March 20, 2012 Update

Both of us slept really well after Day 1. I was very thankful that one of the nurses was able to find a pullout chair so I didn't have to leave Drea's side overnight.

The angio-embolization went as planned without any complications. She came out of the operating room at 12:30 pm and was taken to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit, where she'll rest until tomorrow or Thursday. Unfortunately, they won't allow me to stay with her overnight in ICU, but she is being monitored continually and carefully here. The nurses in ICU have been very responsive and caring.

Today's procedure caused a lot of discomfort in the area of the tumor. After the procedure, Drea was having difficulty in talking louder than a whisper, swallowing, and her vision was a bit blurry. We're told that's normal. She was, however, able to down a McDonald's shamrock shake in record time at around 5:00 pm. It wasn't surprising considering she hadn't really eaten in over 36 hours. She ate and drank more later as well. All the symptoms improved as time went on. She's resting comfortably as I write this close to midnight.

Because of the symptoms, I asked Drea mid-afternoon if she wanted me to turn on the TV or even read to her, and she was eager for me to read to her from the book Jesus Calling, which she had recently received as a kind gift from one of her girlfriends. Some background info before I continue the story. One spiritual discipline that God has laid on our hearts lately to try to improve is memorizing Scripture. But the cool thing is that neither of us have discussed it with each other. I have been working on Isaiah 41:10 this week. Back to the story. So I started reading to her and the page ended with a verse, Psalm 50:14. which read "What I want instead is your true thanks to God; I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High." What she said next brought me joy and encouragement. She whispered "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." I asked what that was and she said "It's the next verse, Psalm 50:15." She said she recently memorized it. For me, it was just another one of those moments that made me feel thankful to be Drea's husband.

Until the next update,
Brandon