Family, Friends and all those who have been praying for Elise,
We thank God for all of you who have participated in this prayer vigil for Elise through out this "time of affliction" to date.
Please continue as "your prayers have been very effective" and God has moved in mighty ways to answer them according to "His will at this time".
The past couple of weeks:
When this all began our Daughters jumped into action to help get everything we needed to fight this into the best hands.
So:
Off to Mayo Clinic for 2 consultations we went. Sarah forwarded the MRI and they said that their team would like to see Elise in person to evaluate her. She made all the arrangements to go.
I know that God was active in this already but here is when He started to "manifest His will".
The neurologist was the first consultation on 8-20-18. His first remark was "this isn't good at all, something must be done quickly". Then he ran her through a series of motor skill tests which we thought she did quite well. Sarah and I were a little perplexed with his responses. He advised that she not even fly but get is taken care of there right away. He was quite concerned.
The second consultation was by the neurosurgeon was on the next day 8-21-18.
The neurosurgeon came in and looked over the MRI and CT scan. His presentation was somewhat different and a lot more compassionate. He made sure that Elise knew what was going on and told all of us about the tumor. He said that it needed addressing but not nearly as urgently (or restriction laden) as the neurologist. He said that not addressing it would be fatal and that it was a very horrible way to go.
Here's where we realized how God had worked all things out.
First there are many neurosurgeons at MC! All good well know and qualified, BUT.......during the consultation we found out that the one He chose for Elise was the top one in the United States and even in the world. He and his team (by God's hand) was picked to evaluate our case and do the surgery. People of note from all around the world come to see him and his waiting list is very long.
So what happened next? They pulled up his appointments for surgery and he said "what is that?" looking at the "one" white space on the screen. His aid said that it was a blank surgery day. The surgeon said "how did that happen?" The day was completely open with no other surgeries. Again this was a surprise to him as he usually stacks surgeries. His remark was "that's wonderful because I can focus on this one alone that day to get it done." This surgery will take around 7 hours. He then turned to Elise and pulled his chair up to hers and looking directly into her eyes encouraged her to take advantage of this timing and get it done, which we did agree to. He also told her/us how difficult it would be right after the surgery and that she would go down hill at first, but if she fought hard she could shorten her rehab time. It was up to her. There would be 3-5 days of recovery right after the surgery, followed by (up to) 30 days in hospital rehab and another possible 30 days at home rehab. All these times will differ depending on "her attitude and effort". When asked what success rate he would give he said 85% chance of being completely recovered. He said this with confidence and humility. So first thought cover the "success rate" with prayer. Cover the operation with prayer for all of his team members that God would "divinely intervene" with their skills. Cover her recovery with prayers so that it might be 3 days instead of 5. Cover her "heart in the matter" during those dark times when she is laying there in recovery. And cover her attitude and effort for her to "get back to normal as swiftly as possible". Cover, cover, cover, cover all things to do with this in prayer.......believing!
A note:
We know that most people will be blessed with a "loving relationship" during their lifetime.
Ours started out "in love" then over the years it grew into "Unconditional Love" by the guidance of our Savior Jesus Christ. We not only "grew" in Love but continue to "grow" every day in "Unconditional Love". A testimony and witness of our lives together. We have been blessed that God "intervened" in our relationship from the beginning and then "made the path straight" ever since with dreams and visions of what True Unconditional Love is.
I know that He will continue to manifest His Love through this affliction to the finish.
Thanks again for your perseverance in prayer and support.
God bless and keep all of you.
Love
Jerry and Elise
Again a review of "Gods hand in this":
He moved on Sarah to get the MRI into the MC
He moved on Katie to get info from her boyfriends nurse mother
He moved to get us the best neurosurgeon in the nation/world
He moved to get an quick surgery date in an impossible busy schedual
He made it possible for all the very best arrangements at the very best place to get all this done.
He is continuing to make arrangements to bring this successfully to an end.
How great is our God?
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