Update

Super tired, so not sure how cohesive this will be, but I know an update is in order, and there are ways you can pray for us and ways you can praise with us. Let's start with the praises, shall we? Sunday, Mike took some old records to a music show and our hope was $500 as this is what is left for our out of pocket expenses for him, and I have yet to receive the bill from last hospital stay. I have no doubt that bill will fulfill the last out of pocket we will owe. We were disappointed when we walked out with $350, but it was $350 that we didn't have. Sunday night, some of our dear Young Life "kids" we worked with in NH, gave us $500. How sweet is God? We needed $500 and ended up with $850! Additionally, another month's mortgage was provided for us. I've said it before, but I must say it again, IT IS BY GOD'S GRACE WE STILL HAVE OUR HOUSE. You know what else has astounded us? Those who have "little" - who work hard and have to watch every penny - have given the most. It's amazing to us the huge amount of giving some have truly sacrificed (and we are well aware it has been a sacrifice) to encourage our hearts and allow us to keep our house. I cry every time I think about our friends giving on our behalf, and what they have given up for us - it's overwhelming. How do we begin to thank you??? Mike remains seizure free. YES!!!! SEIZURE FREE!!!!!! He is off one seizure med and has started to wean off another just today. It is with a grateful heart that I type these words, but I am cautiously optimistic as Mike has gone over 90 days, and we are not close to that. I have lived for so long waiting for the other shoe to drop, I must live cautiously optimistic - it's too hard to get my hopes up and have them crushed - just being honest. This weekend we also had friends "rent" space in our garage. This is a praise, because our flexible spending account for medical expenses is tapped out, and we don't have prescriptions or copays budgeted for. The "rented" space will help us pay for these monthly expenses. I'd love to stop here, b/c we have so much to be thankful for - so much to praise Him for . . . . there are ways you can pray for us as well, however.

Praises and Prayers:

Since Mike was in the hospital four weeks ago, his temperature has been over 102 degrees daily (with breaks in the fever here and there) and he has continued to feel weak, have no energy, have intense headaches, have GI issues and just generally feel awful. He went back to the hospital last week as he woke with a horrible headache and loss of sight in the left eye. His endocrinologist ordered an emergency MRI of the pituitary tumor (as the pituitary sits behind the eyes) to make sure it wasn't bleeding. After spending ALL day in the ER waiting for the MRI, Mike was given the wrong MRI - yep, no pituitary MRI - general brain MRI. The ER dr came in and said, "Good news, your brain looks clear!" Ummmm, excuse me? The pituitary looks good? No tumor? He answered with a resounding "YES!". Mike and I drove home dumbfounded and a call to the endocrinologist confirmed the next day that the MRI was not of the pituitary. Guess who's having another MRI next Friday of the pituitary? AHHHHHH! Mike specifically asked if the MRI was of the pituitary when he went down for the test. He was assured it was. Incompetence!!! From the results of NEXT Friday's test, the decision will be made as to whether Mike will see a neurosurgeon. Mike has also been referred by his primary care and endocrinologist to see an infectious disease dr. He sees this dr Wednesday. We are also waiting to hear from the NIH as to whether they will take him. We are unimpressed with the endocrine care Mike is receiving, and we are seeking another opinion if the NIH does not take him. Prayers are appreciated that we might find someone who will get to the bottom of the endocrine issues. Phew! I think that's all!
Sleep well tonight, friends. Know the Durkees love you and are thankful for ALL you do to love on us.