Pastor Adam's Medical Updates
Thursday, July 29
Redeemer Family,
This is our 8th update to share as we have walked this journey of a tumor, surgery, pneumonia, and more. In the previous 7 updates, some have been celebratory and others have shared our struggles and concerns. What I want to share today are the prayer requests that I have seen answered…
God has undoubtedly been glorified in this process (isn’t He always when we fully rely on him?). The peace, comfort, and hope of Christ have filled our hearts. My wife, children, and family have all benefited from your prayers. We have had countless opportunities to share the gospel along the way. My surgery was a success! The meningioma was removed, and in a less complicated manner than we had originally expected. The tumor was benign! My incision has healed nicely. My swelling is almost completely gone. My lungs are strong. I haven’t had a fever in nearly two weeks. My o2 levels are right where they should be. I’m sleeping through the night. I’m no longer taking steroids. I’m regaining my strength. And more!
Every day, I reflect on all that we’ve walked THROUGH (Isaiah 43:1-2) over the last two months, and my heart swells with gratitude. God has been so good to us. Put me on a mountaintop and let me shout praises to the Lord! I’m so thankful for all this process has included, including the most difficult days, as those are the days that I have felt closest to the Lord. I wouldn’t trade those days for anything.
All that to say, beloved friends, this 8th update will be our final one. I’ve been in the office this week and have loved reconnecting with our staff. My first priority is to catch up with the daily operations of the church. Then, I look forward to preaching again! I love you very much and could never thank you enough for all your prayers. I look forward to seeing you and worshipping with you.
With love and gratitude,
Adam Barnett
Thursday, June 21
Hello, Redeemer Family!
Last week was unexpected, to say the least! After fighting a fever for days, I had a CT scan on both my head and lungs. My surgeon in Dallas said everything in my brain scan looked normal, but doctors at SFH did not say the same about my lungs. After testing negative for 26 viruses, I was diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia. After a few days in the hospital, I’m now home without a fever, and my oxygen levels have been right where they need to be, praise the Lord!
Even though we knew there could be complications following surgery, we still hoped for this process to be smooth and uneventful. When things don’t go our way and according to our plans, it gives us the opportunity to trust in the sovereignty of God. I know many of you are walking through something that feels like a setback. I pray for your joy, strength, and peace as you trust your situation into the Lord’s hands.
I love and miss you, and look forward to seeing you soon!
Adam
Thursday, June 15
Redeemer Family,
For the last few days, Adam has been fighting a fever. After CT Scans on Adam’s brain and lungs, he was admitted to Saint Francis Hospital. First, doctors were concerned about an infection in Adam’s skull and were discerning whether or not another surgery was necessary. Adam’s scans were sent to Dr. Barnett at UTSW and brain surgery was not recommended as scans showed normal post-op appearances.
Adam is now fighting an uncommon respiratory infection that could be the result of immune suppression from his 45 days on steroids. Adam’s doctor, along with an infectious disease doctor and a neurosurgeon, are all working hard to figure out what infection Adam is fighting. Without being on oxygen, Adam’s blood/oxygen level dips into the low 80’s. This is a significant concern.
Please join the Barnett family in prayer that answers would be found and they would know exactly how to treat Adam moving forward. Pray for his lungs to strengthen. The Barnett family is very thankful for your prayers.
Thursday, June 8
Redeemer Family,
I’ll begin with the best news: my pathology report came back and my tumor is benign! This has been one of our most frequent prayers since first starting this journey. To God be the glory! I can’t tell you what a relief this news has been for our family.
While cancerous cells were not detected, my tumor was classified as “Grade 2” based on “brain invasion” (sounds a little bit like a late-night alien movie on TNT). Basically, due to the size of the tumor and the real estate it occupied in my skull, doctors will keep an eye on me through MRI surveillance. In the event that this ever returns, we want to catch it early.
I got my staples removed — there were 37 of them. It was painless. Another huge praise is that I’m no longer taking a steroid called dexamethasone. I was on this medication for 45 days, resulting in what I would consider severe muscular myopathy. My legs are slowly regaining strength, but the side effects of the steroid have been frustrating and disheartening. Please pray that my body would bounce back from this medication and that I would have strength and energy again.
As I complete this update, I’m reminded of Philippians 1:3-5 — I thank my God every time I think of you! I always pray with joy, whenever I pray for you all, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Brothers and sisters, I’m so grateful for you. Your partnership with the vision, mission, and ministries of Redeemer brings me such joy. To God be the glory for the testimonies that He is shaping in each one of us, and in our church!
With love and gratitude,
Adam Barnett
Thursday, June 1
Redeemer Family,
One week ago today, I was waking up in ICU in pretty rough shape. The 3:00am CT Scan, followed by a full-body antibacterial bath on a cold table, are not fond memories. It is an experience I will not forget, but not because of the discomfort and pain. I won’t forget it because God, as He has been at each step in this process, was so close to me.
Later that night, in between physical, occupational, and speech therapy testing, I enjoyed some BBQ turkey and green beans. My doctor came by to tell me how pleased he was with the surgery. I think we exchanged a “look” — he was proud of me, and I was sure proud of him. At 6:00am the next morning, his team came by and said, “You’re going home.” Less than 48 hours post-surgery, we were on the road to Tulsa.
Today, on my 40th birthday, I’m managing pain and swelling from the comfort of my own home. What better birthday gift can a man ask for? I’m watching my kids play. I’ve just whipped my parents in dominoes. OU Softball and the NBA Playoffs are on TV. We have cookies stacked 2-feet high in the kitchen from neighbors and friends. The bruising has been a problem all over but is slowly subsiding. Except for my right eye… it needs a little extra TLC, but ice is helping. I’m having some chest congestion, perhaps from a long surgery with a breathing tube. Please pray that this can be managed and that my lungs would loosen up (especially at night).
Here are two awesome testimonies I wanted to share from our time at UTSW:
First, one week before surgery, I had another MRI in Tulsa (with contrast). Then, the day before surgery, another CT Scan in Dallas. After looking at these additional scans, Dr. Barnett determined that he could perform my craniotomy on the right side of my skull (the original plan was in the middle of my forehead). Had he done so in the middle, it would have required additional reconstructive work on my sinuses. By going in on the right side, none of this reconstructive work was required, which has made my recovery less complicated. Additionally, this made my incision half, yes… half, of what it was originally supposed to be. Lord willing, I get my staples out June 6th. I’m excited to see how many I’ve had holding me together! To God be the glory for this last-second change to my surgery.
Second, the last nurse who cared for me is from India. She and her family prayerfully and financially support a church plant in a very secluded and persecuted area. Andrea and I have been to India, so we had much to talk about with this nurse. We saw videos and photos of their church “in action” in a very dangerous place to preach the gospel. For her protection, I’ll avoid posting her name, but I invite you all to stop and pray for a small, yet powerful gathering of the saints in India who are spreading the gospel today, no matter what it might cost them. Oh, to have their courage in the face of adversity. May the Lord watch over them and carry them forward in their mission.
On behalf of our entire family, thank you for your love, prayers, and support. We continue to see Isaiah 43:1-2 at work in our lives, and we pray the same for you!
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
With love and gratitude,
Adam Barnett
Thursday May, 25
It’s with complete joy and praise that we share a post-surgery update about Adam. On Wednesday, May 24th, Dr. Barnett was able to completely remove the meningioma tumor. Everything went smoothly and better than expected.
Adam will be in the hospital for a few more nights and will stay in Dallas until early next week. Thank you for all the prayers before, during, and after surgery. We have felt completely covered and genuinely cared for during this difficult season.
We appreciate your continued prayers as Adam rests and recovers here in Dallas and at home next month. We have already seen God use this testimony for His glory, and we expect Him to continue doing so!
Thank you,
Andrea Barnett
Thursday May, 18
Beloved Redeemer Family,
To say that Andrea and I have felt your love, prayers, and support would be an understatement. It has been humbling to experience the Body of Christ as we have these past few weeks. We are grateful for our church family! God has been so near to us, constantly filling us with peace, hope, and comfort. Also, I’ve been amazed at how Scripture, song lyrics, and every day conversations can be felt and experienced so differently through the lens of a brain tumor. This situation is certainly growing and stretching our family in tremendous ways!
Last week, we shared a list of specific prayer requests. We would be most grateful if you would continue to pray specifically through that list. One of our prayers has been the following:
For opportunities to share Christ’s love with others.
I want to share a story with you. Last week, I met a man who shared with me that his brother has been diagnosed with cancer. After talking about the sadness and fear that follows a diagnosis like this, I got to share my situation with him. He expressed genuine concern for me, just as I had for his brother. While he claimed to be a “non-spiritual person,” he was very open to my offer to pray to Jesus on behalf of his brother. By the end of our conversation, he told me that he wanted to pray for me, too, and that he believes my surgery will be a successful one. I watched a man who was closed off to God admit that prayer might be real and effective. With a smile on my face and a wink in my eye, I told him my preference would be if he prayed to Jesus on my behalf. He smiled back at me and we parted ways. This opportunity to share about Jesus is an answer to prayer! These are moments that make this journey totally worth it.
We will spend all day Tuesday at UTSW for pre-surgery appointments. Surgery is scheduled to begin on Wednesday sometime in the noon hour, and is expected to last 5-6 hours. My parents will be present with Andrea until Friday, and my in-laws will bring our kids to Dallas for the weekend. We are not sure at this point when we will be discharged from the hospital and get to come home, but we are mentally and logistically prepared for the road to recovery! My doctor has required 4 weeks of medical leave to heal. Come week five, I’ll be back to mountain-biking, rock-climbing, and marathon-training (just kidding). Recovery will be all about pace, and I’ve promised my wife, family, and our staff that I will not overdue it in recovery.
I’m so thankful for and proud of the Redeemer staff and all they have planned for this summer. Please do stay connected this summer, regardless where your families, hobbies, and travels take you. Don’t forget our amazing online platform, streaming services, and sermon archives — they are all available for your convenience on those weekends that you’re away. Lastly, enjoy this summer’s journey through Genesis. I pray it is an enriching study for you!
Please pray for us next Wednesday, May 24th during surgery!
The Buzz should include an update the following day (Thursday, May 25th).
Andrea and I love you more than you’ll ever know.
To God be the glory, always!
Adam
Thursday, May 11
As you have possibly heard, Adam Barnett has recently been diagnosed with a meningioma tumor that is positioned near the frontal lobe of his brain. Because it is large in size and causing swelling on Adam’s brain, he is scheduled to have it removed on Wednesday, May 24th at UTSW in Dallas, TX. Adam is expected to require a lengthy healing process following a rather invasive surgery. As many continue to reach out with questions and concerns, this page has been created to offer updates to our church family regarding Adam’s surgery and recovery.
The Redeemer staff has a great plan in place as we walk into our summer months of ministry and programming. Our Leadership Team has been active and supportive of Adam and his family as they logistically prepare for this process.
Here are a few specific prayer requests that Adam and Andrea gratefully welcome:
For God to be glorified in each step of this process.
For the peace, comfort, and hope of Christ to fill our hearts.
For Andrea, the Barnett children, and extended family.
For opportunities to share Christ’s love with others.
For a successful surgery with no complications.
For the full removal of the meningioma.
For safety from potential post-surgery risks.
For the tumor to be confirmed benign after biopsy.
For Dr. Samuel Barnett (neurosurgeon) and his medical staff.
Many have inquired about sending cards. Please send those to the church offices:
Redeemer Church
Attn: Adam Barnett
5415 E. 101st Street
Tulsa, OK 74137
The Barnett family loves you deeply and thanks you for your love, prayers, and support at this time.
