Fund for Heidi Lund

About two years ago, my sister Heidi began having these episodes. She described it as “losing time”…unable to find words and unable to make sense of what was going on for several minutes at a time. She spoke with her doctor about this, who assured her that they were panic attacks. Heidi had another one of her episodes last Friday; except this time it was while she was driving with Brian over Snoqualmie Pass, and it lasted the majority of the trip. She was not able to tell Brian what was happening. They made it about half way down Brian’s parent’s driveway in Cle Elum when she began having a seizure. Thank God she made it off I-90. While being transported by ambulance to the hospital in Ellensburg, she continued having seizures and had to be intubated. She wasn’t at Kittitas Valley Regional Hospital for long before they transferred her to Virginia Mason in Seattle.

In the days since, we have learned that what we thought were panic attacks were actually a type of seizure, and that the seizures were brought on by what is believed to be a primary low-grade glioma in her left frontal lobe. A brain tumor. Heidi was taken in for an operation to biopsy the tumor yesterday, and it went smoothly. The initial impression of the neurosurgeon and pathologist is that the tissue is abnormal (a tumor), but that it does not appear to be the aggressive, fast growing form of brain tumor. Thank you Jesus. We will get the full pathological results in about a week, at which point they will also recommend treatment options. But we are told it will likely involve some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Heidi has been amazing throughout all of this. While everything is still so raw, she has more or less met the news with an attitude of “at least now we know.” She has shown extraordinary courage and—of course—a great sense of humor. For those of you who know Brian, it will not surprise you to know that he has not left her side and has showered her with relentless kisses, snuggles, and encouragement. It makes all of this a little more manageable when you see how much he adores her and the way they both just instinctively lean into each other for comfort and support. As a family, we have resolved to stand in faith and to entirely resist fear. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and for reaching out to Heidi and Brian the last few days…I can tell you that it has made an enormous difference and that they are overwhelmed with gratitude. We’ll post more information as things evolve. Much love!