It's been a long time since I've gone to the doctor's office and received any good news; however, yesterday was the day. After a series of five brain surgeries, 26 sessions of radiation, and one stereotactic radial surgery, I finally received some good news while visiting Dr. Sawyer. Ma, ma, my schwannomma (sorry couldn't avoid that reference) hasn't grown since my radial surgery. That tumor, which is now attached to my brain stem and has cost me use of my right eye, had been growing at an alarming rate and if left unattended, would eventually have taken my life.
Now I know that there is still a long road ahead in this battle against a tumor that has always been a part of me, but at least for now, it isn't growing. I have a ten-week hiatus before another MRI to check on the tumor's status. This doesn't mean that people should stop praying for me or keeping me in their thoughts, it just means that you'll get to enjoy a more carefree Tony for a while.
Yesterday was also the day that I received one of the most thoughtful and unexpected gifts of my lifetime. My Aunt Helen is Uncle Tom's wife. They are both retired and around 80 years old. They have always lived in California during my life, so my opportunities to see them have always been limited. Frankly, I never knew how much I've always been on their minds. Uncle Tom was the chief of staff at a hospital in San Diego, so he is well aware of my medical struggle and has told my mom how proud she should be of the fight I've made against my brain tumors.
When I opened the gift box, a beautiful quilt lay inside with a card explaining its significance. It was made by the Prayer Quilt Ministry in Chula Vista, California. Each knot on the quilt represents a prayer that was said specifically for me. The strings of the knots were left long so that I could have other people who have prayed for me add a knot to the quilt. That chance came quickly because the NCAA championship game was last night, so my friends John, Lenny, and Elizabeth added knots.
The quilt came with a card that said the following:
You are not alone. For each knot in this quilt a prayer was said just for you. When this quilt is around you, you know that God is also wrapping His arms around you to give you courage, strength, and His everlasting love.
Until my brain problems started, I had never really felt the power of prayer in my life. But during the process of all these surgeries, I could literally feel the prayers and see how people from the east coast to the west coast, even people visiting the Holy Land were praying for me. I've witnessed my illness bringing a brother and sister together again; having an entire school stop to pray for me; and getting people that I've fallen out of touch with to contact me out of the blue. In short, my illness has shown me how much I'm loved by those around me. Their tears and words have shown me how much I've touched each of their lives. I'm not thankful for the tumors, but I am thankful for the opportunity to feel the love of the people who have been such a part of my life.
Thank you, I also love you!
Until my brain problems started, I had never really felt the power of prayer in my life. But during the process of all these surgeries, I could literally feel the prayers and see how people from the east coast to the west coast, even people visiting the Holy Land were praying for me. I've witnessed my illness bringing a brother and sister together again; having an entire school stop to pray for me; and getting people that I've fallen out of touch with to contact me out of the blue. In short, my illness has shown me how much I'm loved by those around me. Their tears and words have shown me how much I've touched each of their lives. I'm not thankful for the tumors, but I am thankful for the opportunity to feel the love of the people who have been such a part of my life.
Thank you, I also love you!
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