A New Perspective

It seems somewhat ironic that a little over a month ago Cliff took this picture at the Grand Canyon on our 30th birthday trip to Vegas. Cliff has a new perspective. He says the most significant realization of this experience is that we are "so not in control." Like at all. Let me give you some background... After several months of increasingly frequent and intense migraines, Cliff ended up in the Neuro ICU at Vandy. The cause of these headaches? A tumor in the pineal region of the brain that is blocking spinal fluid from draining properly. WHAT!? I almost asked the doctor if he was kidding. Not Cliff, not us. Seriously? After 2 nights in the hospital, Cliff was sent home on steroids. After a follow up with his neurosurgeon, Cliff is scheduled for a Third Ventriculostomy this Friday, September 14. Dr. Sills (Mississippi State graduate and football team doctor) will use an endoscope to go into Cliff's brain and poke a hole in his third ventricle. This will relieve the pressure created by the spinal fluid. While he is in there, Dr. Sills will try to biopsy the mass so we can determine what it is and how to proceed. The doctors have no reason to think it's malignant. But of course we won't know until they get a piece of it. At this point we don't need anything...but we covet your prayers. Prayers for a complete healing and recovery and prayers for peace. The verse that is giving Cliff strength, peace and hope is Hebrews 11:1. You can read it at the top of the blog. Please feel free to leave words of encouragement! We will keep this blog updated for all of you that love Cliffy!