God's Grace

This photo of our friends Jeff & Dodie was taken the afternoon of March 31 when they came to our house with these balloons and a get well card for Vernon. That morning, a tumor had been removed from Vernon's right temple that was supposed to be benign. However, the surgeon recognized that it wasn't when he saw inside. I was shocked when Dr. Haas told me after the surgery that it looked like a rare kind of cancer and that he'd done his best to remove it. Later I learned from Vernon that he had suspected there was a problem even before surgery because of the pain he'd been having and what the growth looked like.

Now you know why the bandage is on his right side in the pictures you've been seeing. We were relieved this past Friday to learn from a doctor at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, here in Orlando, that it is "not life-threatening" and it is "highly unlikely" that it has spread. There is a good chance to get rid of it using radiation five days a week for six weeks starting April 28. The area to be radiated is where the surgery took place plus the cheek area below in case it has spread to the lymph nodes in that area.

We see a second M.D. Anderson doctor Monday to see if she recommends test to look for cancer anywhere else and possible treatment. Tuesday, the two doctors we will have seen will discuss Vernon's case with M.D. Anderson Houston doctors via teleconference because this type of cancer is rare and there isn't enough data on patients like him to know for sure what to do beyond radiation. Wednesday we have another appointment to learn what is involved with radiation and to prepare him for it.

We are told that radiation is not a difficult treatment for the patient and should not interfere with Vernon being able to work and live a normal life. He should be in and out of the treatment within 30 minutes. We are hoping it can be scheduled before he goes to work each day. I will not need to accompany him. The possible side effects in that area of Vernon's face are the loss of some of the eyebrow and dry eye (because the tear gland will be radiated). However, there is low risk of vision damage because the optic nerve is deep enough in the skull.

I believe that it is by God's grace and the prayers of many that we are not discouraged or fearful concerning the future. Ever since the heart attack that Vernon survived on Dec. 7, 1998, we have continued to have evidence that God still wants him here. God has watched over us and provided for our needs all along the way. The whole heart transplant story of our 8 1/2 month wait at the hospital, the successful transplant and recovery, and now meeting our donor's family are all evidence to me of God's blessing on our lives. We are not 'lucky' or 'special' on our own. God living in us and His grace are the explanation. It is all His plan. I call it "Our story for His glory." I, for one, would not be the person I am if Jesus did not live in me. Vernon's prayer continues to be, "Lord we are yours. We are in Your hands. We trust Thy will be done."

This photo of us was taken March 22nd and you might be able to see the growth on Vernon's right temple. But look beyond to see our smiles and our love - all by God's grace.