August 20, 2010

Medical Update

My MRI on August 17 revealed that portions my tumor continues to grow at a steady rate.  There are two growing portions - one on the top and one on the bottom of the tumor - and the Carboplatin chemotherapy doesn't seem to be having any effect.

The wonderful doctors at the National Institutes of Health caught this early, and have discontinued chemotherapy.  I am now deeper into the trial - taking a trial drug called "Vandetanib."  Vandetanib attempts to stop a growth gene in the tumor while also restricting blood flow to replenish the tumor cells.

Cardinal Rigali, St. Charles Seminary, and Bishop Burbidge all remain supportive, and after consulting with my doctors, they are allowing me to return to the seminary next week.  Please continue to pray for me, as I do for all of my benefactors and those who pray for me.

24 comments:

Left-Footer said...

Praying for you of course, that you will return to health and be able to enter the Priesthood. God bless!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. We have been praying and wondering. Will continue. God bless you. Liz F.

shadowlands said...

My son sustained massive brain trauma in 2007. He was given no chance of survival from the Doctors. He had two five hour ops and lost a third of his skull and now has a titanium plate fitted. He had the sacrament of the sick, during which I asked God for a miracle. I actually sensed Our ;ady in the critical care unit as myself and the priest, Fr Sean, prayed. I had never experienced this type of thng before, it was such a tangible awareness of another person being present.

My son qualified this month, as a Quantity Surveyor!

I believe in miracles! So, I shall pray in strong faith for you, for one.

God bless you, and may Our Lady wrap her mantle around you and preserve you, Amen.

PS, make full use of the sacrament of the sick, it works if you work it!

Naomi said...

Continuing to pray for you, Philip! God bless you.

Sublime Studios said...

Love you cousin. Praying for you all the time.
-Courtney

Anonymous said...

Of course, I am continuing to pray for you that you have courage and strength, but above all that you continue to trust at all times in God's overwhelming love.

You are an example for us all.

MAy God bless you

Marysia

Shepherd said...

Praying, as always.

Jackie said...

Phillip,

We will continue to pray and be submissive to the Will of Our Dear Lord - who has only the best planned for you.

Study hard and pray harder and love hardest of all.

And - as always - Go Army! Beat Navy!

Patty Bonds said...

Please know you are in my prayers.

Sandy said...

May Our Lady continue to intercede for you. I am asking the Lord for a miracle for my husband also - to heal his heart. He was just diagnosed with a heart problem and I would appreciate prayers for him.

God bless you!

Dianne said...

You are in my prayers daily... Thank you for sharing your journey.

Dianne said...

You are in my prayers daily.... Thank you for sharing your journey.

the Egyptian said...

I will pray, may Gods will be done, and may you serve in the way He sees fit

Anna B. said...

Praying..

Anonymous said...

Rosaries go out to you Philip.

Dan Hunter

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS PHILIP!

Laura said...

Phil,
We continue to pray our family rosary for you.
We are glad that you are able to go back to seminary.
May Our Lord and Holy Mother give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
You continue to be an encouragement in how to take up our cross and follow Him.
JMJ,
The Dumais Family

Anonymous said...

praying for you Gerald. God bless you.
anna from italy

Justin said...

We are continuing to pray for you Philip and wishing you the very best in your work in the seminary. We are so glad you had such wonderful experiences in France this summer.
Cyndy, Bill, Chris and Leah, and Justin Davis

Mike Walsh, MM said...

May the prayers of Marie Bernadette console you and intercede for you.

Jeanette said...

Praying for you, Philip-- that the tumor shrinks and shrinks and shrinks to nothingness.. . . God bless your inspiring life and faith.
Jeanette and Joan

Diane M. Korzeniewski, OCDS said...

I'm delighted to hear you are continuing your studies.

Prayers!

sr.mary said...

Prayers continue, Philip. Be strong in faith. and say hi to the lincoln sems. (and forgive me if this is posted twice. Blogger is having issues)

Anonymous said...

You are always on my mind and in my prayers, especially today on The Seven Sorrows of The Blessed Virgin Mary. You continue to be a blessing from God, teaching us all how to love God ever more deeply. The seminarians are also in my prayers. God bless you. Eloise