September 8, 2006:

While at a soccer game Mary had a seizure. While in the ambulance on the way to the hospital she had another one. She has never had one before and the last time she was in a hospital was almost 18 years ago when our youngest daughter was born. No other health issues since. After a few weeks of CT’s, MRI’s and other tests we have learned she has a Tumor on her brain. They call it a Glioma, more specifically an Astrocytoma. This is considered a low grade Tumor. The seizure was an early warning. The location of the tumor is the biggest concern. It is near what they call the “motor strip” The Neurosurgeon has given us our options and we are in the process of making a decision. We have been blessed with a lot of good friends and family around us. At the hospital while in the Neuro care the nurses kept bringing in the chairs from the nurses station because Mary had so many visitors. We just want to let everyone know what is going on and keep everyone updated. We have a lot of people asking what they can do, Prayer is the first thing we ask for. Besides that, there isn’t much anyone can do. Mary is going on about most of her normal activities. The only thing she is not allowed to do is drive for at least now. We appreciate any and all prayers.