Neuro Psyche Exam

This past Friday, I spent around three and a half hours in the hospital, but this time I was assessed by a neuro psyche doctor. The focus of the visit was to test my ability to read and word finding since my brain was effected when I had brain surgery. The tests involved repeating numbers, letters, and reading. It wasn’t difficult because I have been living with these challenges for the past six months. Once I was done with the test, the doctor told me that I have moderate problems with word recall and reading. The most interesting thing that I learned during this time was that different parts of the brain run eye site and another part runs one’s ability to write. Since the part of my brain that is involved with writing was not damaged I can still write even though my reading is very slow. I read approximately two short sentences in a minute, but I can still write you blogs :) The doctor is confident that my brain will continue to regain my reading and word recognition skills. In addition, I will receive therapy to help me improve.

While my reading isn’t the best right now, I am still very thankful that God has given me the ability to recover from the stem cell transplant with as much energy as I have right now. I can actually run up the stairs right now which is something new.

Nathan

Guardedly Excited

I received the results today about my CT and MRI scans from last Wednesday. It was good news to hear the results. My doctor went over my scans explaining how all the remaining tumor cells in my chest, abdomen and brain seem to be necrotic. She explained to me how they look dead and have not gotten any bigger and even better some have decreased in size. Additionally, the fungal area in my right lung has decreased in size. My blood work also came back at a similar level as I have had since leaving the hospital.

While I received a lot of good news, the CT scan did reveal three tiny lesions in my liver. The doctors felt that it is not something to be alarmed about but needs to be watched. My next visit with my doctors will be in a month and my next scans will be in three months.

From the medical standpoint my main doctor feels that I am doing very well. But, I believe there is more to healing than just medical treatment, so I would still appreciate prayer. I am going to continue to pray that cancer cells will not flair up, the lesions in my liver don’t cause problems, and my blood cell levels continue to increase. I also need to remain free from infections, viruses and fungi as I am still recovering from my stem cell transplant.

Love,
Nathan

Scans Tomarrow

I am still feeling great and my blood counts are still looking ok, but not up to the normal level yet. Tomorrow is a big day for me. I will be going to the hospital to get CT scans and MRI scans. This is the first exam I have had since being out of the hospital, and it is a bit scary for me. I pray that there is no new growth within my body. That would be a wonderful gift from God!

I have had a number of friends ask me what I do during my days living at home. Well when I wake up I eat breakfast and then usually spend some time praying. After that I often clean out the dishwasher and then load it back up. In the afternoon I often read with the hope of improving my reading ability since by brain surgery. I also watch a movie every once in a while and I have been painting at our church as we are redoing the inside. I also spend some time in town to use the wireless internet. I also spend some time during the afternoon to walk and am really looking forward to warmer weather. Even though I am not going to school or have a job, I am still able to enjoy my days which I am thankful for.

Take care,
Nathan