Excellent Report

Thank you for being so patient with us as it has taken us a while to give an update on Jonathan’s health condition. There is a lot to share, so here we go.

Since we left the hospital in mid-June, Jonathan has continued to recover very well. Slowly, he has begun to resume normal activities -from work to playtime with the kids 🙂 In the meantime we have visited each of his doctors for follow up appointments. The first one was the doctor treating the bone infection. About three weeks ago Jonathan finished his course of strong antibiotics and the doctor felt confident that the infection should be resolved. On July 11, Jonathan had the MRI that had been originally scheduled as the follow up for the brain tumor resection. The MRI came back “clean”, meaning no visible signs of tumor or infection. The doctor was clear to say that only a massive infection would show, but so far no other problems had presented in the area of infection. So we take that as confirmation that infection is indeed gone. Thankful.

Next, we have blood clots. God directed us to a great internist that has been monitoring this issue along with Jonathan’s general health. Every week o two she reviews his blood levels and adjusts his medication as needed. He is still in blood thinners but this past Friday the doctor said she won’t check his levels until next month when they will also perform an ultrasound of his arm to see if the clots have dissapeared. The doctor is hoping to discontinue blood thinners soon after that. So, we can say that there is great improvement in this area also.

The other big issue we are dealing with is the DRESS syndrome. Last month the Dermatologist told us that she would continue to check Jonathan’s internal organs every month until his levels were back to normal. Back then, she was expecting to “release” him in December. Well, we went for a check up yesterday and as she entered the office to meet us, she told us with a big smile that Jonathan’s levels are completely back to normal and that she won’t see us again -unless we needed her, because she does not expect the reaction to recurr. She explained that it may take up to six weeks for Jonathan’s body to completely recover from this, but that seems like nothing after hearing that most likely DRESS syndrome is also gone. Today, Jonathan is officially off steroids. That is another incredible gift from God.

As we see things right now, the next steps are to make sure that the blood clots are dissolved, to discuss with neurology doctors a replacement for Jonathan’s piece of skull, and to fervently pray that tumor will never come back. The next MRI is scheduled for October, please join us in prayer that it will show no tumor at all. We depend on Him.

With thankful hearts we continue to put our trust in the One that is sovereing above all things. He is the source of our joy, our confidence, our strength, and our hope.

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-2.