From: Timko, Terry M
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2016 11:51 AM
Subject: Maura Update - Saturday June 11th
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2016 11:51 AM
Subject: Maura Update - Saturday June 11th
OK this is probably going to be another run on email so
don’t feel compelled to read it all.
Short version:
The story is becoming one of an epic journey. At the
close of this chapter, we did not get the news we were hoping for. The
biopsy results showed the very bad cancer and they removed one of the 3 tumors
via a craniotomy. The clinical diagnosis is multi-focal glioblastoma (I
don’t recommend googling this).
We are going to fight this thing and walk it out as the
Father leads us. We have had some good cries, are being supported by
great friends and I’m sure will have our ups and downs on this journey.
While we don’t understand God’s plan in this (I think it is a pretty crappy
plan and I’ve told him so) we are faithful that he will give us what we need
and are confident he will be glorified.
The next chapter is about healing followed by 6 weeks of
radiation and chemo in about 4 weeks. It is also about growth for all of
us including our boys and a bit of getting back to life and work with a bit
more focus on what is important and intentionality if that is possible.
We still believe he can heal her supernaturally (I know that
sounds weird to many on this list) or through modern medicine - I really don’t
care which. We also know that this may not be his plan and we will get
through this with all the grace, strength and faith he has given us.
I know many of you want to visit and show your support but
please do not come and visit us in the hospital. Maura is in the ICU,
medicated and not getting much sleep. Not really up for visitors.
We should be home in a few days. (I know right).
Longer Version:
I am so blessed to have this woman as my partner in this
life and am honored to walk this out with her. As any mom would be she is
more worried about her boys, her mom and me than she is herself. We
are going to take this thing head on, live intentionally, worship and cherish
every moment with and for all of you.
When she came out of surgery she was admittedly angry and
sad, her spirits lifted so much when she saw her boys – that was beautiful to
see. I was amazed by how quickly her outlook turned around – she is
stronger than me. In speaking with Daniel later he said he would expect
nothing less from his mom.
I was so blessed to have Maura’s dear friends Ginger and
Lisa with me at the hospital yesterday. I can’t imaging getting this news
alone. Thank you even more to my guys who came after work to support me.
You guys are my brothers and this will be OK. Hard but
OK.
Again for physical needs reach out to Janet and Jeff {contact info deleted} we
really don’t need meals but the boys have been blessed by baked goods J (Thanks Lydia!)
More detail for those that could use it:
The tumor they removed is the one from the scan I shared
about a week ago and near her speech center. The surgery went really well
and I don’t see much additional impact to her communications. There are 2
other tumors, one in her corpus callosum which has grown since the initial MRI
3 weeks ago (I miss-spoke yesterday when I said 2 weeks ago) and another very
small one which has not grown in her right frontal lobe near the surface.
The 3rd tumor can be easily removed if it grows given its
location. The second one not so much.
The can’t do radiation until her brain is healed so we
should get a 4 week break of relative normalcy. She is in a lot of pain
now and is well medicated – they said this should subside over the next 1 to 2
weeks. The Chemo and radiation for this cancer are not that intense and
our prayer is her tumors respond to the treatment. We are going to look
into clinical trials and other options, having already connected w/ the Mayo
Clinic and MD Anderson in Houston.
Communications:
I’m using this one communication to updated everybody.
There are now >170people on the various lists which I’ve essentially merged
to simplify communication for me. Please note responding to all goes to
all 170+ people and I’d like to be careful not to fill people inboxes.
These lists were set up several weeks ago to keep our friends, family and
community updated. Given how this has grown, how long this has and will
go on and the fact that not everyone needs as many updates, I’m going to do
some maintenance over the next week to the lists to even things out.
Don’t be surprised if you get removed from and added to a new list. I may
also move away from Google groups.
Terry