Wednesday, September 22, 2010

::Update on Dad::

A week ago Dad started having some symptoms that told us another lesion was growing.  We first noticed he was having trouble staying upright when walking.  For some reason he would naturally lean to the right and fall over if we didn't steady him.  It gradually grew worse and by last Thursday (a week ago) he was flat on his back in bed, unable to walk on his own.  Of course, Mom called his MS doctor that morning.  The doctor never ordered an MRI but he did order 5-day steroid infusions to be administered by a home health company as soon as possible.  That night Dad started vomiting each time he sat up or walked to the bathroom.  We also discovered that his double-vision had come back too. When Mom talked to an on-call physician they said it sounded like the lesion was growing at the bottom of the brain stem because a lesion in that location would cause all three of his current symptoms.  Needless to say, it wasn't until last Saturday that Dad got his first dose of steroids, making today his fifth and final day of treatment.   And thankfully, he is doing way better; he's able to walk on his own with only slight trouble, and the nausea and double vision are gone!  Thank you, Lord!! 

Each time that Dad has had a new lesion grow it's only progressed in severity.  This is the first time a lesion did not cause worse or more severe symptoms than the one before it!  In all actuality, this go-around wasn't anywhere near as hard as it has been in the past.  We're most definitely praising God for that victory. 

As far as overall treatment goes, Dad is supposed to start an MS drug sometime in the near future.  Right now we're in the process of getting things approved, etc.  We've prayed and prayed about it, and we continue to trust all things to the Lord.  He's the one responsible for opening doors that need to be opened and shutting those that need to be shut... So we're confident that if it's His will for Dad to take this drug then He'll make sure it happens!  If not, we know He'll prevent it.  Either way, God knows what's best and it's all in His hands.

Anyway, I thought I would type this update so everyone would know what's been going on.  Thank you to all of you who are praying.  As always, your prayers are greatly appreciated by our family. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

PRAISE THE LORD ALL THE EARTH. :)

6 comments:

Rachel Grace said...

Oh, Taylor, I'm praying. And I'm glad that your dad is doing a little better.
Many blessings,
Rachel Grace

Lindsay said...

Thanks so much for the update, Taylor! I'm so glad to hear that the steroids helped and that your dad is doing better! Praise the Lord!!!

~ Love, Hugs, & Prayers,
Lindsay <3

Anonymous said...

Taylor, We have been praying since we heard at church that your Dad was worse. So thankful that he is doing better. We continue to pray!Love you all, Susan

Allison said...

Hi Taylor!
sorry, I havent been blogging/looking at blogs for so long now... :)
So your sure now that your dad has MS?
I am still praying for you all, of course especially for your dad!
May God bless you so much for trusting in Him through this difficult time!
ttyl! ~Alli

Taylor said...

Hey Alli!
Because of the biopsy my dad had in July, the doctors feel pretty confident with the results that it is MS. Of course, there is always that small percentage that he could in fact have lymphoma (or something else for that matter!) At this point we're just placing all our trust in the Lord for treatment... because only He knows what is and isn't needed!

Thank you so much for your comment. It's always great to hear from you!! I hope you and your family are doing well. :)

--ttyl,
Taylor

Anonymous said...

Praying for your dad, My mom has ms.though not offically diagnosed.and in relapse due to being pregnant.
God bless.
Breanna