13.1

13.1 - For those of you who enjoy running, you know that 13.1 is the half-way mile marker for a marathon. I was a runner since my first 10K (6.2 miles) when I was 8 years old. I loved running and it was an activity that disconnected me from the difficulties of life and gave me time to think and meditate. I ran up until I had my cervical fusion in 2000. At that time, after my cervical fusion, I was told by my neurosurgeon that the only reason I should be running was if someone was chasing me with a gun! Haha!

So today was our half-way marker in our 16 appointments at Mayo. Eight down; eight to go!

Today's pulmonology appointment (lung specialist) was truly blessed. Dr. Wesselius was amazing and quickly picked up on the fact that I understood the lung CT images on the computer screen. Pulmonology is a new speciality area for us because we have not had lung issues up to this point. The doctor spent almost two hours with me answering my list of questions. The scan he was referencing was the one that was taken just hours after my seizures in February. He said seizures can cause lung changes. My scans showed pulmonary arterial hypertension (not good), enlargement of the heart (not good), dilated pulmonary vessels (not good), pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) (not good), and collapse of the lower bases of my lungs (not good). The doctor today felt like all of these lung findings were due to the seizures and I had experienced significant aspiration of fluid and food into my lungs during the seizures and that was what was showing in these scans. Tomorrow I have the same scan of my chest to evaluate my aortic aneurysm which will also show my lungs clearly for comparison with the scans from February. Dr. Wesselius is going to review the scan. The issues in my lungs should be resolved by now if it was due to my seizure activity. If the findings remain the same then it is probably due to my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and indicates significant lung problems. Dr. Wesselius is going to call me tomorrow after the scan and update me on the findings. If the lung issues have not resolved, then we will have another appointment with him to discuss how to move forward with significant lung disease and if they have have resolved then we'll chalk it up to the seizures.

I also had a CT scan of my kidneys today to check for kidney stones and to evaluate if my current course of treatment is working. We will get those results on Monday. "Shared Soldier" was cleared to go into the CT scanner so that was a new experience for him! Ha! I think the radiology staff think I have a screw loose but it gives me a chance to explain his story and how he symbolizes everyone fighting for me and God fighting for me.

So back to the running analogy - I was reminded throughout the day of "The Call to Endurance" found in Hebrews 12:1-2. "Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us RUN with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfector of our faith ..."

As I was studying scripture this morning, God comforted me with the thought, "True joy is not the absence of suffering, but rather the presence of God."

As always, thanks for checking in on us and for your encouraging notes. Please continue praying for us as we start the second half of our Mayo Marathon. We have one scan tomorrow and then the weekend to relax. We will post again on Monday or Tuesday as we wrap up this marathon of appointments. We pray grace and peace will be multiplied to you!

In His Grasp,

Lee and Steve

---

Comments

Teresa J Brooks:

So glad you are making your way through the appointments and continuing to pray for the second half to go well. I'm so glad you have such a good team of doctors who spend time with you and answer your questions. Hope you have a restful and enjoyable weekend. Love to you both! Teresa

Jennifer Keller:

Thank you for the update. Praying that the lung issues were only seizure-related! "Shared Soldier" reminds me of the Flat Stanley that we carried around for my kids a few years ago! It makes me smile to think of you holding that soldier for your scans, and explaining it to everyone there. I am sure it brings you some measure of comfort during so many trying things. I am continuing to pray for you all! Many hugs...❤

Debby Archer:

Thinking and praying for you both! ~ Debby

Jane Levin:

Thank you for letting us in on your day. We have been praying for you and for Steve as he stands by your side. Precious friend, we love you! Prayers will continue!

Stephanie Patchin:

Love you and praying for you guys!

Judy Wilson:

oops, finger slip. Treat the "whole" person. Because they started in a collaboration with nuns they also subscribe to the way I was taught. "See Christ in every patient". They can't miss Christ when they see you. Hang in there.

Steve Braden:

Continuing to pray. "Run that race Shared Soldier" We love you guys

Judy Wilson:

Once again I am impressed by the care you receive at Mayo. I mentioned that I saw the PBS special. I appears they have never forgotten the mission- to treat the

Lisa Currall:

Gentle Hugs and may I also ask for your prayers.....

Judy Green:

Praying for you and Steve I love the story about your soldier. God has you in his hands. Love you!!

diana moore:

Praying for you! I hear your voice in every post and it warms my heart ❤ Love you dearly.

sandra henry:

Praying the your lung scans will be clear. Keep running your race with joy, dear soldiers. Your cloud here and in heaven is cheering for you. Have a good, restful weekend.