It's a "Tweener"

From Cliff:

Today we met with Dr. Sills. We weren’t scheduled to meet with him until October 1st for my post-op visit but the clinic called and asked us to come in. Needless to say, we were a little anxious to hear the results since they had already been delayed a week.

Dr. Sills told us the mass is a "tweener." Just like me, the mass doesn’t know what it wants to be when it grows up. The tumor is a Pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation (PPTID). It was recognized in the 2007 World Health Organization (WHO) classification as a new pineal parenchymal neoplasm, intermediate in malignancy (WHO grade II or III) between pineocytoma (grade I) and pineoblastoma (grade IV). Dr. Sills gave me four options, but only recommended the first two: (1) remove the mass, (2) do nothing and observe it, (3) treat with radiation or (4) treat with meds. Dr. Sills said his conservative opinion is to remove the tumor.

After discussing with Casey and my family, we are leaning toward removing the tumor. Obviously there can be complications with the surgery, but if we choose to observe the tumor there is no guarantee that it won’t grow or cause more problems. I feel God’s will is for me to remove the tumor. When we pray, the Bible tells us to pray specifically. Many prayer warriors, including my Mom, have been praying for the mass to be gone. With the help of Dr. Sills it soon will be!

From my reading last night in Joshua 1:9 “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

God is good all the time.

God Breathed!

From Cliff:

You may never truly experience the power of God until you experience a life crisis. I am humbled and amazed by the ever powerful God Almighty through this entire experience. He is good all the time. He has not failed me and walks beside me.

I can say without a doubt that I have felt God Breathe. This experience has shown me his power and his almighty presence. I ask that you, my friends and family, hold me accountable and help me keep life in perspective; life isn’t about the newest iphone 5 or dominating in fantasy football, but experiencing God’s every day gifts of life through family and friends. The simple things: truly treasure the ones you love--your family and friends. Don’t take life for granted.

We are here to glorify His Kingdom. I have been praying to God daily for Him to use me for the betterment of this Kingdom. This experience has shown me that God will use you in His own way in His own time. This is God using me to glorify His Kingdom even through sickness.

Romans 8:28. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. This verse doesn’t mean that everything that happens is good, but that everything, both good and bad (as we see it), work together for good.

As we were live streaming church on Sunday, Mom says: Cliff I want you to know how much God has taken care of you in this situation. He is in control. Simultaneously, the worship leader recited the verse that Gage and I have been leaning on the past couple of weeks. Psalm 62:5-6. Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. It’s amazing how clearly God speaks to you in crisis. I used to ‘just’ read verses of scripture, now I hear Him speak. Thank you Lord.

As we await the biopsy results (will be next Tuesday at least), I rest in God alone, He is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken! God is good.

Thanks to all my family and friends who have reached out with prayers and love during this time. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for the unconditional support you have shown to me and my family. Thanks to my wife, who has not faltered. She is my rock-my best friend, and I’m truly grateful for her love and support. I would not be who I am without her. Thank you to my Mom who spent the week taking care of me and providing us with delicious meals and a clean home. Thanks to all my family and friends who made the trek up to stand beside me during my surgery. I truly appreciate the love and support you showed Casey and I. Words simply cannot express my gratitude fully. Thank you.

God is Love. He is good all the time.

Deuteronomy 6:5. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

Feeling Better Day by Day

Yesterday was a great day for Cliff. It was a rainy day. Cliff loves the rain and was able to rest and relax. He's sleeping well at night and not doing anything crazy on the ambien. Today, he and Jane enjoyed a Five Guys Burger for National Cheeseburger day! A big thank you to Jane for her support and for taking care of us this week. :)

Fantasy Football Time

Cliff had a great night of sleep thanks to a little Ambien. He did try to go out of the window to use the bathroom...but at least I woke up in time to redirect him. :)

He and Peter have gathered all of the iPads, computers, and iPhones around the table to set up Fantasy Football lineups. In a few minutes, we'll watch BBC livestreamed on TV. Mike's preaching on the book of Revelation "Living in the Land of Dragons."

Home

In the words of Phillip Phillips:

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found
Just know you're not alone
Cause I'm going to make this place your home

Cliff was discharged today! He's headed home.

He's tired and hopes to get some rest after a very sleepless night (the steroids he is still on keep him up). We'll keep you updated. But thank you for all of your prayers. Everything went as well or BETTER than expected. :)

Here's a pic of Cliff and his BFF Peter who came to visit from Baton Rouge.

Comedian Cliff

Before we even got in the room, the nurse told us that Cliff was asking for pizza. He's feeling really good! Already flirting with the nurses. He's hungry and craving jets pizza. He's gotten the clear to eat so we've got a pizza on the way. He may be able to go home tomorrow depending on how he feels. Dr. Sills said that he had no "red and blue thoughts" in his brain...only "maroon thoughts." Thank goodness!

Recovery

Good news! Well, I still haven't seen Cliff. He is still in recovery. Wait...that's not the good news. The good news is that he's doing so well that they are putting him in a regular room and not the ICU. The neuro resident said he woke up well and was responding to commands. Anxious to see him.