Astrocytoma Grade 3
May 7, 2007
I have astrocytma grade 3. It does not have me by a long shot.
It carries with it sentence of 3 - 5 years. It doesnt, however, carry me with it.
What the devil means for my dismay, the Lord intends for my good. I have got a lot of living left to do, and I intend on living it.
I want you to watch a show. Discovery Health Channel, 7pm central. Living With Cancer.
I want you to watch this show because I want to live. I want to see my children live.
I want to live.
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Comments
Note From Heather: All comments are welcome, but I reserve the right to delete at any time. All comments are solely the opinions of the individuals submitting them and the publication of them on this blog does not imply my endorsement or agreement. By posting your comments to the blog you are granting me the right to use them. Your submission of a comment constitutes your acceptance of this comment policy.
In other words: Play Nice
262 Responses to “Astrocytoma Grade 3”
Heather, we are continuing to hold you in prayer. Your faith-filled response to this trial is inspiring. I thank God for you. All for His glory, all for His glory.
I am praying, Heather. Still standing right there with you. God is in the miracle business.
I am still praying for you Heather. God is awesome.
Heather…there are so many standing in the gap for you and your family. Satan doesn’t have a chance!!!
Praying for you this morning. The Lord is your strength- He will give you what you need to fully live today. His grace is given each day according to what you need. He is your refuge- he will wrap his arms around you and carry you as you allow him to use you.
Ignore the statistics- God is above any statistics. My son has a variant of the same tumor as you- we are five years out from diagnosis and no where close to death.
Praying continually.
I trust my God. He continues in the Miracle business every second of every day. He has put you here for such a time as this. Hugs and prayers…
YOUR God IS bigger than that! Praying for complete and total healing, praying, praying, praying.
Heather - God brought you to it, now he’ll bring you through it. He’ll never give you more than you can handle. You’re a fighter, God knows that and Satan will soon find out he can’t win this one!
HAVE NO FEAR. OUR MIGHTY GOD IS ALWAYS NEAR.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be so.
You go girl!
I,ve been reading your blog for awhile now….I wanted to let you know that having worked in the medical field and having had family members that survived cancer you have the two most important tools in beating this disease: Unshakeable faith , and a positive attitude. Doctors and medicine are wonderful,but I truly believe the strongest medicine will come from inside yourself.And you have so many lifting you up in prayer. Cancer isnt who you are, it just happens to be your circumstance right now. Keep standing.
Angie Davis
Yes. This is not a sentence, but a calling. And you are handling it BEAUTIFULLY, in God’s sweet grace, pointing people to Him, and fulfilling the greatest commision right in the midst of your trials. Thank you for your strong leadership by example.
Heather,
I am praying for you every single day and will not stop. I pray that God holds you so tightly through this time and that Satan can’t even get close to you even alittle. I pray that this tumor never ever comes back that God keeps his precious arms around you and your family. Keep getting strong every day!!!
deezie
Just knowing it’s name and number will give you courage to fight it. Praying.
dawnz
you are an inspiration to all of us. May God continue to watch over you and your family. You are a SURVIVOR!
We’ll be walking with you in prayer, Heather.
Heather I have no doubt with your faith and courage you will live to see your children grow. I have seen in my own family how wrong they can be about time limits. Don’t let that define you. Stay strong, you are backed by so many prayers and well wishes.
Praying for you all, and watching for an outpouring of His power.
Heather, your in my heart and my continued prayers! Stay strong!
I am still praying for you and I think of you often! Stay strong! I am waiting for God to do something bigger than He already has! You are awesome, girl!
You have inspired me to read the Bible again, to truly accept Christ, I am so thankful because my life has changed. I pray for you every night and I am sure you can defeat this. God is so great and powerful.
You are inspiring!! I am still praying for you and your family!
Dear Heather,
I’m still praying for you! Praise God the surgery went so well and now I’ll continue to pray for complete healing. Look at how many people have posted for you yesterday! God most definitely hears our prayers. You’re a beautiful testimony of how to “walk the walk” and not just talk the talk! Hang in there sweetie and rest on the promises of God!
Molly (:
I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers. You are being so strong through all of this - your attitude is inspiring and has made me appreciate my life all the more.
May He hold you in the palm of His hand. We are praying for you!
You will never die Heather.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is so strong in you. We believe Him, and believe He can and will heal you. God bless you sweet Heather. Keep your focus on Him…He is the worker of miracles.
Hi, Heather. I am new to your comments but have been checking up on you for a while now. You’re in my prayers. When I was little my mom would play guitar and sing at her weekly Bible study. I would tag along to listen. When I read this post I thought of the words of a favorite she would sing. I’m sure you know it, but here’s the chorus:
One day at a time, sweet Jesus,
That’s all I’m asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do every day what I have to do.
Yesterday’s gone, sweet Jesus,
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord for my sake,
Teach me to take one day at a time.
So my prayer for you, for all of us, is that we all take each day as it comes, give thanks to God for it, and love hard all day long.
From a stranger but a sister in Christ,
Laura Joy
Hi Heather,
I just dropped in for an update. We prayed for you yesterday at church. Everyone was thrilled to hear of your successful surgery. Our prayers are continually with you and your family. Keep fighting, and know that there are thousands of our Mighty Father’s children uplifting you in prayer. Rest in Him!
I John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:”
Love, Lori
Praying for you. Your strength continues to inspire me.
Many hugs to you and your family Heather.
I wish there had been better news. You have an amazing strength. I have no doubt it will see you through this.
i’ve anxiously awaited an update and was happy to “hear” your voice this morning on the blog. you are brave but i pray for God to be close to you in times of fear and worry. we have a friend who was diagnosed with a grade 4 astrocytma (glioblastoma) 6 years ago. he was given a year. he had surgery and experimental treatment at Duke University - he continues to be in remission with no tumor activity. God is good. i pray for the same miracles for you, Heather. only “knowing” you for 4 days i already sense your strong spirit and determination. standing and walking with you.
This by NO means owns you. Satan has NO part in this story. With JESUS you WILL handle this… thing… with strength and grace. All I can think of is if ONE person… JUST ONE… takes a baby step closer to Christ through your story, your life has served a bigger purpose than you can begin to imagine.
Heather, YOU REACH THOUSANDS! Your strength, beauty and courage is bringing others to know our AMAZING GOD!
… and as for the dying?… NEVER. YOU LIVE GIRLFRIEND!
PRAYING, PRAYING, PRAYING!!!!!!
So much love to you and your beautiful family,
Laura
you are one amazing woman! Even though I have never met you your story touches my heart and each and everyday I pray for you, your family and friends! God Bless you Heather
Barbara Johnson’s Stick A Geranium in Your Cranium provided some moments of laughter for us among the dr visits & head-drilling procedures. HALLELUJAH that you are up & thinking & writing just to keep all your praying family up to date. My other list of “meditate on these things” in trials is archived at http://linda.walkworthy.us/. God bless you all!
Hang in there Heather! I worked with Cancer patients for a long time and the will to live is a powerful, powerful thing. Couple that with your amazing faith and strength and I have no doubt that you will beat this. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Kim.
Will continue to pray for you and your family!
You are such a strong woman and SUCH an encouragement!!!!
From North Carolina!
Mindy
The name of JESUS is above EVERY name–that includes cancer, astrocytma grade 3 and anything else the enemy might TRY to put on you. John 10:10 says, (my paraphrase), “only the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I (JESUS) come to give you life more abundantly.”
Still praying.
This just come to mind as I started to post this reply:
Who’s report will you believe?
We will believe the report of the Lord!
His report says I am HEALED
His report says I am filled
His report says I am free
His report says VICTORY
Still praying for you and your family.
Love,
Jennelle
Heather,
Your story is such an inspiration. Please know that I am praying for you!
Corie
You are amazing.
You continue to be an inspiration and a blessing and you remain in my prayers!
Hang in there and know that SOOOOOOO many people care and are praying for you every day!
Heather, I was just looking around on Google trying to understand your situation. I found a message board and on it is a man who was diagnosed with the same thing, fought it, won, and is still alive 5 years later. You can beat this.
Heather, it’s good to hear from you! I know what the doctors say. I know what the devil says. But he is the father of lies. Jesus is truth. His word for you is life, health and wholeness. When we walk by that faith and not by what we see we’ll see LIFE! I’m praying. For your healing. For your faith. For your family. God has GOOD plans.
Praying that with God’s help you’ll kick its cancer butt.
Fight sister- fight. We’ll be here cheering you on, and helping you through.
love ts
Keep fighting girl…we are with you and carrying your name to our Father. Keep drawing close to Him.
Wow Heather, you’re a fighter! We are all fighting this with you and your family. We are standing in faith that you WILL beat this and you WILL see your precious children grow up.
Thinking of you and your family
((hugs))
Dear Heather,
I have a friend who was diagnosed with a Grade 3 astrocytoma back in late 2002. They took a
biopsy by drilling a small hole in the top of her head; however, unlike you, she could not have surgery - it would have been too dangerous.
My friend then went through radiation which,
these days, can target the PRECISE location of
the cancerous tumor. This lasted for 6 weeks; &
she had chemotherapy also.
She is the mother of 2 young boys & is happily
married. Before she got brain cancer, she was
self-employed as a website designer.
The doctors at the University of California &
at the University of San Francisco gave her a
3 year survival prognosis.
Today, my friend’s cancer in her brain is GONE.
We prayed for her like crazy & the radiation
essentially burned the tumor, destroying its
malignant cells totally. She is in REMISSION.
It is unclear how long remission will last
because, once a person has brain cancer, it can
always start to grow again. Thus, my friend
goes every few months for an MRI, & she takes
anti-seizure medication & anti-depressant
medication.
As I said, she was/is not as fortunate as you:
she could have no surgery whatsoever.
Today, my friend is still happily married. She
is still Mom to her 2 young sons. And, while
she enjoyed website design, her true love &
life’s dream is to do illustration professionally. Well, guess what, Heather? She
is going that right now!!! Her work is in a
national directory of illustration, it is on
the web; and she is progressing as she can,
doing what she loves the most.
She told me that, had it not been for brain
cancer, she would never have had the courage
to pursue this dream. However, she has been
able to go on social security disability; and
this has taken the pressure off of her need to
earn a living through website design. Thus,
she leads a slower but far richer life now,
going at God’s pace. I would say that she
hears God’s voice more clearly & profoundly
than ever before.
She is there for her children. And, when she
can’t be, her husband is there for them. This
is rare anymore.
She can walk and talk and see and think deep
thoughts. And, nearly 5 years after diagnosis,
she is cancer-free today.
Do not give up, sweet Heather. Have faith. You
have more of us praying for you than my
friend has had. SHE MADE IT.
Long life is promised to none of us. Depth of
life is enhanced by the cancer experience, if
you let it. Jesus Christ is “the God of 2nd chances”. Here is your 2nd chance!
Love & prayers to you, much encouragement and BRAVO for making it through this very scary ordeal!!!
Lifting up prayers for you, your family, friends, and medical staff in Tennessee. . .
You’re in my thoughts and prayers Heather!
I’ve been thinking about you and your family and said a special prayer for you in church yesterday.
God bless you! You are such an inspiration!
Love,
Jonna
I thank my God that though at times we feel crushed we know we have not been abandoned. I thank my God that He who began a good work in you –He will not quit until He has completed that work. I thank Him that He has put us here to bring Glory to His name and that He uses the things of this world to cause people to look to Him. You life is a tool to draw people to our Father.
I will continue to thank my Father for your healing.
May the peace of God be a guard over your heart and mind.
What a faithful servant you are dear sister in Christ! God is showing mighty through you! I am continuing to pray for you Heather…may God be the glory!
A LOT can happen in 3-5 years, new treatments, new discoveries…hang in there, girl. Live your life! And what a beautiful, blessed life it is! Standing with you and your family, and still praying.
Dear Heather,
I wrote you a long & beautiful comment but it was erased, I think because it was too long. I have a friend, diagnosed in 2002 with Astrocytoma Grade 3. She could have no surgery, but did have radiation & chemo. She is Mom to 2 young boys & is happily married. They gave her a 5 year prognosis. Today, she is CANCER FREE - the radiation killed the cancer. She goes for MRIs every few months to watch… She is now fulfilling her dream of being an illustrator, as she can get disability benefits. She’d never have lived her dream, had she not had brain cancer. She walks, talks, draws & is a loving person. We all prayeed for her. We all are praying for you, now. Do not give up hope, Heather. God brought riches to my friend through her brain cancer. Christ is the God of 2nd chances - here is yours.
Love & Prayers & Admiring your Courage, BRAVO you made it through!!
Dear Heather,
You are such an amazing person.What a blessing you are to your family and others.
Still storming the gates of Heaven in prayer for you and your family.You will beat this!!
“No my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the Living God who controls every circumstance of my life.” George Mueller
Praying for you, friend. Looking to Him and trusting Him for you and your family…
Holly
I will continue to pray for our great God and mighty Father to do a great healing work in your body. I know He can and I know you have the faith, desire and determination. In addition to prayer, how else can we support you and your family at this time? Please let us know.
Blessings,
~Toni~
Amen- live! We serve a God who is more than able and we are all praying with you! He IS FAITHFUL!
“Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world”.
Your life testimony is amazing! Keep moving forward in Him… one step, one day at a time!
Still… Praying without Ceasing!
I am praying…
Praying, praying, and praying some more. Stay strong Heather as we stand in the gap for you. What are sistas for, right? Amazing to hear from you. You are one tough cookie and Satan better watch out because God is even tougher!
Praying for you all xx
Heather your strength and faith are inspiring!! I will continue praying.
I will continue praying for you. You will to survive and your trust in God is what will carry you
Heather - continuing to lift you and your family up in prayer, in Jesus name, Amen.
Marlo
Winnipeg, Canada
Like Krissy, I googled this too. I saw a MedLine (I think, one of the big medical sites) that had a study from Sweeden where some people lived 12-28 years!!!
Only the Lord knows the days you have Heather. But He will not short-change you!!! Stay strong, stay encouraged! I’m amazed with all the Lord is doing through you!
Lord, bless Heather. Wrap Your arms around her and her husband and hold them close to You as they continue the LIFE You have set before them.
YES, nothing but living for you girl!! We will have nothing less!! I watched the special last night, and was amazed at Lance’s recovery process. YOU CAN WIN!! GOD IS SOOOO MUCH BIGGER THAN cancer.
You are a true inspiration to EVERYONE!!
Standing with you, Heather. And when your arms get weary in this battle, we’ll help hold them high.
Prayers continue throughout each day.
I am still praying with the rest of your prayer army. Continuing to lift you up to the Great Healer.
~Bless you~
I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Keep hold of your faith and believe in miracles.
Dear Heather, hold on there, keep you faith up, we will pray for you. You will be fine. From a distant online friend, Carola.
I’m so moved by your faith and courage. You are and will remain in my prayers.
Karen in CA
He is with you, He is in you, He shines through you to the world. Praying for strength and healing. Keep standing strong.
Lifting you up.
Doctors might think diseases have sentences…but God controls the punctuation. If He wants that “sentence” to be a run-on…it will be so! And until He puts His period…well, it will go on and on and on and on…
Father, keep holding Heather in the palm of Your mighty hand. Thank You that she is especially Heather, and that You will never, ever let her go, or her family go, from Your care. Provide, Father. We ask for provision from Heaven. Rain down all that Heaven holds on this precious family. They have stood the testing, and they have given You the glory. Pour out Your spirit on them till they are drenched in Your love. In Jesus’ name…amen.
Heather-
May God Bless you and keep you safe. My prayers are for you and your family.
Praying
I’m praying and I’ll keep speaking long life over you!
Praying…
Statan picked a mighty army to go against. With the Lord above and all your prayer warriors he dosen’t stand a chance. Praying without ceasing for complete healing.
Thanking God for every single day he gives you dear Heather!
I’m only human, I’m just a woman.
Help me believe in what I could be
And all that I am.
Show me the stairway, I have to climb.
Lord for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.
Chorus:
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time.
You will LIVE because He lives. Christ has risen…he has risen indeed!
i’ve watched for updates and was thrilled to “hear” your voice this morning. only “knowing” you for 4 days, i sense your strong spirit and determination. you WILL conquer this. my close friend of 25 years was diagnosed with a stage 4 astrocytoma - a glioblastoma - received wonderful new treatment at Duke University and has lived for 6 years in remission. God has provided for Bob and Nancy and He will provide for you. standing and walking with you in prayer.
You don’t know me, but I was directed to your site through someone googling astrocytomas. My daughter was diagnosed with the same thing just a couple of weeks ago. We’re going in this week to try to remove as much of the tumor as possible. I will pray for you and your journey in fighting this thing.
Standing firm with you in the gap.
Michelle
Praying with you with the confidence you hold in our Lord. Amen girl……..you are amazing!!! Send LOT’S of prayers and love your way today!!!
Keeping you in my prayers.
Heather, you and your family are in my prayers.
GOD IS BIGGER THEN ANY OTHER!!!!
We continue to pray God’s will for you all - and we believe for your complete healing on this earth.
May His strength be made perfect in your weaknesses - over and over again.
Keep hanging in there! Still praying.
I am a 3 time cancer survivor and my heart hurts for you. I pray for your thought life and that you will continue to remember the truths of God! And I leave this quote from CS Lewis:” to be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways.” Above all, please be certain of God and His love for you. I will continue to lift you up!
Heather ~
3-5 years is only a guideline to a doctor. This tumor is under the authority of our Living and Loving God - amen! There is nothing that happens outside of His knowledge, His sovereignty, and His plan.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Heather, the Lord delights in you. He is mighty and has already saved you through the surgery - oh, the mighty things He has in store for you, friend! He delights in you, He will quiet your fears and will sing over you - he never slumbers nor sleeps.
Lord, please sing over Heather and her family. Allow them to cast their cares upon you, for you are sovereign and you are holy. You know how many hairs are on Heather’s head, just as you know the days that are numbered for her. Please bless her and her family - I praise you for the great works you have already accomplished in her life and the impact she has had on so many people for your glory. We call upon you as the Great Physician - please restore her to full health, please grant her rest and peace. In your Precious Name Above All Names, amen.
I want you to know that you are touching so many people by your witness here on the internet. I pray that you have a sweet spirit of peace around you to where you feel the touch of God right on you….will continue to keep you in my prayers. Peggy G in S. Missouri
Love you, H. I’m here. You will beat this thing.
We all think (scratch that) KNOW, that God isn’t through with you yet! Your strength and courageous spirit is infectious and lighting the world on fire. You go girl!
Do you see what GOD has done??? Do you see just how many people you have touched. I saw numerous comments of how your journey has led them to Christ. Over 300 comments from your one sentence. That one sentence FULL of CHRIST-LIKE FAITH!! GO GOD!! GO HEATHER!!
GOD THROUGH YOU AMAZES ME!!
I am in awe at the measure of God’s Spirit that emanates from you…You are making Him famous!! The unexpected responses to life’s most horrific circumstances is what makes the world stop and take notice of our God. What other people have a God who acts on their behalf!? My prayer is that many will come to know Him, either for the first time or on a more intimate level, because of your proclaiming His goodness. Take heart, Dear One, He is the lifter of your head!
Lisa
Heather,
I wanted to share two of my favorite quotes:
Dream no small dreams, for they have no power to move the hearts of men. ~ Goethe
Be realistic: Plan for a miracle. ~Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
We are here for you. We love you.
I put your name on the Temple rolls here. I hope that’s okay. Imagine thousands of people praying just for you several times a day for as long as you need it. Powerful, powerful prayers.
Heather,
We are cheering you on and praying for God’s daily deliverance. You are an inspiration to not only us but to others who are experiencing adversity in their journey of life. God’s love is unfailing and unchangeable.
journey mercies,
debra
You are living Heather…and you will live…you will. Keep the faith. We are all praying.
I read in the comments the lyrics of one day at a time..it was written here twice. Beautiful song..yes, we live one day at a time…
We love you Heather and family.
Still praying.
We love you.
Hugs and prayers for you, Heather.
Sending warm hugs and standing in the gap for you, sweet Heather. May our Lord God, our great Jehovah Rapha, keep His healing hand on you. Praying fervently and continuously that He will sustain you with His mighty powerful grace.
Prayer is POWERFUL, and you are surrounded by it!
Thank you for being such an awesome Godly example for all of us!
Praying for you! Thank you for your testimony to your trust in Him! God bless. Dawn
Dear Heather,
My uncle had a heart and lung transplant and was given about 10 years to live. It’s been over twenty, SO FAR.
God bless you and yours.
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”
Psalm 84:10
I’m continuing to pray for you, Heather! (((Heather)))
Sending continual prayers your way.
Standing in the gap for you here in FL. May the prayers of all these saints, squelch the arrows of the enemy!
Heather, I’ve been reading for some time, but am just commenting now. God has used your story in my life to begin to change my heart and attitude about the tough things in life. He is using you just like an arrow that points me to Him, instead of to the negative. Thank you for sharing your life with us on your blog.
As for the diagnosis, I will be praying. Boniface, a great ancient missionary to the fierce teutonic tribes, once said, “I will not die early and I will not die late.” He knew his time was in God’s hands. May you keep on living life to the fullest, focusing on making the most of every opportunity. And may you know that your times are in His hands, and that’s the best place they could be. And may you live, live, live!
I am praying.
Praying here too…
Heather-your strength amazes me! I continue to pray for you! Praying to bind the powers of Satan that he may keep his hands off of you and that all Glory is given to God! Which I know it will be.
Lovingly,
Shari
Praying for you still and in awe of your faith. xoxo melzie
Heather, you will be lifted up. I continue to pray for you and your precious family. you have touched my heart even though we don’t know each other. God will triumph!!
I have also spent the afternoon googling this thing.I look at the comments and the lives you are touching and changing too, and I know God has plans for you. I am, as I have said already, praying for you all, and especially for Mark, your babes and your parents as well as you.
Praying. {{{{HUGS}}}}
So many prayers your way. We want to see you live, too, and I feel in my heart that God wants that as well. So much love, faith, and so many prayers coming your way from your family in Christ.
I’m continuing to pray for you - and have friends who are too. Heather - God brought me closer to Him through you - and I wanted to let you know that. Before any of this even happened I’ve been touched by your website - and encouraged by your faith. Sharing your thoughts made me think as well - just that quick visit to your site from time to time was more seeking than I’ve done in a long time. Thank you. You are an amazing woman - and god and your faith and attitude are going to see you through this.
Rest and know that the Lord is walking with you through this - He and an army of prayer warriors on your belalf.
With love,
Ruth
Heather, I want you to live too! I think of you often and I pray for you often…there is a book by Kenneth E. Hagin called Health Food….it has daily readings that you “feed” your spirit…there are true stories of encounters between Mr. Hagin and people who teell of their healings from many ailments and yes there are stories or should I say testimonies of people healed of cancer….I got this book when I had back surgery and I ended up with complications from the surgery….this book helped me so much, it encouraged me when i felt down, it reminded me, when doubt would try to creep in, it lifted me up, it spoke to my spirit, it reminded me what an Awesome, Awesome God I serve, there are two scriptures that really help me Jeremiah 29:11 and Luke 10:19 okay maybe more than two…one is I think in the song of solomon…but it says his banner over me is love and when I read this I picture a banner over my head that goes where I go that If i lookup i can see it and it says Love and when others look at me they see it and know that God loves me. and when the enemy comes at me that banner is right there saying ..I love that child and I will protect her she belongs to me….Heather know tha tI am praying for you and know just how much you have inspired and touched me with your old post as well as thre recent ones
Dear Heather
Post 49 has much to offer in the way of hope and encouragement…God will not let a moment of this trial you are enduring be used by the enemy if you won’t either. Our Almighty God will, as you said, bring good out of what Satan meant for evil. Use every tactic that Satan uses to come against you as a springboard to praise and worship God.Turn the table on the enemy.
And yes, your life is now forever different from what it was before this diagnoses but God can bring beauty from ashes and turn mourning into dancing and He can enable you to sing a new song.With love and prayers…
God is STILL good…
I’ll keep praying.
If anyone can beat this, you can. God’s love is shining out through your faith. God bless you.
Still praying.
Praying for you…
We are praying!!
I have been a lurker, but now I find that I must stop and say hello and tell you that I am praying for you. Your faith has really helped me find my own. God Bless you!
You don’t have to worry
And don’t you be afraid
Joy comes in the morning
Troubles they don’t last always
For there’s a friend named Jesus
Who will wipe your tears away
And if your heart is broken
Just lift your hands and say
I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in Your Hands
With Jesus I can take it
With Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands
My Life is In Your Hands - by Kirk Franklin
Praying for you!
“Nothing is impossible with God” Luke 1:37
I’m praying for you and your family!
{{{hugs}}}
and prayers, too.
I said a prayer for you, your family and your medical team while at Church yesterday and I will continue to pray for you all daily.
Please consider reading this website when you can: hometown.aol.com/npena3/myhomepage/index.html
found it while googling the type of cancer you have. This is a very encouraging read.
Prayers, hugs and love.
Just wanted to encourage you as you begin your “walking in healing” journey. I know that we serve a mighty God and I know that he works all things for good for those who believe.
Heather I posted about a book called Health Food by Kenneth E. Hagin…I forgot to say that the daily readings are all about healing, and faith etc…with some scriptures I also forgot to say that I got this book at the Family Christian Book Store but I am sure it can be found online as well..if you are interested……still praying
I will be praying for you, I hope people who have been through this, or know someone who has been through it and BEAT IT, continue to share it with you (and all of us)their words of encouragement.
Because sometimes, like this, you just need to hear a survivor story!
You may, at times, be at what seems like a brick wall looking up at how tall it is and wondering what you have come up against and trying to see what is ahead of you, but unable to. Just remember, God sees over the other side of that wall. He sees what you cannot see with human eyes, just try to trust that what he has on the other side, is more that you can ever imagine!
Praying in Indiana!
There is an Edward K on http://www.cancercompass.com message board that has beaten this for 5 years so far. Do not give up hope. I’m praying for you and your family.
Heather, I want you to live too. I live you up all through the day as does everyone. You will see your kids live.
I know something of this tumor, anaplastic astrocytoma, my niece was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma grade 3 on her brainstem when she was 3 back in 1994.
Her prognosis was worse than yours because her tumor was inoperable. If the tumor is operable there is hope.
My son was diagnosed with a high-grade malignant brain tumor in 2003. He is 3 1/2 years from the start of treatment and after a very rough time during treatment is now doing very well.
I know several very longterm survivors of high grade astrocytomas (10 years+).
I encourage you to educate yourself and to join a group of knowledgable folks who can help you navigate the maze you now find yourself in.
I recommend that you seek multiple opinions from centers who specialize in brain tumors, there are many different paths you can choose and the level of care and expertise you receive from one place to another can be great.
Here are some links to start with, and please feel free to email me with questions if I can help further:
http://braintrust.org/braintmrlist.htm
http://virtualtrials.com
Ben Williams, a longterm glioblastoma (astrocytoma grade IV) survivor with some very well-thought-out ideas on how to approach treatment.:
http://virtualtrials.com/surviveben.cfm
http://virtualtrials.com/pdf/williams2006.pdf
I will pray for your guidance and peace of mind during this time.
Heather,
When my children were 3 and 6, I found out that I was HIV positive from a needle stick in the early 80’s. They are now 20 and 23. I know that if it was not for my faith, I wouldn’t be here. He gives me strength every day to fight this disease. Your writings inspire me. Have goals, never give up, fight this disease with all that you have. I pray that His healing hand be upon you and know that “you can do all things through Him who strengthens you”.
Still praying in Pennsylvania …
Heather,
I’m praying for peace in your heart and the strength to fight. FIGHT!
Stay strong.
Praying for you.
Continuing to pray! We serve a mighty God…THE mighty God!
I’m praying, Heather.
Heather, you are consistently in my prayers.
We are still here praying, and will continue. We have a great God who is holding you in the palm of His hand. And your determination to live for Him and love Him, will continue to make every day of your life a blessing. You certainly have already been a blessing to so many of us out here that you don’t even know. But we love you :o) Keep looking ahead! Nina
You are in our thoughts. Good luck!! Don’t give up.
I have a website that I think might help you keep your faith strong. I know they have kept theirs that way.
http://www.ethanpowell.com
God is good. SO GOOD!!!! I love that you have such a strong and beautiful faith. I love that He will use your situation to grow you and draw others closer to Himself. I love that He is bigger and more powerful than astrocytoma!
I am praying for you and trusting God for you. Going in for my own CT scan this week…Something is going on in my head. God knows and I’m trusting Him!
Sweet Heather. Stay strong.
Lean on Him who is your refuge and Strong Tower.
He will give you all you need.
Continued prayers from Oregon.
Heather, you’re right, that astrocytoma doesn’t have any hold over you. You go, Girl. Praying for you and the fam. xxxoooGretchen
praying still…
Hang in there Heather! Still praying for you here.
Father God, Heather is a child of the King. A child of the most HIGH. Lord father I bring her to you and I command that this mountain be moved. I have the faith. Heather has the faith. Lord father God use this to be a witness to all of these hundreds of people who come to this blog and to the hundreds of people in the hospital that you are still in the business of miracles. Father I give this over to you as the Jehovah Rapha, the great physician. Amen!
Will do, and I’m still praying- and thanking God for his glory so far and to come!
Your faith is beautiful. You are doing so much good through this suffering and strength.
As a child of God, He is the only one allowed to whisper any ’sentences’ over your life.
If he intends another 50 years that is what you shall have.
Blessed be the name of our LORD!!!
Praying for you in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Heather,
Not sure what to say, other than I, along with thousands are praying for and lifting you up.
Isn’t it great to know that the Lord is STILL in the miracle working business!Stay stong!
I have never met anyone with such an amazing amount of faith and hope! You are such a blessing! I’m praying for you!! (((HUGS)))
Heather,
I’m so sorry that the news is not what you were expecting. (At least I think it’s not what you expected, I can’t seem to read archives to remind me of the orginal thoughts about the tumor).
However, nothing is impossible with God. Nothing.
And life expectancy…it’s just a random number! It’s just a random number based on statitics. It’s not a definite. It’s not reliable. It’s not your life!
You are so much more than 3 -5 years.
Go fight!
Your faith is an amazing testament. God Bless you and your family. Sending you prayers and positive thoughts from Tennessee.
{{{Heather}}}
I don’t know what to say; I was expecting better news and I know you were also. I know that GOD is in control - but somehow words seem trite right now. I am praying for you!
“‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
This is my prayer for you.
I watched the show and thought of you the entire time. It was amazing to see those people beat the odds. Doctors and diagnosis are not God, God is God and when He’s on your side, you can’t beat those odds!
Love you…
Heather, like you I have a little girl. According to her medical history she ’shouldn’t’ be here with us but she is … because God willed it this way. They can give out numbers and stats but God is in control. At 3 mths of age my daughter lay on a life support machine following a series of hospital blunders. The neurology team ‘thought’ she was brain dead. God gave me a promise that day. Read the last verse of Psalm 138. At 5 mths old she had major cardiac surgery. Due to 2 prior occasions on a ventilator, she shut down post op. For 8 days she was on full life support and organ failure. But she is with us six years on. She sustained a severe brain injury at the hands of man, and she ’shouldn’t’ in theory even be able to even breath on her own, but she can. She can laugh, she can smile and she is my joy.
He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.
Praying for you,
Deborah
Heather,
Continuing to pray!!
http://www.cancer.duke.edu/btc/ very highly respected brain cancer center - latest in research
wishing for peace in your heart.
praying for complete healing.
sending loving thoughts your way.
Remember… it picked the WRONG GIRL. :-)
Satan’s just gonna have to get over it and move on. You’re going to win this battle.
Praying for you.
We are continuing to pray for you here in Georgia.
Heather,
Praying for you and your family during this time of trial. You are an amazing woman of faith and your words inspire me. Reading all the beautiful comments here and seeing how many people are touched by your story is uplifting and many things that I have read here have touched my heart. Heather, you can beat this and I am honored to be among those praying for you.
We are believing with you. You are always in our prayers and on our hearts.
Dearest Heather and Mark,
I have to share this with you. Saturday, around 6am - my husband and I were driving from Tampa to Jacksonville - I was trying to share with him my urgency to pray for you, and what was going on. Explaining about the “blog girls community” and what has transpired online in the few weeks that I have been a small part of this. When I was talking about your possible language problems - it hit me like an epiphany. This is how Emma Grace and any autisic child with speech and language issues must feel. For just a little bit - God gave you the time to feel and understand what the autistic child may feel like - how incredible is that!?! Now - on to your diagnosis - because a prognosis is just not something that a believer would want to listen to - YOU are sooo strong - because of your faith and the community of the faithful who surround you and your family!! Stand strong - keep standing strong and positive!! Just remember that God is the only one who really knows what the prognosis is!! Kathy
no matter the number of your days, you have touched hundreds and hundreds with your love for the Lord and your faith in Him.
You are a blessing,
Blessings,
Karla
Praying for you Heather. HE is strong when you feel weak. You are amazing.
God knows your name and knows the silent prayers of your heart.
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you make know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name.”
I am praying for you, my dear sister in Christ!
He is JEHOVAH-RAPHA - THE LORD WHO HEALS.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath annointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted , to preach deliverance to the captives,and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18
Our God is a miracle working God. We are continueing to pray for you and your family Heather. Doctors need to label it but to God it is no bigger or harder a thing than anything else. We’re believing for a complete miracle healing.
Heather- your strength and faith are amazing. You continue to be in my prayers.
Hey darlin’
I’ve wanted to pick up the phone a hundred times and call but I’m not sure if you’re ready for that yet.
Now that it has a name, let’s stand against it harder. God is bigger than the boogie man, right? Your boogie, my boogie.
We’re praying. Hard.
Loving you. Lots.
Missing you. Tons.
Love love love
me
Heather, you are a Child of God, and we will all keep praying. God is a God of miracles. Hugs and prayers.
I’m praying that you’ll be healed of this. Don’t loose hope. God is bigger than any diagnosis. I am believing in Jesus that you will be healed. Love you sweetie… wish I could hug you right now.
Dear Sweet Heather I will say this again,you are a strong,wonderful,sweet lady,so many are praying for you and your wonderful family.Keep hanging in there.
Bambie in Texas
By the way, how are you FEELING? Can you talk yet? Are you in pain? How are your babies and your parents and Mark? We’re praying for everyone. Be safe and be at peace! God is still in the miracle business!!!!
praying in Alabama…
((Hugs)) sending my love and prayers to you.
I am sure you have gotten so many offers and suggestions, but I can’t *not* offer something as well. My friend wrote the book “Kick Cancer, Not The Bucket” - it’s a story of her spiritual journey of beating cancer through GOD and diet and miracles and such. She was given just a couple months to live (that was years ago.) Her cancer is GONE. I would love to send you a copy or two or three. I have several.
Stephanie
OK Heather, I figured out the archives! And now I know that you were probably expecting a lower grade tumor. I’m so sorry that you keep getting these surprises. It’s rough, I know.
But, I will say it again that a life expectancy is just a number based on statistics. It’s not you.
Don’t look to far into the future. Don’t worry about three years from now. It is so much easier to live today. Don’t think about what might be happening four years for now. Every day and every moment great scientists are working on cures. That is a hope that you cling to. Keep that hope. Don’t let fears of “five years from now” keep you from enjoying today. It’s tough to remember, but today is what counts.
Praying for the best course of treatment from this point on.
I, like the rest of the internet world, was hoping for a much more positive diagnosis. But you know, we’re going to be positive. You can beat this. You and your family are continually in my prayers.
I am praying for you.
I just wanted you to know that I too am praying for you - and your family, from a Sister-in Christ in England.
Heather-
We have a great big God. He is so much more aware of the intricacies of your brain than the Medical field. Every one is with you. The impossible is possible. Remember you are not alone-thousands of people are standing in the gap for your, Mark, the kids, and your parents.
Remember the our God is the God to run to-Jehovah Sabaoth and He reighs and rules. Even tumor must bow to His command. Love you always.
(Hugs) and prayers
You go, girl. I’m so glad the surgery went well and that you are doing well. You have an awesome attitude and can and will beat this!
I watched the show - our baby has cancer. I thought of you when I heard Leroy talk. They gave him a few months to live, and now they’ve given him an indefinite time to live. And only God holds you in His hands, and only he knows how much time you have. I’m praying it will be a good, long time, and that you will live to see your grandchildren’s children!
Much love,
Alayna
Cancer does not have you, GOD has you!
You will beat this, there’s no doubt in my mind. :)
Heather & Mark
I pray for you to continue to fight this and I know you will. You are a force to be reckoned with and if there is anything I can do to help in this fight, you both know I will. Prayers and love!
Praying, praying, praying, praying and more praying…
We continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. Stay strong.
thinking of you in CA.
xoxo
For everything there is a purpose and as I see the number of people who come here daily to leave you well wishes and tell you how your story has impacted their lives and their relationship with God…I feel that could be the purpose of your situation. You are a mighty witness for God and your strong faith and determination is quite a testimony. Carry on!
You now know the name of this cancer. Knowing ones enemy makes it easier to fight. You will fight…and I believe with all my heart you will win. You are one of the strongest women I have ever come in contact with. This thing will not beat you…you will conquer it.
Keep taking things a minute, an hour, a day, a week at a time. Lean on God and all these people who come here each day to let you know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. We’ll hold you up when you are struggling and we’ll be with you when you kick this cancer to the curb!
Continuing to pray for you daily.
Praising The Lord for your post! Typing and sending us a message, just DAYS after brain surgery! My goodness, if that’s not a sign that HE’S gonna heal you, what would be?
Praying and praying.
Colleen
It’s such a pleasure to pray for you and your family.
Let the healing begin!
Thank the Lord you were able to send us a message. You are going to get through this and watch your children grow to be amazing parents and you will be healthy the entire way! PRaying for you to be complete cured…HE CAN!!!!!! Love, Tamara
AND LIVE YOU WILL !!!!!
LET GODS WILL BE DONE…..AMEN
I can’t even imagine what it is like for you or your family to hear such devasting news. God Bless,praying for you & entire family.
Dear Heather,
I hope you won’t think me presumptuous but I feel compelled to share this information with you, just in case it might help. Someone very close to me was healed of leukemia after using this information, and there are several cases of healed brain cancer as well, including stage IV. I wish I had known about it earlier when my mom had her brain tumor, stage IV.
http://www.healingcancernaturally.com/brain-cancer-cure-testimonials.html
Yes, Lord! I agree with my sister!
YOU are amazing! Holding you up in the strongest prayers possible… You’ve been added to my list of Brain Tumor Warriors for whom I will walk at my local Relay For Life. EVERYONE will see your name and know that I am walking for you and they will then be walking for you, too! Much love from Wisconsin…
Heather, lift up your head and look around this this little blog world you have. If Our Father calls you home tomorrow,(which I do not believe He will) Look what your testimony has done for His Kingdom!!!!! You have brought people to a saving knowledge of Him, you have made Christians walk alittle closer, think a little harder, want more of what you have in your heart! To love our Lord more!
Sing, girl, sing! you have done in weeks what missionaries, churches & Christians of every kind have not done in their life times!
God has used you in a mighty way. and you have stood strong in the face of demons.
Go! shout it from the mountain tops, what our Lord can do!
praying for you, Peace,comfort& health
Prayer changes things. And honey you have the hearts and prayers of so many.We are standing in the gap for you with hands stretched towards heaven. I know the Father is listening.