Prayer Request for my twin sister, Jessica

Yesterday:

As most of you know, my twin Jessica has been going through different physical issues since this summer. We have been to every specialist in town, and finally seem to be on to something! Two weeks ago she had a 24 hour “urinary free cortisol level” analysis done (to test for her cortisol levels in her body). Every part of the test came back as “abnormal”. She is going to have an MRI scan done this morning. They first want to rule out any growth on her pituitary (pituitary adenoma), because of my history and the fact that we are identical twins. Pituitary adenomas often cause Cushing’s Syndrome (the overproduction of Cortisol), which is what her endocrinologist (hormone doctor) thinks that she has http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/cushings/cushings.htm.
After the MRI (which she will be put under for, due to her c.p. movement), she will be having an ultrasound of her stomach, which is very extended these days. The doctor is also planning to have her checked her for kidney stones and sleep apnea. POOR JESS! I know that she is so tired of all of this poking and prodding. Please pray that the doctors would be able to determine exactly what is going on in her body. Pray for her peace of mind, especially with the anesthesia. I see her health really deteriorating lately, and it does scare me. We were told that she wouldn’t live past the age of 20, so every year is truly a gift! She is a miracle girl, and we are claiming her health in Jesus’ name!!

Today:

My Mom received a call last night from Jessie’s endocrinologist with the results to the MRI that she had done yesterday. She does have a pituitary tumor. We don’t have too many details at this point (size, type etc), just that the doctor wants to send her to Mayo to have it removed. The doctor wants to do a few more test next week to cover all of the bases. I would imagine that within the next 2-3 weeks she will be having surgery. The ultrasound of her abdomen came back completely normal, thank you God! The doctor does want to check her lungs due to her labored breathing these days. Jessie seems to be taking the news pretty well…I gave her a little “pep talk” last night about how if I can do this, she can do this! When I said that we truly are identical, “down to the tumor” she cracked up….you have to show humor through situations like this! Mom wasn’t in the laughing mood…which I completely understand. Please pray for her too. She is our rock, but I know that her heart is tired. Her strength and faith are such an inspiration to everyone around her, especially her kids. I know that God has a purpose behind all of this, and that He will use it for the good. We are trusting that His will be done in Jessie’s life. She is our little sunbeam, and I know that God loves her so very much and will carry her through this. She’s in the best hands possible! I will keep you posted as to when the surgery will be. Thank you all for your continued prayers, they are such a gift to us!

Love to you all!

Liz


Psalm 145:13b-14
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.