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Joyce’s Story

Site created on March 20, 2018

My story is one of Faith and Hope. My Life's Journey is no surprise to God. He is in control and He is Faithful. By sharing my story, I pray someone lacking hope or faith may come to realize that God loves you more than you will ever understand. God's plan is for you to accept His Love and be guided by his Holy Spirit to walk daily in His "Will".

During the past few weeks I have been experiencing severe headaches unlike any I have ever experienced. I also began running into items (more than normal). Glenn made the statement a few months ago that I had finally learned how to "chew gum and walk at the same time without bumping into things". Oh well that didn't last for long. I also began having difficultly reading small print. I work at Edmondson Elementary School and review about 300 books daily. I also wondered why the students had suddenly begun bumping into me and causing me to trip". I also began missing the left hand turn I took each day to school.

All of the above situations were of some concern but over last weekend (March 17th & 18th) things got progressively worse. Sunday afternoon, I laid down for a nap and awoke to a very painful headache. I recalled a situation where a friends' husband laid down on the couch with such a headache and told his wife to go on to bed. She awoke the next morning and checked on her husband. He had gone "home" during the night. Therefore, I told Glenn we needed to go to the ER.

Upon arrival at Williamson Medical Center (3:30 PM) they rushed to assess my condition since my symptoms were similar to "stroke" symptoms. My evaluation also included a CT Scan. The initial prognosis was a "migraine" headache. However, Glenn kept insisting that my "cognitive" abilities had changed over the last week and it was more than a migraine. The CT scan revealed a brain "lesion" and I was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center where I could be evaluated by a Neurologist and have a MRI.

Once I arrived (via ambulance) at VMC (6:30 PM) (my CT scan was reviewed and another CT scan ordered. I also had an MRI which lasted for about an hour. If you have never had an MRI consider yourself lucky. I had a 10+ headache and the MRI noise was like being inside a Jet engine. We received the evaluation of the MRI (11:00 PM CT) from the on call Neurological Doctor. The imaging revealed a tumor on my right brain hemisphere occupying approximately 1/4 of my right hemisphere. This was the root cause of my symptoms. This tumor requires immediate removal. We were admitted to the Neurological ICU at 1:30 AM and settled to bed at 2:00 AM. Needless to say, we didn't get much rest Sunday night.

We couldn't ask for better care than what we received on the Neurological ICU. The Nurses & Nursing Aides were top notch. We met with our "lead" Neurologist/ Surgeon ( Dr Kyle Weaver) on Monday morning around 10:00 AM. Dr. Weaver explained the MRI results and laid out the next steps. The MRI revealed an irregular tumor the size of a lemon located in the right hemisphere (rear area). This type tumor originates in the Brain and will not metastasize to other parts of the body. Therefore treatment will consist of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

The surgery to remove the tumor is scheduled for Monday 3/26/18 @ 7:30 AM CT. As stated by Dr. Weaver "the surgery will last as long as it needs to be". Glad he has a sense of humor. I will stay in the Vanderbilt Neurological ICU for 2-3 days. My recovery is anticipated to last 6-8 weeks. Based upon the type tumor (confirmed after surgery) I will begin targeted chemotherapy and radiation.

During these days prior to my surgery I will be praying for peace. wisdom and strength for my family. I will be assisting Glenn to take over my responsibilities (bookkeeping, accounting, laundry and other great things!!!). I pray for peace for our sons Jody and Lael as any illness affecting their parents is difficult. Life is a "journey" and I trust God to walk by my side. He has provided so many friends that are walking faithfully with me.

I love each of you and pray your Faith is strengthen while walking this journey with me.

May the peace of God fill your hearts.

Love ,
Glenn & Joyce Kittle

Newest Update

Journal entry by Glenn Kittle — Dec 29, 2018

Dear Family & Friend,

We received excellent news yesterday. As of 12/26/18 (MRI scan), Joyce's brain cancer has NOT recurred!!! Per her Neuro-Oncologist this is exceptional news considering she is 10 months into treatment. God's mercy and grace continue to amaze us.

I think it would be appropriate to reflect on the following facts, which indicate her current condition is Miraculous:

Diagnosed with Stage 4 Giloblastomia cancer in March 2018.
Only 90-95% of the tumor was surgically removeable.
Genetic testing of tumor determined this tumor was the "wildfire" type. This is the fastest growing most malignant type of brain cancer.
Tumors typically recur within 6 months or less, even with aggressive treatment.
Average survival time is only 12 - 15 months.

Obviously God has other plans. We thank Him for your prayers and concern. We also praise Him for providing the clinical trial drug that is exceeding our doctor's expectations.

Our Journey in 2018 has been filled with awe, wonder, tears, fears and thankfulness. At the end we can only say blessed be God who is our Sustainer and Provider!!!

At this point Joyce will continue to receive monthly Nivo infusions (clinical trail). She finished her final Chemo treatment on 12/7. At this point her vision has continued to worsen. Her no left peripheral vision. We are hopeful she will regain some of her left vision now that the Chemo is complete and her brain "heals". The prognosis on her left provision is not promising.

As we Journey into 2019 we will continue to trust in God. We will listen for His voice and walk the path he has laid before us. As Paul said: "If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

Blessings on each of you!!!
Joyce & Glenn

Read More of the journal titled "Blessed New Year !!!"

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