“Henry” – my personal meningioma
No, that’s not a Rorschach graphic, nor a weird science fiction drawing. That’s a printout from my latest MRI and the white mass below my right eye is “Henry.” I chose the name because I don’t like spelling out or explaining “meningioma”, a most-often-benign tumor on the covering of the brain, but as it grows, it presses into the brain.
Henry’s unapproved residency was discovered after some minor symptoms. Due to his location, my age, and the minor symptoms, both my neurologist and neurosurgeon suggested watch/wait. Unless Henry grew, there was no need to be concerned. Yes, I believed them, and we were able to live together for several years. Now, however, Henry is sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.
Thinking about getting rid of Henry made me think of scripture:
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. (Matthew 12:43-45 KJV)
Sometimes that happens to meningiomas, too. If not all of the tumor is removed, regrowth can occur. Just as the sin we’ve put out of our lives can return if we allow emptiness to remain.
Jesus’ parable doesn’t mention filling that empty place. However, I believe if were filled with scripture, prayer, Christian fellowship, there would be no empty placed “garnished” for unclean spirits (sinfulness) to move in.
I have it on good authority that when Henry is evicted, my neurosurgeon intends to leave no scraps behind. My brain will eventually fill the empty space, with some (hopefully) pressure released. What is required now is time for a few more tests – giving me time to request specific prayers for successful treatment.
I appreciate your prayers.
