Answers and More Questions

This is Steve posting again. Lee has been working diligently all day to try and get her thoughts down to be able to share all the latest information with you, but this has been one of her toughest days in a long time and I could not bear to watch her struggle any longer. So, I will apologize in advance that my posts will never be as eloquent as Lee's but I know that many of you have been waiting anxiously to hear from us so I will do my best to paint a complete picture of what we have learned.

First, Jesus has graciously answered your many prayers that Lee would not have lymphoma! Lee's doctor started off his conversation with the admission that he was "extremely surprised" with the information he was getting back. The scans from last week revealed that the lymph nodes in her chest that had been so enlarged have returned to normal size. The masses in her pelvis appear to be two large stationary blood clots that are very unusual for someone Lee's age and he doesn't know what has caused them. The mass in her right kidney is a fluid-filled cyst that he feels relatively confident should be benign and could have been caused by her deeply embedded kidney stones and recurrent infections. The area of concern in her liver appears to be a complication of the type of muscular dystrophy that Lee's doctors believe prevents her muscles from properly utilizing and breaking down normal energy sources. These are left to just consolidate in her liver until her body can dispose of them.

The news that Lee does not have lymphoma immediately brought tears of joy and gratitude for this answer to prayer. We are so grateful for this precious gift. At the same time, I must admit that the realization that we were back to square one with the "I don't knows" also brought a level of frustration as I continue to watch Lee's overall health decline. She continues to have a sustained fever well over 100 degrees (at times as high as 104), severe night sweats, nausea and vomiting, extreme fatigue, a recurrent rash, and debilitating headaches. Lee's doctor was admittedly frustrated that he had not pursued any other potential diagnoses over these past several weeks because he believed her symptoms to be so "textbook" for lymphoma. He recognized that her symptoms have progressed rapidly and unchecked, so he is anxious to get some additional tests run as soon as possible that may shed some new light on what IS attacking her body.

I want to again thank you for your prayers and support up to this point and to restate how blessed we feel to be so loved. I would also ask that you continue to be in prayer for Lee and her doctors as we try and determine what new directions we need to take in our search for answers. I long for her to be able to get some rest and relief but continue to be inspired by her perseverance. I know she will want to share more details of her thoughts and perspective when she feels up to it but I

appreciate you hanging with me in the interim.

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Messages

Sandi Henry

December 14, 2010, 5:54 AM

Steve, I am so glad to hear from you. Don't worry about not being as eloquent as Lee. I think you do just fine! What an answer to prayer that Lee doesn't have lymphoma. I will continue to pray that her symptoms will go away and that God will give the doctors wisdom to figure out what IS wrong with her. I know that you are suffering along with her, so we always pray for you too. I pray that tonight will bring peace and rest for both of you. Thank you for taking time to give us the news. Tell Lee to just concentrate on herself. We will look forward to hearing from her when she feels better. We love you both so much and just wish there was something we could do to make Lee's suffering go away. Bill and Sandi

Wendy Sternshein

December 14, 2010, 5:57 AM

Thank you, Steve, for bringing us up to date. It is comforting to know that Lee has such a stalwart and loving partner to share this challenging journey with. You both continue to be such an inspiration. My positive thoughts are with you.

Susan Jenkinson

December 14, 2010, 6:07 AM

Praise the Lord and praying for answers.

Norma Eaton

December 14, 2010, 6:24 AM

Thanks so much for the update. will be praying for you both this must be exhausting to say the least. Love and prayers.

Linda Hamilton

December 14, 2010, 6:30 AM

Thanks for the update, Steve. Praising the Lord for answered prayer, and continuing to pray for more answers!! We worship a mighty God...that's for sure!! Priest River, Idaho

Tamara Longworth

December 14, 2010, 6:33 AM

You guys make it impossible not to love you and to sit in awe of your love for each other and for Jesus! You have been such a blessing to so many and we certainly wish we could do more for you. I hate that Lee is suffering, but I know God has a reason and a plan for everything He does. We will certainly be praying for answers that the doctors can manage, if not cure! We will pray for relief for Lee, and pain free days in the very near future! We will pray for comfort and rest for you, Steve, as we know how devoted, worried and affected you are by Lee's pain and suffering. We will thank God for the blessing of no lymphoma, and for the many people he has put in your lives to support and pray for you! May God bless you with miracles, and may they come very soon! With love and prayers, Tamara and Bill

Larry Lewis

December 14, 2010, 9:48 AM

Hang in there. Lots of thoughts and prayers back here in TN for you. Larry

Sasha Benjamin

December 14, 2010, 1:13 PM

That is wonderful news! I will continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers that you find some answers soon. I'm so happy that it is not lymphoma! Jason and I love you both and think about you often.

Betsy michalik

December 14, 2010, 1:22 PM

Praising God with you and at the same time pleading for answers too. Merry Christmas dear Brooks family!

Jill Shelton

December 14, 2010, 1:28 PM

Praise the Lord it's not lymphoma. I pray that Lee & you Steve will get some well needed and deserved rest. I pray that you will have some peace and a true diagnosis very soon. Praying for you guys. Thanks for the update & you did a fine job.

Alyssa Buller

December 14, 2010, 1:57 PM

I love you both so much! I'm so happy to hear the good news; continued prayer in the unknown is still in the forefront of my mind for Steve and Lee both. I know what its like to feel like you've tried everything and nothing changes or gets better. You're both so strong and I'm in awe of your perseverence, stronger than I could ever be. God is good, I love you both and hope to see you soon.

Julie Greene

December 14, 2010, 2:01 PM

Praising God for His answer for "no" to lymphoma & praying for answers for the physicians. Asking the Great Healer to do a mighty work and show the drs what is the next step. Merry Christmas and we love you. The Greenes

Jennifer Evans

December 14, 2010, 2:22 PM

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth," Psalm 145:18 God is near and he hears your prayers. Praying now for you both.

Ginger Thomas

December 14, 2010, 2:34 PM

Thanks for the update Steve and you did a great job! So happy to hear the good news of no lymphoma! We continue to pray for you both and hope you get some definitive answers soon!

carol sparks

December 14, 2010, 2:48 PM

Rejoicing with NO lymphoma and continuing to pray for wisdom for the doctors and for you both. Looking to Him who is wonderful in counsel and magnificant in wisdom. Is. 28:29 Love and prayers, Carol Sparks

Michelle Grande

December 14, 2010, 3:01 PM

It reminds me of the rollercoaster ride! Ups and downs but in the end you usually really enjoy the ride! We will keep praying that the ride ends peacefully and quickly with both of you walking together to the end of a joyous day. Love ya' prayin' for ya'!

Krista Maggard

December 14, 2010, 3:36 PM

Praying for strength and endurance~guidance and protection. Your faith will keep you strong. The Lord knows what's to come. Praises for answers and prayers for answers to come. Much Love to you both Krista

Kelly Wahle

December 14, 2010, 4:04 PM

Steve and Lee, I've been following your carepage since you started it because of a link from a young woman's carepage named Tiffany Rose. I've been mostly a silent reader in not writing much. I wanted you to know that you have someone in a suburb of Chicago praying for you diligently. I am 31 and have multiple chronic illnesses/pain conditions that have kept me from being able to work for the last 5+ years, yet I can only imagine the journey you've been on. Steve, you remind me of my husband in what a loving caretaker, fighter and supporter of your wife you are. Men like you are few and far between and I thank God that Lee has someone like you in her life in that you are allowing the Father to work through you. Lee, I can feel the warrior in you through your words. I know what it is like when just this minute is hard and in those times I pray for God's grace to wash over

you and sustain you in a way only He can. My daily prayer for you, myself, everyone I pray for is "Christ in _____; Christ in Lee; Christ in Steve." I envision Jesus putting you on like a "Lee suit" being your hands, your feet, your body and your mind and getting you through the impossible moments.

I think of you daily and wish there was more support I could give than just words. Know that

you inspire me and move me to live my life with my limitations

to the fullest. With all the love of Jesus in my heart, Kelly Wahle

Abigail Echols

December 14, 2010, 4:14 PM

What wonderful news for it not being lymphoma!! We will definitely pray that the Lords brings clarity, wisdom, and understanding to all that is going on! We love you guys =)!!

Judi Johnson

December 14, 2010, 4:20 PM

Praise for the "no lymphoma" diagnosis. But how terribly frustrating it must be to have another "I don't know" diagnosis. May God give wisdom to the doctors to find the source of Lee's multiple problems. You are both in my thoughts and prayers, and I pray for God to continue to provide what you need as you need it. Love to you both, Judi Johnson Jan Bennett December 14, 2010, 5:24 PM Very eloquent Steve. Thank you for the update. I was blessed by the baptisms Sunday and for your(and Lee's)part in them. What an awesome Sunday! I was very glad that Lee was up to being there. I will continue to pray for both of you.

Erika Cushman

December 14, 2010, 5:52 PM

Thank God for this news! Joe and I will continue to pray for relief of the recurring symptoms and that the doctors would have much wisdom and insight. I have been awed and blessed by you both and the great example of godliness you each have been throughout all of this.

Steve Braden

December 14, 2010, 6:11 PM

When I talked to Lee's mom the other day she said, "In my heart, I know it's not lymphoma." Thank you Jesus for answered prayer. I also want to thank Jesus for you, Steve. I know God put you in this family. You are a blessing to us. We will continue to pray for wisdom for the doctors. We love you both. Aunt Helen and Uncle Steve

sue ensign

December 14, 2010, 6:31 PM

Praying for continued perseverance and peace, the diagnosis be soon,accurate,and for completely successful healing. Please, Lord, I beg your love to fully sustain Lee and Steve. Susan<><

Link Hudson

December 14, 2010, 6:41 PM

I am so thankful like everyone else that Lee does not have lymphoma. My heart is also sinking that you don't have any more definitive answers. I will be praying for supernatural knowledge for your doctor, that our Lord will give him a clear and concise idea of what may be going on. Quite frankly, you and Lee are the most amazing model of Christian love and marriage that I have ever witnessed. You are also such a great testimony to what a marriage can withstand when God is the focus of it. I

love you both.

Kristin Herman

December 14, 2010, 11:34 PM

Praying for you guys! So glad to hear it's not lymphoma... We had a blast at our wedding and now are enjoying the beauty of Costa Rica! Love, Craig and Kristin

Jason Benjamin

December 15, 2010, 1:37 AM

Thanks for letting us know, Steve! I'm so glad it wasn't lymphoma. You both are always in my thoughts. I love you two!

Katie Husby

December 15, 2010, 5:57 AM

Praise Jesus that it's not lymphoma! But how frustrating too. I will be praying that the Lord would soon shed light on the thing that is causing all these horrible symptoms.

Love you both! Katie Sandy Moye December 15, 2010, 3:49 PM Will continue to lift you guys up in prayer.

Debby Swecker

December 15, 2010, 6:35 PM

Thank you Lord for the answers you did give. Please show Steve, Lee and the doctors what is happening in Lee's body. We ask that you heal her in Jesus' name. Amen

D Ward

December 15, 2010, 10:01 PM

We continue to pray for you both and love y'all. We admire you!!! Thank God for answered prayer. Blessings and love, Debby and family

Molly Swanson

December 15, 2010, 11:42 PM

Praise be to God!! Lee's perseverance is witness to us all. It's amazing and God is amazing.

Bruce Ensign

December 16, 2010, 5:07 AM

Lord, I agree with Debbie's prayer below. These servants of yours have suffered tremendously and suffered well. Please grant relief from the constant pain and suffering and heal Lee's body. Thank you Steve for the update. You will continue to be loved by Susan and I.

Cindy Hambly

December 16, 2010, 5:28 AM

I continue to pray the best I know how. Lee you continue to be an inspiration to all of us. Thank you Steve for the update .

carver lovely

December 16, 2010, 1:43 PM

You are in my Prayers Carver

Susan Rowley

December 17, 2010, 11:59 PM

Steve, you have done a beautiful job of relaying, thank you! Lee, I am so thankful also that it is not Lymphoma and pray that God will guide your Doctors and that further testing will help supply answers! You two are such a blessing to all of us, may prayers bring comfort to both of you! Hugs to both of you!

Lisa Ferguson

December 21, 2010, 7:36 PM

Dear Lee and Steve, It breaks my heart to read about all the struggles that Lee has been through. Most of these struggles I knew nothing about!!! I will most certainly be praying for God to guide Lee's doctors on the path to helping her get well. I can remember having Lee in class years ago and what a special young person she was to me as a teacher. Ned and I love you both and wish you better days ahead. I

am thankful that you both know our Lord has you in His precious arms as you walk through His plan for your lives. Love in Christ, Ned and Lisa Ferguson

Sandy Temple

December 22, 2010, 5:50 PM

Lee and Steve, I am home again after alot of traveling for work. I just want you both to know that even though you haven't been hearing from me on this site, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. When traveling I am able to read carepage updates via my blackberry, but unfortunately, it will not

let me post a message. It will let me type it up and everything, but when I hit send, nothing happens! So,

please know that I am lifting you up in prayer daily. Your courage, attitude, and most of all, your faith is amazing, inspiring, and uplifting. I pray you get some answers, and more importantly, some relief soon. With hearfelt love and prayers, Sandy (Tiff's mom)

Ann Lovell

December 23, 2010, 1:28 AM

Dear Steve. I just learned of Lee's illness today via your facebook page. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so thankful that the illness is not

lymphoma but understand your frustration in trying to determine what, exactly, is

going on. Please know that we are committed to praying for you in the days ahead. Thanks for keeping us posted. Love you! Ann (& Joe, Lauren and Alli) Lovell

Lisa Ferguson

December 27, 2010, 6:28 PM

Dear Lee and Steve, Just a quick note to say that I am thinking about you today. I am in prayer that the headaches will subside so that you both can have a peaceful beginning to 2011. Love, Lisa Ferguson