Dear Blog Reader Family: Last week's unfamiliar road to the brain biopsy has taken a sharp turn onto a narrow rocky path called Glioblastoma (fast growing brain cancer).
My husband, Jim, has been moved to WellSpan state-of-the-art brain injuries rehab (7 min from home) for 7-14 days or more for intense 3 hours a day therapies. He is physically strong except for weakness in balance on left side. His goal is to walk again without assistance. After discharge he will follow the radiation and chemo unpleasant but necessary treatment. We will continue to take one day at a time and endeavor to keep ourselves rested, well and peaceful. We are surrounded by family, friends and a marvelous medical team. Please remember him in prayer.
Notebook: Drastic changes in life demand the use all the temperament preferences. What a blessing that we’ve all been equipped to access our weaker preferences which are patiently waiting to be our helpers in making journey-crises a bit more tolerable. Know who you are and who you aren’t; who your spouse/mate is and isn’t. Figure out which preferences are not your favorites. Endeavor to develop them. It feels strange at first but becomes natural with practice.
Our couple-blend is ESTJ—(Jim) Extroverted practical (S), head logic (T) and Structured (J) and ENFJ (me) Extroverted, iNtuitive (N) dreamer—possibilities, Softhearted (F) and Structured (J). For nearly 65 years I’ve enjoyed leaning on Jim when difficult decisions or bad news arrived. The tables have turned quickly as I’m now in charge of finances and the principal driver, both of which I’ll have to gain confidence. I’ve become very aware on having to rely on my less-preferred Thinker-preference. Jim is now depending on me for comfort and final decisions.
Did you notice that neither of us prefers spontaneity? We prefer to plan and finish. So, needing an ambulance to the Emergency Room, scans and MRI long into the night; waiting for opening for surgery; being in the ICU a couple days; waiting for results which were hard to believe! A prognosis which will change our lives dramatically. The neurological medical team was very supportive, informative and helpful. They really cared and cried with us and for us.
Then after waiting several days for a rehab opening we were delighted that our choice became available at the last minute. We have relied on our unstructured preference ability to roll with the punches. Canceling many appointments had to be accomplished quickly. But we made it! We could not have done all this without the Lord's calming and direction and our warm personal relationship with Him.
Many of you will identify with me as this Softhearted-Feeler has to swallow hard when receiving heartbreaking news. Also, as a strong Intuitive I have to beware of borrowing problems and looking too far ahead attempting to solve problems before they arrive—which often never become an issue.
So, thanks for accompanying us on this narrow and scary path. Our goals include being willing to accept a new normal, to remain peaceful, hopeful, patient and ready to allow others to share their ministry in helping us.
Isa. 46:4 continues to comfort us: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he. I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
The very familiar Psalm 46:10 has been encouraging the last couple of days. “Be still and know that I am God,” which doesn’t mean be quiet and do nothing but put your sword down and rely on God to fight your battle and give your life direction.
Another verse familiar to many of you has blessed us. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV for all these verses)