I have been afraid to post this for fear that ithis horrible news might be true if I shared it... it is true and I need you all to know this.

I am here asking the CH family to pray for my son Scott. Scott is not a stranger to my friends and family here at CH.com and I know over the years he has been a member of the prayer list here.
For those of you that don't know Scott he is a Chief Warrant Officer in the Army and a Kiowa OH 58 Pilot.  He has served two tours in Iraq as well as tours in Korea as an interrogation interpretter.  He is the best guy.  The son I gave birth to at 17 a decorated hero and a wonderful husband and father to 3 great and adorable kids.

We had a wonderful month in July where the they were here and it was a Mother and Grand mother's dream come true... I just loved having them here.  

Well Scott went back in Aug and due to a throat issue went to the doctor and in a Ct Scan they incidentally noticed that Scott has a Brain tumor. He has had 2 MRIs that have told them that:
It is a meningioma, a non cancerous tumor (good thing) but, its location is the bad thing... He has this tumor in the worse place imaginable. It is taking up residence in his medulla and inhabits half of that space.  They made Scott wait 3 months to see if the tumor had grown and though it hasn't grown larger in that time frame.  He has been told by a panel of surgeons that it has to come out, or be radiated.  Problem with that is if they operate he will have no hearing on the right side and paralysis on his face and his eye will no longer close.  That is the least of the effects.  There are nerves surrounding the tumor and there is a chance he will die on the table.   If they radiate it he will have a chance of getting brain cancer from the radiation.  It is in the area of the bran that controlls breathing and heart rate.  If they leave it and it grows 2 mil... it could put him in a coma or worse then that kill him.

His career is over, the career that made him so happy but kept him from me for 15 years off and on.  He has lived in Okinawa, Cali, Hawaii, I am praying that they will give him the full medical and retirement that he deserves.  
Our dilema is to get him home to Mass... The surgeons in Hawaii have told him that if they think he can have the surgery there he has to have it there.  We all know that Mass General Hospital in Boston is the best Hospital as well as where our family and support for them would be...
He certainly doesn't deserve this... he has been the child that never ever gave me a bit of trouble in his life, he is a decorated Soldier one of his medals is for Honor and he won't even allow us to brag about that because that is just how he is.

Could you pray for Scott by name... and ask that he be allowed to have his treatment close to home, pray for his kids Matt Mike and Aya that they will know their Daddy and for Shino who loves him so.

This is killing me and I find I can't be alone with my thoughts for very long without losing it.

love you all
Ree

Just posted to you on Facebook!  Ree, you are in our thoughts and prayers.  I know you said he has to stay in Hawaii if they can operate, but is there any chance they would send him to Stanford, or even consult with Dr. Steinberg?  (he did DJ's surgeries)  A gentleman in the Army was diagnosed woth Moyamoya and the military wanted a "military" doctor to do the surgery.  After pressing the issue, he was able to go to Stanford and have surgery.  I would assume he has Tricare Insurance since he is active?


If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call or write!!!

Much love,
Steph

Ree,

There is nothing that I can say that hasn't gone through your mind a thousand times already. I believe that the collective power can be an awesome thing and I'm stepping up now to add what I can to the effort.

I remember when you and Dave first came here and your pride in your family. I remember you sharing what the boys were doing and where they were headed. I remember you always offering support and prayers.

We have your back. Watch us work.

Marc Kurth
Bastrop, TX

Thanks Stephanie... I was hoping someone would give us some ideas and though one of the Radiation Docs came from Stanford and I know that they have a few techniques there.  That may be an option also...

thanks for the prayer and thoughts... I haven't been able to post because I felt like I was keeping something from everyone here... I'm so glad I finally shared this here.  

love to you Ree

Oh Ree,

We two have been through the ringer haven't we?  Our parents, and now you with your son.  Sometimes the trials of life seem so confusing.

My heart goes out to you and Dave, to Scott and his wife and children.  I don't pray, you know that, but we've talked before on the pwers of all good energy raised and how it all adds together.  With yours and Scotts permission I'll send all I have.


All Blessings of love and light to you and yours Ree.

Pegg

Ree,
I am so sorry that this is happening to you and your family.  I agree with Steph though, push the issue, get the Army to provide the best care that your son can have.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.

Carolyn

If it helps at all, my auntie had a brain tumor which she had removed and everything turned out great.  That was 15 years ago.  The technology is absolutely amazing now and it is a blessing it exists.

My prayers to Scott and to you for strength.

love,
mel

Ree,
Miracles happen! I've seen one myself! Your faith is soo strong and your heart is soo kind..it's gotta count for something!
Steph has an excellent idea! Having had zero experience in the military, I don't know how one goes about getting the best of the best, so, between DJ and Steph, and Cat.......I'm hoping you get what you need.
In the meantime, all I have is streaming your way, mother to mother, for Scott's complete return to full health.
I'd make you a cup of tea and offer you a shoulder if I could......
Please keep us posted.

:-/Cathi

If you and Dave need anything, im right down the street!

Prayers going up!

Ray

Ree sorry about Scott....if he is made of the same stuff you are he will be just fine." I know he is "

I would push for the best doctors call DJ and talk to him.

Scott and all of you will be in my "things for God to do book". Every prayer list I am a member of. You know how much vibes and prayers can do from this site.

Love ya

Ree, I don't think I count as a "family member," but given the situation, I really wanted to add my prayers.   START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGESTART PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

I know too many people facing brain cancer - and though this isn't that, the choices seem even more difficult.  My heart goes out to Scott and to your whole family.  

Laurie

a candle is being lit @ this very moment for Scott and his entire family..............................................the power of the positive in this family is an amazing force..................................................
deb/from long island

      Welcome home Scott.  Prayers from Montana

              Potter

Saying them now.  And I'll keep saying them till you tell me he's ok.

Having your kid in this kind of trouble kill you.  Be strong for him and his family.  Be strong for yourself.

[smiley=hug.gif]

-Dennis-

Although there's not much I can offer, Ree, I do hope that this will be resolved for the better, and send you the very best that I can.

And thank you, Scott, for your service.

Best wishes,

George

Ree, I will offer up every single mass of mine until this is all over and you and Scott can relax.

Stanford is an amazing idea Ree.  I hope you have someone there that can do the leg-work for you as I know you can probably barely function right now.

My prayers are with you.
 

Prayers to you and your family Ree!

I can only imagine how numb you are feeling right now but you are strong and will make it thru.

Tell Scott that he has lots of people keeping him and his family in our thoughts.

I wish the best for all of you.

All my thoughts, prayers and positive energy are being sent your way Ree.  I'll look into things and see what I can come up with, but Steph has an excellent idea about Stanford.  The military has to pay for Scott to be sent to his home of record if they are going to give him a medical discharge, and I've fought with Tricare before, so I know they can be made to do things much differently than what the docs and military say 'have to be done';  

Hang in there my friend, hang on to us, lean on us, our strength is here for you to take.

Give Tim the Turtle a hug from me, and know that I send the same in return to you and the whole family.

Cat

I;m sorry Ree, God bless Scott and family

Mrs Deej wrote on Nov 16^th, 2008 at 6:54pm:

I know you said he has to stay in Hawaii if they can operate, but is there any chance they would send him to Stanford, or even consult with Dr. Steinberg?  (he did DJ's surgeries)  A gentleman in the Army was diagnosed woth Moyamoya and the military wanted a "military" doctor to do the surgery.  After pressing the issue, he was able to go to Stanford and have surgery.  I would assume he has Tricare Insurance since he is active? If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call or write!!! Much love, Steph

Ree, if you can talk to the doctor(s), and press them to send him to Stanford, then please do! I know what it is like to deal with the VA, but if you press the issue, they may go for it.

You and Scott and your family will be in our thoughts.  [smiley=hug.gif]

Please keep us posted.

All my thoughts and prayers for you and your family,esp. SCOTT.....Please thank him for his service's.....with much sadness :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(.....Lenny

[smiley=hug.gif] :'(

I was hoping no news was good news..... I hadn't heard anything since you were beginning all of this and was so hoping that meant everything was ok. I am so very sorry. My prayers are with you and your whole family through this difficult time.

Charlotte

Ree,
   I am so sorry that this is happening to Scott and your family.He has given so much for our country and the whole family has given up time with him.He will be put on the prayer list at my church and prayed for by me.
 You said "due to a throat issue Scott went to the doctor and in a Ct Scan they incidentally noticed that Scott has a Brain tumor" .To me the fact that this Brain tumor was incidentally thankully noticed now rather than later means Gods working on it in his own time.
         All my Love to You,Dave,Scott and the entire family,
                Minnie
                     Minnie

Ree, my prayers are that God bless your wonderful family and returns Scott to his healthy self.

Sending prayers and vibes to Scott and your entire family.

Hugs  [smiley=hug.gif]

Jen

 From one soldier to another all the vibes and prayers I have to Scott and his family.  Please call the fmla coirrdinator in Hawaii they can help if you have problems there please pm me I will try what ever I can to help.
       Phil

Ree, I know the feeling of what you are going through.  When my son was 1 1/2 years old he had a brain tumor and we had signed the consent forms for brain surgery, had him shaved and preped and ready to go under for the sugery to remove it.  We had many prayers going up for our son at the time.  They did one more MRI right before they cut to make sure the tumor hadn't gotten bigger or shifted and to get exact location of where to cut and came back and told us it was gone!  They couldn't find it.  It just disapeared by the grace of God!  He is a prayer answering God and a miricle working God.  We will be praying for Scott amd your family daily until you say otherwise.  I will have him added to our church prayer chain also.  All our love.  

Ree, I know this is a heavy weight for you to bear. All we can do is what the others have suggested and are doing and that is pray. I will be lifting him up tonight.

Thanks all what positive friends you all are and I am sorry I didn't run to you all three months ago when we firs got the news... I am going to write an email to Scott I know he is trying to get a second opinion from Mass General I don't know if Stanford offers the same kind of free second opinion for brain tumors...

I am waiting to hear from him but glad to know that there are a few soldiers out there that know their stuff too.

Thanks again All I love each and everyone of you and Laurie too (everyone is family here)
Be well and know that I appreciate your thoughts your words and your support.
Ree, Dave and our never a dull moment family...

I'll be thinking, praying an vibing.

I know you're going through a lot but maybe there are miracles.

[smiley=hug.gif]    

Charlie

My biggest Vibes going up to you nana Ree Ree
Mast

Quote:

he is trying to get a second opinion from Mass General...

I hope a more favorable option can be decided for Scott.  A time for second and third opinions.  

Ree,

I'm so sorry to hear these news about Scott... Prayers are on their way as I type.  [smiley=hug.gif]

Brain tumors are known too well in my own family as well; both my father and my uncle passed away because of them, so I do know a bit about how you, Scott and the whole family must be feeling at the moment.

If there is anything I can do to help... Let me know.

Praying for the best,
Sanna

You're in my prayers...

Hugs BD

Ree,
My prayers are with Scott.....with you all.
We will continue to pray for a positive outcome.
Bless you all.

Much Love,
Jackie

Ree,

I'm so sorry to hear about Scott. Sending everything I've got to your family. I'll be hoping and wishing for positive news from you here.

Love Em
xx

Ree, all our prayers are with Scott and all the family.

 B&A [smiley=hug.gif]

Our prayers for the best outcome possible.

Send as much prayers as I could muster last night. While trying to keep it togther for everyone please remember to take care of yourself and (try to) get some rest. I find a rested body is much more effective in evoking miracles.....

You got mine too, for all of you.

Prayers going up for Scott and your entire family as well.

Jeannie

I cannot find the right words to offer any comfort, but I can send you love and light for you and Scott

Love and light for you both

Tanya
:'(

Ree,

Please check your email.  I talked with Stanford this morning.

Ree,

You, Dave, Scott, and his family are in my prayers.  I'll be passing this along to my church as well.  The folks there are awesome about taking on other folks needs for prayer.  PLEASE don't feel you can't share this stuff with us!  That is what this family is for!  Scott has been in my prayers for several years now, and I don't plan to quit.

Jerry

Karla wrote on Nov 16^th, 2008 at 10:25pm:

Ree, I know the feeling of what you are going through.  When my son was 1 1/2 years old he had a brain tumor and we had signed the consent forms for brain surgery, had him shaved and preped and ready to go under for the sugery to remove it.  We had many prayers going up for our son at the time.  They did one more MRI right before they cut to make sure the tumor hadn't gotten bigger or shifted and to get exact location of where to cut and came back and told us it was gone!  They couldn't find it.  It just disapeared by the grace of God!  He is a prayer answering God and a miricle working God.  We will be praying for Scott amd your family daily until you say otherwise.  I will have him added to our church prayer chain also.  All our love.

Amen and Amen!  Ree, it's just one more time of placing a child  
into the hands of a capable and loving Father.

From one military Mom to another, praying for you all.

Kimberly

Ree,

If by some chance he ends up at Rochester Mayo, he has a room here with a computer for the asking and a ride to the hospital from Minneapolis. We have it set up for foreign exchange students.

Hugs, Roland.

All I got Ree...all I got.

I am so sorry to hear about this stressful situation. I pray that everything will workout fine.

It's so heartbreaking and frustrating to learn that a loved one is suffering or in danger. It prompts us to reach in deeply and offer our sincerest hope that everything will soon be better.

Try to find comfort in knowing that many positive thoughts are coming your way.

with warm regards,
Tony

Hugs to you Ree

thank you for coming to this family and sharing

Please tell Scott thank you first of all for serving us all. And next, tell him that many of us remember him well through your stories, and we're not going anywhere. We're here for the duration.

My prayers, vibes, thoughts and well wishes are there with you, Scott, and your entire family.

hugs,
EDNA

Dearest Ree,

I will place you, Scott, his wife and children names on our Prayer list at Church.

I will also continue to keep you all uplifted in Prayers. Keep your head up Sweetie.. I know that it's not easy, but always remember, God Can and God Will.

Peace & Blessings
Ruthie

Any updates Ree? I'm devastated for you. If there is anything I can do, anything at all you only have to say. I can imagine how helpless you feel, I know how helpless I feel wanting to help you.. you're so very loved here and it's so hard being so far away from people you love, we know how that feels too (((HUG)))

Whatever you need, we'll find a way to make it happen. Just say

lots of love
Helen xxx

Ree, I'm sending a lot of love and prayers your way.  I haven't been here much, and it breaks my heart to read about your situation.  Please know we love you and we will help you in every way possible.

-Shawn

Thank you all for your thoughtful loving posts.  I am getting to feel a little more positive about the treatment that is out there for Scott in the lower 48 States.  He has been told that there are about 9 docs in MA that have done the surgery he needs.  They have other options as well.  He wrote to the Army to request that he be able to go outside of Hawaii for the surgery or treatment...

Pray they let him come home... I'll keep you posted...

Love to you all and thanks for all the PMs and help outside as well.

We are so lucky to be a part of a family that genuinely cares!

Ree

Prayers going up, Ree!  [smiley=engel017.gif]