Well, Brian's all nestled in for the night, and I'm staying at the Guest House again. FYI, the Guest House is like a hotel, a very nice hotel, but it is more like a home. I am in the small library now on their computer while a load of laundry is drying downstairs. Brian's parents are down the hall in their own room, resting up for a big day tomorrow. I just snuck in to get myself something to drink in the kitchen, and I realized I've not thanked God enough for this place. We pay $5/night to stay here, and the rooms are like that of a hotel, with a key card entrance. The staff is wonderful, as we found when Brian couldn't get around the other day. They were able to track down a wheelchair for us to borrow, and were unbelieveably accommodating. They even switched us last night to a handicap accessible room that has a walk-in shower to make life a little easier on Brian. The Guest House is an entity of Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and works entirely on donations, and I hope someday to be able to give back to them for making us feel at home.

Brian had another MRI to map his brain. This spot is nearly directly on top, although once Friday is over, you can all see just where it is. He originally lost his hair there from radiation, but it has mostly grown back. The lesion is close to the surface and a good distance from the speech area, although there is no guarantee that Brian's speech development originates in the left side of the brain. Apparently, it is a 50/50 chance with lefties as to whether this is located on the left or right side. Either way, the chances are slim. The neurosurgeon (Dr. Litofsky) confirmed what Dr. Anderson had said, that Brian already has so much loss of mobility that instead of him seeing a decrease after surgery, he'll likely see an increase because what he has now is more significant than what the craniotomy would cause, if any. Brian has seen some improvement in the weakness of his arm, which was fairly minimal compared to the leg as it was.

His spirits are good. Our prayers are great. We had to wait 2 hours to even be admitted today because the oncology floor is full; full of so many others who are suffering, scared, tired, and hopeful.

Brian is in super hands for tomorrow. This neurosurgeon is the top in the field; and again, I'm appreciative and grateful for the influence Dr. Anderson has over Brian's case in always searching for the best care for him.

I am hoping to be able to sleep tonight. I rarely leave Brian at the hospital at night. I'll admit, the nerves are kicking in. I hate cancer, and find myself often consumed by how it has brought Brian to his knees, literally. Today when the anesthesiologist came in, she was very thorough and kind, asked lots of questions. She was amazed that this started "as a mole, really?" She also told Brian she admired him for his courage in this battle, and as she left, she told him she would pray for him.

She doesn't even know us. She would have to verify who he is by looking at his name band.

But prayer is a powerful thing, a wonderful gift. It is also a cheap, easy, convenient, anonymous, special, selfless gift that really has no bounds...no time limit or constraints, no price...only rewards. And she gave this to him in a heartbeat, in a moment.

She looked to be about 8 months pregnant. We thanked her, and when she walked out, Brian said...that was nice. I said a prayer for her health and for that of her baby...sneaky little surprise that she doesn't even know about...but I do, and I myself felt the rewards.

There are so many praying diligently for Brian and our family...so many friends and family, so many friends of friends of friends, whom I'll never know or ever meet, but who have given us a wonderful gift of prayer. And I thank you, and want you to know that you are also prayed for.

So I've been looking for people to pray for tonight, who are oblivious to my storming Heaven on their behalf. When I drove in the parking lot of the Columbia Mall, I couldn't help but pray for Kelsey Smith's family and friends when I saw Target. When I walked in the crosshall on 5East at the hospital, I was overwhelmed with prayer for Amy Wilhoite, fellow University of Missouri cancer patient, battling leukemia. When I talked to my children today, I couldn't resist another round of prayers for them, and for the family and friends caring for them while we fight the beast. And when I logged on our melanoma support website, my prayers were abundant for so many in the same fight of their lives...and prayers for Charli and Sarah, who both got their angel wings this week.

So my challenge for you...for the next week (and the rest of your life, too), look around and see all who need prayers. Give this gift to all you encounter. Keep them coming our way too, please!

In Christ,
Jenni