CHALLENGING TIMES

A little over two years ago I celebrated one of the most special and unique experiences of my life. My bride Cissy and I were on our honeymoon!

Both of us had been single again for a number of years. We anticipated with great joy the adventure of life together. We spent leisure time at the beach and relished our new marriage relationship.

Shortly before we were to return home, Cissy had a strange sensation when she looked ahead. She saw two of everything. Wow, I thought maybe I had given her too much delight!

But the double vision persisted through the following day. Stepping across the street was unsettling, and going down a flight of stairs was dangerous. As we drove home, Cissy called her primary care physician and made an appointment for the following day.

Subsequent appointments over the following months with an ophthalmologist, then a neurologist, and next extensive testing with a neuro-opthamologist, finally led to the diagnosis of some type of brain tumor.

All indications were that it was a common benign tumor that only needed to be observed. But over time several CAT scans and MRIs showed some growth of the tumor and we were referred to a neurosurgeon in Atlanta.

The neurosurgeon described the location of the tumor in some “very high real estate” around the brain in a critical and difficult location. He referred us to a neurosurgeon in Houston at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, arguably the finest cancer hospital in the world. This doctor thought initially that the tumor was probably not a common tumor, but hopefully still a benign one.

However, over the last year and a half we have made seven trips to Houston that included two surgeries and radiation. Biopsy showed the tumor was a rare malignant type that occurs in only about one out of one thousand brain tumors. However, Cissy’s prognosis is excellent, and though there is still some discomfort, her double vision and headaches ceased.

The photos below show a little bit of Cissy’s journey to health in Houston. Some of the pics might be a little squeamish to see but they give a glimpse of the trauma she endured.

I am so proud of her toughness and perseverance and positive attitude. Both of us appreciate so much the love and support and prayers of so many people.

Recent photos were taken three weeks ago when we could enjoy a stroll in the park near the hospital after Cissy got a good report for one year post surgery.

Flash Slideshow

Since our marriage both of us have faced some steep challenges. Not only did I gain a new bride and move to a new city and new home, I also took a new pastorate. After a year of conflict and disappointment, I ended my relationship with that church. Also both of my parents died.

Yet Cissy and I believe the events of the last two plus years have been a means for us to draw closer to God and to each other.

God is good and gracious … all the time! And we give thanks in all things.