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Thursday, April 25, 2013

Life Changes So Fast

I was planning a blog post to announce that I am pregnant (due in Oct.!) when Keith suddenly developed an ulcer in the lower third of his esophagus and couldn't eat. Long story short, we don't know what caused it but it appears to be getting better.

Then Sunday night at 3am I had a grand-mal seizure.

Keith called 911 and I taken to the hospital. I don't remember anything until part way through my stay in the ER. Turns out I have a slow growing tumor (about the size of an egg) in the left side of my brain. I was moved to the intensive care unit and stayed there until Tuesday afternoon when I went home. I am on an anti-seizure med but am still having mini-seizures in my right hand and sometimes when I am talking and focusing hard on a thought I get stuttering. Other little things like signing my name gives me trouble and you wouldn't believe how long it is taking me to type this! But all that should get better with time.

So what to do about that tumor...  Well, removing it has some risks involving speech and motor skills and because it is slow growing their isn't any harm in leaving it there for now. So the plan is to stay on the anti-seizure med for the duration of the pregnancy at which point I will do more testing and discuss tumor removal options.

Whenever I focus on the fact that I have a brain tumor too much I get a bit scared. It helps to remember that God works His miracles in His own way and I can trust Him to do what is best. I have already seen His tender mercies through the timing of all this. If I had had the seizure earlier in the pregnancy the anti-seizure med could have hurt the baby. But by having when I did it allows us time to learn about our options before making a decision.

I appreciate any prayers sent my way.

P.S. Happy Anniversary to my sweetheart of four years today! Words can not express how much I love you.

8 comments:

Austin said...

Oh, Katie! Wow. Sounds like a lot of thing happening at once. I will definitely be sending happy thoughts your way.

lorie said...

Oh Katie I will focus on the great news! Congratulations! My mom had a tumor 3 years ago. Se had surgery for it and is still on seizure meds. She has done great and you will too. Modern medicine is another blessing in our lives! Give my boyfriend oxox's. love u.

Syme Family News said...

We are praying for you. Love Janeen and family and Cleggs.

branches 'n' twigs said...

We adore you, Keith, and your awesome Charlie dude! All our thoughts and prayers are with you.
xoxo

Deb said...

Wow, Katie! We'll be praying for you and your baby. And hoping that your seizures subside in the mean time. Love you! Wish I could be there and help out. Or just give a big hug. You'll have to receive my giant hugs virtually for now.

Whitney Hardie said...

Katie, I am shocked. I've been out of town and just got back to my computer. I had no idea about any of this. Poor Keith must have been terrified. Please know that my heart prays for you continually.

I love you, my dearest of dear friends. You will continue to be in our thoughts. All my love to you and your family (especially the tiniest Merrill) Take care of yourself!

Karen said...

Oh Katie!! We will keep you in our prayers! The Lord does work His miracles in his own way! And congrats on baby number two! Charlie will be a fantastic big brother!

Anonymous said...

Katie, we will be praying for you, your family, and your little baby. You are a great example of strength and optimism and I know the Lord will give you the strength you need for this trial. Hugs to you!