The colors of hope

The following post was written on February 25th just two days before my husband’s brain tumor was discovered. I’m just now able to publish it.

Raising awareness of many illnesses that are diagnosed is a crucial part of helping to bring hope to a community. We use colors of the spectrum to show how we support and acknowledge the cause of awareness which brings so much comfort to those who suffer. I have two brave friends who have bravely fought the scary color pink. Many more, myself included, struggle to heal with the vibrant TBI color green. I know a few beautiful ladies who battle purple which waves bravely as it fights chronic illnesses. My very own grandmother wore the purple hues of lupus for many years. But there is a new color I see now. A color I too am currently aware of as blending into the fabric of my days. It was the color of my favorite oversized BUM Equipment sweatshirt I wore as a teen. The color of my husband’s favorite polo he wore to church almost every Lord’s Day. The color of sunrises, and sunsets that give each day’s start and end rays of hope. The color of the kingly butterfly which soars into the sky every summer to keep our heads and eyes looking up. Today God is giving me hope as I wear this color. And today I’m wearing….

The color orange.

Friends, after 4 MRI tests, I have been diagnosed with a significant case of relapsing-remitting MS. The amazing MS specialist believes I’ve been suffering from it for over 5 years now, along with the difficulties of post-concussion syndrome. I’m so thankful that God heard my cries for help and answers. It’s a tough diagnosis but at least we know the core of what’s been wrong and why my health issues are worsening. Because I went so long undiagnosed or treated my MS has progressed to RRMS which has effected my ability to walk and my vision. Please pray for my family as we have a lot to think about and process as we carry on in our journey together.

I woke up a few mornings ago with these verses on my heart. Romans 8:28, Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11. God is so good.

I love you all.

Viv 🦋

Glioblastoma

My husband never gets sick, he never gets colds, flus, or anything. My kids and I get sick and cough all over our small house but Mark……he never gets sick!

Until now.

After 4 and 1/2 hours of a diagnostic brain biopsy we have the dreaded diagnosis. Glioblastoma. Until just recently I couldn’t even pronounce the word and now it’s all I think about. This aggressive cancer is mean and nasty with a grim outlook due to high mortality rates. The prognosis for my beloved is not what anyone can handle hearing. 12 months. That’s all we’ve been given which is more generous than the 6 month life expectancy they gave him if we’d chosen to not pursue treatments.

So we fight. My hubby is a fighter and I am too. We’re not going down without one and we’re certainly not giving up. Yes, glioblastoma is a hard reality but our days aren’t numbered by doctors. God numbers our days. God knows the outcome. God is in control.

Since writing the above there are some changes…..

We’ve made a decision to get another opinion at Duke in NC. Please pray for us! The team at Duke specialises in brain tumors and are known nationwide for their advancements in brain tumor research. We are at peace knowing God is leading us there. And we continue to hope.❤

Much love,

Viv