MATTHEW PRINCE - Full E-Mail update record... (Part 2 of 3, Click here to go to Part 1)
Matthew Prince Update - Mon, Mar 7, 2005, 10:45 PM CST
Today was another GREAT day! We got the results of the spinal fluid pathology from last Wednesday and also the MRI on Saturday. Both were negative for any evidence of tumors in the spine. Praise the Lord! God just keeps on meeting not only all of our needs, but our desires as well. He is good.
Sunday, Matthew checked out of Rehab on a day pass. Went to his church with Anita and Ashley in the morning and they were all just covered up with love and support! What a wonderful church family, we are so glad God led him to Community Bible Church. That afternoon Matthew went to one of the dorms with some friends to “hang out” and he went up two flights of stairs, slowly, and with some assistance, but what a great accomplishment! Today he walked four laps around the rehab gym (large room) with the assistance of a walker and his therapist! This evening Anita put her hand on his right shoulder and he reached up and grasped it with his RIGHT hand! WOW! We are thrilled. His physical therapist fussed at him for doing stairs without her there, she wanted to see his first stair climbing. “Sorry”, he said, “just couldn’t wait for you, needed to get to the third floor on Sunday afternoon!” He is highly motivated and doing very well. Again, we are thrilled.
He started radiation therapy today. He will go every week-day, Monday through Friday, for six weeks. We will meet with the oncologist to discuss chemotherapy on Friday. Campus is pretty quiet, it is Spring break for Vanderbilt. Matthew needed to be here for rehab and for radiation.
On a more negative note, we did get final pathology on the tumor samples today. It was difficult to read words like “high grade”, “necrotic”, and other more technical words that indicated the rapid growth and high malignancy of the tumor. Even though things are going very well for right now, we are unsure as to what the future holds. The pathology reports were a very stark reminder of the seriousness of this tumor and the uncertainty of the future.
Again, for now, things are going very well, all things considered. Thanks for continued prayers!
Fri, Mar 11, 2005, 6:59 PM CST
WOW! What a day today. Matthew is getting discharged from the Rehab Hospital at 12:05 AM Saturday, in a little over FIVE hours. Per our request the nursing staff called our insurance to work out a “creative discharge plan”. If they discharged Matthew this evening, the insurance would not pay for the PT and OT he received today, so we are waiting till in the morning, by five minutes. The insurance company agrees, well it is Saturday morning, how could they not agree? Matthew is signed out of the hospital now on a six hour pass, so except for going back long enough to get discharged, Matthew is almost under our care again.
Not only that, but at our meeting with the oncologist we expected to hear that they wanted to start Matthew on chemotherapy shortly. Nope. After further discussion of his case, the tumor, the MRIs, CT scans, and the radiation he is receiving now, the Docs all agreed that there was no good reason to start chemo at this time. If there is a recurrence of the tumor, that will remain an option. More good news! The ependymoma, although it was high grade, was not the highest grade! They are now calling it a LEVEL 3 anaplastic ependymoma. The good news is that not only is the recurrence rate much less than for a GBM Level 4, but the likelihood of spread to other surrounding areas of the brain is less as well.
We were very excited to hear the oncologist tell us that Matthew will have to have MRIs about every three months for the first two years and about every six months until ten years have passed! They will not declare him cured until after ten years have passed. We’ll take that any day. There is certainly no guarantee that this cannot come back, but the likelihood is much much less than we expected. Yep, we are pretty excited about all this! Today has been a great day. Thanks to all for continued prayers.
Oh, also should mention that Matthew is continuing to slowly regain more use of his right side. The nurses, therapists, and case workers never expected Matthew to be any where near this far in his recovery. We are so very thankful. Hand and fingers are doing well, arm is doing better, but still has a way to go. Right leg is better, but still has a long way to go. Keep praying, and thanks again to all!
Will update around the middle of next week, Deo volente.
Fri, Apr 1, 2005, 6:24 PM CST
Sorry for so long since last update, the delay had nothing to do with the D part of DV. It was me, sorry.
Matthew continues to improve. He has almost full use of his right hand and arm. Some of the shoulder muscles are weak and the right side does tire more quickly than the left. OT is working to strengthen the shoulder muscles and get better alignment of the scapula (shoulder blade). Matthew still has not tried to play the piano, but may try some this weekend. Not sure how well it will work since the foot pedals require the right foot and the right foot is not coming along as quickly. Matthew is still using the wheel chair a good bit. Around the apartment and in class he can move about well with the walker and a little bit without it, but he is not ready to try a walk across campus. One day this week he used the walker to go from the car into the building, down the elevator, and down the hallway for his daily radiation. It took a lot of work, left him pretty worn out, and we have used the wheel chair since. He is using the walker when he has to go about 100 yards or less. Very few things on campus are within 100 yards! PT continues to work with hip, leg, and foot strength.
He has lost a good bit of hair (less than 25%, though) from the radiation, we were told it was to be expected. He is about ready to shave it all off. He has three more weeks of radiation. Tolerating it fairly well. Does not seem to be experiencing much fatigue and the areas are not showing a great deal of redness. We met with the Radiation Oncologist yesterday and he seems to feel that all is going well.
Matthew has been back in class for three weeks and seems to be keeping up, and catching up with all of his work. He is able to type better (than a few weeks ago) and has turned in several papers/reports for his classes. He is getting better at writing again and is able to take some notes in class. He still has a long way to go, but he is continuing to make progress.
I have often heard it said that a crisis brings out the best... and the worst in people. Several months ago when Indonesia was suffering great loss of life from the tidal wave many people from many nations came to the aid of those in the region. Yet we also heard scattered reports of those who saw the tragedy as an opportunity to profit at the expense of the suffering of others. As a pastor I often see families that draw closer during a crisis and those that try to rip each other apart to gain personal or positional advantage. I have reached a conclusion that crises do not bring out the best, or the worst in people. A crisis brings out WHATEVER is in people. Some will use a crisis as a time to minister to others and show the love of Christ. Some will use a crisis to advance a personal agenda. It all depends on what is in their heart. A crisis does not make someone a hero or a villain, rather a crisis exposes what has been hidden in their hearts.
What a tremendous blessing for us to see the many heros who have demonstrated the love of Christ over and over and over. From Matthew’s church family at Community Bible Nashville to our own small church family at Berea Baptist – from the Vanderbilt Community here in Nashville to faculty and administration at NGSCU and to our many friends in Dahlonega. That which is in their hearts has been fully revealed for all to see, these are the heros to us. Those who have sent so many wonderful cards, those who have given sacrificially to support us in this time of increased need, and those who called or come for a visit. A few even made the four hour drive, visited for a few hours, and then turned around and drove back to North Georgia. Our family crisis did not make them heros, it only revealed what was inside all along. We are very blessed. God is so good.
For now, I continue to spend the week in Nashville and travel home on Saturdays to fulfill my primary responsibilities at the church. I spend time during the week studying and preparing for Sunday. I get home in time to practice with the young people who help lead the singing on Sunday mornings and finish preparing and printing my sermon. I am usually in Dahlonega for about 24 hours or less. Andrew drives me back toward Nashville as soon as everyone has left the church and I lock up. I am not always the last to leave, but I always make sure that there is no one who needs to visit with me before I leave. A few times, others have locked up. We call Anita to arrange a meeting point as she heads back toward Dahlonega. Last week we met south of Murfreesboro and Andrew drove her back to Dahlonega. She has been teaching her classes for the past three weeks. Next week she will be up here for a few days as the doctors meet with her sister, Diane. Diane had a brain tumor removed Jan 1, 2004 (Level 4 GBM). Please continue to pray for us as we travel back and forth, continue to pray for Matthew as he is recovering and rehabbing (spell check says that is not a word!), and please pray for Diane (Anita’s sister) as her most recent MRI has revealed an area of concern.
Will plan to send another update in a few weeks. Again, much love and many thanks to all for your continued support of our family during what has been the most difficult time of our lives.
Matthew Prince update - Fri, Apr 8, 2005, 10:46 AM CST
Not much change since my last update. Matthew did play the piano last week at Community Bible Nashville. He played the Doxology – “To God be the glory, great things He hath done; So loved He the world that He gave us His Son; Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the life-gate that all may go in!” Anita and Ashley were able to be there. I was back in Dahlonega for services at Berea. Hated to miss it, but Anita was attending to Matthew and my responsibilities required me to be in Dahlonega. Looking forward to the semester being over and being able have Matthew at home with us.
Matthew’s radiation treatments will be finished week after next. He is still not walking much. His hamstring muscles are weak and whenever he walks his right knee snaps to lock with an uncomfortable amount of force. If he walks much, it hurts the knee. PT is working to strengthen the muscles there. He is typing better and writing better, but still a good ways to go to be back at pre-tumor/pre-surgery levels. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. I also have an unspoken unspecified request, the Lord knows, please remember this as well.
Fri, Apr 8, 2005, 4:05 PM CST
Matthew started having some involuntary muscle spasms in his right arm shortly before noon. As of a little while ago, they had not subsided. The Drs. told us that this was not unusual and that it may be an indication of small TIA’s brought on by radiation. It was one possible side effect, though they did not expect any severe TIA activity. Obviously, we are a little concerned. Continue to pray.
Wed, Apr 20, 2005, 2:57 AM CST
So far, no more muscle spasms since last Friday night. The Radiologist said that as long as things did not get any worse, he did not want to put Matthew on any anti-seizure medication as that would prevent him from driving for six months. Matthew has not driven since surgery, but thinks he is ready to drive some, left footed of course. Will probably give driving a little try in a low traffic residential area on Thursday. Course work is getting pretty hectic as the semester nears a close.
The Lord provided a battery powered scooter/chair this past weekend. One of our friends in Dahlonega offered the chair earlier in this process. We have held off wanting Matthew to work hard at rehab and not grow dependent on technology rather than working to develop strength and coordination. The rehab people had advised against a motorized chair initially, suggesting that Matthew needed to work at recovery. We have seen tremendous progress over the past seven or eight weeks. This will give Matthew a little bit greater freedom to move about the campus without the need for me to be his primary transportation to and from class. One of his friends has pushed him to his Tues/Thurs afternoon classed. His daily radiation is across campus at the Medical Center. This is a “road trip” as opposed to a “wheel-chair” ride. Tomorrow, actually today in about 5 hours, will be his last dose of radiation. This will be 33 treatments. I think I already mentioned that he was losing a lot of his hair. He cut it all off on Saturday, April 9. He will continue with PT/OT through the end of the semester.
We are looking forward to all being home in a few more weeks. Ashley will get “pinned” at a special Nursing Graduation exercise on Tuesday, May
Matthew Prince update - Wed, May 18, 2005, 11:54 PM EDT
It has been about one month since my last update. Today’s news is not good.
Andrew got his braces off today. They gave him some candy and a balloon that said “SMILE”. It was exciting to see the way his teeth have straightened, it was indeed something to smile about. The news I received at about 8:10 took the smiles from our faces, and from out hearts. Anita and Ashley took Matthew back to Nashville for a “routine” MRI and followup visit. He has been progressing well and we expected good news. He is walking with the use of cane even though he does not have good use of his right leg. As he finished up his PT and OT a few days before he took his last final exam both therapists expressed great pleasure at his progress. His return to classes, rehabilitation, and grades all seemed to be good indicators that this was just a major pothole in the road of life and now we are moving past it. The MRI and the doctors visit today revealed that such is not the case.
I spoke with Anita briefly at about 6:30 p.m EDT (5:30 Nashville time). They were talking to the doctor and everything seemed to be OK at that point. At 8:10, as we were finishing up prayer time, my phone vibrated and I saw that it was Matthew. I took the call. He said, “The MRI shows that the tumor has come back...” My world stopped turning. There are no words to describe the feelings that I had at that moment. Earth-shattering does not even come close. I listened as he gave me a few more details and then shared the news with the ones that were there. Immediately one of the men came up to hug me and hold me, the others followed. What do you say at a time like that? I don’t know.
I had just shared that Anita’s sister, Diane was not doing very well and that the prognosis for her was not good, but that Matthew was doing very well and was in Nashville for a followup visit to confirm his good progress. Then the call.
It seems so strange to be sitting at the keyboard opening my heart back up again. I fully expected to write an update with the news of a clear MRI and a bright outlook for Matthew’s future. Our expectations have failed. For now, only the certainty of God’s infinite wisdom, goodness, and love remain. These things are sure, we read of them in the Word and have experienced them throughout our lives. We do not feel these things right know, but we know them to be true and sure.
The anticipation of Diane’s worsening condition has been a burden hanging over our heads, but the belief that Matthew was going to be OK made it a little more bearable. Now it all seems like so much more than we can bear. I long to be with my wife and all my children. Andrew is here with me. Anita, Ashley, and Matthew are in Nashville. I stayed home because it is a particularly busy time at church and Anita is through with school for now. Ashley has not started work yet. They took him to Nashville, I stayed home. I miss them ever so deeply. The emptiness I feel seems like a vast cavern that will never again be filled. God’s grace will be sufficient. I do not feel that to be true, but I know that it is. It always has been. It always will be. The question is how fully I can rest in His grace, my strength will never be enough. It never has been. I certainly could not be so at a time like this.
Thanks for your love and prayers for the past three months. Thought we were over this. Now its back. Only 30 days after ending radiation. Things do not look good. We need all the prayers we can get, again.
In HIS Service, Ray.
Matthew Prince Update - Thu, May 19, 2005, 10:18 PM EDT
Matthew is home now. Anita, Ashley, and Matthew had an OK trip back from Nashville and got here at about 7:00 p.m. Thurs evening. At this point we are waiting for the Tumor Board to meet on Monday morning. They will discuss Matthew’s case and make their recommendations to us. We expect to hear from them by 6:00 p.m. on Monday the 23rd. At this point the options are additional surgery or chemotherapy. Matthew is in OK spirits and has received a great deal of encouragement from his many friends. We won’t know what the plans are as far as additional treatments or procedures till some time next week. Please continue to keep us all in prayer as we wait. I will update as I learn more.
Ray
Matthew Prince Update - Mon, May 23, 2005, 10:05 PM EDT
We have spoken with both the neurosurgeon and the neuro-oncologist. Surgery is not an option at this time. If the tumor grows to the point that it is putting pressure on key areas of the brain there is the option of surgery to reduce the bulk of the tumor and allow the chemotherapy to work. After speaking with the oncologist and doing some research on the specific types of medication recommended, I am finding that things are not quite as hope-low as I have been thinking. I have found that carboplatin and etoposide is being used to effectively treat recurrent ependymomas in many cases. The treatment is administered once every thirty days. At this point we are planning to go to Nashville on either Wed-Thurs or Thurs-Fri of this week. We will talk with Dr. Moots tomorrow to make sure that we can coordinate scheduling.
Once again, the Vanderbilt University family has overwhelmed us with offers to help in any possible. The support that we have been given from so many is absolutely incredible! I will post tomorrow with an update letting all know when we are traveling to Nashville. Wednesday is Andrew’s last day of school at LCHS. Ashley started work at NEGMC today. This is a very busy time for all of us, but obviously Matthew’s immediate care is our highest priority. We will keep all posted as to what is going on and when.
Matthew Prince Update - Tue, May 24, 2005, 9:57 PM CST
We (Matthew and Ray) are in Nashville! Matthew will be receiving chemotherapy in the morning. We expect tomorrow’s procedure to last 4-5 hours. Thursday’s should only take about an hour. Matthew is hopeful that this will keep the tumor(s) from growing as rapidly and we are all praying that we can get it into remission. Continue to pray with us as we pray for our desires in full submission to the Father’s will. Wow. You can only imagine how tough that is. Unless you have been here, you cannot know. You can agonize with us. You can sympathize and empathize. But unless you have been here, there is no way you can fully understand.
Do not take this as any indication that we do not very much appreciate and very much need your concern and support at this time! I can not even imagine how people get through something like this without the love and support of family and so many incredible friends. No way I could envision facing these kinds of trials alone. The love and support of our family and friends has been a tremendous comfort in these uncertain times. I know that all of you understand that there is no way that I can answer all of the e-mails we are getting, but PLEASE KEEP SENDING THEM ANYWAY! I read them all, read some of them to the family, and read some of them to Matthew. And also, thanks for the cards and notes that many of you are sending to Matthew! These are priceless treasures to us. Rest assured that these are kept as continual reminders of the many prayers that have been raised to the Father on Matthew’s and our behalf.
Keep praying and I will let you know how things go. Now that things are not on the path of steady gradual improvement, I will be writing more so all can pray from a more informed perspective.
Fri, May 27, 2005, 11:30 PM CST
Matthew is receiving the second half of his etoposide treatment as I write. The carboplatin went well on Wednesday, but he had a reaction to the etoposide. Breathing became very difficult, I got the nurse and she brought about four others with her. They all worked together, very quickly. Matthew’s BP had shot up, O2 saturation dropped, he appeared flushed, etc. The nursing staff reacted very quickly – they were great. After a few minutes he felt much better. Dr. Moots decided not to restart the etoposide, but to try again on Thursday. The Doc prescribed medication to prevent a reaction. On Thurs. they started out very slowly with the medication and then increased the rate. He did fine and did not have any problems with the meds other than a long case of hiccups. I understand that this is a common side-effect of decadron. Hopefully, today will go as smooth. We will head home this afternoon as soon as the treatment is done. Overall, the treatments have gone well and we are praying that the medication will stop the growth of the tumor. If this medication does not work well, there are numerous others that are being used for recurrent ependymomas that remain options. Surgery is a possibility, not as a primary treatment, but to reduce the bulk of the tumor as we continue with chemo.
Sat, May 28, 2005, 9:51 AM EST
We are home now. Matthew is doing OK. He has a very positive attitude about all of this. It is encouraging that he is taking it so well and is so determined to fight and beat this thing. It is discouraging that he is so limited in what he can do. Still does walk well as he cannot control his right leg very much. However we are thankful for what we do have in this life, and mostly that is the hope that maybe this chemo will stop the growth of the tumor and the knowledge that other meds are available if these don’t.
Thanks to all for continued love and prayers.
Ray
Many have asked for Matthew’s home address. Here it is...
Matthew Prince
35 Valleybrook Lane
Dahlonega, GA 30533He can still retrieve e-mail from his Vanderbilt e-mail address. He is not checking it that often, feels pretty drained right now. I check mine several times a day, most days, so if you do send him a note, let me know and I will tell him to check his.
Sat, Jul 16, 2005, 1:38 PM EST
Been a while since my last update. We return to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Monday, July 18th. This will be the first MRI since beginning chemotherapy. As expected, Matthew has had some nausea and fatigue following each of the two rounds of chemo so far, though the nausea has not be nearly as severe as others have experienced. He spent 5 days in the hospital in Gainesville, GA with a low white cell count, low platelet count, and high fever.
We are on our way back from Tybee Island, Georgia. We just had a week of vacation at the beach. Anita really likes the beach. As we were getting ready to leave to head back home, I was overwhelmed with the thoughts of what our next family vacation might be like. Our deepest desires and prayers are that we will all still be together. Yet, we have no promise of tomorrow, no guarantee that this life will always be easy, and we have certainly learned that sometimes our earthly desires are never realized. Perhaps sometimes we just get too focused on what is for now rather than what is eternal. In spite of the uncertainty of life, eternity is sure. In this we rest.
I do not mean to sound negative, but the last MRI certainly did not turn out like we had hoped. This past week at Tybee, Matthew has complained of occasional headaches. We do not hear such a complaint the same way we used to... a brain tumor changes most things in life. Will finish later.
Mon, Jul 18, 2005, 7:55 AM EST
It is now Monday morning, July 18. We leave in just a little while for Nashville. Church was good yesterday and we were encouraged. Thanks to all for continued prayers. Our hearts are anxious as we wait to have the MRI and hear the results. Will post when I know something.
In HIS Service, Ray
Matthew Prince UPDATE - Tue, Jul 19, 2005, 11:15 AM CST
At the reading of the MRI yesterday the oncologist reviewed the films with us and told us that the tumor does not appear to have changed very much since the May 18th MRI. He said that the radiologist thought that the tumor may be a little larger in some area but that he disagreed. After spending a good bit of time looking at the films and comparing with the May 18th MRI and hearing his explanations and reasoning, there are some areas that appear to be slightly enlarged and other areas that appear to be slightly improved. The oncologist is considering a change in the chemotherapy strategy and he will be discussing this with other members of the medical team in the next few days.
We are encouraged that the tumor has not grown. It reached 3 CM (a little bigger than a walnut) very soon (a few months) after the initial surgery and radiation. Dr. Moots wants to see a clear reduction in size and therefore is considering a change to timadar (temozolomide). Timadar is much easier on the body and immune system than carboplatin, etoposide, cytoxin, and vinchristine. We are also a bit anxious to hear the thoughts of the pediatric oncologist since Matthew’s tumor has behaved much more like a pediatric ependymoma than an adult ependymoma. Dr. Moots will seek his input as well.
Matthew’s white cell count is too low (2800) to receive chemotherapy this week. His platelet count is up to slightly above average and this is a common indicator that an increase in the white cell count is just a few days away. We will return to GA in the morning and probably will come back next week. This hits right in the middle of our VBS, but Matthew’s life must have high priority. I may stay in Dahlonega for the next trip since it will most likely be simply the routine of receiving the chemotherapy treatment. Will make that call after we find what route Dr. Moots chooses to pursue regarding the specific medication used for the next regimen of chemo.
So, I guess today’s update is really good news. While we would have hoped for a reduction in tumor size, we can certainly rejoice in the fact that it’s rapid growth appears to have been halted at this point.Thanks to all for continued prayers. Please keep petitioning our Heavenly Father on Matthew’s behalf, and ours as well.
In HIS Service,
Ray
Matthew Prince UPDATE - Tues, Sept 6, 1:45 AMDear ones,
Sorry I have not been very diligent in posting updates. Have been going through some struggles at church and have been very focused on this and related issues. Certainly nothing as severe as what others have faced, but discouraging none-the-less. Don't want to think about it or talk about it. Have not felt much like writing. Not sleeping well. Up now, felt like writing. Wondered if I should send this to all on list, decided to. The Father knows all about it, that is enough.
Matthew is back at Vanderbilt and seems to be doing well. Chemo is going OK and the medication he is on causes slight fatigue but that is about all. Will have another MRI on Thurs, Sept 22 and will meet with the Doc on Fri the 23rd. We are praying that the tumor will have responded well to the change in medication and will be smaller. It was very slightly larger at the last MRI so they changed the Meds for Chemo. The new meds are not nearly as harsh as the others. Matthew is getting a little more use of his right leg and can wiggle a toe on his right foot. This has brought some hope that the tumor may be shrinking.
God continues to provide for our needs. Thanks for all the prayers.
Will post more when I know more. Please keep praying.
Ray
Matthew Prince UPDATE - Wed, Sep 21, 2005, 4:58 PM CST
This is a big weekend for us. Matthew gets an MRI tomorrow and we will find out the results on Friday (09/23/05). Naturally we are anxious. Please pray that the chemo has been effective and that the brain tumor is shrinking and that there are no areas of new growth. Plan to post as soon as we know something, probably sometime Friday evening.
Oh, please be in prayer for Matthew’’s Aunt Diane. Her tumor has not responded to chemo. We are not hearing any estimates of average time left, but she is already in month 19 of dealing with her level 4 GBM tumor. The initial estimates were only 14 months. Anita is obviously having a difficult time of things with both her sister and our son with brain tumors.
Thanks for continued prayers.
Ray
Matthew Prince UPDATE - Fri, Sep 23, 2005, 6:58 PM CSTPRAISE THE LORD!!! The tumor is smaller. In our review of yesterday’s MRI with the Doc, it was evident that the tumor is noticeably smaller than at the MRI of 2 months ago. We will continue on the same medication with about a 20% increase in dosage. The Dr. says that this is the normal course of action under these conditions.
Thanks to all for prayers, will post more later on the prayer request section of www.baptistboard.com...
Ray
Matthew Prince Update - Sat, Oct 1, 2005, 7:47 AM EST (sent 2:52 PM EST)
I believe a parents greatest fear to be the fear of losing a child.
Jodie Foster’s new movie FlightPlan hit the Theatres last Friday. It has done well. I saw a very brief pre-release interview while cruising the channels last night where she anticipated the success of the “suspense /thriller” because it focuses on two of the greatest of a parents fears – 1) the fear of realizing that you cannot really protect your children, and 2) the fear of losing a child.
As best I recall from that brief glimpse, she suggested that it is a terrifying thing to learn that in spite of all the precautions a parent may take, you really are not able to totally protect your children. There comes a time when you realize that no matter what you do, something could still happen to them. The fact that we hear of some child who has been abducted while on vacation or coming home from school confirms this to be true. Children get terminal diseases. Accidents happen. All of us know this to be true. Foster predicted that this movie is likely to be a hit, because it plays to the greatest fear that all parents have – the fear of losing a child. She was right. Whether because of her own drawing power or due to the theme, the movie opened last weekend with a $25 million showing at the box office.
Christiananswers.net lists only a few instances of profanity in their fairly positive review. They draw a parallel between a mother’s love for her child and the love of our Savior. Of course, HE IS ABLE to bring us safely “home” and to keep us close to His side all along the journey. We are never at a point where we are “somewhere else” other than where He is.
Earlier in my ministry, I remember one occasion when I did not fully anticipate the serious impact of one child’s illness on the family. I failed to understand the nature of the sickness and it’s potential for the child. It was a failure on my part. Now, years later, the child is coping fairly well with the illness, but at the time my failure to comprehend hurt very deeply.
With Matthew’s illness, the deadly serious nature of the words “brain tumor” was pretty well understood immediately. The reality that no matter what you do or where your child may be, there are some things that you just cannot protect them from, hit us very hard. There are some things that can snatch our children away from us, and that is a parents greatest fear.
We firmly believe in the truth of the Bible, God’s Word. We were greatly comforted by the knowledge of Matthew’s relationship with the Lord Jesus. The fear of losing him was very great, but, that fear has lessened somewhat with this latest MRI which shows a decrease in tumor size and activity. Even though we were brought face to face with the potential of saying “goodbye” to Matthew, we knew that in reality it would only have been “see you later”. He is a child of God. His destiny is secure. He may one day leave this earth before we do, but, we know where he will be if that does happen.
You see, the real truth of the matter is that we CAN provide the ultimate protection for our children if we raise them in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph 6:4 w/ Pro 22:6). No, this will not absolutely guarantee their safety in this life, but it can go just about as far as you can go to guarantee their eternal safety in the Lord. As parents, we all fail. My prayer for all who read, is that our failures as parents will have no eternal consequences for our children. Have the right priorities in your life and teach these to your children by the things you say and do. Make both your and their relationship with God a very high priority. Make time to teach them about God and His Word. Take them to a Bible believing church, regularly.
Matthew has completed his most recent course of temodar and seems to have tolerated the increase in medication fairly well. He is regaining some movement in his right foot. We are thankful. God is good, all the time; even when life does not go well. For us, under the conditions, things are going very well. Thanks for all the prayers. Matthew will have another treatment next month, but will not get another MRI for 2 months. We will keep everyone updated as we learn more about his progress.
Again, thanks for all the prayers.
Ray, for all the family
P.S. Matthew's Aunt Diane is about the same. Will probably create a separate thread for her before too long at http://www.baptistboard.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/forum/26.html
Matthew Prince update - Sat, Nov 26, 2005, 1:12 PM EST
We have had a great Thanksgiving! Our best friends, Marty and Cathy Wynn and their two children (23 & 20) came up for the holidays. Mom and Dad visited Uncle Bob and Aunt Rene’ just about 20 miles north of us. We had dinner with them on Wednesday and dinner with Marty, Cathy, Stephanie, and Stephen on Thursday. All of this company has somehow affected the humidity level in the house and my clothes have started shrinking, or something like that.
Ashley drove up to get Matthew on Saturday afternoon and they got back early Sunday morning. Everyone was glad to see Matthew at church last Sunday. He is doing well. His hair has grown back except in about a 3/4 inch wide strip on the side of his head from just behind his left ear to the top middle of his head. He looks really good.
He has another MRI scheduled for this coming Tuesday (Nov 29, 2005). Anita and I will drive up on Friday to meet with the oncologist and get the results. Assuming all is OK, we expect that Matthew will begin another round of temodar Sunday night. His last MRI showed reduction in both tumor mass and activity. Please continue to pray with us that we will see continued improvement in his condition. As soon as we get the results next Friday, I will let everyone know.
Also please pray for Diane, Anita’s 47 year old sister. She is in month 23 of dealing with her level 4, GBM tumor (glioblastoma multiforma). Hospice has been involved in her care for almost a month now. She has lost most of her vision and almost all mobility. She is totally bed-ridden as we wait for the Lord’s timing in her life. Pete, her husband, passed away with cancer just about 7 years ago and we doubt that she will make it to Christmas. All of this is very tough on Anita. Pray especially for their mom, Margaret. She has been the primary care giver for Diane over the past 23 months since her diagnosis and surgery.
Thanks to all for continued love and prayers for our family.
Ray, for all.
Matthew Prince update - Sat, Dec 3, 2005, 2:01 AM CST
It is really not possible to convey the emotional uncertainty that one feels when waiting to look at MRI’s to see if a brain tumor is smaller or larger that at the last MRI. One may say, “Just trust the Lord” or “God is in control”. This is certainly true and we fully belief and rest in the knowledge that He is indeed sovereign over all creation. Yet, this is no guarantee of physical health.
We have trusted in the Lord and have been fully assured of God’s sovereignty all the while since Matthew’s Aunt Diane was diagnosed with a level 4 GBM in January of 2004. We have trusted Him all the while as she underwent radiation and chemotherapy. We are trusting Him now as she is completely bedridden, unable to feed herself, or care for herself in any way. The promises in His Word and the certain assurance of His unchanging Love for His children do not keep faithful believers from getting sick and dying. We all know this to be true, yet there are those who undyingly proclaim that God will heal anyone who has enough faith! Funny, why didn’t God heal the Apostle Paul of his “thorn in the flesh” (2Cor 12:7-10)? How about Paul’s traveling companion, Trophimus, who was unable to travel with Paul from Miletum because he was sick (2Tim 4:20)? And of course we must not forget Timothy who was not healed of his frequent stomach malady but was instead advised to “use a little wine” for his stomach’s sake and his “often infirmities” (1Tim 5:23). Maybe Paul did not have enough faith to heal himself or his dear companions in ministry? Or just maybe it is God Who chooses who gets healed and when...
With these thoughts in mind, we have anxiously awaited this day. Our anxiety is not a mark of God’s ability to heal or not, but rather the uncertainty as to whether that is His plan in the case of our dear son, Matthew. It has not been His plan in the case of Matthew’s sweet Aunt Diane, at least not so far. Is it a mark of the weakness of our faith? Maybe. He is the only One who can judge our hearts, are we are OK with that (1Cor 4:1-5).
Over the past few weeks as we have awaited this day, I have often asked myself if I deserve a special grace from God in the life of my son. The answer always comes back a resounding, NO. I do not deserve the blessing of a faithful wife who has been such a wonderful mother to all of our children. I do not deserve the joy of having watched my children grow up in so many ways. I do not deserve the happiness and laughter that all three of them have brought me. Yet, God has been gracious so far. Will His mercy yet allow me to keep my wonderful son Matthew for a few more years? The MRI seems to answer, YES!!! His kindness is not based on our just deserts, but on the simple, yet profound fact that He has chosen to be gracious on the basis of His goodness, not what we deserve.
Our hearts were lifted as Dr. Moots announced that the report concerning the MRI was “very good.” As we looked at Tuesday’s MRI and compared it with the series from the summer, there was marked improvement. In fact, the only area that seems to show remaining indications of actual tumor is in the fringe areas of the original surgery. Almost all of the tumor that showed up on the recurrence that was observed in May and still present in July is absent from the latest series of scans. Matthew is continuing to develop greater coordination and use of his right side. He will most likely continue with the Temodar for another six to seven months. He has tolerated it very well and it obviously seems to be effective in killing the cancer cells. At this point, Dr. Moots was even willing to consider the possibility of Matthew’s participation in Vanderbilt’s Study Abroad program perhaps for the spring of 2007, his junior year. Matthew has long wanted to return to Europe for study and cultural expansion... We rejoice in this latest report.
Even as our hearts are overflowing with joy at this news, they are heavily weighed down with Diane’s progress. There is no way of knowing how long Diane has left. It could be weeks or it could possibly be as long as three months. That is one of the things that I have greatly respected about the Medical Staff at Vanderbilt. They will express potential life expectancy in general terms, but they refuse to attempt to speculate needlessly with any more precision when they can not predict with certainty how much time is left. Their degree of professionalism and human compassion is very high indeed. No amount of praise that we could lavish upon the Vanderbilt University Medical Center or its personnel could be overdone. They have been great. From the surgeons to the radiologists to the oncologists to the nursing staff, techs, support personnel and administration, there is no way we could imagine anyone doing a better job than they have done for Matthew and our entire family. Cancer is a terrible killer. They have managed to hold it at bay for Matthew, even as they fought bravely to save Diane.
Much as we like to pretend it is not so, death will come to all of us. Our family is comforted by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the very real promises of His Word.
Thanks to all for your concern, love, and prayers. We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more. For now, unless you hear differently, Matthew continues his road of recovery and his Aunt Diane moves closer to the crossing of the River Jordan. In God’s time she will cross over to be with the Lord, her husband Pete who passed away 7 years ago now, her grandparents, and a host of others who have gone before.
Nothing in this life is more difficult than burying a child. Please continue to pray much for Anita and Diane’s mother, Margaret as she is Diane’s caregiver 24/7. The assistance and encouragement being provided by hospice is a great help. Several months ago, when Diane was over at our house for visit she was singing the words to “Jesus loves me this I know”. As far as she is concerned, nothing could be a greater comfort than the knowledge of her Savior’s love. In this, we rest.
Ray, for all.
Matthew Prince Update - Wed, Jan 4, 2006, 5:58 PM EST
Matthew has just had his monthly check-up, blood work, etc. for his next round of chemo. I am writing as I sit in the Vanderbilt Medical Center pharmacy waiting for his prescription to be filled. We plan to drive back to Dahlonega this evening as I have several things on schedule for tomorrow. Matthew is doing well and will have this round out of the way by the time he starts classes next week. He continues to tolerate the temodar well and his blood counts look good.
Matthew also went in for a session of physical therapy earlier this afternoon. All is going well and he is regaining even more use of his right side. He played the piano at church a good bit over the holidays and will probably play again this Sunday. I will bring him back to Vanderbilt next week as the Spring semester starts Wednesday. Next time we will have another MRI and get another look at the tumor area. Our prayer is that the residual tumor cells are at the point where they do not even show up on the MRI.
Thanks to all for prayers during the passing of Matthew’s Aunt Diane on Dec 13th. We are all doing fairly well, though there are certainly sad times as the reality of her loss continues to settle to deeper levels. This has been a tough year in very many ways and we look forward with renewed hope as we enter 2006.
For those who may not know, the full e-mail record or our journey with this brain tumor is on our church website at www.bereachurch.org , click either current or full.
Ray, for all.
Fri, Feb 3, 2006, 5:26 PM CST
We just met with the Dr. and are waiting to pick up his prescription with this next round of chemotherapy. The MRI was pretty much unchanged. This is good in that there is NO tumor activity. The lighter areas around the tumor bed that show up on contrast will probably remain. The Dr. explained that it is an effect of radiation. The radiation damages the nerve insulation and this shows up like this on the MRI without contrast. It does not show light on the MRI with contrast so there is no indication of any new tumor growth. Matthew will continue with the monthly regimen of temodar for about six more months. The Dr. is pleased with Matthew’s status, we are pleased that he is pleased. The semester is going well, but Matthew has quite a bit of work. Continue to keep us in prayer.
Again, the full e-mail record or our journey with this brain tumor is on our church website at www.bereachurch.org , click either current or full. Hope to get this latest update added to the site later this evening.
Ray, for all
Sat, Apr 22, 2006, 12:00 AM CST
Sorry for the delay in getting out the report...
Last week, we met with Dr. Edgeworth instead of Dr. Moots. Both were working closely with us last Spring and Summer, but through the fall and Winter we had only been meeting with Dr. M. They thought it would be good to meet with Dr. E. and so they scheduled us with him this time. Both are excellent doctors and both have worked together with us on Matthew’s case. Dr. E reported that both he and Dr. M. had looked at the MRI’s of head and spine and felt that everything looked very good. There was no indication of any tumor activity and Dr. E reported that both he and Dr. M agreed that Matthew’s MRI was “pristine” (pure, uncorrupted, clean). This was great news.
Matthew has finished this round of Chemo and tolerated it fairly well. It does cause some fatigue and seems to lessen Matthew’s ability to concentrate at times. I guess that all goes along with having a brain tumor, brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. All in all we are very pleased with Matthew’s progress and especially pleased with the continued support and encouragement of the Vanderbilt Medical team and the Vanderbilt faculty and administration.
Thanks to all for continued thoughts and prayers. Please pray over the next few weeks as Matthew is completing course work and taking final exams. We are very proud of his diligence and determination! Way to go Matthew!!!
Ray, for all of us in the Prince family...
Wed, May 10, 2006, 8:16 AM EST
Please pray for Matthew. We are not sure what is causing this, but on Sunday (5/7) Matthew started having double vision. He should be able to get in to see the Dr. some time today. It has been less than a month since the last MRI and there was no indication of any more tumor activity. We are hoping that this is the result of fatigue and exertion during the final weeks of the semester. Matthew has been pretty good about getting enough rest and even taking a nap most evenings before hitting the books again. Anita drove to Nashville yesterday. It is hard for me to be 200 miles away and only be able to talk with him on the phone when I want to hug him tightly and never let go. There is some comfort in knowing that Anita is able to be with him. Please pray that we will be able to find out what is causing this and that it will be nothing too serious. As soon as we have an idea, I will send a follow-up email.
Wed, May 10, 2006, 4:04 PM EST
Spoke with Matthew a little while ago. Dr. Moots saw him this afternoon. There is an area of visual loss in both eyes. The Dr. suspects that there may be some neurological event that is causing this. Matthew is having an MRI right now as I write. It is hard to not be there with he and Anita. My heart is very heavy. We will get the results on Friday. Please pray that there is NOT more tumor activity. It has only been three weeks since the last MRI and the Drs. described that one as “pristine”. I will most likely go up to Nashville for the appointment on Friday. Did not expect this. Please Pray.
Ray, for all...
Matthew Prince UPDATE – Fri, May 12, 2006, 1:59 PM CST
Today’s news from the Doctor is not good. During the exam, Matthew’s impairment was very evident. When we finally got to the MRI our fears were confirmed. There is new tumor activity. We are heartbroken. Again, Matthew seems to be handling all of this better than his dad. Anita is hanging in there. She seems to be more emotionally withdrawn than me. With all that we have been through with Matthew, losing her sister to a brain tumor on Dec 13th, the turmoil at church that began just over a year ago and the families we have lost, and now a recurrence of tumor activity – it has been very tough on her. I verbalize in the e-mails and find some emotional outlet there. She has a few close friends that she talks with for support, but I guess we all handle things differently. Yep, it has been a tough year.
About the new tumor activity – there is nothing that is clear and circumscribed (but then the borders of the initial tumor were not as clear either). There is indication on the MRI of swelling below the original tumor location and at the top of the brain stem. The visual impairment and deterioration of muscle control in and around the eye would be a natural result of compression of the nerves at the top of the brain stem. Again, there is no clearly identifiable mass, but there is very clear indication of abnormalities. The tumor board that meets every Monday to review and discuss the cases will look at the MRI’s and hear the results of the neuro-exam at that time. They may opt to suggest that a biopsy be taken to give a more clear pathology of the two areas in question. It is almost certain that Matthew’s chemotherapy will change. He has tolerated the Temodar well and it had seemed to be working effectively. Now it seems clear that it is not working anymore.
I do not think that resection (surgery to remove tumor) is very likely and Matthew cannot have any more radiation treatments. A change in the chemotherapy seems to be the most likely course of action from what I understand. Again, we will have no recommendation till the tumor board meets to discuss Matthew on Monday, May 15th. Also pray for the computer business (www.raythepcdoc.com). The last few weeks have been better and it seems to be moving toward an upward climb. Finances have been tight at church and we are depending on income from the computer work to help get by.
Thanks for all your prayers. Keep them up.
In HIS Service,
Ray, for all(Click here to return to the HOME PAGE)