Time Sensitive Prayer Request

I spoke with the doctor's office yesterday and was told I will definitely be scheduled and have the PET scan next week. The nuclear medicine staff got specifics needed (weight, height, reasons for the scan, etc.) yesterday that will facilitate the scheduling of the scan.

I have had an unrelenting, at times crushing, headache for the last several days. Increased vomiting has also accompanied the headache along with some cognitive difficulties and possibly a couple of absence seizures. While my issue of brainstem compression can intermittently cause these symptoms, the doctor is concerned of the possibility of lymphoma having spread to my brain via cerebral spinal fluid. He is ordering an MRI to precede the PET scan in order to have the most information possible. (An MRI provides structural information while a PET scan shows metabolic activity of the cells.) He is considering extending the MRI to my chest, abdomen, and pelvis to provide additional (and updated size) information about the enlarged lymph nodes in the mediastinum and the masses in my other organs. Adding the needed MRIs to next week as well does create a scheduling challenge. He said the additional MRIs don't have to happen if it can't be worked in within the next week, but it would be a bonus to have the additional information in considering the steps ahead.

So, the reason I posted this update as "urgent" is because it is time-sensitive. The nurse said they were going to try to get all of the days and times for the scans lined up today (Tuesday). I wanted to specifically ask you to pray for this challenging scheduling when you finish reading this update. Pray that all of the details and conversations needed to get everything scheduled in the right order will take place and go smoothly. The scans are not all at the same location and involve different radiologists. We are desperately clinging to our faith in God's timing but we are also beginning to struggle and tire with the waiting for definitive news. This fact leads me to our greatest need and prayer request. The above requests have to do with petitioning God in changing our circumstances (ie. reducing our waiting) but our greatest desire and prayer request is that Jesus will change us in this process of waiting. We pray for a deepening of our relationship with Jesus and even further understanding of His ways over our ways. We pray that learning to wait will enable us to encourage and support others, now and in the future, who also find themselves "waiting" during the trials of life. We pray that having to "wait" will teach us to not be anxious for the future, but to be passionately engaged in the present day. We pray we will grow in gratefulness for all of the blessings that overflow in our lives and that we will never take these for granted. We pray that our joy will strengthen and multiply as we continue to trust that this time of waiting is to bring God glory and us joy.

Thank you for yours prayers for us. We are blessed to be loved and cared for so well. Your words of encouragement help to lighten any burdens we may be feeling. I have learned that Care Pages has created the ability to print and bind individual sites (ie. BrooksBulletin) into book form. What a gift to have a permanent record of the trials and triumphs of this journey accompanied by the heart-touching messages from those who have walked with us in love and support!

We will post more as we know more. Thanks for checking in on us! Lee and Steve

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

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Messages

Patsy Butcher

November 30, 2010, 11:51 AM

Lee and Steve, we continue to lift you up to our Father daily in prayer and pray that you will feel His loving arms around you especially during this difficult time of waiting. Love to both, Patsy Butcher, Knoxville,TN

Betsy michalik

November 30, 2010, 12:23 PM

and may you also overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. amen

janice pierce

November 30, 2010, 1:27 PM

Have stopped right now and taken your requests to the Father. Will stay in prayer for you all today throughout the day. Janice Pierce(friend of your Mom's)

Ginger Thomas

November 30, 2010, 1:28 PM

Prayers for all you need coming your way!

Betsy Ramsey

November 30, 2010, 1:28 PM

I pray that you are surrounded by His presence as you continue to wait. Thanks for the update.

Norma Eaton

November 30, 2010, 1:39 PM

Will be praying for you this day. Love Norma

Jennifer Evans

November 30, 2010, 1:43 PM

Isaiah 12:2 "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid" Praying right now for God to work out the details for scans and relief from headaches.

Martha Foust

November 30, 2010, 1:45 PM

Praying continually for both of you. Loving you, Mom and Dad

Link Hudson

November 30, 2010, 2:01 PM

Praying Lee and Steve. I am putting my trust in our God who is Awesome and Perfect. He is always Faithful!

Melissa Marks

November 30, 2010, 2:12 PM

Praying that our precious Jesus will calm your hearts as you seek to live a cross centered life through the suffering he has ordained for you. I love you my friend!

cindy taylor

November 30, 2010, 2:15 PM

We continue to keep you in our prayers. Paul and Cindy Taylor

Wendy Sternshein

November 30, 2010, 2:50 PM

Steve & Lee, you continue to be in my thoughts. Your faith, courage and love are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

Royce Brooks

November 30, 2010, 3:03 PM

Lee, you and Steve are being carried straight to the throne of our all-powerful God and Father through the intercessory prayers of His people. We have been studying spiritual

warfare this week and have been reminded that we must call on Him to fight our battles for us

and through us. We can stand on steady feet in a confidence that only Jesus Christ can supply through His

ever-present power in the Person of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

"...If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" Romans 8:31. We love you more than words can express and are ready and willing to come and be with you on a moment's notice, as we have already told Steve by phone this morning. We are praying specifically that your additional wait

time might be shortened, that it will pass quickly for both of you, and that The Great Physician will sustain you with His Presence and Power! Much love to you both, Royce and Gary

Debby Swecker

November 30, 2010, 3:32 PM

Lord Jesus, Our time is not your time. While that can be frustrating, we know that Your time is perfect and we trust in You. Please order the necessary tests so they are efficient

and possible. Give wisdom to the doctors and nurses. Teach Lee and Steve how to cleave to You even more so they will

be carried by your presence and love. Use them in Your Kingdom. We ask for the miracle of healing for

Lee. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Rose Cardinal

November 30, 2010, 4:09 PM

May the peace that passes all understanding be with you - Love to you both! Kimball & Elizabeth Parker November 30, 2010, 4:11 PM Father, you can create schedules and appointments and openings for Lee to have all these tests done efficiently. May your joy and hope be theirs as you draw orient their hearts toward you during this season.

Steven Mulkey

November 30, 2010, 4:19 PM

Father, strengthen and encourage Steve and Lee as they continue to cling to you in this time. Heal Lee's body, work a miracle for Your glory.

Steve Braden

November 30, 2010, 4:41 PM

The words of the song Karen Peck and New River sings "Four Days Late" says, "His way is God's way, not your's or mine, but isn't it great, when He's four days late, He's still on time." We love you guys and are praying for your request. Uncle Steve and Aunt Helen

Cindy Hambly

November 30, 2010, 4:53 PM

Please know I am praying as hard as I know how. If you need anything there are a lot of us out here for you. Cindy

sue ensign

November 30, 2010, 6:41 PM

Lee, Your beautiful spirit is such a comfort to me. I pray you will be sustained by the Comforter and continue in His provision. For all the details, tests,

treatments,to be accurate and successful. That healing be complete and love would abound! Warmly, Susan<><

Bruce Ensign

November 30, 2010, 8:13 PM

You guys are beautiful, with such high aspirations to see God's will during such intense suffering. It is a privilege to pray for your needs. May our heavenly Father meet these needs.

Renae Moore

November 30, 2010, 8:37 PM

Lee and Steve, My heart aches with what you are going through but know that God sits on the throne and Jesus at His right hand. My prayers will be steadfast and know that God's timing is perfect and He is never late. May you find His peace that passes all understanding as you wait upon Him and we know that our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever ask or think. With love and blessings, Renae Moore

carol sparks

November 30, 2010, 8:51 PM

Lee and Steve, I have prayed as you requested. Will continue to remember you in prayer to our loving, faithful, heavenly Father. May He be glorified in everything we do and say. Love and prayers, Carol Sparks

Jan Bennett

November 30, 2010, 9:22 PM

I love reading your posts because you are so honest about your struggles, but also because you desire God's will above all. That is a huge encouragement to me. I have been praying and I look forward to see how God arranges all your tests/appointments. Love, Jan

Sandi Henry

December 1, 2010, 12:03 AM

Dear Lee and Steve, I'm late reading your message, so I hope your scheduling got done in the most efficient way possible so you can find out what your next step will be. I can feel your discouragement in your words. You've been through more than 100 people experience in a lifetime. I pray that you will know God's presence through the prayers of all your friends and family. I pray that God will orchestrate every detail so you can get some answers. I pray that your headaches will go away so you can rest and that Steve will

have strength to support you and do his FD job. I pray that you will see the glory of God while you wait. Know that you both are a blessing to all who know you. You are loved. Bill and Sandi

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Steve Crimmins

December 1, 2010, 4:15 AM

Lee and Steve, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your faith and devotion are inspirational. Love the Crimmins Family

Tamara Longworth

December 1, 2010, 6:54 AM

Praying for you and asking God to deliver the blessings you need bestowed upon you!! Still amazed at your unwavering strength and devotion to Him. Lee and Steve, you are an amazing beacon of light shining on the rest of us, and have touched the hearts of so many. Our family sends you blessings, love and prayers for abundant joy. Love, The Longworth Family

Anna Lee Drewry

December 1, 2010, 8:29 PM

I will continue to pray for you and your family. You are a very strong and inspirational woman. Though you may not know it, you are lifting up all us that are going through the challenges life puts in front of us.

Dan Faust

December 2, 2010, 6:41 PM

I was so edified and inspired by your "most urgent need and prayer request'. I hope you do not mink me quoting it in my Caringbridge update I hope to do today as it expresses my heart as well! Suffering is meaningful when God is glorified thru it and it is so much more bearable. Continuing to pray for you!