Quick Update

Today we received the results of Mike's tests from last week. He and I talked last night about what we would do if once again, tests came back fine . . . . fortunately, or not, we didn't have to continue that conversation today. Mike's tests came back not so great. They showed signs of infection or possible cancer of the hypothalamus. He has to have another test to determine what is going on exactly with the hypothalamus. We are unsure of this timeline as of yet. Tests also confirmed that Mike's adrenals are not working at all. This means that the only substance his body is using is the steroids he is taking. Mike's adrenals have always been deficient, but now they are no longer working. Also off the charts is his testosterone level. Lack of testosterone makes Mike very tired and his nonworking adrenals make him all the more tired as well as feeling overall lousy - like he has the flu. He has trouble sleeping and his headaches have been intense lately. Here is how you can pray (as we are so very thankful you do):
1) pray that the steroids and testosterone work so Mike does not have to go on daily injections.
2) pray that Mike feels better and sleeps better :(:(
3) pray for the results of the upcoming tests that they may shed light on what is going on with his body.
4) pray that we continue to learn what God would have us glean from this long journey.

Blessings to you all,
Becka

more tests

Hi friends. Mike went to the endocrinologist yesterday and got the results of his blood work. His levels were all over the place and the endocrinologist put him back on his steroid gel as well as increasing his oral dose of steroids. You'll remember that the steroids are what most closely replaces Mike's body's natural hormone levels. The upside to this is that he may feel better. The downside is that we hoped we could lower the steroids as they have unwanted side effects. The endocrinologist is puzzled as to why Mike's levels are all over the place. It is possible this is a reaction of his body post surgery, but the endo has ordered more tests. She has likened his condition, and the way he feels, to PMS 24/7 . . . . there are so many comments here and it kills me to leave them alone . . . . but I will. Yes, I will.

Mike is headed to the Barrett Cancer Center Friday morning to have a blood test on his hypothalamus. The endo wants to see what this looks like as she is questioning what the trigger is to all of Mike's endocrine issues. It was thought that the pituitary tumor would solve the endocrine issues . . . but there was no tumor and the issues remain. Mike feels worse post surgery. The Cancer Center will look for cancer of the hypothalamus as well as infection or any other ailment that may be affecting this gland's workings which would in turn affect Mike's endocrine system. If I understand it correctly, the hypothalamus sends messages to the pituitary which sends messages to the adrenals - none of which are working well . . . but don't quote me on that.

Please pray for Mike Friday and for the results - we are hopeful that they will shed light on what's going on. Blessings and love to all who have stood by us and loved on us and have been long-suffering through these 3 long years.

here's what we know

Do ya like the new picture (and how about that photographer *cough cough*)? Mike hasn't shaved his beard since surgery (6 weeks ago), and I'm a big fan! His hair has indeed migrated to his face. We had a great time with my family in New England and I finished my first mini triathlon. It was so much fun, and now my friend is trying to talk me into the half marathon in Columbus . . . . the jury's still out on that one! Working out has benefitted me in so many ways through Mike's illness, and no matter how sick he was and how lonely he was at home, he always insisted I get to the gym for some stress relief. It has been such a release for me.

Six weeks out of surgery, Mike is healing well, but slower than most. We saw the ENT surgeon this week and he said the surgery sight looks good, but Mike is healing with greater side effects than others. He has had very little energy and is on his second sinus infection which only adds to the pain in his sinus area. :(:( He feels absolutely lousy right now, poor guy. The ENT said Mike needs another 2 - 4 weeks to be feeling better, but that all his postsurgical issues are normal. He also shared with us that the biopsy of the pituitary showed signs of infection or inflammation. This is in contrast to what the endocrinologist told us (what else is new?). We see the neurosurgeon, who took the biopsy, in two weeks and will get his take on the results. If the biopsy showed signs of infection, I'm not sure that will help us, it may just explain things. Mike had blood drawn this week to look at his endocrine levels. He sees the endocrinologist next week to get the results of those tests.

Here's what we know:
*Mike pituitary is not cancerous. It will need to be imaged frequently.
*Mike is healing slowly from surgery and needs another 2 - 4 weeks until he feels better.
*Mike still has headaches, something we were SO hopeful surgery would alleviate. Due to Mike's slow healing time, we are not ruling out the possibility that the headaches will be gone when he is healed up.
*Mike's been seizure free since March.
*We need to take one day at a time.
*We are loved by many and unconditionally loved by our Savior.

Keep praying for us, friends. We are thankful for so much and trying not to be discouraged by the headaches and slow healing.