Two days in a row. That’s a 2023 record! I’m so thankful for those of you that commented on being happy that I’m back. You inspire me! One of the things that gave me pause was the “Pandemic” in 2020, combined with the event I’ll be sharing with you next. It turns out to be great news, but it was a giant scare in my life that built my faith and shaped my thinking. Many of you know about this, but for those of you that don’t, I’ll share with you my 2020 story.
In March of that year I was sitting at my desk at work and suddenly realized that my vision was blurry. I couldn’t seem to clear it up by rubbing my eyes or adjusting my glasses. After about five minutes it alternated like a car blinker from clear to blurry. It went back and forth for almost a minute before finally staying clear. I mentioned this four days later to my doctor during an already scheduled appointment and he ordered an MRI.
Shortly after the MRI, I received a call from my doctor that the results indicated I had a 1.8 cm pituitary macroadenoma (tumor) located atop the location where the optical nerves of my eyes come to the center of my brain and against the pituitary gland. That news was like a gut punch to my wife and me. He shared that this type is almost always benign, but since this was a specialty field, he was referring me to a neurosurgeon. We leaned on our faith and the prayers of friends and family.
My appointment with the neurosurgeon was delayed for weeks due to Covid restrictions and delays. When I finally met my neurosurgeon, he was phenomenal and very reassuring. He explained our options and the details of each. The option I chose was called an endoscopic endonasal transphenoidal removal of a pituitary tumor. What that means is that he would remove the tumor by going in through my nostrils! I had conjured up images of having the type of brain surgery that required having my skull cracked open to remove the tumor. Not so in my case!
My surgery was delayed by Covid twice, one was from a positive bout with Covid and the second was from remnants still giving me a positive hit. Finally, on August 4, 2020, I underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The procedure was amazing! The tumor was removed successfully and there were no outward signs of surgery… no bruising, swelling, or scars. I even went home the next day! I had to take it easy for the next couple of weeks and try not to cough or sneeze or do any heavy lifting. Biopsies confirmed that the tumor was benign. God is so good!
Cancer, tumors, and brain surgery all change your perspective on life, especially if you’ve lost friends and loved ones as I have. I’m thankful for all the prayers and love that sustained me through those difficult months back in 2020. Once I got past the initial news, God gave me such a peace that surpassed my understanding. I knew that, whatever the outcome, He was right there with me. I pray that whatever you may be going through right now you will reach out to God. He loves you and cares for you!
Philippians 4:7 (NLT) - “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”