The MRI and the Phone Call

Hello friends. By now, many of you may be aware of this news, but in case you were not aware, we've had a day with less than stellar news. The day began with dad's scheduled visit to Rex to have an MRI performed. It's been 3 weeks since he wrapped up radiation & chemo and Dr. O wanted to see how things were progressing. The procedure went off without any problems. However, later in the morning, Dr. O called my sister to let her know that 1) the radiation appears to have had no effect on the existing spots on dad's brain, and 2) there appear to be new spots that have developed. Needless to say, this is not what we were hoping or praying for.

Cassie drove out to meet up with mom and dad (dad had a PT appointment in Clayton after the visit to Rex) and shared with them the results of the MRI. I headed over from work to meet up with them. We had a nice family lunch at Chick-fil-a and then went back over to mom and dad's house to talk. Dad did most of the talking-- he let us know that he's not going to give up and that he's definitely not going to be pessimistic about anything, but he also let us know that God is in control and that when God decides it is time, it will be time and he's OK with that. I'm sure most of you know that dad is quite strong in his faith in God. As a son, it is quietly comforting to hear him say that last part; it's kind of like he's still teaching me one more lesson and I'm very much willing to be the student.

We all shed a number of tears this afternoon and I guess that's to be expected, but at the end of it, dad told us that he "was tired of sitting around and he doesn't plan to just sit around doing nothing." So, mom, dad and I got out and drove around for a while. Eventually, we ended up at their church-- Aversboro Road Baptist-- and we decided to go inside. The only other person there was a member of the cleaning crew, but it didn't matter. This was the first time dad has been able to go inside the church since before he was in the hospital back in December. We walked the hallways and ultimately made our way to the sanctuary. Mom turned on the lights and we all walked down front and just sat on the front row. The quite of the sanctuary was interrupted only by the chiming of the bells and I really couldn't have imagined being anywhere else at that time.

Dad wanted to go out to O'Charley's for dinner and my Aunt Betty joined us. We had a nice time, but dad was starting to get run down from the day, so after dinner, we headed back home. Dad wanted to sit by the fireplace and enjoy the warmth of the gas logs. His final words to me tonight were that he was going to be and that he planned on getting up tomorrow because tomorrow is going to be a "fresh start; a brand new day."

So, that's where we are tonight. As always, we covet your prayers. Specifically, we ask for the following:
1. pray for comfort and strength for dad, my mom and all of us
2. ask God to heal dad if that is within His will

In addition to the prayer requests, I have to additional requests:
1. I know that a few of you have sent cards and/or photos. If you haven't had the chance to, please send mom and dad a card and a photo of yourself to let them know that you are standing with them.
2. If you have a mother or a father-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you have a son or a daughter-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you have a grandson or a granddaughter-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you have a brother or sister, an aunt or an uncle-- hug them and tell them that you love them. If you do those things, it will quite possibly one of the most important things you will ever do in your life.

Much love,
The Parks Family

Surgery

Hello all. After meeting with the neurosurgeon this morning, we've learned the the tumor on top of dad's brain seems to be getting agitated by the radiation treatments and the radiation is not having the desired effect on it as it seems to be with the other spots. As a result, the swelling of that tumor is what seems to be causing the head pain, which leads to the increase in the use of the pain medication, which leads to dad pretty much being asleep much of the time. So, the neurosurgeon (Dr. Lacin) has recommended that dad have surgery to remove that spot. Dr. L indicated that on the scale of brain surgery, this is not one of the more complicated ones and by his reading of the MRI, the tumor seems to be perfectly positioned to be removed as it doesn't appear to be intertwined with anything else.

So, here's where things are. We are on-deck for dad to have surgery tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. The surgery involves removing a section of his skull, going in, plucking out the tumor and closing things back up. The surgery should last about 1.5 hours.

Beyond that, we don't know what the next steps are. However, whatever they are, we will certainly let you know.

So, we have a few specific prayers:
1. Please pray for wisdom for the neurosurgeon, Dr. L. Pray that God will guide his hands and use his skill to remove this tumor and alleviate the pain that dad has been experiencing.
2. Pray for strength for dad, mom and all of us. I'm not sure what else I can say about that one.
3. Pray for a miracle of healing, that God will completely remove this cancer from dad's body and will restore him to health.

Thank you all for your prayers and support.