Scared and Sevens

Hi, I’m Rachel, and many of you have reached out wondering what in the world has been going on with Brandon and our family! For many reasons we have kept the details close —thank you for giving us time and space to process.

We noticed a dramatic physical decline in Brandon in November. He was falling frequently, and in early February, he suffered a fall that sent him to the ER where they admitted him for head injury. After 10 days he was sent to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital to transition before coming home. But the facility was locked down, like all of the longterm type facilities in the nation, and we haven’t seen him face to face since March 13.

Those first few weeks were difficult. Everything was confusing, and we were scared.

Through March, we were not certain that Brandon was improving AT ALL. His treatment team ordered an MRI. I was convinced in my own worried heart and mind that Brandon’s disease was progressing and that this would be the ULTIMATE worst time for him to take a turn for the worst. But Brandon began to improve, and I was more confused than ever.

We met with his neuro-oncologist last Tuesday. She reported that not only were all of the areas of his brain and spine STABLE but they were remarkably improved in some areas, even showing no trace of ANY tumor activity at all! LITERALLY, night and day. Two different brains. Not to mention Brandon has had no treatment since the end of November. There couldn’t be any greater news❤️

There has never been a time when we’ve felt more under fire, more unsure of the future, and yet completely provided for in every way.

On February 7, 2020, I was scared out of my mind as we waited to be transferred from ICU to a regular room (10 years TO THE DAY that I was scared out of my mind for my husband who was headed into brain surgery). 

On February 7, 2020, they moved Brandon to the 7th floor into room 777. 

The number 7 is significant in the word of God—often the number of completion, perfection, healing, and wholeness—a seal. I wasn’t sure what all the “7s” meant. What I did feel confident about was the peace I experienced when I imagined Jesus walking every step ahead of us. 

Brandon’s brain and body are healing. But there are still many questions about how much of a recovery he will make and when we will see him again face to face. We value your prayers. I’m sure many of you are hearing from Brandon as he reaches out to connect. He needs all the support you can give him as he remains isolated. It’s hard YET we know this is God’s perfect (#7) work in his life and our family. Thank you for walking long journeys with us for many years. We are honored to seek hard after and glorify the risen Lord through our life story.