Hello from the Brooks!

I know, I know - I am so sorry it has been 3+ months since our last post. I promise one of us will always post should any urgent news transpire. Steve has had a real busy few months at the Fire District and frankly, I have been just dealing with overwhelming fatigue for the last few months and have been mostly homebound in bed. I am having trouble regulating my blood pressure and it is often so low it is hard to measure. The low blood pressure makes being up and around a little dicey as I have passed out a few times without much warning. We are working with the cardiologists at the UW and locally to try to make some headway.

I have had an initial round of follow-up appointments with most of my specialists this spring and follow-up appointments are scheduled in the next couple of weeks. We were waiting to post an update until we could more easily summarize all of the recent tests and findings. We have received a preliminary diagnosis from the muscle biopsy but due to the rarity of the condition (less than 300 cases reported worldwide), the neuromuscular doctors at the UW want to pursue genetic testing that would provide more specific information at the chromosomal level and definitely confirm the findings. Please be in prayer for insurance approval for these next steps and clarity for the diagnosis.

I would ask your prayers for a current infection I am battling. I have had an E. coli. infection in my kidneys for over 2 months now. I started a new round of powerful antibiotics a week ago but I am pretty confident they are not working. I will see the urologist next week to figure out what we should do next. I have also been struggling with frequent nausea and vomiting but my wonderful GI doctor has pulled out the big guns and started me on medicine mostly used to combat nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy treatment. I AM pleased to report it is working and I have not been sick in three days. (We are actually out of town but were able to get the prescription filled at a local pharmacy - yea!!)

Now to the best news!! I was well enough to attempt traveling and so I type this update to you while enjoying the sun, sand and surf of Ormond Beach, Florida. Steve and I are here celebrating our 15th Wedding Anniversary today - at the place where we honeymooned and our beautiful life together began! I can't believe it has been that long and I definitely can't believe we have been best of friends since we were 12 years old! As each day comes to a close, we thank God for His love for us and our love for one another - and are continually amazed that tomorrow will come and somehow we will love each other more tomorrow than we did today. It has happened every day for over 15 years and it is the most amazing thing! He still takes my breath away and my stomach still flutters when his hand brushes against mine. He makes me feel like Cinderella everyday! Thank you Jesus for the blessings you have given; all the glory is Yours!

We will post again when we have more news. Thank you for checking in on us and thank you for your prayers!

Love,

Lee (and Steve)

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Messages

D Ward

April 15, 2010, 8:59 PM

Lee and Steve, Thank you for the update and Happy Anniversary!!!!! Your beautiful description of your love story is precious and inspirational. Thank you, sweet Jesus for bringing these two special, wonderful people together. They are a gift

from you Father God to all of us!! God bless and keep you both. We are praying for you!!! Love, Deborah and family

Debby Swecker

April 15, 2010, 9:20 PM

Happy anniversary! I hope you have a delightful, restful time together. Sounds pretty romantic. I will pray for your health also. Debby

Nola von Neudegg

April 15, 2010, 9:51 PM

Lee, you just made my day! Enjoy the sunshine. Nola

Tammy Ballard

April 15, 2010, 10:43 PM

Wow! Your love story is such a blessing! Tammy Ballard

Martha Foust

April 15, 2010, 10:55 PM

Happy Anniversary to our precious daughter and favorite son-in-law!

We love you both, Mom and Dad

debbie Mathews

April 15, 2010, 11:18 PM

Happy Anniversary! So glad you were able to get away and celebrate. Praying for your continued healing. God Bless!! Deb Mathews Deb Mathews

Bruce Ensign

April 16, 2010, 2:20 AM

Praying that you get lots of rest, healing and encouraging blessings! Hope to see you soon, Susan<>< (this may look like it came from Bruce. I've had many failures getting to your site, so I'm "borrowing" his link..)

Kelly Anderson

April 16, 2010, 3:16 AM

So happy you are on a vacation! Enjoy your time and I will be praying for you both- Your Friend, Kelly

Missy McLain Thomas

April 16, 2010, 3:17 AM

Happy Anniversary sweet cousin! So grateful you are able to be enjoying the beach...(to me) the most powerful reminder of God and His awesome Majesty! Love to you both!

Bethany Mincey

April 16, 2010, 1:00 PM

Happy Anniversary. Your marriage is a reflection of God's love for us; we are the bride of Christ! Thanks for the updae, Bethany

carol sparks

April 16, 2010, 3:09 PM

Lee, Thank you for the update. I will be praying for the requests you made. In His grace and love, Carol Sparks

Susan Jenkinson

April 16, 2010, 3:40 PM

I think about you guys alot. You were on my mind all day yesterday...Happy Anniversary!! You continue to be in my prayers. I am so happy you were able to go on your trip.

Love you two.

Steve Braden

April 16, 2010, 4:08 PM

Uncle Steve and I will married 43 years this June. He stole my heart 3 years before we were married. I praise God every day for him as you do "your" Steve. (That's a good name?) We will continue to pray for your appointments, diagnosis and calm peaceful days to come. Keep Aunt Ellen in your prayers. The doctor has told her she will probably be going on shots for her diabetes. We love you guys very much, Aunt Helen

Terri Gilbert

April 16, 2010, 4:23 PM

I always think of you guys, but especially this time of year. Congrats on 15 years. Wow Love and Miss you, Terri

Betsy Ramsey

April 16, 2010, 5:14 PM

ahhh...I'm always a sucker for a great love story! thanks and keep it going! soooo glad you are having a great time! Love, Betsy and Rocky

Michelle Grande

April 16, 2010, 5:54 PM

Happy Anniversary to you! It's hard to believe it's been 15 years. May God bless you with many, many more! Love, Michelle and Tony Grande

Link Hudson

April 16, 2010, 6:28 PM

Happy Anniversary to Lee and Steve Brooks! An absolutely beautiful love story! I can only think of one love story better! God Bless you both!

Barbara Faubert

April 17, 2010, 5:50 PM

Happy Anniversary!!!Such a wonderful love story and to know it gets better each passing day even makes it more special. You have that to look forward to. So good to know you and Steve were able to make that trip to Ormand Beach to celebrate. Love Barbara Faubert

Terry Ware

October 22, 2010, 6:54 PM

Lee and Steve, Truly hope things are going well for you both. You have been in my prayers, since I heard about your new challenges Lee. You both are special people and I would really like for us to get together for dinner when you feel up to it. the laughter and conversations would be fun. Terry Ware