Home Again

I am happy to report that Steve's dad is back home again after his stay at Hershey Medical Center and then Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital. Tests revealed a small cancerous tumor in his brain that caused the seizures. Medication stopped the seizures and a gamma-knife radiation treatment will be done in the near future to eradicate the tumor. It is too early to tell if there will be further repercussions and if the cancer is present in another part of his body. The kind of tumor that it was, indicates that it is a secondary tumor from another one somewhere else in his body. Body scans did not pick up any other tumors so we will have to wait and see if future tests reveal one. The seizures caused weakness in his left side very similar to stroke symptoms. However, he did very well in therapy and recovered a lot of the motor skills that he temporarily lost. His walking is still a little slow and he is prone to drifting to the left, but overall everyone is very pleased with his progress. 

Over the past two weeks, I have been amazed with the quiet faith and acceptance that both Mom and Dad have showed during this unexpected turn in their lives. Dad has been incredibly upbeat and has not had any signs of depression. Mom has been constantly by his side, doing what she can for him. It is difficult to say just how much this will change their lives, but I have the feeling they will have to adjust to a new normal. As I said before, life can change in an instant, but it is how we handle the obstacle that is thrown at us that makes all the difference. I appreciate the way Mom and Dad are just taking one day at a time and that they are willing to make the adjustments necessary to help them through this phase in their lives. We will see how the future unfolds, but I am thankful for their steadfast faith in Jesus and their love for each other that will carry them through whatever lies ahead.