Why am I writing this blog?

Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio, United States
Here I share the amazing spiritual journey I began on July 19, 2007. I received the diagnosis of a golf-ball-sized tumor on top of the left parietal lobe (motor functions) of my brain. I had severe symptoms all up and down the right side of my body and had received an MRI scan of my brain. In August 2007, I learned that my diagnosis was a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is a common form of fast-growing brain cancer with a challenging prognosis. That's the external story about that moment in time. In the spiritual world I found (actually more like it found me) what I came to call the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path, and I began an amazing journey. After October of 2008, I lost the use of my right arm, and in early 2009, my cognitive abilities were struggling, and treatment options ended. My wife, Susanne, then began doing most of the blog postings, with my review and input whenever possible. I continued to apply the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path as the adventure continued. My soul then flew to the Kingdom of God on July 1, 2009. Thanks for your interest in my journey. Craig

Susanne's Perspective

During this entire journey, my wife, Susanne, had an entirely different kind of experience. Initially she added comments to some of my posts describing her experience of the moments I discussed and offerred perspectives on our relationship. In the latter stage of this journey, she is writing the blog, as I am no longer able to do so. I am truly delighted that she is doing so. Susanne and I work together as marriage educators/relationship coaches and she has written many books on preparing for and strengthening marriages so you can count on her comments to be insightful and poignant.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Blood Platelet Alert

We got the results of my weekly blood test results this morning.
  • My red blood cells are going back up in a healthy direction with diet, visualization, and prayer (still a bit below normal, but not worrisome).
  • My white blood cells are in good shape too.
  • However, my platelets (the part of the blood that makes clotting happen normally) have decided to act up in response to the chemo and drop to a level that caused a bit of an alarm reaction at the doctor's office this morning (Normal is 150-450 and he was at 95). The doctor lowered my amount of chemotherapy medication in response for this final week of radiation/chemo. And I am supposed to stay away from sharp knives! When the count gets low, it is harder for bleeding to stop promptly.
Your continued prayers and positive thoughts focused on keeping my body in balance in response to are treatment are appreciated.
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1 comment:

Susan said...

Sounds like you are in great Hands! I have learned so much about platelets and blood cells and chemo in the past week that my head is still spinning. I start right after Thanksgiving. Your wonderful experiences of sharing the Faith and reliance on prayer and medication are great examples for us all. Thank you (and Susan) for sharing your journey.

November 9, 2007 at 3:31 PM

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