Nathan McLean

www.caringbridge.org/visit/nathanmclean

"The events of this weekend were mostly a lot of waiting. The infectious disease doctor informed us that none of the pathology tests done here in Louisville on the spinal fluid or biopsy have revealed any potential source of infection so far. That particular lesion had no evidence of tumor/cancer. The biopsy will also be sent off to California (Stanford) to a pathologist tomorrow for further review, and we should have the results from that by the middle of the week. We are patiently waiting for whatever news we get and we are trying to be prepared for anything or nothing. We do appreciate the methodical, systematic approach of medical science.

Nathan continues to do OK. He is pretty uncomfortable, either from the surgery or the lesions in his brain. His ability to move and speak are still very compromised, and his vision is still affected (he stares way off to the side much of the time). He will be on this anti-seizure medicine for several months, Dr. Puri told us. Nathan seems to be able to control his muscles the way he wants, but he is very weak, pretty shaky, and he doesn’t use his right side muscles very much (called right-side neglect) – all because of lesions in particular locations in his noggin. He remains protected from many angles by many strong medicines, all to help fight this presumed infection. His temp has continued to improve with no fever for several days (except when the ampho'terrible' is running through his IV).

As parents, we are pretty far out of our realm. It is much harder seeing Nathan in this low condition. We were really ready to go back home a week and a half ago, but now we just want things back the way they were. God has been faithful to us, however, and we feel pretty propped up by our friends, family, and all of you who care about and pray for us all. We remember that Daniel spent the night in a lion’s den with a bunch of hungry lions; he would have brought glory to God had things not gone his way, but he also gave glory to God when things did miraculously go his way. We hope we are faithful to God however our situation turns out. We certainly praise God for what he has brought us through so far. Reach the Day the Lord Jesus returns (this has been Amanda’s big hope lately).

**Mom's verse for the day: "Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 I don't know which way is up these days, but I do know that God is with us and He can be trusted. Thanks for your prayers."

(Picture L to R: Nathan, Brad, Greta, Amanda and Jordan McLean. Probably taken over a year ago. Hope they don't mind me "stealing" photos from their web page!!)