Dear friends and family,
In the last few days Marisa has had several pre-op appointments which have been informative. After a closer look at the CT scan, one doctor shared that there is a good chance the surgeon may need to remove one of Marisa's jugular veins since one of the masses appears to be attached to it. We do not have enough information yet to know how this may affect Marisa's recovery. Next week, Marisa is scheduled for an MRI to rule out a link between her chronic migraines and the cancer in her neck. Also next week, we should receive results from blood work that will determine if Marisa will be put on a blood thinner for a month after surgery due to a pre-existing clotting disorder. Good news... Marisa's cold is clearing up, which is helpful before the operation take place.
Johns Hopkins - Pre-Op Visit
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Video greeting to Marisa from Joe Flacco:
On Monday our Young Life team in Baltimore City put on a wonderful fundraiser called the "Battle of the Birds." Individuals from the Ravens and Orioles organizations competed against each other in a golf tournament. Joe Flacco sent well-wishes to Marisa. I thought this would be fun to share...
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Marisa remains positive. She is very much in a focused mindset especially as the surgery date comes near.
Personal update from Marisa...
I am so very thankful to everyone who has reached out with their love and support! We know we have been covered in prayer from near and far, and it's been so uplifting!
The song “So Will I” by Hillsong has
been particularly meaningful to me. That
song encompasses so much for me: my gratefulness for God’s love, the joy
of being a part of the lives of others, and now, my need to surrender my desire
for control over my health. Songs like this have even been playing
in my dreams at night. I am fully aware
that this is a gift meant to help me "set [my mind] on things above, not
on earthly things" (Col 3.2), and to come back around to HOPE in this
time that can sometimes be agonizing.
Matt mentioned that the removal of one of my jugular veins is a possibility. You should have seen how big my eyes opened when the doctor said that! I said, "Wait a second...Don't I need that to LIVE? And if something even nicks that thing, don't people bleed out??" (I've watched my share of war documentaries...and Chicago Med. Ok, fine. Old school "ER" back in the day, as well.) He explained that once part of it is removed, it cannot be modified, but I can live with just one. He said he would discuss this with my surgeon and they would let us know. A little clarity on such a wild idea will be helpful as I can not fathom how many of these things work out successfully!
One of my favorite things about my husband is his ability to lighten the load with humor and keep us all laughing! I need to do that in this season. Since receiving the diagnosis, it is sometimes difficult to find things to laugh about in all of this. As we are dealing with this news coming at us fast and furiously, we are both on our knees in prayer, clinging to His promises. We are also keeping each other laughing, and holding each other up in sickness and in health. I am blessed to have such helpful and caring family members and friends. I am confident I am in such good hands at Johns Hopkins, and in the hands of my loving God.
We are both grateful for you! Thank you for being in this with us!
Much love,
Matt & Marisa
Marisa, I love your grateful spirit and your love of those around you! You certainly have a treasure of a husband and family! Know we are with you and sending you our healing thoughts and love!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates. Love you Both!
ReplyDelete