This morning I invited everyone to pray for us and the MRI test results that we’d receive later that day (Wednesday).
Well, for the first time (as far as I can remember) our MRI scans actually provided some good news! Turns out that the original larger tumor that splits my spinal cord in two (as opposed to the cancerous tumor sheath encasing my whole spinal cord) has shrunk by a little over a centimeter. The doctors were all shocked and very pleasantly surprised by this news because it’s fairly unexplainable. There is not much precedent for the drug I’m taking to have such an effect.
Where does this leave us? Well, honestly, we’re still one tumor growth spurt away from death or major paralysis but we’re also hoping that this develops into a new trend that will continue. This leaves us in a holding pattern that’s much better than the one we were holding onto last week.
My children’s responses truly capture the tension that exists within me regarding how to respond to this very good news. When we shared with them the results India excitedly exclaimed “Yay! I’m emptying my whole worry box! I’m opening it up and letting out all my worries forever! Up they go into the sky. Pop…pop…pop…” Whereas Jones’ retorted “I’m not letting go of any of my worries! They’re all made of steel and they’ll never go away.”
One part of me wants to let go, celebrate, and feel like everything has changed while the other part of me wants to hold on, not get my hopes too high, and stay in reality (that my back is still filled with cancer). It’s that tension that I briefly wrote about this morning–what does living by faith look like?
For now we’ve been given the gift of good news. It may only last a month, it may last longer. We’re still operating on a 3-6 month time frame, but oh man is it good to hear some good news from those blasted MRI scans!
That is amazing!! It's so hard for the human brain to articulate when it comes to the unexplainable. I just do what the Psalmist does and rejoice! God is good!! Even in the midst of torment, rejoice!! That's hard to learn unless you're there and most of us fail at it.
Your response, this entire time..bad bad news, no news..and finally some good, has brought many of us, some important news about life. Hang in there man. Love you, Jason Mayer.
We’ll continue to pray…that your ‘reprieve’ lasts longer than the doctors can explain…that memories are made…that comfort is granted…that your support system remains intact…that God’s love for His people can continue to shine through you and Jess and the kids.
Love you, friend.
Praying SO HARD for you Ryan… Keep on keepin' on!
Wow! How wonderfully confusing!
Whatever's in the future, that centimeter's a blessing. Glad to hear it.
Praying for you guys,
Holly
Thank you for sharing so transparently. We are praying for you and the family!
Praise God and thank you Jesus! I don't care if it cannot be explaned. I am just so thrilled for the good news. Hold on! We walk by faith and not by sight!
Aunt Deb
That is good news! Praise the Lord! We'll keep praying!
friend of a friend…Ryan, I am praying for you and your family. Circumstances, test results, "answers," ambiguity…all of these are the worldly part of the journey. I pray that you will see the fruits of the spirit in the people around you. Joy from India, self-control from Jones, faithfulness from prayer warriors, gentleness from your care givers, kindness from the body of Christ and complete strangers, love from family, and peace from the Holy Spirit deep within.
Although God did not originally create us to experience death, one consequence of the fall is the emotional pain of the awful separation that occurs. On the other hand, God did create us to be in full and complete relationship with him. For you, I pray that you will find peace in the journey toward that restoration with God. For your family, I pray they will find strength in the character of God to endure the emotional pain of this very, very, very horrible disease that will eventually cause separation. For everyone, I pray for spiritual agreement with God on the timing of all things.
Thank you for sharing your journey so openly. I am praying.
Yay! Hooray! I'm another stranger that's praying for you, but I'm happy to hear about the results. Your story has made a huge difference in my life. Thank you for sharing it, and even more, for allowing God to tell a beautiful story through your struggles and joys.
Well AMEN! And again I say Amen!!!
Nothing is impossible with God! I was so excited to see your post today! Praise be to God, and may he continue to shrink the tumor and heal your body! I will continue to lift you up in prayer, Ryan!! GREAT, GREAT NEWS!!!!!
Even a small miracle is still a miracle! Praise the Lord for this one. Many are praying for you & your family
How awesome that God hears prayer and answers in loving good news. I will be asking Jesus for more and more good news. Jesus has used your loyalty and faithfulness…to live out the gospel. More and more good news for you and your family and the body of Christ and mission to downtown! amen thank you JESUS!
Hi Ryan. I know I have met you sometime in my life. Your face is so familiar to me, especially seeing the pictures from when you were a teenager. Anyway, i have just learned about your story tonight, and it has effected me in a deep way. You and your family are SO inspiring. I can't put in to words all that I am feeling, but I just wanted you to know how much you have put things in perspective for me. I don't pray that often and am not sure of my beliefs, but I will be praying for you and your family. Thank you.