Barb Higdon

Some of you saw my Facebook post a few weeks ago about doing my first sit up in 20 years.  It's been seventeen years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and my doctor had to take an abdominal muscle during reconstruction. God lined up everything in my life so that after all the birds left the nest, I could take time to live healthy and to get strong.  I have had the best experience discovering what my body is capable of by working out several times a week, thanks  to Emily Purpus! :)  


One year later - last Monday to be exact - I was doing box jumps as part of my workout.  Somehow, I missed the box and landed on my head with a thud.  My headache persisted for a couple of days, so I went to see Dr. Harrigan on Wednesday.  He did diagnose a concussion but ran a CT scan to rule out a brain bleed.  Then a MRI.  Cue ominous music...because his mouth started moving and words came out of it that I could not grasp nor could Scott or Kara.


There is a large mass in my head that has probably been there for a while.  It has caused my brain to shift.  God made it found to us before I have any symptoms.  It is frontal temporal in location, and that part of the brain is where language and speaking are located.


Cut to the chase.  Yesterday we met with a very impressive neurosurgeon, Dr. Abram at the Howell Allen Clinic, St. Thomas Hospital, Nashville.  He and his brain tumor team will meet to develop a surgical plan.  He wants to get me back to being healthy and active.


Thank you to all who have already heard the news and who are flooding us with prayer! When I pray to God for strength and comfort, He sends me a text or message from a friend.  I feel surround by God's Army of Angels.  I do find it a bit overwhelming to respond to all messages, but I so appreciate all of the good wishes.  We will do our best to post updates.