Update: January and February

Hey everybody,

I realize it has been quite awhile since I have posted any updates on my health and all that jazz, so I think it is about time I do that.

Over the months of January and February we have visited both the Cleveland Clinic and UPMC (Univ. of Pitt Medical Center). There is a specialist we are now seeing in Pittsburgh who is a member of a foundation dedicated to the research of the types of tumors that I have. We have been down to Pittsburgh twice and will continue to see doctor down there as he is very intrigued by my case. We also visited the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion on the possibility of additional surgery.

Here are the recent developments:
1. My health has been on a steady incline over the past month as it seems that the radiation is finally wearing off. No more morning sickness, shaky hands, and constant nerve irritation as well as the welcomed return of my energy and appetite. There are still lingering effects, but nothing near to the degree that it was.
2. As confirmed by each doctor we've seen, surgery is a no go. At this point it is still to risky with the damage that radiation caused and with all the nerve endings down there. But this isn't a big deal to me right now in light of bullet number 1.
3. As of my latest January brain scan, whatever it was that the doctors had been worried about has cleared up... to the point of which my doctor in Pittsburgh called me a "puzzle, in a good way"
4. Due to the above change, he is investigating and researching some other possibilities to try to figure out what has been going on up there in that brain of mine (good luck, lot's of people have been stumped by what goes on up there). <--- Joke
5. Game Plan: Chill and continue to do P/T and head back to Pitt. with some new MRI scans in 3 months.

All of these developments have been incredibly encouraging. While I take them soberly understanding how quickly things can change, I am rejoicing in the partial restoration of health and the much needed energy. Thank you for your support, it has pulled me and my parents through some of the rougher stretches.

*** Also ***
For future reference, no news is good news from my front. I'll be sure to update the blog in the case of any substantial changes, but in the meantime it is my goal to begin blogging fairly regularly about lessons and challenges that God has put on my heart to share with everyone. Blogging is a very effective way for me to process things that I am learning and new ideas or concepts to me. So if your interested, journey over to my other blog! (http://itsmyjoy.blogspot.com) I'd love for you to read some of these thoughts and give feedback through comments if you are able. Feel free to add to my thoughts, bring up other implications or even challenge something because I guarantee that i'm never going to see every angle of an issue.

Clarity in a Complex Puzzle

As some of you know, over the past few weeks I have been to a few more Dr. appointments, but this time outside of Akron. I had one in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago and one yesterday at the Cleveland Clinic. I could ramble on and on about all the details about what was said at each appointment and how that compares or contrasts to other opinions and blah blah blah... but i'll spare you, and my fingers. After all, it seems as though my perception and understanding of my health is shifting with every new appt. So here is a summary of our most recent findings according to experts from the Cleveland Clinic and UPMC.

+ The tumor in my brain is not clearly progressing (growing) and there's doubt as to whether it has changed at all.
+ The dotted tumors up my spine aren't currently cause for alarm and aren't clearly progressing either.
+ The tumor in my lower back is presumed to be dying.
+ There could be a link between my tumors and a genetic issue present in extended family members.
+ Surgery on my lower back is still frowned upon and not ideal.

(Remember, All of this could change because both medical centers are still researching my tumor and all it's evil little nuances. Not to mention this is all based on my understanding of what the doctors said, which I mentioned before is always changing and rarely spot on.)

So it seems that suddenly, once again, the tide has changed. Once again it seems as though I can be a part of this process of healing. By eating with wisdom, taking care of my body, and counting on a large portion of God's grace, I'm back in the ring ready to go at it again. But please take this lesson i've learned to heart; Our health and physical well being is not promised to us on this earth and at any moment it could be taken away. While I'm excited at a potential improvement to my health, it's no longer an idol that I worship, and it shouldn't be one for you either. If my health or your health goes south, don't be surprised or angry with God because he promises blessings, but on a much deeper level. Over the next two weeks as the Clinic and UPMC review my case, my pathology and genetic information, everything could easily shift again; for better or worse. Pray for further strengthening of my spirit as my flesh seems to be really indecisive. Pray for the ministry I have through encountering so many doctors and nurses. But most importantly, pray that God would teach you these lessons i've learned through my journey so that you could be freed from idols that you are slaves to. It's liberating to live in a position where you don't count on your own plans for your life. I'm beginning to understand what it means to give to God our whole life, even the things we hold closest to us.

Thank you for your love and support, I really have been blown away by the generosity and support I've received from everyone in my life!
          
                    - Patrick