Updates & Mayo: Round 2
Hi there!, it’s been awhile and time for more updates.
Thank you for being patient.
The first big update is I’ve recovered well enough from the surgery and the stitches have been removed as of Friday, the 2nd. I commented to the nurse who removed said stitches that this was my first time having stitches removed as I’d never had them before.
The second big update is that I’m back on short term disability until June 23, 2023 from my IT job and then will probably go back on short-term again while I wait for the VA to make their decision regarding my claim.
Regarding the VA-like I said, there have been no updates. However, in the meantime, I’ve reached out to a congressional representative’s office at the behest of a friend and fellow parishioner at All Saints to try and help speed things along.
Speaking of All Saints, I was recently given a blessing by our diocese’s provincial bishop, Prince Singh on May 28th, when he visited for Pentecost and also for the retirement of our deacon, Francis Berghuis. It was wonderful meeting him, hearing him speak to the vestry, preach, and getting a blessing from him as I continue to go down the discernment path of ordination. God willing-that will still happen.
And yes, I wore a knit hat because the stitches had not been removed yet.
I want to take a moment to pause and say thank you, thank you and thank you again to everyone who has sent me messages of love, support and prayers up to and including text messages, facebook messages, instagram messages to calls to letters in the mail, which are my personal favorite, of encouragement and that you all are either keeping in your prayers and or have been praying for me. It means the world to me, and I can feel your love and support is every day. I wouldn’t be here without your love and support.
I also want to take another moment to say I love you to my wonderful wife, Marcy. You’ve gone through more in the last 9 months than most people do in 9 years. Marcy also planned a fantastic 41st birthday for me, where we went to Obstacle No 1 in Holland, met up with her sister and brother-in-law and just had a relaxing wonderful time. I love you so much and while I’m sorry you’ve had to endure this-there is no one else I’d rather have by my side than you.
Also, before I forget-this has affected Marcy and I so much that we want no one to ever have to go through this like we did. That is why I signed up for 2 research studies which are done through the Mayo Clinic. The first consisted of a collection of csf (cerebral spinal fluid) done via spinal tap right after I went under anesthesia prior to the surgery, which allows the researchers to identify genetic markers to figure out how this disease suddenly appears. The second consisted of a spit kit that arrived after I completed a consent form from the Mayo Clinic, which essentially does the same thing as the first. They’re able to analyze my saliva looking for the genetic markers that make this particular cancer appear. Marcy’s and I’s thought was, if we can help others-let’s do it. The nice thing is there is also no additional cost for either one.
So what are the next steps?
I fly out to the Mayo Clinic again before the 16th, where I’ll be having my official 2nd treatment which consists of an IV which takes roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour to empty and followed by 3 injections. Details will come later about that.
Lastly, if you are able to donate and help me to continue fighting this fight, please prayerfully consider making a donation. If you’re not able to-that is totally okay. If you are, I greatly appreciate it in advance.
Here is the link, which is also on my Instagram and Facebook profiles.
https://gofund.me/d12fabd8
Thank you all again for all you’ve done.
Blessings to everyone.
