Yesterday I had a consult with the Knoxville neurosurgeon who originally looked at my MRI. This was really more of a formality than anything. He performed a physical exam to test my reflexes, balance, vision…basically making sure that all my neurological functions were still doing their thing.
While I didn’t really get any new information, per se, I was encouraged by what I heard. After the exam the doctor exclaimed, “I can’t find a thing wrong with you”. He continued that with the size of tumor and its location, he expected that any number of things could, and by all accounts should, be wrong. At this advanced stage of the type of tumor I have, one would expect profound hearing loss (I’ve only lost about 36% in my right ear), balance issues, and facial paralysis. I have none of that.
This is not luck. I firmly believe that this is the mercy of God, and I’m thankful for it.
The doctor did tell me that radiation isn’t an option here, and that he recommends surgery. This was expected, and today I’m waiting to hear back from the team at Vanderbilt. I’ll have a consult with them pretty shortly and then schedule the operation.
Now, here’s a question for you: are you looking for the small things that God is doing in your life? Or are you letting them be overshadowed by things that seem too massive to ignore? Take some time to move your eyes from the obstacles or failures in front of you, to the victories in your life, regardless of how small they may be. If you watch them carefully enough, you may be able to see the hand of God working out solutions.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)
Be encouraged!
EDIT: Just heard back from the team at Vandy. I’ll be going to Nashville for my first consult on Monday, June 1 @ 9:30 am CST.
