Untraceable Paths: She's Out

Early Easter morning, four and a half years ago, life for our family changed forever. I awoke to the sound of an otherworldly noise and Tina’s body convulsing uncontrollably. That event began us onto a path where we would discover that Tina was suffering from late onset Epilepsy. That path would include long periods of Tina being home-bound and a non-stop roller-coaster of trying to figure out which medications would strike the best balance between controlling her seizures but also limit the debilitating side-effects of chronic fatigue and loss of focus – that effort has only been marginally successful.

On July 14th 2010, our path took another turn when Tina underwent a five week long surgical procedure where doctors at University Hospitals in Cleveland Ohio implanted multiple electrodes into her brain in the hope that this would allow them to locate the spot in her brain that is responsible for her seizures and then surgically remove that spot in an attempt to control her seizures without medication. Unfortunately after 3 surgical attempts to locating this seizure focus, the clock ran out and the risk of continuing this procedure became too great, so they removed all of the electrodes, and sent her home with very little to show for our 5 weeks in the hospital.

When we left Cleveland two summers ago we couldn't imagine that we would go back anytime soon. Those five weeks in the hospital were very disappointing for Tina and difficult for our kids. However, over the course of the last year and a half, Tina's seizures have become progressively more frequent, and medications have become progressively less effective at controlling her seizures. So, after consulting with Tina's neurologists, it is clear that we are in for yet another turn in the path of life.

We will once again be making the trip to University Hospitals in Cleveland, and on Wednesday January 11th, Tina will once again undergo the same procedure to implant electrodes in her brain to monitor seizure activity in the hope that they can determine the physical location of her seizures and surgically remove it.

This is not a path that we went looking for nor did we anticipate how sharply our lives would change literally over night when four and a half years ago these seizures began. There have been days when we have wondered as to why these things were happening and what God was up to in this. What we have learned is best summed up by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Rome where he said that the paths that God lays out for us are "beyond tracing out." We may not understand this path or where it’s leading us, but what we do know is that we would rather follow God’s untraceable path than to follow any path we could lay out for ourselves. This blog is our attempt to bring others along with us as we walk along God’s untraceable path.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

She's Out

I just talked to the surgeon and Tina is now out of surgery. He said everything went very smoothly and it didn't take nearly as long as he thought it might. They will do another CT scan to check the electrode placement and then she will be in recovery for about two hours. Hopefully I'll be able to go in and see her soon. After recovery they'll move her right over to the EMU (Epilepsy Monitoring Unit) where she'll be plugged in for the next 7 days.

Thank you to all for your prayers. I have certainly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit as I have waited. Others that I am waiting with have commented on just how calm I seam to be - this is clear indication of the peace that comes from knowing the One who is in control of all things.

Please continue to pray as we enter the next phase of our stay here in Cleveland. Although the stress of the EMU stay may not be as intense as the surgery it can be much more wearing as the days drag on.

8 comments:

Unknown said...: Thankful that all has gone well. Praying that the time in the EMU will also go smoothly.

Lois Schug; July 14, 2010 at 3:28 PM
Pam Cronk said...: We love you both, think of you often (Pam at least once an hour), and pray fervently for God's will, His power, and His presence with you.
He has promised to "never leave you or forsake you".
Thanks for the Blog.
Love~
George & "Cronk"; July 14, 2010 at 5:02 PM
Pam Cronk said...: You two are on my mind at least once an hour! I am praying very often for you.
We love you and know that God will be your strength through this.
Praying for a GOOD result.
Much love~
George and "Cronk"; July 14, 2010 at 5:06 PM
Anonymous said...: we are praising God also that the first step went well! The peace God has given you encourages us too! we love you,; July 14, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Daniel & Hope said...: So thankful for the good report! Our continued prayers as you face the next week! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!; July 14, 2010 at 7:55 PM
Dad and Mom Mead said...: We continue to pray and many from Calvary are also praying. We are looking forward to your continued reports on the peace and presence of God being displayed in your lives.

Mom and Dad Mead; July 14, 2010 at 8:05 PM
Unknown said...: Hi Tina,

You look great!
John; July 15, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Aunt Marcia said...: Praise the Lord!! So glad everything is going as planned. Praying that God will continue to keep you and Tina calm through this whole process. Give Tina a big hug for me. Love you; July 15, 2010 at 11:38 AM