Prayers for a very dear friend

[Bevo_buddy]

A close friend of mine informed me earlier this week that his wife, who is also a very dear friend of mine, was recently diagnosed with a tumor in her spinal column. She had originally been suffering from pain in her feet. When they went in for an MRI, the doctors found the tumor, which is pushing against her spinal chord.

At this point, the doctors don't know if it is benign or malignant. My friend is going back to have another MRI tomorrow morning, which will give greater detail to see if this is the only tumor.

There is hope, based on the initial assessment, that it could be non-cancerous, but they won't know for sure until they do a biopsy. Of course, the only way to do a biopsy is to take it out, which will require invasive surgery. The risk of this is that she could suffer nerve damage at a minimum or paralysis on a worst case basis. If the tumor is cancerous, radiation could still be required after it is removed.

She will be 34 next week. He is 35. They have a teenage daughter.

Your prayers and well-wishes for her and her family are greatly appreciated.

 

[elliotthorn]

As requested.

 

[Bevo_buddy]

Thanks for the well-wishes!!

I had dinner with my friends tonight. Happy 34th b-day, Gayla!!

The latest MRI was done last Saturday. So far the doctor has not called them with any news. That is perceived to be a good sign. (Generally, if the doctor calls before they said they would there is usually a bigger problem.)

She will be getting 2nd & 3rd opinions over the next few weeks and will probably be going in for surgery before the end of July.

 

[Statalyzer]

I will remember you in my prayers.

Be sure of three things: God will listen. God is listening. God has listened.

 

[Bevo_buddy]

God HAS been listening. My friend went into surgery on Thursday morning. After a 6 hour procedure, the doctor was able to remove the entire tumor. He said the procedure went better than even he could have expected.

She is able to move her toes, feet and legs (NO paralysis). While they are still awaiting the results of the biopsy, the doctor said the tumor did not appear to be malignant. She is still in ICU but should be moving into a separate room later today. I saw her last night, and even though she is a bit groggy and still in a lot of pain, she is doing well.

Thanks again for your continued prayers.

 

[P4D]

I am praying for you and your friend.

Praise God!

 

[Statalyzer]

In reply to:

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[Bevo_buddy]

Latest update.

My friend was able to get out of bed for the first time on Tue. She basically had to learn to walk again, almost like a toddler. I saw her last night. Her strength is starting to come back, but she is still pretty weak. I took her on a little walk (down the hallway and then back to her room). It was a very slow walk as she was still trying to regain her senses.

Still no news about the biopsy, but the doctor is pretty sure it was not cancer.

She is scheduled to go home later today. She will be in recoevy/physical therapy for the next month or so and will hopefully be able to return to her normal working order within 4-6 months.

Thanks again for all of your prayers!!