Prayer Request

From my Uncle Greg (dad's youngest brother):

"I started having some pain in my left hip a couple of weeks ago. I have had this before and attributed it to the sciatic nerve. This time, however, it didn't go away after a few days as usual but intensified, eventually causing loss of almost all leg function as well as bladder and bowel function issues. The chiropractor and doctor were both convinced that it was all caused by a ruptured disc, so I had an MRI last Friday to find which disc, etc. The Dr. was surprised to find not a ruptured disc, but a tumor in my spine. I got a copy of the report this morning which reads in part,

'There is a mass at L1-2 which appears to be intrathecal. Mass measures approximately 4.2 x 1.7 cm. This most likely represents an ependymoma. This nearly completely fills the canal from the bottom of L1 to the top of the L2-3 disc space.'

'Intrathecal' means in the spinal canal. Ependymoma is a type of tumor that appears in the brain when it occurs in childhood, but in the spinal column in adulthood. It is fairly rare and occurs most often after 40 and more often in men than in women. Normal treatment involves surgery, followed by radiation or chemo if necessary (if malignant). So basically this tumor is filling the whole spinal canal in the lower lumbar region, thus the nerve problems, pain, etc. I go to a neurosurgeon in Joplin, MO tomorrow - action after that is yet to be determined. Thanks for your prayers. God wasn't surprised with the result of the MRI. He is good and He has a plan. It's kind of cool to be able to be a part of whatever He is up to.

Greg"

His appointment with the neurosurgeon is today. Please pray with me.
Thanks.

Update: He is in surgery this afternoon. Pray!

Update, 08/01: E-mail from my grandmother:

"Greg had surgery Tuesday for an ependymoma tumor in the spinal canal, they had to cut off the lower part of the spine and "super-glue" it back on. It took 5-1/2 hrs., much less than the surgeon anticipated as she had thought it was wrapped around the nerves, but it all came out in one piece. Today they got the biopsy back & it was NOT malignant--another answer to prayer. She said there was no guarantee that he'd get back the use of his legs, but now seems hopeful. So THANK YOU for praying and please don't quit now. (:^) This evening he will be able to sit up part way for the first time.

"The same day we got the disappointing news that Wayland's [my grandpa's] cancer has spread to the bones. They recommend chemo & he sees the chemo oncologist the 11th. He has amazed the doctors for 13 years so we hope he will continue doing that. They are surprised that he has no pain. We know both he & Greg are in the hands of the Great Physician who 'doeth all things well.'"