Prayer request

Two weeks ago, a student a the high school I work at suddenly started having muscular problems. We just received this note from the mother of the student:

Dear family and friends,

God has been answering prayer. We asked that the neurologist would have wisdom, diligence, and a sense of urgency in getting to the bottom of this. We have seen that to be the case. After the EMG on Thursday, Dr. Sajagian was pretty confident Daniel has Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), a neuromuscular transmission disorder. The “textbook” EMG results plus the symptoms/progression are consistent with this rare (especially in young people) syndrome. A specialized blood test needs to be done for an actual confirmation. There is concern, however, about how long that might take and what the underlying cause might be. Hopefully, the spinal tap on Monday and the fluoroscopy CAT scan on Tuesday will help determine the cause. The treatment options include plasmapheresis and/or IV immunoglobulin. Because of Daniel’s steady decline in muscle strength, he was started on medication to hopefully keep it in check. As we try to understand what is going on with Daniel and the possible outcomes, we continue to look to God for healing, direction, continual shoring up of our spirits and quelling of fears.

Since Sunday’s prayer time we have seen God’s mercy in so many ways. Here are some of them…

• The many, kind encouragements and assurances of prayer.
• Daniel’s sense of humor and upbeat spirit.
• Willing siblings who gladly participated in the big job of changing out rooms so Daniel can be downstairs.
• On Tuesday, a friend bringing us a very nice wheelchair the very day Daniel said he would need one. (The doctor suggested it on Monday, but Daniel wasn’t so sure.)
• Good buds at school who are looking after our Daniel, pushing him from class to class, decorating his wheelchair. (One sweet girl even attached a sign so Daniel wouldn’t have to continually answer questions, including “If you have the urge, you may push me to my next class.” J)
• A yummy meal arriving on a very full, tiring Tuesday.
• Carpool friends who are doing more than their fair share.
• The “coincidental” connection with the friend of a friend whose son was treated by the same neurologist. His physician father affirmed that Sahagian is known as “the best.”
• The focused prayer at Wednesday’s youth group. It was beautiful to watch Daniel Perumal deflect all attention from his own big news (accepted into the Air Force Academy!) to make sure that our Daniel was loved and supported.
• After 3+ hours at the neurologist on Thursday, arriving home to a fabulous dinner prepared by our dear Aunt Annette and Uncle Donnie. They have the gift of making any occasion special. It was just what we all needed to turn our hearts away from fears and worries.
• The promises and perspectives of the Word!

Your continued prayers are much valued as we walk this road. This week we are seeking God for…

• Peace and protection as Daniel undergoes more uncomfortable tests. (This last week’s 3+ hours in the MRI machine was a challenge!)
• Wisdom in decision making.
• Progress towards completely healing.
• Faith to confidently trust God that He is fulfilling His purposes.

So thankful for your coming alongside,

Dana and Becky