How I See It: Reflections on spirituality, technology, and the art of everyday life

The Guard was Asleep.(A Good Friday Story) It had been a long day; he was up with the sun, and then when he thought he would have a night of enjoyment, he and his unit were ordered to stand by for a special assignment. After waiting for what seemed like forever, they were marched to a nearby park. There, with the help of a trader, they arrested a radical and took him away to meet his fate. They took him to the jail and told the guard to make sure he did not escape. Now the guard was asleep. In any army in the world that would have meant death! But on this one night, the guard was safe — no harm would come to him, because the prisoner would not escape and would wake him before anyone found him asleep. Yes, the guard was asleep, but was quite safe, because the prisoner loved him and everyone. For the radical was the Son of God, who came into this world to save sinners — even the man who would nail him to the cross later that day. Previous: Prayer for Maundy Thursday ...

A Prayer for Maundy Thursday Dear God On this day when you were turned over to face death on the cross, let us remember that only you are God and only you can say what is bad or good. Help us to remember that the evil done this night led to the greatest good that mankind could ever have wished for. It is only our ignorance that makes us condemn those who killed you instead of praising them as the heroes who made Easter possible. Only you know how you perceive them, and us. So help us to know that we are here to love you and one another — not to condemn, but to love. The love that Jesus showed us every day of his life and death. Amen Next: Guard Was Asleep (Good Friday Story) Previous: Grace (Prayer for Meal Times)

My search, my Journey to the Mayo Clinic Preparing for the Mayo Clinic When I last wrote, I mentioned that I had contacted two doctors who were said to treat this condition. Unfortunately, neither of them replied. So, I began reading medical journals and reached out to several of the authors of studies I found. Two or three of them responded, advising that the best place in the country for this kind of case is the Mayo Clinic. I also found several articles written by Mayo Clinic doctors, but the clinic’s website doesn’t provide a way to contact them directly. So, I called the clinic and scheduled an appointment. I was honestly in shock — I had imagined flying in one day and out the next, but they told me to plan for a stay of five to seven business days, and that was before I even spoke to a doctor. My insurance covers care at the Mayo Clinic, but not travel, lodging, or food while I’m there. I had hoped they would review my chart and order any needed tests before asking me to c...

My Search goes Nationwide. Letter Requesting Medical Assistance My most recent attempts to contact my doctor here in Portland have gone unanswered, so I am expanding my search. I have located two doctors—one in Houston and one in Kansas City—who have experience treating Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy, and I am writing to them for help. Salutations, I am writing to see if you might possibly be able to help me. In January 2006, I began developing various neurological symptoms, including facial paralysis, right-sided weakness, numbness, gait problems, and others. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The cancer is being treated, but the neurological symptoms have continued and are getting worse. After being told twice that I had brain cancer, and undergoing multiple MRIs, CAT scans, and other tests (including four spinal taps—three in one month), it was decided to begin treating me for Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy. The treatment involved three days of Methylpredn...

Still waiting Feb 2011 A Letter to My Doctor I’ve been having trouble reaching you to discuss my treatment plan and next steps. I’m not sure if you’ve been receiving my messages. I’ve called your office and left voicemails but haven’t heard back. I understand you’re very busy and caring for many patients, but please let me know how I should proceed. On February 9th, I had the last steroid treatment covered by my current prescription. The next round should be a three-day course on March 9th, 10th, and 11th. I’ll need a new prescription for that and future treatments. I’m not certain who will be issuing these going forward. I saw Dr. XXXXXXX last month. He doesn’t believe any additional treatment for the thyroid cancer is needed right now, though we’ll do more studies in September. He did recommend that I see a new neurologist. I’d like to know if you can suggest someone or refer me to the MS Clinic at OHSU to see a neuroimmunologist—or should I try to make those arrangements myse...

Endocrinology Update This afternoon I met with one of my new endocrinologists—this one focuses on thyroid cancer. We reviewed all my tests. He tells me that the blood work from December looks good. Unfortunately, my thyroglobulin level is about the same as it was in September. Normally, that would indicate persistent cancer, but since my levels have never dropped, it’s unclear what it means. We’ll continue to monitor it, with the next test scheduled for June. As for the PET and whole-body scans I had in September, they also look good. The only concern is a small hot spot in the thyroid bed, but since it shrank between 2009 and 2010, that’s a positive sign. It’s too small to treat, so we’ll keep an eye on it for now. Regarding the suggestion from my other endocrinologist that chemotherapy might be needed, this doctor feels that it is not indicated. We also discussed my neurological symptoms. According to this thyroid cancer specialist, thyroid cancer does not produce the chemic...

Letter updating my Endo  Dec 2010 Medical Update – December I wanted to update you on how things have been going before I see you on the 22nd. As we discussed, I skipped my Prednisone treatment on Oct 22. My next treatment would normally have been on Nov 19, but I postponed it until Nov 24 to allow more recovery time if I had a bad reaction. As you know, I started feeling sick two days after the treatments on: August 27 (lasted about a week) September 24 (lasted about two weeks; never fully regained energy) Before the Nov 24 treatment, my right side was slightly numb but walking and breathing were fine. I responded well—better than early treatments. My numbness went away, my pulse peaked around 100, and I managed 4–5 hours of sleep instead of the usual 1–2. On Nov 26 I slept most of the day, but instead of numbness on the right, my left arm, leg, and face were numb. On Nov 29, while at work, I developed severe nausea, breathing difficulty (likely from the nausea), b...