I want to have time to write more about what God has done today. The miracles are simply amazing. Dr. Gummadi is with us and he has confirmed multiple times that what we think is miraculous, is truly miraculous. So, later tonight, when Clay and I settle in for the night, I will write again.

For now, I’ll tell you the second opinion. We came here from Baton Rouge with the understanding that surgery would not be an option. In BR, they didn’t even want to perform a biopsy. The purpose of the biopsy is to sample the tissue from the tumor and be sure that they choose the correct treatment. Without treatment, we were given a very short time frame.

God led us to Dr. Weinberg at MD Anderson. He is the head of Neurosurgery for the best hospital in the world. We have a very narrow insurance plan, but God made a way for us to be approved to be covered for our initial visit. Yesterday, as you know, Clay’s symptoms got worse. Dramatically worse. Honestly, I got worried last night. I was so glad we were coming first thing this morning. We drove right up to the hospital, where we needed to be. They valet parked our car and we went right in to see the doctor. He showed us the MRI and CT Scan and essentially gave us one option. He said that with Clay’s age and his otherwise very healthy status, we can fight for some time.

The tumor is interesting. First of all, it is huge. It is several different cysts, mostly centered around the center of his brain. The cysts are like water balloons. Think of the lining of the water balloon being the cancer and the inside of the balloon being filled with fluid. The cancer is producing the fluid. Part of the tumor is blocking the drain on the right side of his brain. This is causing the increased headaches and confusion. There is also a sizable tumor by itself out in the right side of the brain. Dr. Weinberg feels very confident in his ability, with the technology here at MDA, to remove the tumor on the right and to remove a large portion of the tumor that is preventing his brain from draining. This will release significant pressure and reduce the symptoms. He will most likely drain the other tumors, as well, but that will be a short term relief because they will fill up again.

Clay’s symptoms got much worse, even while we were in the meeting with the doctor. Although it seemed disappointing, it was the Lord. If he had not displayed symptoms in front of the doctor, we would have just gone back to our hotel and waited for a surgery appointment next week. We don’t have that long.  The symptoms are progressing too fast and after observing him for a while today, the doctor decided to do the surgery first thing in the morning. God is amazing. First, we got this appointment within a matter of days. Second, the OR just happened to be open for us tomorrow morning. Amazing.

So, we are in the ER right now. They have given Clay steroids to relieve the swelling. He will have another MRI tonight. His head is covered in these funny little stickers and they will use the MRI to manage the entire surgery. They explained that the computers are like having GPS during the surgery. Cool.

As we were preparing to come here, our primary prayer was that God would make our path clear and straight. That He would speak loudly and clearly. He has answered that prayer in abundance. I’m not going to pretend like we are not human. I lost my breath a few times in the consultation. We both still feel like this can’t be real. Every time I think about them taking Clay away from me in the morning and wheeling him into surgery, my heart aches. It’s a physical pain in my heart. Some of you know what I mean. I know you do. But, the peace of God has been indescribable. Clay keeps asking me if I’m ok. And, I am. The Holy Spirit has comforted me greatly. I know that God’s hand is in every thing that has happened.

I am completely sure that it is His will for us to have this surgery tomorrow. And I believe in my Spirit that Clay is going to be fine. God led us here. He is sustaining us and He is going to continue to be with us. Why would He bring us here just to take Clay from us in the operating room? I believe He is using this to give us more time. More time for God to work in us and through us. More time for us to trust Him and for Him to prove to us that He is real. More time for Him to minister through us. More time for us to believe Him for healing. I still believe that He can fully heal Clay.

We have purposed in our hearts not to get ahead of ourselves. God is showing us what to do, just one step at a time. We are going to follow His leading and be obedient to what he says….one step at a time. I have no idea what will happen after the surgery, but I’m not worried about that right now. We are just going to do what He said for today.

We love y’all and thank you for your support. We are still in need of huge miracle. This is not a cure. It is temporary, but it is giving us some time to continue to seek the Lord. Keep us in your prayers. You are holding us up right now.