In Awe of the Almighty God

A week ago today, I underwent my second brain surgery, a craniotomy. The procedure temporarily removed part of my skull near my cerebellum, so Dr. Sills could attempt to remove the tumor, located in the middle of my brain. Success! They were able to remove the entire tumor, piece by piece! As you know the tumor is a ‘Tweener.’, so we have to wait for the pathology reports before we get the final clear. There is a small chance I may have to undergo radiation to remove some of the tumor. Dr. Sills equated it to a weed in your yard, you may pull the weed, but some of the seeds may remain behind and cause problems.

I was told the surgery would leave me with double vision and impaired balance; in fact Dr. Sills reminded my family while I was in post-op that I would experience these side effects, BUT I was completely healed by the ONE HEALER, our savior Jesus Christ. I awoke from surgery with no double vision and very slight balance issues. The Drs. were amazed that I had no side effects, but we who relied on the power of prayer, knew the mighty protector would not waiver. Also, I was to be in the hospital 4-5 days, but I was released on the third day!

Again, I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, thoughts and kind words, every single one has been felt! Thank you for your embraces. I stand in awe of the mighty Lord our God, and only hope you experience his unfailing love and compassion. God is Good. Remember true joy comes from relationships and loving others. Interaction with your friends, loved ones, family and Christ will provide you with comfort, peace and healing.

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. Matthew 21:22

“And He said…’Your faith has made you well; go in peace.’’ Luke 8:48

Still Doing Great!

Cliff went for his first PT appointment today. It was great. They are going to work with him a little on balance and regaining full range of motion in his neck. He's still resting most of the day, but goes up and down the stairs and wherever he wants, whenever he wants. Keep sending prayers his way for a continued speedy recovered.

Home!

Cliff is home! We were discharged today and Cliff is feeling good.

Going Home

So Cliff has been such a stellar patient that he is going home today! He should be discharged by late morning. YAY!

Jet's Pizza...Yum

Thanks Travis for the Jet's Pizza. I brought some up to Cliff last night. He loves it. Much better than the questionable dinner they served him.

Evening Update

Cliff continues to do well. He sat up for dinner and is currently watching MS State vs. LSU with his buddies, Matt Kimball and Nick Travis. Thanks guys for coming by!

Cliff's cousin Meredith Moore sporting her maroon pants and new bangs. Love them! She's also an Ole Miss grad, it's about time you crossed over!

Axford Girls say "Go State"

It's Cliffy!

Cliff is doing great. PT and OT came by and had him sit up for a little while. He's feeling good. Dr. Tomych (spelling?) said the MRI scans came back clear.

Reed, Carter and Hunter McNeer (Cliff's cousins) in Greenwood, MS

Upgraded!

We just heard that Cliff has been upgraded to floor status instead of ICU. It sounds like we will be moved to a step down room. He will get more sleep. Even before we move rooms, they will only check on him every 4 hours instead of every hour. Remember to email me your pics for Cliff. We'll take them even if you don't have maroon on. I showed Cliff some of the earlier pics and he LOVED looking at them.

Cliff's buddy Robby Oliveri

Clay and Troy Leach at UT vs. MS State Football game

Lamonte Stamps at MS State!

Visitors

At this point, no visitors please. Movement and activity make Cliff feel nauseous so we are trying to keep him still and quiet. He did eat some jello and applesauce this morning and kept it down. He's also more coherent. They took him at 4:30am for an MRI. Keep praying for him. He's making good progress.

Bring on the Pics

Well...Maroon Friday is drawing to a close and I have a few more pictures to post. However, I know Cliff will LOVE looking at these pictures when he's awake and coherent. So...if you have a special picture for Cliff, please email me at ccossittjones@aol.com (yes I still have an aol account, get over it). I'll post them and Cliff can have the best time scrolling through. He's resting with a few bouts of nausea. They will take him for an MRI after midnight tonight.

Annaclaire Wilbanks (Casey's Cousin) in Mobile, AL

Second Grade Teachers at Madison Crossing Elementary School

Charley Jones in Brandon, MS

Tucker Jones in Brandon, MS

DeVonne Grizzle (Jane's coworker)

He's Resting

We've all been able to see Cliff. He's in neuro ICU at Vanderbilt. He has a little pain in his head and neck where they cut. He's also a little nauseous from Dr. Sills poking around in his brain. Cliff has some confusion which is normal. His eyesight so far looks good! No double vision! We won't know about the balance until he's more mobile. Overall...he's doing well. He really needs to rest the next few days. Too much excitement makes him feel bad. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. It has been incredible to see such an outpouring of love and support. We love each of you and know without a doubt that God has Cliff in the palm of His hand.

More Maroon

Audrey (Cliff's cousin) in Magee, MS

Breckyn (Sarah's friend) in Yazoo City!

Extreme Bulldog fan, Chip Wilbanks (Casey's uncle), we are not convinced this is true Maroon.

Hamilton Moore (Cliff's cousin) in Florence, AL

Ashley (Casey's sister) and Henry (Casey's nephew) in Clinton, MS

Zella Bernick in Nashville, TN

It's All Good!

Cliff is out of surgery. Dr. Sills was able to get the entire tumor. We should see him in an hour. :)

2:30 pm Update

Last word from OR is that all is progressing well.

Breaking News! Big Daddy (Casey's Grandfather) is now a Mississippi State Bulldog fan! Joining him are Nanny and Izzy Lou/Little Bit.

1:00 pm Update

Last word from the OR at 12:25 pm was that tumor removal is in progress and going well.

Carter and Andrew Ramsey (Thanks Shelley and Chad for lunch!) in Franklin, TN

Milo/Honey (Thanks to Cliff's friends at KVD) in Nashville

Davis Quick (Casey's brother-in-law) in Vicksburg, MS

More Maroon Friends!

First incision made at 10:00 am. Going well so far.

Jeffrey Duckworth in Guntown, MS

Judy (Cliff's aunt) and Jane

Gage, Sarah (Cliff's sister-in-law) and Tripp (Cliff's nephew)

Tami and Michelle (Casey's co-workers in the cockpit of Black Hawk not in Maroon, but nevertheless trying to brighten the day!)

Lily Quick in Clinton, MS

Her Royal Highness, Clemmy Quick in Clinton, MS

Conan and Bully gettin' cozy

Todd Clark (Casey's brother-in-law in Jackson, MS)

Corkie (Dog Ashley is sitting)

Gage and friend Annie

It's Maroon Friday at Vandy

So...we are all sporting our MAROON in support of our Bulldogs today! If you are wearing your MAROON, email me at ccossittjones@aol.com and I'll post you on the blog. Cliff will love looking at it later!

We didn't wait long this morning. Cliff was pulled back only 10 minutes after we arrived. Nick, Joey and Tommy from our Sunday School class at Brentwood Baptist were here and prayed with us. Thank you guys!

Jane and I were able to speak with the anesthesiologists and Dr. Sills before they took Cliff back for surgery. They told us to expect it to be a long day.

Tami and Melissa from Father Ryan High School brought us all Panera Bagels, Coffee and Coffee Cake. Thank you! We are all set for the day.

Keep Cliff in your thoughts and prayers. Pray for no complications and no nausea from anesthsia. More later. :)

Sophie and Allie

Molly (Casey's sister), Angie (Casey's mom), Sandra (Cliff's aunt)

Casey and Molly

Larry (Cliff's dad) and Gage (Cliff's brother)

Angie's friend Lisa from Clinton, MS

Mary Logan and Rosey Kate in Madison, MS

Jake Roberts (Casey's cousin) in Alaska!

Casey and Travis (Cliff's BFF and fellow squirell enthusiast)

Jane (Cliff's mom) and David (Cliff's step-dad)

Kenny (Cliff's uncle), Jenny (Cliff's aunt) and Lauren (Cliff's cousin)

God's Will Be Done

As my surgery date draws near, I’m at peace. The anxiousness and worry have subsided for I know God’s will, will be done. I’m thankful for the family and friends He has surrounded me with; His love has clearly overflowed through them. I thank you all for the thoughts, calls, kind words and most importantly prayers. Your prayers have lifted me up and put me at ease this week, thank you.

I’ve received countless verses over this journey, and I leave you with a few that God has clearly used to put me at ease this week.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1:2-5 Consider it great joy, my brothers whenever you experience various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete lacking nothing.

Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not tremble with fear I am your God. I will make you strong as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.

Psalm 62:5 Rest in God alone, my soul for my hope comes from Him.

God Knows Our Needs

It’s normal to experience fear and anxiety, but with my previous surgery I was at complete peace, I did not fear. I can’t say the same about Friday’s surgery...This surgery is a lot more involved and the complications greater. I have been wrestling with my upcoming surgery the past few days.

Tonight, we met with our Sunday school class. We don’t normally meet on Sunday nights, but we are going through a transition, so we were meeting to discuss the next steps. At the end of the meeting, I was prayed over by members of the class and to say it was powerful is an understatement. My anxiety and fear were lifted as commanding prayers were delivered through the Holy Spirit by my peers. God knew this is what I needed in this moment.

Casey and I cannot thank our friends and family enough who have lifted us up and continue to do so. We feel your prayers.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be Strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you, He will not leave or forsake you.