Evaluation Day

First of all Steve and I want to express our gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received since posting our last update. Thank you so much for the messages, the cards, the financial gifts, and the many, many prayers.

I had asked prayers for our travel to NY because I had only been able to sit up for 3-4 hours at a time without having to lie down and rest. I am able to report I survived the day of travel and that was due in large part to the generous financial gifts and donations of airline miles that allowed us to fly first class where I was able to recline significantly and rest well. I got sick on the first leg of our flight but was so thankful to be in the first class section where I could get comfortable on my side and go to sleep. The rest of the trip was uneventful and we are now settled comfortably in our hotel near the hospital.

Today I met with the nurse practioner for my case. The meeting with her lasted two hours as my electronic medical chart was brought up to date with medical history and medications being the main part of our time with her. We then met with Dr. Bolognese, the neurosurgeon, for 1 1/2 hours of evaluation. Most of the time was spent looking at MRI and CT scans and actually seeing where the structural problems were located with my brainstem, skull, and cervical column. This process brought us peace and reassurance of the need to proceed forward with the fusion surgery. For the surgery, I will be placed in a traction device that screws into my skull and then extracts my head from the cervical column. With guidance from intraoperative x-rays, when the extraction reaches the level needed to relieve pressure off of my brainstem, I will be secured in place and screws will be placed into the base of my skull and at the C1 and C2 vertebrae. A layer of cadaver bone will then be overlaid on the area to complete the fusion. I will be placed in a hard cervical collar that has to be worn for the next six months allowing the fusion to grow together and become stable. The exciting news about the extraction fusion is that Dr. B says that I will gain 1/2" to 1" in height!! The surgery is expected to last 6-8 hours if all goes well. There is also the possibility that I may have to have a small section of skull removed at the base of my head to allow the brainstem some extra room.

During my three hour appointment with Dr. Kula, the neurologist, I was also evaluated for a tethered spinal cord. This occurs when the spinal cord has adhesions holding it in a fixed position in the spinal canal instead of hanging free like it is supposed to be. My MRI showed the spinal cord is much lower than it is supposed to be and my clinical evaluation was positive indicating that indeed the spinal cord is tethered. Discussion was had as to whether or not to do surgery to detether the spinal cord at the same time as the fusion surgery. It was decided to wait and see if the fusion gives me adequate relief from my most debilitating symptoms. There is also the possibility that the fusion can cause the symptoms associated with the tethering of the spinal cord to become worse. If that happens, then we will need to consider proceeding with the second surgery to correct the problem.

Up next (Tuesday) is going to the hospital for pre-operative tests and bloodwork. We will also be meeting with the chief of neuroanesthesia. We would appreciate your prayers for this meeting as we discuss the plan for anesthesia and post-operative pain control. As many of you know, my brain surgeries in 2000 resulted in my being in a coma state for several days following each surgery due to the inability of my body to metabolize the anesthetic medications. I was completely awake inside but just couldn't move a muscle - not even a finger or open my eyes. It was terrifying. Please be in prayer for this preparation meeting and pray for wisdom for the doctor. I am also concerned about adequate pain control after surgery. I have been tested for a genetic problem in metabolizing medications and the test revealed that for a large number of medications, I am an ultra rapid metabolizer. This means that the meds just speed through my system without my getting the therapeutic benefits of the medicine. This becomes a problem when trying to regulate pain medicines.

My surgery is scheduled for Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 am. This is also Steve's birthday! Steve's parents and my parents will all be here for the surgery. We are so blessed to have our parents with us during this time. The next post you get will likely be by my dear friend Stephanie who has asked to coordinate prayer for the day of my surgery. I am so thankful for such a wonderful friend! Steve and I are overwhelmed with the love and support of each of you. Thank you for taking the time to follow our story and sending your messages of encouragement. Although CarePages doesn't have a way to respond back, please know we read each and every message. We will continue to keep you updated as things unfold here in NY.

Because of His grace, Lee and Steve

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Messages

Sandy Temple

December 10, 2013, 1:09 AM

Been praying for you all and I will continue to do so! An inch taller.....cool:) With much love and many prayers, Sandy

Matt Chambers

December 10, 2013, 1:09 AM

Thank you for the detailed update. We are all thinking of you.

Lisa Currall

December 10, 2013, 1:14 AM

So thankful Dr. B had answers you were looking for. We are still praying multiple times a day for you and will continue. Things MUST go well this time with anesthesia!! Now they know about your mitochondrial problems so maybe that will give a clue as to some of the "whys". Hugs and Blessing~

Steve Crimmins

December 10, 2013, 1:18 AM

Sara and I will be praying for you and your doctors daily. Please know that we are all thinking about you. God Bless.

Brett Jackson

December 10, 2013, 1:19 AM

We are all thinking and praying for both you and Steve. Keep us posted. R. Archer December 10, 2013, 1:29 AM Blessings and prayers to you and everyone on your medical team! Rosemary Archer Little brother David's friend

Teresa Brooks

December 10, 2013, 1:33 AM

Dear Lee & Steve: I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers and asking God to see you safely through the surgery. Thank you for the updates. Love, Teresa

Joan Bouck

December 10, 2013, 1:44 AM

I'm so relieved the trip went as well as it did and that you were able to rest during your travel. It's wonderful that both of your parents are there for support and thank you for

keeping us up-to-date. Know that love and prayers are with all of you in this very trying time, and that we look forward to seeing a taller, well Lee in the not to distant future! Hang in there! Joan FD3

A.J. Paulsen

December 10, 2013, 1:48 AM

Lee and Steve, Amy and I want you to know that you remain in our thoughts. We wish you all the best as you seek resolution to your symptoms.

Sherry Walker

December 10, 2013, 1:55 AM

Lee and Steve please know I don't respond to most of your post. BUT please know Rob and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you guys.

Hillory Carpenter

December 10, 2013, 1:59 AM

We will keep you, your family, and the surgeons in our prayers.

Eunice Goodwin

December 10, 2013, 2:06 AM

Will keep you all (including medical personnel) in our prayers during these days ahead. So glad your parents can be there. Eunice and Dan

Erin West

December 10, 2013, 2:08 AM

Thank you gracious father for Your provision!!! Thanks for the update y'all. I've been praying and will continue to do so. Mars hill Olympia loves y'all and is praying for healing in Jesus' name!!!!

Amy Garland

December 10, 2013, 2:17 AM

Much love and continued prayer to The Great Physician. Amy Garland

Ruth Warner

December 10, 2013, 2:20 AM

I'll be praying for you and the medical personnel who are providing your care. I'll be waiting for updates.

Emily Dreyer

December 10, 2013, 2:29 AM

Oh my goodness, I am so excited for you to be getting this fusion finally! I am so sorry I never responded to your email yet...I plan on doing that tomorrow. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! Thankful for Dr B and all of TCI, and very excited to see the results you get after surgery! Love, Emily

Priscilla Jenkins

December 10, 2013, 2:36 AM

Many prayers are being uplifted and much love sent from Knoxville, TN. XO Priscilla Jenkins.

Kara Williams

December 10, 2013, 2:38 AM

Praying!!

Melissa Marks

December 10, 2013, 2:46 AM

Praise Jesus that He gave you and Steve clear minds today as you met with the doctors. Trust that He will continue to go before you in the next days. Love you much and am excited to have you back here on the front line with us for the sake of the gospel. Melissa

Tamara Longworth

December 10, 2013, 2:47 AM

Thankful for your safe arrival and the generosity of many to help you get there with more comfort! Thankful for such knowledgable doctors who have gotten you this far! Praying for continued blessings along this phase of your journey. And, we will most definitely be thinking of you and praying for all on Thursday! Confident that all will go well, and nothing but positive outcomes will occur.

Love and Prayers ~ Bill and Tamara Longworth

Lisa Ferguson

December 10, 2013, 2:54 AM

We will be praying for you as you walk this next step with God's tender arms wrapped around all of you! Love, Lisa and Ned Ferguson

Sandi Henry

December 10, 2013, 3:02 AM

Lee, I think you're qualified to be a doctor by now. How you are able to process all the information is astounding to me. And I love how you always find the positive, like getting taller! :-) I am confident that you have an excellent medical team, and the Great Physician to guide them. We are lifting you and Steve up in prayer now and in the days and weeks to come. Thank you for the great update. WE LOVE YOU!

Julie Greene

December 10, 2013, 3:12 AM

With love and prayers!!! Julie and Brad

sue ensign

December 10, 2013, 3:18 AM

I'm praying for complete success and a restored Lee. You've got work to do when you get back to health, thank God! May peace, warm love, and Jesus mighty power be your constant blessing. Can't wait for you to see the new building! Can't wait to see you! Praying!

Teresa Heikes

December 10, 2013, 3:26 AM

Please know you are and will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hope all goes well. Blessings, Mike & Teresa Heikes

Jill Shelton

December 10, 2013, 3:36 AM

Steve & Lee, I'm so glad you made it safely to your journey and today's appointments went well. Praying for a good nights rest and your appointment tomorrow goes very well. Praying for you all and everyone involved in this big process. You are loved!

Bill Henry

December 10, 2013, 3:51 AM

Sandi and I are praying for you all.

Wendy Sternshein

December 10, 2013, 4:13 AM

Wonderful update. So glad to hear plans are on course. You both continue to be in my heart and on my mind. Sending love and positive energy your way... Wendy

Debby Swecker

December 10, 2013, 4:20 AM

I just read this update to Dan and we are thankful for the info. We will be praying for you Lee, for the doctors, for Steve and your families. We love you both and will be with you in spirit and prayer over the following days. The Lord is faithful, loves you dearly and will be with you each step of the way.

Nola von Neudegg

December 10, 2013, 4:31 AM

The most amazing people on this earth are the ones who endure the most trying challenges and inspire others with their courage, tenacity and unwavering faith. These are the people who ultimately change the world.

(Think Nelson Mandela - and Lee Brooks). You are amazing.

Susan Jenkinson

December 10, 2013, 4:44 AM

Thank you so much for the update. I was hoping you would have a chance to give this one. So thankful for good travel. But mostly thankful you have peace about the surgery. I will be off work on Thursday and will be praying diligently for you throughout the day. I love you guys. I look forward to hearing how God made himself so evidently present around you doing your surgery and recovery.

Kristi Pearsall

December 10, 2013, 4:55 AM

I will be praying for you every day... and extra intense prayers on Thursday!! I look forward to hearing about the surgery!!!!You are such a strong person and such an inspiration to me!!

God bless you and protect you <3.. Kristi Pearsall Sylvia O'Dell December 10, 2013, 5:05 AM Know many are praying for you, Steve, family and Drs. Isaiah 41:10 NKJV has given me much peace. "Fear not, I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. " hold tight to His hand. Love you all, Dolly and Digger

Linda Hamilton

December 10, 2013, 5:09 AM

Thanks so much for the update....now I know how to pray!! And I'll start right now doing just that.....

Bill Terhune

December 10, 2013, 5:28 AM

We will continue to pray daily for your healing and pain management. Also for the healing skills of the medical staff as God uses them to provide you the much needed improvement you have been seeking. Will diligently be praying Thursday morning. I praise God for you both and for your witness.

Judy Wilson

December 10, 2013, 5:37 AM

I'm amazed you have the energy to share all this information with us. It is much appreciated. Glad to hear your journey was tolerable. You are both at the top of my prayer list.

Thank you for keeping us posted. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus give you strength and healing in the days ahead. Judy

Rachel Dobry

December 10, 2013, 5:39 AM

Lee we are praising the Lord for such a positive report so far. We have been praying and will continue throughout the week that the Lord would meet every need. His Blessings

upon you both. Gene and Rachel Dobry

Meredith Hutchins

December 10, 2013, 6:05 AM

God will be holding you in the palm of his hand on December 12th and throughout your recovery. Your successful surgery will be a wonderful birthday gift for Steve! -Meredith Hutchins

Kelly Wahle

December 10, 2013, 6:12 AM

Lee (and Steve), Your attitude in every post is inspirational. I wanted to share that your post prior to this one affected me in a profound way when I read it when you posted it. I don't feel comfortable sharing details of why/how here. But, know that God used your words very powerfully in my life. For at least the last 15 months, I had not been leaning on Christ as my rock during difficult situations related to my chronic illnesses. Through the words in your post,

God drew me close to Him and through prayer and reconnection in my personal relationship with Him, I now have peace that I have not experienced in 15 months. Your words and your truth connected me with Him in a way that was pretty incredible. Thank you for being so honest in your struggle and for sharing how you are clinging to the Lord. God is continuing to do a good work in and through you!

. I will be praying for the requests you have shared. Thank you for taking the time to update. I am so happy to hear you were able to fly first class and thankful for the strength/endurance God provided you to get to NY. I will continue to pray for guidance and wisdom for all involved in making decisions. My heart is with you both. I will be faithful in praying for you all through this journey. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace. FlyWithHope

Sandy Cooper

December 10, 2013, 2:25 PM

We are praying you do well and everything will turn out fine. love uncle Sandy and Jay

Eric Bamer

December 10, 2013, 3:06 PM

Good news, Thursday is B shift. Only good things happen on B-Shift:) You ll be in good hands and good spirits. Ill remind everyone at tailboard of your big day. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Take Care.

Sandy Moye

December 10, 2013, 3:11 PM

Praying for peace, protection & for everything to go smoothly! Love & hugs from the Moyes!

Terry Puckett

December 10, 2013, 3:24 PM

Oh Lee & Steve, I am sitting here in tears of Praise, Joy and Heartache for both of you. Will be in continued prayer for you and your parents. Being a parent myself, my heart just goes out to your parents. Wish I could do more than just pray but know I am for sure doing that. Love to both of you.

Carter & Deanna Barnes

December 10, 2013, 3:58 PM

Thank you so much for taking the time to detail everything out so our prayers can be specific. Thank you Jesus for getting you to NY safely, for the wisdom of the doctors/nurses/staff and for revealing Himself to all of us through your story.

We are so blessed to call you friends and know we are praying continually for you both. Sending our love! Carter & deanna

JoAnn Flesner

December 10, 2013, 3:59 PM

My God be with you...

Brian VanCamp

December 10, 2013, 4:00 PM

As I would expect, a thorough and complete report on that status of your medical condition and corrective actions necessary! Now, we all need to help you with the faith in making it all successful! All of us at South Bay are pulling for you!!

Amy Moore

December 10, 2013, 4:01 PM

You have always been in our thoughts and prayers, but especially at this time. I pray all will go well Thursday and be very uneventful. I hope you know that many people in Knoxville are praying for you and those of us that aren't in TN anymore, but

remember those sweet days with you there. Much love to you both. I pray for God's arms to be wrapped around you and bring you comfort.

Don Disney

December 10, 2013, 4:35 PM

MY FRIEND STEVE.....Happybirthday to you!! I remember well your last trip to NY. I am praying for you THIS DAY. God's blessings to you and your BRIDE.

James Fowler

December 10, 2013, 5:05 PM

Lee it sounds like you are in good hands there in NY. All of us here in south county (Tenino, Bucoda, and Gibson Valley) will keep you in our thoughts and prays. Tell Steve Happy Birthday for us. God is with you and around you always. Kimball & Elizabeth Parker December 10, 2013, 5:10 PM Super excited for how God is working through the details for you! Praying for your meetings today and surgery on Thursday. Looking forward to hearing more soon...

Shirley Keith

December 10, 2013, 5:12 PM

For me this is a mind boggling situation. I can only say that I love you and will continue to pray for you and your families. I can't believe that you were able to write such a sweet Christmas card..Thank you!

Jim Dickson

December 10, 2013, 5:25 PM

Lee, we have absolute faith that you will come through this with flying colors, and return to us a whole, well person again. And Steve, if you feel warmth at your back, it is because we are that close to you in spirit, thought and prayer. To your parents

(all of them), we can only say, "Stand firm, for this, too, shall pass". Steve, we wish you the best birthday gift ever, and that is a totally successful surgery for Lee. May her Doctors all be guided by that which is beyond comprehension, and may every movement be another link in the chain of success. Your Friends, Jim and Kathy

Tom Mclain

December 10, 2013, 5:48 PM

I am praying for you and Steve at this very critical time. Your faith is inspiring to all of us.

Nancy Ziehl

December 10, 2013, 6:04 PM

Prayers from California. Kimball & Elizabeth Parker December 10, 2013, 6:19 PM

...(with tears)asking the Lord to have mercy on you all. -Elizabeth

Robert Randall

December 10, 2013, 6:21 PM

Good luck on your surgery, Denise and I will be thinking about you and happy Birthday to Chief Brooks. The Randalls.

Lee Anne Giurintano

December 10, 2013, 6:36 PM

Thank you for the update, Lee. And best wishes to you, Steve on your upcoming Birthday. My thoughts and prayers continue for the success of this surgery and better quality of life for you. Prayers are being lifted for strength for you, your loved ones, and for the medical team who will be involved in the procedure. We will be anxious to hear from Stephanie after the surgery. God Bless you and Keep the Faith!! Prayers from Paducah, Kentucky, Lee

Ginger Cook

December 10, 2013, 7:18 PM

Lee & Steve, Know that both of you are in my prayers this week as you prepare for surgery. I'll be praying that the Lord will give the doctor's wisdom in every respect of your case from the surgeon to pain control. We serve a might God! In Him, Ginger Carver Cook

Steve Braden

December 10, 2013, 7:54 PM

Uncle Steve and I may not be there in body but through the Holy Spirit God will allow us to be there. We pray for wisdom for the staff and doctors, for pain control and healing. Happy early birthday Steve. We love you guys.

Norma Eaton

December 10, 2013, 9:22 PM

I will be praying for you. Both of you are in my thoughts and heart. Love, Norma

D Ward

December 10, 2013, 10:00 PM

We are so proud of you and all your wonderful family! You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we send you all our love and support. All is possible with God. Love, Debby and family

Cindy Richeson

December 10, 2013, 10:09 PM

Sending prayers for you and all the doctors involved. The Richeson's

Cindy Hambly

December 10, 2013, 11:14 PM

Steve and Lee, Please know that you are setting an excellent example for all of us; such strength and love for each other. We pray everyday for speedy recovery, surgical success, pain free and no anesthesia issues.We are here and are just sorry we can't be there with you. Thank you for the update, Love to you both and of course your parents too.

Melissa Marks

December 11, 2013, 12:38 AM

We love you both and we continue to persist in prayer. God loves you way more than we can. His grace is alredy waiting for you to arive in whatever follows the surgery. Trust in future grace.

Dennis Hackworth

December 11, 2013, 2:15 AM

Praying for all, love ya'll. Thanks for the update.

Stephanie Patchin

December 11, 2013, 7:11 AM

Love you Lee, Praying for you. May the peace of God guard your heart and mind and may you rest in his grace and faithfulness throughout this whole process. See you soon friend!

janice pierce

December 11, 2013, 1:19 PM

Will be lifting you up throughout the day on Thursday! May this surgery bring healing and relief in everyway. In Him, Janice Pierce

lenny Greenstein

December 11, 2013, 1:50 PM

Our thoughts and prayers along with those of the entire HOA Board are with you. They asked me to pass this along to you. Lenny

Cherie Leyva

December 11, 2013, 8:04 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family everyday. You are such an inspiration to us all. When I read your posts Lee I find myself

uplifted and amazed at your strength, love and faith. God works in mysterious ways and I believe there is a reason he has chosen this path of struggles for you. You show us all what endurance, faith, strength, and love can conquer. I know I can speak for myself when I say your inspiring posts of faith and wisdom cause me to put my own life struggles in perspective. For this Lee and Steve I thank you. May you know you are always in our

prayers and I hope we can uplift you and your family and show you the same strength and faith you have shown us. God Bless and thank you for the update Cherie Leyva

Chris Hill

December 12, 2013, 10:12 PM

Fantastic News, Steve. HAPPY birthday 2 you too(two). Prayers are continuing, hope her recovery road is smooth. With you & family at her side - you're all blessed. Bob/Chris