When my parents (who live in southwest Louisiana, where I grew up) were told of my condition on December 18th they began trying to get a flight out to be with me. They could not find any flights out of Houston that day, but when one of my cousins heard about this she was able to get them on a flight that night. She and her husband also then took the time to drive my parents to the airport, thank you so very much for all that you did for them in such a difficult time. I also understand that when my extended family and friends learned about my condition many of them generously gave money to my parents to help with this unexpected and expensive trip. Thanks for all the love that each of you have shown to me and my family during this time. Also I wanted to thank my parents for coming to Orlando to be with me and staying for Christmas since the plan was originally for my family to be in Louisiana. I enjoyed our time together even under the unusual circumstances. I also want to thank my wife's grandparents who are allowing me to stay with them during the day because I can not stay by myself. Without them, my wife would have to make alternative work plans in order to stay home with me.
Back to the update - the doctor discussed my medications with me and then examined the biopsy area determining that the staples could be removed! I now have no further need of his services which is very good news. My next appointment will be with my neuro-oncologist on January 21. He will have the results of my 1p/19q test and we will be setting up a treatment plan at that time. In the meantime I have a few prayer requests.
- That the 1p and 19q markers are not present in my tumor - double deleted is what the doctor calls it
- That the medication will continue to control my seizures. Currently I am having 2 or 3 focal seizures a day. These consist of tingling and numbness on the right side of my face and down my right arm usually accompanied by slurry speech.
- That I could get more that four hours of sleep a day. This is a side affect of one of the medications, but the good news is the doctor told me today that I could use an over-the-counter sleep aid. Pray that this will help.
- That my short-term disability insurance would be approved soon.
- That my son would be able to focus on school and continue to do well academically (he returned from Christmas break today)
- That my wife won't get tired of taxiing us around since I can't drive, and that she will be able to perform her job well with all this new responsibility she has at home.
