Pray for my friend

Life has been crazy busy, this last 2 months.  Easter Egg Hunt, Easter, Regional campus launch.  More on all that next week when life slows down.

Please pray for a friend and former colleague of mine from Azusa Pacific University.  Rod Cathey is the director of University Choir and Orchestra, a group I traveled with for a couple of years.  He is also the undergrad chair for the school of music as well as a wonderful teacher, friend, and man of God.  He challenged me to be and do the best I could with my gifts from God and I am truly grateful.

Below are posts from Scott's blog with more information. 

To keep updated you can go here:  http://prayforrodcathey.blogspot.com/

Update April 4, 7:15pm
from Joel Cathey:

"The neurosurgeon just spoke with us. He seems to think, judging from the MRI, that the tumor is localized. Meaning, it didn't come from somewhere else in his body. He also thinks it's a very slow-growing tumor. He told us that the more we wait for the swelling to go down, and the less seizing he has, the more successful an operation would be. He also said that since the tumor is located in the right hemisphere, there is less of a chance that his speech would be affected by surgery. He's going to meet with us again tomorrow afternoon to discuss the next plan of action. Right now, we have to just wait and try to keep my dad comfortable.

We REALLY appreciate your prayers and support, but we ask that only family would visit the hospital. We simply can't manage it, and my dad is not at the right point in time to have non-family visitors. Thanks."

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Update April 4th, 4:15pm
From Karin Cathey, Rod’s daughter-in-law:

“Rod is off the respirator, and is breathing on his own”

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Update, April 4, 12pm
from Michael at AddisonRd.com

There’s been some encouraging news. Rod woke up briefly, and was able to recognize his wife Sharon. A nurse asked him to lift one finger, then two fingers, and he was able to do it correctly on his right side, but not his left. He has been in and out of consciousness since, but the fact that he woke up and responded is a very positive indicator.

An MRI is scheduled for later today, and they will decided how to proceed based on the results of that test.

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Updates- April 4, morning

Yesterday evening (Tuesday, April 3rd), Rod Cathey had a massive seizure, lasting over 20 minutes. He was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance, where he continued to seize. They conducted an MRI at the hospital, and found a tumor in his brain, about 3cm across, close to the center of his right hemisphere. They had to intubate him upon arrival and haven't woken him up yet due to the high amount of pressure the tumor is putting on his brain. Once they get the swelling down, they'll be able to evaluate him further.

It's been requested that you don't call the family, as they are busy enough already.

Rod's son Joel wrote in an email: "I've been at home, trying to get rest while Ryan and Jenny are with my mom at the hospital. We're going to change shifts sometime this afternoon. I haven't heard from anyone at the hospital since about 3:00 am, but they were supposed to do an MRI this morning to determine what their options were for surgery. They know they're going to do an initial operation to analyze the tumor and/or figure out the best way to remove it.

That's all I'll know until later today. Please keep praying. I am aware that there are literally thousands of people across the country, praying for my dad. My family is so overwhelmed by the spiritual support. There is an enemy working, but God has the final say.

P.S. I know many people are asking about which hospital he's in. He's in Pomona Valley Hospital in intensive care. I'll let you know the moment he is able to have visitors, but no one will be able to see him for a while."

Comments

[Crystal Renaud]

continuing to pray for rod and his family.