Britton Redline

UPDATED May 3, 2008

On April 10th, Britton sang at the Western District Association vocal competitions in Minot, ND. He did well. It was interesting to note that he was scheduled to sing at 11:37 a.m. This was the exact six month anniversary of his surgery, October 10th at 11:35 a.m. at Mayo. I thought for him to even be able to sing was amazing, but to compete was awesome, WOW! How far he has come.
(The week of April 21st, Britton found out that he scored a “1”, which is one level below star. Star qualifiers went on to State competition. This was an excellent score.)

In the meantime, Britton is preparing to take lifeguard training at the YMCA and then work there when he is done. He is continuing to work with a trainer 4 X/week and two of those days he is in the pool building his stamina in preparation for the class in the end of May. He needs to earn some money to help pay for summer camp. He’ll be going to Camp Tomahawk, TN, to help with the pre-teen camp and then travel to Pinecrest, MO. When he arrives back home, high school tennis starts with two tough weeks of pre season training and then games begin in the end of August. He’ll join his friends back at Mandan High School in the fall and is excited about that.
Last evening was the Passover and Britton attended as an observer. He took notes on the service and had some questions about it when we got home.

He has completed one portion of his training at Sylvan Learning center and will test at the end of this week. His focus after that will only be on Math and he will be done by the end of May. We are all looking forward to him being finished so we can focus on summer!!!
We continue to need your prayers for the many subtle aspects of Britton’s continuing need for total healing, including the pituitary gland.

Visual fields continue to be a challenge that can be seen only by those who are with him on a fairly regular basis. It shows when he is unable to discern two objects of the same color in the distance. This has improved a great deal over the past six months but the optic nerves need to continue to heal for this challenge to completely disappear. He is able to drive and is very capable at it. He’ll finally get to finish Driver’s Ed this summer and is, of course, very excited about that.

Progress continues to be steady and is seen sometimes daily and other times weekly. We rejoice in the gift of God’s hand in Britton’s life. We know this trial has changed us all, we have yet to see how much.

May God bless and keep you all. Thank you, so very much, for your continued prayers for us for they have helped carry us through the darkest time in our lives. We are grateful to you all.

In Christian love,

Ralph, Pam and Britton Redline

UPDATED February 6, 2008

Saturday, February 02, 2008

WOW! What a week. Britton is feeling much better. His bronchitis is now just an occasional cough.

Three days ago, at speech therapy, Britton was re-evaluated to see what progress has been made in his life. The first time he was evaluated was just three weeks after coming home from Mayo, around the first week of November. His memory and his mental alertness were very challenged because the surgery had been so recent. Acute fatigue, mentally and physically, as well as vision problems were all contributing factors. The results of the evaluation on January 31 were very exciting. Britton only has a couple of areas where he is not completely up to speed and that continues to be his short term memory and quick reaction time (hand/eye coordination and speed). His accuracy is very good but his reaction time is just a bit tardy. Because the tumor had grown aggressively over the past year, these have been an issue for some time. It is normal to recover in the manner Britton is recovering so these areas will continue to progress in a positive manner. We are all encouraged by this. The therapist feels that Britton will be discharged from speech therapy earlier than originally planned. He will then do some home program follow up and just check in with her periodically.

His strength and stamina have also increased dramatically. He is now able to workout every day and, although he gets tired, he is very committed to his protocol and never complains about the need to strengthen and build his cardiovascular endurance. He has gained flexibility in his joints that he has not had in some time and is excited about his improving health.
A blood test this week revealed that we can lower his thyroid medicine as one other medication. This is also very exciting as it shows his body not only healing, but stabilizing. His doctor believes that, if he continues to show improvement with his thyroid, he may be off the medication completely by the summer! The blood test also revealed that two liver enzymes that have tested high over the last four months are now in normal ranges. This is all very good information!! Yipeee!
These events (I do mean events) were celebrated in the Redline home in a big way. Britton is showing so much maturity in his faith toward God. He has such a strong heart for God’s way and, when he directly sees God’s hand, as with all of us, he is so greatly encouraged to stay the course. He knows, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that God’s fingerprints are all over this.

Thank you, all, over and over again, for your dedicated prayers on our behalf. We are SO GRATEFUL!!!

With Christian love,

The Redlines

UPDATED February 2, 2008

We asked Dr. Kraljek if he was able to see the pituitary gland in the MRI. We wanted to know, of course, if it was there and if there is any possibility it is functioning. Dr. Kraljek told me the following, “The only way to tell is from the outward signs of recovery seen in the patient. No picture can tell that story.” To know the level of function can only be determined over time as Britton continues to heal. This means that Britton’s pituitary gland should have some level of function!! We can only know as time passes. This is TRULY good news.
On the 23rd, Britton had another trip to the optometrist to have his vision checked. As it turns out, the doctor said, “I only have good news!” His right eye is 20/20, his left is 20/50. That is totally amazing and wonderful news. His visual acuity also shows great improvement.

Upon returning to high school (10th grade) on the 14th, Britton contracted viral bronchitis. He has been out of school since the 18th. This is so frustrating for him. Because of all he has been through, his immune system is still compromised. Besides, schools are a strong breeding ground for every kind of “bug” that is going around anyway.

We called the school and explained our wish to have him home schooled the remainder of the semester but we need a tutor for the classes he is missing. (This is a law for those of you who do not know that.) The school agreed to have him tutored in Spanish. He is also taking band and concert choir. I also contacted the band and choir instructors to see if he can still be in the concerts even if he is not physically sitting in class. The band teacher said he can, however, Britton will have to meet with him a few days prior to the concert in order for the teacher to make sure Britton is “up to speed”. Britton is taking lessons in both band and singing so this should help keep him current. The choir teacher and I have not been able to make contact yet.

Thank you all for your continued prayers on behalf of all of us. This trial has been very taxing and, at times, draining. But, knowing you all are there, taking us into the throne room of God, really does make a HUGE difference. Praise God again! And again!! And again!!!

UPDATED December 14, 2007

From Pam Redline:

Great news! This week, Dr. Kraljek, Britton's neurosurgeon approved Britton returning to band next semester at high school. He is in the tenth grade. He plays trombone in the concert band and did play in jazz band last year. He plans to return to choir class and to Spanish as well. We'll resume Math, Language, and History/Geography in home schooling also. He is very excited to get back into school. We plan to monitor him so he isn't trying to do too much too soon but to be certain he eases himself back into classes so he doesn't wear himself out. Thank you for your prayers regarding this.

Also, today the physical therapist said she is getting ready to discharge Britton as early as next week. He will then exercise on his own with the program she will give him. He will need to check in with her every 4 weeks for re-evaluation and upgrade to his program. Speech and occupational therapy continues to work with him and with Sylvan learning center to prepare him for his return to school. He finishes testing this coming Tuesday and then a plan for the next semester will be put in place.

He saw the eye doctor this week. His vision has improved a lot! His doctor said he was "very encouraged" at the progress Britton has made. Because the tumor had pressed on his optic nerve, the vision in his left eye was down to 20/1000. When he tested on Wednesday, it had improved to 20/100. The right eye is 20/25 at this time. This is very good news!! He'll re-test Britton about every 4-6 weeks to monitor his healing. This has frustrated Britton a bit because he can't get new lenses until his eyes stabilize but he had 20/20 vision before all this happened so it could be a while until he reaches some level of stability. Thank you for your prayers for that.

He has not been napping as much as his energy is really coming back strong. There has been muscle fatigue and some stiffness because of exercising so much. He's been sleeping or in a hospital bed for about 6 weeks prior to starting all of this rehabilitation so his muscles are weak and de-conditioned. All of these improvements have Britton very encouraged. Though he gets down once in a while because he wants to be healed immediately, he knows that God's dramatic will is being fulfilled in his life as he learns more about his Creator through the need to wait on Him.

UPDATED November 17, 2007

Date: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
From: Pam Redline

We just returned from follow up appointments at Mayo Clinic. Britton is progressing very well. His eyesight is singular most of the time, becoming double only when he gets tired. Single vision is more the norm now rather than the double vision. That is a great improvement His short and recent memory are both returning as well though he does still have some gaps. When we remind him of an event or person, he can now put the pieces together more easily.

He continues to sleep quite a bit but is waking up voluntarily and is responding more quickly when we wake him. If he has had a long day of therapy, the next day he will need more sleep. This is, of course, to be expected for a while yet.

The radiologist told us that there are residual tumor cells present and that Britton will need radiation to totally get rid of them. Of course, we had him anointed immediately and we are praying that the next MRI (January) will show no cells at all. If Britton needs radiation, it will be six weeks long. We are investigating all of this as Dr. Myer said he would not need radiation but the radiologist says differently. Not sure of what all this means or what it entails.

The endocrinologist checked Britton as did the rehabilitative medicine department head (OT, PT, ST) because they had last seen Britton right after he was hospitalized for meningitis. He obviously has come quite a ways. I have thought about all of you and your love and prayers for us and want you to know that we cannot make it through this without you.

From Herb Teitgen:
The Redlines want to thank all of you for the outpouring of cards and phone calls and e-mails and of course your prayers. Britton reads each card to his parents and it is so encouraging to receive them and to reflect on the love and concern behind them.

        Ralph & Pam & Britton Redline
        707 6th Avenue NW
        Mandan, ND 58554-2402

UPDATED November 2, 2007

Today, (November 1) Britton finally was able to begin therapy. His home IV therapy had to be finished before the insurance company would let him start outpatient therapy. Though Ralph and I don’t feel he will need a lot of therapy, we feel it is a vital part of healing because these professionals know how to find the gaps in learning and in physical ability, and progress through those to a more complete and whole healing. It also takes a load off of us because they find and address any gaps Britton will need to fully recover.

Pam Redline

707 6th Avenue NW
Mandan, ND 58554-2402

October 22, 2007

Dear friends:

Pam Redline called yesterday (Saturday) and mentioned that Britton has asceptic meningitis and that he has been placed on IV with antibiotics. His condition is such that with consultation with the neurosurgeon he could be released from the hospital in Rochester to return back home to Mandan, North Dakota with the IV to continually provide the medication needed. Britton is doing better and is more coherent and brighter. We are hoping for the best and it looks like it's going that way!

Dear friends,

I wish I had more encouraging news to report, but Britton's situation has taken a negative turn.

I received a call from Pam late last night and she was concerned that symptoms that appeared Wednesday indicated that Britton had contracted meningitis. She was devasted over this and I prayed with her for healing for Britton. Steve Myers was on his way over to anoint Britton again.

Ralph gave me a call this morning and confirmed that Britton has developed cerebral meningitis. Blood was present in some of the spinal fluid. The shunt, that was installed early on to prevent cranial pressure on the brain from escalating again, is now presenting additional complications because the brain fluids are able to be sent to the lower part of the body.

Strong antibiotics were administered to Britton while further tests are done to determine exactly what is causing the meningitis. Thankfully Britton is not having the headaches and other painful symptoms that he experienced last night and is resting and in good spirits. Pam and Ralph are of course stressed out and discouraged over this development on what was to be the final day in the hospital at the Mayo facility in Rochester. It has been an emotional roller coaster.

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges. The most common cause of meningitis is viral, and often runs its course within a few days. Bacterial meningitis is the second most frequent type and can be serious and life-threatening. Numerous microorganisms may cause bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and has a high mortality rate if untreated. Thankfully, Britton was right there at the hospital to receive immediate attention.

Staphylococci and gram-negative bacilli are common infective agents in patients who have just had a neurosurgical procedure. Again, the choice of antibiotic depends on local patterns of infection.

Please pray for rapid healing and recovery for Britton, for the right diagnosis and selection of antibiotics and other meds, for the restoration of Britton's pituitary and hormone outputs and for encouragement for the whole family.

Thanks for your loving concern

Herb Teitgen

Thank you all for your continuous, and much needed prayers.

Britton has had a rough 40 or so hours. Since his brain has suffered trauma he is going through what is called "storming". Between the steroid meds and the trauma, he has been hallucinating and has been very, very restless. Steve and Kathe were up this evening and Britton was anointed. Britton would calm, then, for short periods, but he would not rest. Since I took the first shift, from 10p.m. to 3 a.m., I watched Britton go through some challenges. At times I would have to restrain him because he pulled off his blood pressure cuff and he pulled out an IV because of his restlessness, this "storming".

His vision in both eyes is challenged now because of the irritation on the optic nerve, the fatigue from not sleeping since surgery, and the hallucinations. At 12:30 I became so tired, I had to sleep. That is not a problem because the nurse only had Britton to care for so he stayed in the room with Britton while I stretched out in a recliner - also in the room - and I slept. Britton seemed to really get restless at this point. He kept trying to get up out of bed but the nurse always calmed him.

When I awoke at 2:00, Britton continued to be restless but at 2:25, I prayed God would calm Britton before Ralph got there at 3:00 a.m. Ralph had been there during the day and he was so sad and so tired that I did not want him to see Britton without any progression. Britton seemed to begin calming at the time I prayed. He actually laid still and quiet for 10 minutes. Then, he stirred a little, but not like he had been. I continued to time the periods between rest and restlessness and they had, indeed, become longer. He managed to settle more when I took hold of both of his hands and continued to assure him I was there. When I first tried that he was intermittent with his desire to be held onto or not.

When I left he was a bit more agitated but not like he had been.'

The good news is as follows:

He has no more monitors on him.
He is getting walked as much as possible and doing very well at it.
He is sitting up to eat.
He may be moved to a regular room today.
When the storming stops, he will sleep. That is good because then he can really begin to heal.

Please continue your prayers for his pituitary gland, and all the other functions of his body that were affected by this incident. The staff are trying to find the right dosages of medication for Britton and that can be a challenge.

Thanks again, for your continued prayers.

Love,

The Redlines

Hello everyone,

I talked with Britton's mom Pam today and she related that Britton was experiencing some anxiety and distress. Another MRI was performed and did not show any abnormalities. The surgeon figured out that the steroids that had been administered were causing some side effects. Britton had also been on powerful pain killers and those caused some strange mental effects. These have been modified or changed and that should help.

But Britton will be kept in ICU for several more days for monitoring before being placed in a regular room.

His eye functioning including the tracking ability is still not back to normal. The neurosurgeon’s assistant (also a neurosurgeon) stated that the cranial nerves that control his eye responses were irritated by the surgery but, neither he, nor Dr. Myer, thought the nerves to be damaged and that Britton’s eye control (in both eyes) will recover over time (within the next few months).
Because the tumor was on the pituitary gland, this hindered the production of certain vital hormones, so Pituitary function remains a concern. Britton was put on a drug to control his ADH. This is a hormone that regulates the drinking and voiding sensations. The drug is being administered on an "as needed" basis which is good. This is to help him regulate his hormones and see if the hormones will begin to produce on their own. In the meantime, all necessary hormones will provided through drugs so no further harm comes to Britton.

Your continued prayers for a peaceful and positive state of mind for Britton and Ralph and Pam and for complete healing and restoration are appreciated and are being heard by our great and merciful God.

Please have a special and rejuvenating Sabbath.

PS: Pam redline informed me that a web page at Mayo Clinic has been set up for Britton. It can be accessed at

As you know I spoke with Bev this morning and she can pass on to you that the tumor is benign and we head to Mayo next week. (My heart's desire is that we could wait until after the Feast to begin treatment but we don't him harmed by any delays.)

From Herb Teitgen, pastor, Fargo/Bismarck, ND; Winnipeg, MB:

Ralph and Pam Redline request your prayers for Britton, their teenage son. They all attend in Bismarck. After a series of critical and yet timely events, it was discovered that Britton had a tumor blocking the pressure equalization mechanism in his brain.

Unbeknown to everyone, it had reached a near death condition, doctors said. Surgery was performed last Friday to equalize the pressure and he is doing well right now. A permanent stent will be installed in the brain today (Tuesday) and a biopsy of the tumor will be taken.

At the end of this week Britton will be taken to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for a series of radiation treatments based on biopsy results. Follow-up MRI scans will be needed for some time. Your prayers for healing and guidance in all the diagnoses and procedures are greatly appreciated. This is obviously affecting their plans for attending the Feast. Instead of attending in Lancaster, hopefully they will be able to go to the Dells for at least part of the Feast.

707 6th Avenue NW
Mandan, ND 58554-2402

I am requesting your prayers for Britton Redline, teen son of Ralph and Pam Redline. He had been feeling lethargic and had some nausea for several days. I anointed him on Trumpets. He continued to feel poorly and was checked out at a clinic the next day. He was found to be dehydrated and was taken to the hospital and put on an IV. Britton began feeling very agitated just before they were going to release him.

A CT scan was done and it revealed that Britton had a brain tumor of some kind. An MRI was performed and it was determined that abnormal pressure was building in the brain-cranial cavity. Britton underwent surgery Friday evening to insert a tube to equalize the pressure in the brain. The brain tumor was blocking the brain pressure equalizing function. A biopsy of the tumor was taken to evaluate if the tumor was malignant or not. At this point, the surgeon is anticipating using radiation to shrink and neutralize the tumor.

I just talked with Pam Redline this Sabbath morning. Britton was awakening from the surgery anesthetic and demonstrating normal brain functioning and talking in a normal way. The pressure had affected his eyes and caused them to bulge out shortly before the operation. His eyes and eyelids look much normal now. The tube that equalizes the pressure in the brain will have to remain there for some time as he undergoes follow-up procedures to shrink the tumor.

Please pray for his healing and restoration to good health and for an accurate diagnosis and accurate and effective choice of treatment options by the medial personnel. Please pray for peace of mind and encouragement for Britton and Pam and Ralph as well.

        Ralph & Pam & Britton Redline
        707 6th Avenue NW
        Mandan, ND 58554-2402