Your Prayers have been Answered

I had my first follow-up appointment with the neuro-oncologist yesterday afternoon, and short of him telling me that the tumor had disappeared the news could not have been better.

• First, the results of the 1p/19q DNA test were a double deletion meaning that my tumor does not contain either of these markers. This is important because if I have to undergo Chemo or Radiation Therapy the absence of these markers means that my tumor will respond more favorably to the treatment.
• Second, based on my current response to the anti-seizure medication the doctor has decided to continue this course of treatment for now making modifications to my medicines over the next 3 weeks at which time I will follow up with another visit to be reevaluated. Currently I am experiencing one minor focal seizure a day. This consist of a mild tingling on the right side of my face for 30 seconds to 1 minute in length. Then every two to three days I have a slightly larger seizure that consists of tingling on the right side of my body and slurring of my speech. These typically last 2 to 3 minutes. The doctor’s goal is to completely eliminate these seizures through the use of anti-seizure medication. He is increasing the dose of my current anti-seizure drug (Levetiracetam) and adding another (Depakote).
• Third, the doctor feels that I am no longer benefiting from the use of the steroid. This drug is the one responsible for all the negative side effects I have been experiencing, so beginning today he has reduced my dosage to 1 mg a day and I will be able to discontinue its use next Tuesday.
  

I will be having weekly blood testing done each Tuesday for the next three weeks so that the doctor can see if the anti-seizure drugs are having any harmful effects on my liver or kidneys. On the last Tuesday, February 9th, I will also have an MRI of my head so the doctor can compare it to the ones taken while I was in the hospital. I will then have my next follow up on Monday the 15th of February.

As I have mentioned before, this journey that my family began so suddenly on December 18th is not the one we would have chosen, however God has been with us every step of the way. His blessings are clearly evident as you read about my journey through this blog. I am so thankful that He has such a great love for me and my family! I am also thankful for the continued love, prayers, and support of our church family, family both in Orlando and Louisiana, friends, and neighbors.

In closing I will leave you with a few prayer requests, but before we go to God with these request please join with me in praising and thanking Him for blessing my family so much during this difficult time and providing me with these incredibly favorable results. The request are as follows

• That the doctor will quickly find the correct mixture and doses of drugs that will eliminate the seizures with minimal or no negative side effects and allow me to get back to a normal routine.
• That my wife and son will continue to be able to focus on work and school, and their performance would not be negatively impacted by my medical condition and treatment.
• That I would learn the lessons that God desires to teach me through this situation.
• That those who hear about my journey and do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ would be drawn to Him through this testimony
  

I will send out another post sometime early next week.