My first evening at the seminary, I received a phone call from my Neurosurgeon. He informed me that the biopsy results were worse than expected, and I have been diagnosed with a Grade 3 cancerous Astrocytoma. Brain tumors are given a Grade of 1 (slow-growing) through 4 (fast-growing) to judge how fast they grow. All of the doctors believe I have had this tumor for many years (since my brain has "re-wired around it" so far), so it is very likely that this Astrocytoma was a Grade I or II when I was younger, and later evolved into Grade III, which is typical of Astrocytomas.
I immediately informed my diocese, and shortly after I received a phone call from my bishop. The conversation touched my heart, and he informed me that he can "hear my vocation to the priesthood in my voice and in my words." He assured me that this news does not affect his position on me applying for priestly formation, and then gave me a beautiful reflection about how God works miracles when we have faith in Him.
I will see my Neurosurgeon and an Oncologist this coming week to discuss treatment options, which include radiation and risky surgery to remove part of the tumor, which could result in paralysis or neurological defects. There is no "right answer" and all doctors have different opinions on how to approach treatment. I will have to make my "rounds" once again to many different Neurosurgeons in order to discuss options.
While the average prognosis for a Grade III Astrocytoma is 18-24 months, my young age increases my chances, and most importantly, so many people are praying for me. As a close priest-friend just wrote to me:
This type of prognosis is for people who have no faith - or even for people who have little faith but no one with great faith praying for them. You have no idea, not only how many, but the types of people who are praying, fasting, offering sacrifices, and doing penance for you. For my small part, I have remembered you in an especially potent and deliberate way this week at the Memento for the living at the daily Masses.
Nonetheless, whatever lies ahead, you will only be prayed for more, and you will not have to go through anything alone. Yes, our Lord will hold your hand, and so will His Blessed Mother. Ultimately, you know that is most important. But, I (and a lot of other people) are in this boat with you, and have no intention of abandoning ship.
Remain faithful, with my complete priestly love and support.
Thank you all for your prayers. They are the reason I am able to carry this cross.
16 comments:
Phillip,
I try to be sad for you, but it is just so damned hard. I just know with all of these prayers and support that when God is ready to take you, you will be ready to go.
Prayers have defeated much worse than grade III tumors, and for much less valient purposes.
God Bless You and Your Family!
I'm sorry to hear this but I agree with what your priest friend said. We're all in this with you.
Philip, your bishop is awesome, and your friend has spoken for us all. We love you, we pray for you, and we're in this with you.
Trust in Jesus. He's with you. Know that you're in His hands. Could you BE in a better place?
With continued prayers and intercessions,
Mary in CO (and family!)
Philip ,
Im am so sorry to hear the results , but i agree with everyone , we are with you through this ! Our prayers are with you , and Our Lord is wtih you through all this !Trust in him , I know that your faith and the prayers of all the faithful you will be in the best hand possible those of our Heavenly Father .
I offer this prayer :
Heavenly Father ,
accept the pains and sickness this day as a prayer for health in our lives. Accept it dearest lord , and grant my prayer for the merits of our beloved Savior Jesus Christ , who willingly offered his pains for our salvation ! Mary Mother of Priests , pray for us . we ask this through Christ our Lord .
In nomine Patris , et filii , et cum spritu santci . Amen
Philip,
I personally know of two people who had brain cancer, and they are both alive and well. One was stage 4, and after chemo and surgery, he has been symptom-free for 8 years. Another little boy was diagnosed at 8 and was give 5 years to live. He is now 21 and a junior in college, studying engineering. You are in our prayers, please continue to be positive!
Praying all the more, Mr. Johnson.
Please know that you are such an inspiration to all of us. You will make a wonderful, holy priest. Nothing is impossible with God, and He is always with you. We are praying for you every day. May God and Our Lady give you comfort and peace.
Phil,
Keep up the good fight and good disposition. I am saddened by the news but proud of your faith. You continue to have the love and prayers of my family.
Stu
Dear Philip
I have been praying for you every day since I ,by chance, came across your web-site. You are constantly in my prayers and I know one thing for sure.......Our Blessed Lord is giving you all the graces you need. In good time, I pray that your Bishop will ordain you so that you will have your wish. You are an inspiration.
Dear Philip,
The good news is that now at least its known what the tumour is doing so the proper treatments can begin to get at it. God can use many means to bring about a miraculous healing, one of which can be through medical treatment.
With God's help and so many prayers, along with medical treatment that tumour doesn't have a chance!
We're all with you every step of the way. God bless you and Our Lady keep you! Know we're always praying to Fr. Price for his intercession in your healing.
Philip, be assured of my thoughts and prayers as you carry this cross.
I just submitted on your behalf prayer petitions that will be placed in the Lourde's grotto in France and in front of the Blessed Sacrament at Mother Angelica's monastery.
God bless you,
Kevin
Philip,
I read about your story through my friend, Deborah Morlani, and just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you. Your bishop sounds like a fine man and I think he re-affirmed what God has already put in your heart. The Church would be VERY blessed to have you in her ranks as a priest! May God bring you the healing you need and bring your vocation to fruition! I will ask the entire St. Gregory's University community here in Oklahoma to pray for you! God bless you!
"how God works miracles when we have faith in Him."...that is exactly what we are praying for you!!! our diocese needs YOU! God bless you & Bishop Burbidge...
Philip, You are in prayers, daily. Maryann
Dear Phillip
Know that I will be saying a rosary daily for you that God will provide you with the graces needed for whatever he has planned for you. You are an inspiration to us all.
With Joy in the Lord
Gretchen
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers...I am considering a vocation to the priesthood and will not only be praying for you not only regarding your brain cancer but also for your vocation to the priesthood.
May God never cease to bless you and your loved ones.
Alex, 17, in Batesville IN
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