Friday, November 03, 2006

Welcome to Kate's Brain Surgery Blog

Hello Family & Friends,

Welcome to a blog about Kate's upcoming brain surgery. This is our first blog, not the best of circumstances, but we thought it would be a good way to keep everyone informed about what is going on.

To bring everyone up to date, my wife, Kate, has been having frequent, intense headaches over the past few weeks that necessitated a CAT Scan earlier this week. Yesterday (Thursday, Nov 2), we met with a neurosurgeon, Dr. Forget (french sounding), and the results showed that she has swelling in the right front part of her brain that is likely caused by a tumor. The doctor informed us that it would need to be removed.

Today (Friday), she had an MRI and it showed a mass of 4 centimeters in diameter. Due to the size of the mass and location, she has been placed on anti-seizure medication as a precautionary measure. Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, November 7th at St. John's. Once the tumor is removed, the doctors will perform tests to determine if it is cancerous or not.

Kate will be in the hospital for up to 5 days, at least 1 day in the ICU. Recovery will take at least a month during which time she will have very limited activity and will be very sensitive to light, sound, and sudden movements. Having 3 boys (8, 6, & 2 years old) keeping things quiet will be a challenge.

As you can imagine, Kate is very scared (so am I) as this will be a major trial for our family; emotionally, physically, and financially. However, we are confident that God will supply all of our needs through His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. We also know that sometimes God uses suffering to draw us closer to Him. Whatever the case, we know that all things work for good for those who are called according to His purpose.

We are grateful to have a community of friends and family to support us. The outpouring of support (phone calls, emails, advice, etc) so far has been tremendous. Thank you, it means a lot!

For right now, please pray for our family as the Lord would lead you and also be sure to check back on this blog for more information (and stories) as they develop.

Kate should be posting several items tomorrow, hopefully after a good night's rest.

In Christ,

Dave Snodgrass

7 comments:

Sean Michael Lucas said...

Kate and Dave:

Please know that we are praying for you--praying that God will magnify his strength and power and mercy in your lives as you learn to trust in him through this dark providence.

Love in Christ,
Sean

Anonymous said...

Martha said:

Please know that you, your family and medical team are covered in prayers for your treatment and healing. We all know that God is the ultimate Healer and Physician. With God all things are possible.

Comfort and Joy,
Martha M

Michelle said...

Kate,
My prayers have been with you all day. Right now we are waiting information on your surgery, but I'll keep on praying. God is good and He will keep you in His peace. I know Psalm 91 is one of the scripture passages you are going to be listening to. Before I had surgery in 2003, Shell sent that to me and it became my lifeline. It gives encouragement and hope in Christ. God bless you.
Love in Christ
Gail

Anonymous said...

Kate & Dave: Yous are in my thoughts and prayers. This is a very difficult time for you and your children. But it appears you have a lot of faith in putting your life and circumstances in God's hands. How much safer can that be...He is always in the deepest valley and on the highest mountain top. And He will see you through this, just don't let doubts get you down, He is there and so is your friends and family

Anonymous said...

Dear Kate--
God is here in all that happens to you...
1. Nothing will ever happen to you that God does not already know about (Ps. 139:4,16)
2. Nothing will ever happen to you that is a mistake (Ps. 139:4, 16)
3. Nothing will ever happen to you that you cannot handle by God's power and grace (2 Cor. 12:9-10)
4. Nothing will ever happen to you that will not eventually be used by God for some good purpose in your life (Rom 8:28-29)
5. Nothing will ever happen to you apart from God's presence (Matt 28:20)
This has been written in the back of my Bible for years--I don't even remember where I got it--but it was there for you, today.
Love,
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Katie and Dave,
I have just found out about your surgery and diagnosis. All my strenght of pray will be focused your way and of course will keep in contact with Jean to see how I might be able to help. I'm thankful for your care at SJMMC and know they have great access to knowledge to help with things. You can never ask to many questions and/or utlize all the resources available to you. With care and concern, LOVE Celeste

Anonymous said...

Kate (and Dave): I had no idea when I saw you at the soccer game two weeks ago, and now to hear of your passage through this ordeal! It however was so good to refreshen our time that morning and catch up with your lives, and see Dave and the boys. God has taken Gail through two cancer surgery/treatment situations and one as well for me this past Spring. Ps. 25:10- "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." God will sustain you always, Kate! Wish that I were there to do something, or see you ! We will pray for a miraculous healing to your body. Val