Jeff’s Story

Site created on September 23, 2020

On Friday, Sept. 11th, Jeff laid down for a nap and experienced a grand mal seizure which left him unresponsive. Graciously I had not left for school to pick up the boys and was at home with Jeff when this occurred. He was transported to the Augusta University Medical Center where they worked to stabilize him. It was a critical night and we are thankful for the Lord's care over us.

On Saturday, Sept. 12th, an MRI showed Jeff has a golf ball sized mass on the right side of his brain. Plans were made for neurosurgery on Thursday the 17th. 

However, from Sept. 13th through Sept. 15th multiple serious issues occurred. Jeff's oxygen levels and breathing difficulties continued to be of increasing concern. A DVT was discovered, and a chest CT was ordered to check for pulmonary embolism.

On Wednesday, Sept. 15th, a large mass was discovered on his lungs, and neurosurgery was postponed as his oxygenation became the primary concern. 

On Thursday, Sept. 17th, the DVT filter was placed without incident. 

On Friday, Sept. 18th, a bronchoscopy was performed to biopsy the lung mass. We are still waiting on results, but the bronchial flush from the procedure has somewhat improved his ability to breathe.  

On Tuesday, Sept 22 Jeff had neurosurgery to remove the mass in his brain. The Neurosurgeon said surgery went smoothly.

In all of these things, as difficult and exhausting as these days have been, we want you to know that we have seen God's care for us through the provision of His people. And we are continuing to trust in His faithfulness towards us for anything that is to come. 

Newest Update

August 25, 2023

Journal entry by Elizabeth Brannen —

This is Elizabeth and we are long overdue for an update.


On the medical front, Jeff had a brain MRI this week, and we are thankful that it was a stable scan. Though he’s 8 months out from active treatment, Jeff has continued to battle daily fatigue and lingering effects from his treatments. 


On the Army front, we are nearing the end of Jeff’s Army career. We just received Jeff’s Army and VA disability ratings. Once that paperwork is finalized, we will begin out processing from the military.


We are approaching the three year anniversary of 9/11/2020 when Jeff had his seizures and we found his brain tumor. It has been a long, hard three years with brain surgery, radiation, and chemo. But even here we are thankful for the ways the Lord has provided for us. 


We are thankful for:

  • The love and support of friends and family near and far
  • The many meals and gifts we’ve received over the past 3 years
  • Army medical benefits
  • Full Army pay and benefits for the past three years while Jeff has been unable to work 
  • Army and VA disability benefits we will be receiving once we’re out of the Army
  • The assurance that the Lord goes before us and will continue to provide each step of the way
Read More of the journal titled "August 25, 2023"
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