Brain Tumor

Brain Tumor

Posted on 17. May, 2009 by Wes Comer in Family, Health

On Tuesday morning, May 12, I went in for a MRI of my head. (Let’s be honest – I was long overdue to have my head examined.) For the past year and a half or more I’ve experienced a gradual loss of hearing in my right ear, so the doctor wanted to rule out a tumor with the MRI, and also ordered another test. After the MRI was complete, the technician handed me a CD with the images to provide to my doctor. Of course the first thing I did was pop it in to my computer to see what I’d be able to make out, if anything. As I began to scroll through the images I was able to see a pretty sizable abnormality, so I called up my mother, who just so happens to be a nurse for one of the top neurosurgeons in the area. I left a voice mail letting her know that I saw something, although I wasn’t entirely sure what I was seeing. It was pretty obvious, however, that it didn’t belong there.

A short while later my mom called me back to let me know that the doctor was reviewing the MRI and talking with the doctor who had originally sent me in. Later that morning my mother called me back to confirm what I already knew – I have a brain tumor. Now, here I need to pause and share something with you. I can honestly say that I haven’t been fearful or worried through all this. To be honest, I expected it. It’s 2009, and I have Dr. Google on speed dial, so this wasn’t a complete surprise. That said, it wasn’t the research or reading that made me feel relaxed. It’s in knowing that God is at work in my life though this. I understand that there are some who may read this and feel uncomfortable with that concept – that God would work through something like this for His own purposes. I believe, however, that’s the only reason God works through anything. I’ve told Him several times over the years that my life is His for whatever He wants, and I’ve meant it. Still do.

Back to the story. The conversation with my mom basically netted the following information: I have a tumor. The tumor is NOT cancerous. It’s big (approximately golf ball size or just under 3 cm in diameter). The situation is hopeful, but serious. There are two different types of tumor this may be; either an acoustic neuroma or a type of meningioma. It’s pretty unusual that either would show up in someone my age. I want to repeat, however, that both are benign – this is a big plus for me. Both types are usually treatable with radiation or surgery. Radiation is preferable, because it’s much less invasive, and much quicker. Surgery poses some high risks and lengthy recovery, with the added bonus of nearly guaranteed, permanent hearing loss (they have to slice through the hearing nerves to get to the tumor).

The problem for me is that given the size and the location of the tumor, toward the back of the brain and pushing on my brain stem, the surgeon recommends against radiation. I tend to trust this doctor’s opinion in this regard as he is the head of the Knoxville Gamma Knife, a device that can deliver highly concentrated radiation and basically “cut out” the tumor – so he’s a pro when it comes to radiation treatment. He’s concerned about exposing the brain stem while trying remove the tumor, which has all kinds of crazy outcomes including paralysis, neurological/motor impairment, and death. I’d obviously like to avoid all, so I’m with doc on this one.

Given the size of the tumor, I’ll probably be referred to Vanderbilt Hospital where apparently there’s a doctor who specializes in the type and size of tumor I’m up against. I won’t know anything definite until Monday, May 18, after I have my first “real” in-office consultation with the neurosurgeon.

Let me share with you a couple of really awesome “God things”:

  1. I was supposed to have another test on June 1 to figure out the source of the problem. Because of this, I probably wouldn’t have gotten the results of my MRI until after that date. Because my mother is who she is, where she is, I was able to have same day results. This is beyond amazing to me. No days or weeks of worry or concern. I was provided with immediate understanding of my situation.
  2. Because of the size of the tumor and the fact that it is pushing on the brain stem, the doctor was surprised that I haven’t had other issues. Most people with this type of tumor experience dizzyness, nausea, imbalance…and that’s without it pressing on the brain stem. I could be facing some really, really serious issues that I’m not.

This is God at work, and I’m excited to see how He continues to work it out for His glory. In fact, this is what I’m calling my “prayer priority”. I have three:

  1. For God to receive the glory through this. However He sees fit.
  2. To avoid surgery, if possible.
  3. To retain my hearing if surgery is necessary.

If you would help me and my family pray for these things, in this order, we would greatly appreciate it. I’ll be using this blog to keep you in the loop and up to date with everything that happens. Consider it a conversation. You can comment on any post on this blog, and I’ll do my best to respond when possible. Thanks for taking an interest, and by faith we’re going to see God really do something powerful.

wesbrain

Get a better view by clicking this thumbnail. The white is the tumor, not my brain. ;)

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14 Responses to “Brain Tumor”

  1. Becky Ambrose

    17. May, 2009

    Wes-I am so sorry that you are having to go thru this. But we as Christians know that our trials are what makes us stronger and grow closer to him. You have my prayers and I will give God the praise and glory thru all this. I will be praying for a miracle Wes.

    Becky

  2. Jason Avant

    17. May, 2009

    In all things give thanks!

    I thank God for your positive attitude towards this test. Your ability to be strong will minister to others and they will find the courage and the strength to move forward into the HEALING power of God!

    Stay strong!

  3. Anna-Leigh Boyd

    17. May, 2009

    Wes,
    I just feel like I need to tell you this: God is not a God of prevention, but He is a God of intervention. He cannot be glorified if He prevents everything from happening to us, but He can be glorified the most when He is intervening on our behalf. You stay strong, tell Brooke I am praying for both of you. Don’t doubt for one second that God is not in control. I love you guys!
    ~Anna-Leigh
    p.s. Your kids are precious.

  4. Darlene Franco

    17. May, 2009

    Wes – you and your entire insanely beautiful, blessed family are in my prayers!

  5. Roger Proffitt

    18. May, 2009

    Congratulations to the both of you!

  6. Quentin Bailey

    19. May, 2009

    Wes first of all I would like to say , congrats on your newest addition to the family. She is a doll :). Second of all, I can say that I was shocked about the tumor just like a lot of us I am sure. I am going to pray, pray, pray. You are a great person. You have such a great impact on the people around you and are true blessing. I say that not because you are my cousin, but because I see how people react to you. My Daughter Kylie has only met you a couple of times and yet she remembers you and says nice things about you. God is great :)

  7. Brain Tumor | wescomer.com | The Cancer and You Network

    21. May, 2009

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  8. Wes Comer

    22. May, 2009

    Approved this comment, but want to reiterate that the doctors are 99% sure this isn’t cancer. Impossible to know until they get in there, but based on everything they’re seeing this isn’t being treated that way. Thanks.

  9. Margaret Atkins

    26. May, 2009

    Although I so deeply regret that you must overcome this burden in the midst of your remarkable life, I also know that if God has a plan here, he can depend on you to unveil it.

    I know you well enough to know that you will find joy in this journey because you trust and love God. I also know that it’s likely that you’ll also find fear on occasion, but you’ll prevail because you love and trust God.

    I really meant it that time I told you that you’re the son I would have wanted. I’ll pray for you and your family, and can’t wait to hear how this journey of yours shows what can be done with the power of God.

  10. Dennis Branch

    29. Jun, 2009

    You learn a lot about your faith during these times. What is out order, what is important and what isn’t. It puts your life prospect. My heart goes out you and your family. The power of prayer maker all things possible. You need God and your best friend our wife to be there through painful times and remember men are their strongest when just let go and be steal. Your brother in Christ. Dennis dgtees p.s. what ever you
    need I’ll be there if I can.

  11. Sis Connie Messer

    13. Oct, 2009

    Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus. Neither you or Brooke know me, but I’m a friend of Brooke’s Uncle Lindy. I attend Bro Mendenhall’s church in South Bend, IN. You have all been in my daily thoughts and prayers. Wes, you’re an inspiration! You have an amazingly wonderful and courageous outlook on this event in your life.

    It’s great to be a part of the family of God – there are MANY people praying for you…

    God continue to Bless you all.

    Sis Connie Messer
    South Bend, IN

  12. Steve Neto

    14. Oct, 2009

    Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I want to let you know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Our church in MI prayed for you on Sunday. I strongly believe in the power of prayer and have been a witness to the might y hand of the LORD. God spared my wife and 3 kids from what should have been a fatal rollover car accident with our Suburban. God is still a miraculous healer!!!! In JESUS name today he will show off again!!!!!!!!!!!

  13. Name (required)

    14. Oct, 2009

    Wes (& Brooke and kids) we LOVE you all SO much! You are all an inspiration and SUCH a blessing to our family!
    “God will make this trial a blessing..” (Ok, cheesy southern gospel reference, but true nevertheless)
    Can’t wait to see you friday! All of our love and prayers..
    Chris & April

  14. Anthony & Michelle Cox

    15. Oct, 2009

    Just wanted to let you know that we are holding your family up in prayer. We love you guys!!!

    Anthony & Michelle Cox

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