. God knows how to work thru this blogging! As I read your blog im praying! The Lord is our ROCK!

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you every day. Know that God is with you and He loves you. I look daily on the blog to see updates and will be there for you in anything you need. We have known each other a long time - teaching in Channelview and Clear Creek. Know my thoughts are with you. God bless you. Take care, Jennifer

ntaylor said...

Please know that I am praying for you and your family!
Love,
Nicole (Oehlert)Taylor

Matt, Kara, and Hank (plus Teej) said...

I wish so badly that I could say or do something to make it all better. Since I can't, I'm calling out to the One who can. I pray for joy for your family. For good, uplifting news to come your way. For peace. For laughter. For freedom from stress or pain. For creativity to come alive in the minds of the doctors on Brad's case. For God's glory to shine through this situation. My mom used to tell me she thought God especially enjoys working in seemingly impossible situations because He then gets all the glory.

Anonymous said...

I also do not know your family, but I heard about your situation from Rachel Smith. You sound like an amazingly strong woman, with an equally amazing and strong husband. My family will pray for yours.

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you guys and know God's mercy and love is upon you both! God Bless you Brad! I pary that no weapon form against Brad shall prosper in Jesus' precious Name! Amen and Amen!!

Anonymous said...

Our family is praying for you all. For God is faithful and just.

Anonymous said...

We are all on our knees, begging our heavenly father for a miracle as tears of sorrow,shock, and determination run down our cheeks.I still believe that God will present himself in the form of a miracle through Mr.Brad, despite what the doctors say.The prayer was very moving for all of us and it empowers us everytime we think about it.We love you! God Bless

Anonymous said...

Brad and Jenny,
My heart is broken. I remember you in my prayers almost every morning. I am frustrated and confused, but one thing I know...God loves you and your family. I love you and will continue to pray for my friend and his beautiful family.
Lord, please hear our prayers and grant our request for Brad's healing.
In Jesus name,
Pat Marrie

Anonymous said...

You all are in my prayers. Love, Pat Grisham

JoAnn said...

I am praying for Brad and the entire family who loves him. May the Lord be glorified in Brad's complete healing. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
JoAnn in Michigan

Amanda Hoyt said...

I am praying for you, Brad, and your family during this difficult time. May you feel the peace that only He can give to you.
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

david said...

I wished you could've heard Bo's comments through prayer this past Wednesday night. He spoke about your strength, your faith, and your trust in God and what an example and inspiration they are to so many. Christ's light is shining through you in this difficult time. We love you and pray for you without ceasing.

david & kim

tamandscott said...

Praying with faith!!!

Anonymous said...

May God continue to bless and keep you in His loving arms.
Georgia Lau

kj7 said...

I'm on my knees, begging for God to comfort you. I have faith he is hearing all of the prayers that are being lifted up on your behalf. We love you guys!

Kathryn

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for you all.

The Stidham Family

Joyce B. said...

Fervently praying in Austin.

Anonymous said...

You are in our hearts and prayers every day.

The Ratpack said...

I have been reading your blog for awhile now, and I want you to know that I am praying hard for you guys! I feel that I have alot in common with you guys - I am a member of the church in Katy, was in AFC, and now work at M.D.Anderson. I am going to link you blog to mine today so that all my friends can be praying for you as well! "...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
Sarah Ratcliff

erin said...

We are praying every day. We love you. Josh and Erin Jones and family

Callie & Gerod said...

You dont know me, but I want to let you know that I will be praying for you and your family. Prayer is a powerful thing, and I truly believe in Prayer Warriors! God is amazing... and he answers prayers.

Perks said...

Stunned as well. My heart is so heavy for you guys. We love you deeply and pray for peace that surpasses all understanding.

Anonymous said...

You are in our prayers daily. We love you all. Thank you for your example of faith. In Him, The Pratts

Anonymous said...

Stephen and I want you guys to know that you are in our prayers and hearts.

Rochelleht said...

I popped over here from someone's link. I will pray for you and think of you at this time. I'm so inspired by your strength. God bless!

holly d said...

My family is continuing to beg God for Brad's healing. I pray for peace and understanding during the difficult time. Please know that your unwavering faith is so inspiring to others. We love you guys, and will continue to get on our knees and pray to God everyday on your behalf.

Love
Holly Lamb (Grisham)

Anonymous said...

You are in our prayers and thoughts each and every day.
Love to you all. Randy and Cindy Samoff