Jennifer Sheldon

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-From Kathleen Sheldon-

"You have a brain tumor."  Words you never want to hear from a doctor.

It all started 2 weeks ago. Jennifer was experiencing some dizziness and thought she had an ear infection.  After a round of antibiotics and steroids and not seeing relief from her symptoms of imbalance and slight dizziness and starting to feel some numbness on her right side, she made an appointment with an ENT last Wed.  He did not see any ear infection and based on some concerning symptoms, ordered an MRI.  From Wed to Thursday her symptoms grew rapidly worse.  She was having difficulty walking and moving her right arm.  We rushed the MRI appointment and found out that she had a large tumor on her brain. We found out that the reason the symptoms grew worse was that the steroids she was on for the "ear infection" was keeping the symptoms at bay.

After a few hours of letting the shock set in, the family surrounded her with prayer and trying to decide what would be the next step.  Her symptoms were growing worse and we knew we needed help.  We were able to get her admitted to Christ hospital and they did bloodwork on Sat/Sun to verify she was stable and during that time we were able to arrange for her to be transferred to the Ohio James Brain Center at Ohio State University with a world-renowned dr who specializes with her type of tumor.  She was admitted Sunday evening (01/20/19) and they've run testing and confirmed the tumor started in the brain and it is nowhere else at this time.  (Praise the Lord for that).

The tumor is aggressive but we do not know if it is cancerous yet.  They are planning to do surgery to remove it on Tuesday but many details are still unknown.  It is an astrocytoma tumor on her motor cortex and that is all they have told us.  We will have more answers today.

We need your prayers!!

Please pray for the following:

- Surgery will probably happen on Tuesday and pray they can remove the entire tumor and will not need chemo/radiation
- There is a chance of permanent paralysis of some kind (she is already experiencing paralysis)
- Rehab will probably take  place in Columbus so the coordination will require a lot of planning
- Strength and endurance and good spirits for the entire family and especially for Jennifer if there are permanent side effects and for Roger, as he has to watch his beloved wife go through this

Praises:
-Found a doctor who specializes in this and is only 2 hours away
-Her family who lives locally and can be with her during this time
-The tumor is only in the brain and nowhere else

We know that God is a God of mercy and love and He goes before us in all things.  Brain tumors or any kind of tumors do not surprise Him.  We are resting in His promises and we know we cannot do it in our strength alone. Regardless of the outcome, we know that God loves her more than we can ever could and we trust that His will to be done during this process.

Thank you to all for your prayers!
The Sheldon Family

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.