A Testimony from Tish

Dear Sisters:

I’d like to share a testimony of God’s faithfulness to me over the past year.  Usually, when you have a testimony, a trial comes before.  I’m thankful that, as always, God was with me through the hard times, and all of the glory for the victory is due Him.

Last year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I went to the eye doctor for a routine exam. While there, they did a few tests, and it was determined that I was losing some peripheral vision. They sent me on to Cincinnati Eye Institute, who then sent me to a neurosurgeon at Mayfield Brain and Spine.

It was determined through MRI that I had a large tumor by my pituitary gland, laying on my optic nerves. The pituitary gland sits protected inside a bony compartment in the base of the skull called the sella.  My tumor was so large it was taking up the entire space in the sella, pressing on the optic nerves.  It would have to be removed surgically in hopes that my vision would be restored. In January, I was scheduled to have surgery on March 10, 2025, with two surgeons operating together – a neurosurgeon and an Ear, Nose & Throat surgeon.

As you can imagine, one of the things I struggled with was waiting two months to get into surgery.  Although the doctors believed the tumor was not cancerous, when you find out you have a foreign object in your body, you just want to get rid of it as soon as possible!  Not knowing for sure the aftermath of the surgery and its effects weighed heavily on my mind, especially since I am a caregiver for my Mom and an elderly gentleman, who rely on me for their daily living.  Thankfully, I have a wonderful husband, who helps me in all areas of life, AND I serve a God who has been faithful in meeting my needs for many years.

The surgery went very well, and they were able to remove the entire tumor – they said when they got into the sella, the tumor just fell off of the optic nerves.  A biopsy proved it was NOT cancerous, and as I awoke from the anesthesia, I could already tell my vision was better!

I spent two days/nights in the ICU, and although I was very sick and uncomfortable, by the time I was released to go home, I felt much better.  Friends loaned us a hospital bed, so I could sleep with my head elevated for the first month following surgery, and some wonderful friends and church family provided meals for my family during those weeks.

The surgery was so successful that I didn’t need follow-up medication or radiation, which were possibilities.  I am thankful that I know the Great Physician – the One who created our bodies – they are truly fearfully and wonderfully made!  (Psalm 139:14) Thank the Lord for His healing love and power.

I will have to have follow-up MRIs periodically over the next few years, but other than that, I have a clean bill of health.  You never know what you may have to face in life, but when God is your Father, you won’t face it alone. I will forever thank and praise God for His faithfulness, peace, and love – He’s walked through a lot of valleys with me! To God be the glory – great things He has done!

In His love,

Tisha Burdett Newland, Chair

OutPost Women’s Ministries