In the early morning hours of Friday, July 28th, I called 911.
Justin suffered a seizure for the first time ever while we were sleeping. We went to the ER later that morning to address some extreme pain in his right arm and this unexplained seizure. As we suspected, they confirmed that he had dislocated his shoulder as a result of the seizure. As you can imagine, a myriad of x-rays, labs, and scans were administered, as well as a closed reduction to re-align his shoulder. Hours passed. More scans were done because the initial brain scans showed "something", which caused us major pause, as one might expect.
By suppertime, he was admitted for observation, and a room full of friends and family had come to wait with us. After spending a whole agonizing day in the hospital, our neurosurgeon arrived to deliver the news that no one is ready to receive, that had only been hinted at all throughout the day. We were informed that there is a concerning, slow-growing mass that needs to be removed from his brain.
Justin was released the next day with anti-seizure meds and was cleared to go right back to work this week. I have been making appointments, collecting paperwork, and absorbing information. Sure, life looks different and feels a little heavy. We have a thorn in our side, just like Paul did. (You can learn more about this in 2 Corinthians 12.) However, we are so amazed and grateful for God's hand in it all. We are not discouraged. God has carried us through time and time again. Our faith tells us that this trial will be no different.
On September 13th, Justin will undergo brain surgery...specifically, a craniotomy for tumor resection.
I just want to add that this is the reason we build our faith...for such a time as this. We study the Bible, pray, go to worship, teach our kids about Him, serve others, share stories of provision, immerse ourselves in His will because when that day comes that stops us in our tracks, we have a foundation to sustain us.
Please remember us in your prayers.
LOVE, THE DUFFEYS
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
We have already seen your faith and resilience. You have an army standing with you thru the rough waters.
ReplyDelete❤️The Payne’s
Lots of prayers over ur family through the next months.
ReplyDeletePraying for you all every day❤️🙏❤️
ReplyDeleteTime and time again God has pulled y’all through countless difficulties. We love y’all dearly and are beyond grateful to see such perseverance.
ReplyDeleteWe will hold you up in continuous prayer. We love you all!
ReplyDeleteWe’ve only know y’all a short time, but I knew in my heart your reaction to this would be exactly as it was. Your faith in our God is such an amazing testimony. We love you and will not stop praying.
ReplyDeleteIn our prayers. Rita and Duane.
ReplyDeleteThis was sad to hear, but grateful they were able to find the cause. My sister also went through brain surgery for an aneurysm, 1991. Recovered good. Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteSending love and prayers during this difficult time. Hugs to you both 🥰
ReplyDeletePrayers lifted for you ! !!! Sending you my love. Monica🤗🙏
ReplyDeleteWe love your beautiful family and your faith. God is good and He will wrap you in His arms and give you comfort. You have a great support system. Any of them is willing to do whatever to help y’all through this.
ReplyDeleteY’all are in our prayer. We love your sweet family!
ReplyDeleteYour family is in my prayers and I know the good Lord is be proud of you for your faith as we all are you have an entire church behind you in any way that I may help please let me know Virginia talent
ReplyDeleteBringing good out of bad....God does that...the faith you both are sharing with others (and especially those two little ones) is a blessing...as well as the foundation you've built as a family to provide strength in times of need..joining you in prayer for wonderful results & peace for you all...and the celebration when he comes through with flying colors. God bless yall. 🙏💜
ReplyDeleteWe are surely praying for you all as you go thru this health crisis.❤️
ReplyDeleteErica, lifting your family up in prayer.
ReplyDeletePraying for your family. My heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for this happening to your family. May the Lord bring you peace with each step you take.
ReplyDeleteTime stood still when we heard this news, and we prayed for you immediately. We will continue to pray until God heals Justin. This journey won't be easy, but God will see you through it, and your friends are here for you when you need us. ❤️ Sandefurs
ReplyDeletePraying for Justin to have complete healing. Praying for your entire family during this difficult time.
ReplyDelete