Nothing Can Separate: Battling Brain Cancer

By Paul Brug

This book is about a medical and spiritual battle against glioblastoma, a particularly vicious form of brain cancer. Often such books are written from the perspective of a long-term survivor to give patients hope . But long-term survival is not the usual outcome of a battle against this disease.
This book began as a blog named Nothing Can Separate. Through that blog Paul shared his battle with many people, and they strengthened and helped him and his family in the battle. In this book Paul expresses his hopes and fears, his joys and sorrows, but most of all his faith. Though Paul did not win the medical battle, by God’s grace, he won the spiritual battle. We hope this book with give strength and encouragement to others who are facing the same battle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781716817069

Book preview

Nothing Can Separate

Nothing in all creation [including brain cancer], will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8)

By Paul Brug

Description: Description: https://s3.amazonaws.com/CFSV2/obituaries/photos/7843/732788/5eb45feb8c846.jpg

Copyright 2018, 2019, 2020

By Paul and Jody Brug

ISBN: 9781716817069

Author’s Original Introduction to the Blog

September 2018

In August 2018, I was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Shortly after the diagnosis, I underwent brain surgery at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee and scheduled chemo and radiation therapy to begin in September.

In the hospital and between doctor visits, I found myself often reflecting on God’s grace and promises. I frequently wrote my thoughts out and posted them on social media, together with requests for prayers. Lots of people responded in many ways: encouraging comments, comfort from the Bible, cards, food for my family, gifts, offers to help, artwork … overwhelming and amazing. We are truly astounded and thankful to God for the support we have received and continue to receive.

At the same time, I also heard from many people that they appreciated the trust in God and focus on his promises in the posts. Some said they found them inspirational. Some even said they read and talked about them with their families. To me, that is frankly really surprising, because that wasn’t really my intention at all. I am fully aware that there is nothing better or special about me compared to anyone else (see On Being Strong), and if anyone found encouragement or inspiration in my words, God deserves all the credit for that, because his words were my strength and inspiration. But if this is one way God is using my struggle and my family’s time of trouble for good, I am thankful for that.

So I started this blog as a place to put those posts in a permanent place, and as a place for new posts to be more easily shared over different types of social media and communication. I think I might have a few more thoughts to share. And, yes, I will continue to ask for your prayers for me and my family here too.

If you or someone else is inspired, is brought closer to God, or grows in faith and trust in Jesus, I am thankful. And if not…well, writing down my thoughts has helped me to reflect on God’s goodness and has been very therapeutic for me. And this gives me a place to do that. I pray that it will be helpful for others too.

Description: Family Photo About the author: Paul Brug is thankful for his beloved wife Jody, and four children, who are in high school and college and beyond. He enjoys playing games, cards, sports, and music with them, as well as listening to music and cheering for the Steelers with them. He has served as a parish pastor and is a teacher of Bible studies and German at Shoreland Lutheran High School. He also coaches wrestling and is the chaplain for the football team. He is passionate about using sports as an opportunity to help young people grow in their relationship with God and learn how to live a life of love and service to God and others.

Preface by the Editor

Many books have been written by or about people who have battled glioblastoma, a particularly vicious form of brain cancer. Often these books are written from the perspective of a long-term survivor to give those who are battling this terrible disease hope that they can beat the heavy odds against them and enjoy many more years of life. But that is not the usual outcome of a battle against this disease.

Paul Brug, the author of this book, taught German and Religion and coached wrestling at Shoreland Lutheran High School. Paul did not receive the long extension of his life that he hoped for and battled for. His battle lasted less than two years. He was diagnosed on August 3, 2018. He died on April 20, 2020.

This book began as a blog named Nothing Can Separate. Through that blog Paul shared his battle with many people, and they strengthened and helped him and his family in the battle. In this book Paul expresses his hopes and fears, his joys and sorrows, but most of all his faith. Though Paul did not win the medical battle, by God’s grace he won the spiritual battle.

Though Paul’s battle is over now, we hope that preserving this journal will allow Paul to continue to provide help, encouragement, and inspiration to others who endure the same battle or similar battles. In preparing this edition I often thought of the definition of great writing: what oft was thought but n’er so well expressed. We hope that readers will find in Paul’s thoughts and feelings, their own thoughts and feeling, which they felt but did not know how to express. We hope that the actions that Paul and his family took during this battle will provide ideas that will help others in their own battles. How can we find joy in the midst of sorrow? How can we ask others for the help we need? How can family members, friends and colleagues provide help to those warriors fighting the battle? We hope that in all these ways Paul’s thoughts and words will continue to be a blessing.

The Enemy

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer. Its symptoms often appear suddenly, triggering a seizure or other symptoms. Glioblastoma can be very difficult to treat and a cure is often not possible. Treatments may slow progression of the cancer and reduce symptoms but rarely lead to long-term survival. However, this does happen in some cases, so those fighting the battle should not give up hope of a medical cure.

Confident in Christ

August 5, 2018

Description: Description: Confident in Christ

Many of you have heard by now that doctors found a tumor in my brain and are testing and consulting to decide how best to treat it. Thank you everyone for the prayers. I’m posting this on the wrestling page because last year our team followed the theme Confident in Christ. Reflecting on all that’s happening, it makes me realize how meaningful everything we talked about is:

I Know Who I Am: a dearly loved, forgiven, child of God.

Yup, still true. Some people might question God’s love when facing a brain tumor, but there’s no question. Jesus gave himself for me. God loves me. Nothing changes that, and I can trust him whatever happens.

I Know What I’m