Update

Hi everyone,
Wanted to give a brief update on Z's status and latest health news.
After getting good news of a "no tumor" biopsy result in February, Z has continued to work hard on his recovery, however the past few weeks have been very rough.
His left sided weakness and vision have been worsening and it has resulted in a state of almost complete exhaustion for Z, which climaxed in a gran mal seizure last weekend- his first in almost 8 months.
He was taken by ambulance to the hospital, and the seizure definitely amplified his symptoms and worsening physical state. Docs believe that dehydration and exhaustion likely caused the seizure, but his condition was at a point that they did not feel comfortable discharging him home. Instead, his team of Neuro doctors and therapists at Johns Hopkins pushed to have him admitted directly to their inpatient neuro rehabilitation unit so that he could get the attention and intensive therapy that he truly needs. It is a phenomenal program with some of the top docs and therapists in the country, and they are actively working together to help Z regain his strength, while also continuing to solve the puzzle of "why" this is happening. There are different theories circulating in the absence of tumor cells about a possible neoplastic syndrome, or an un-identified autoimmune response, but the frustrating bottom line is that some of the smartest neuro doctors in the world cannot explain the mystery of Z's condition. We were told that undiscovered antibodies are found every four months in the complicated neuro-immunology field, and it's possible that there is something completely unstudied happening with Z's brain. In some ways, the mystery offers hope that they will be able to solve the puzzle, as opposed to some of the disheartening diagnoses that they believed were happening all along. Doctors are encouraged and awed by the resilience of Z's brain and body- he is truly amazing!

As always, Z remains unwaveringly positive and maintains the same sense of humor that makes everyone fall in love with him. He continues to endure debilitating physical issues without complaining, and he is truly inspiring in his cheerful spirit. The plan at Johns Hopkins is to keep Z in the inpatient rehab program for 2-3 weeks until he regains the strength to transition back to outpatient therapies. Living in a hospital for any period of time is never easy, but he is receiving the best care possible.
Please keep Z in your hearts and prayers, and continue to support him through this challenging journey. I've included his "home away from home" address below -

Johns Hopkins Hospital
1800 Orleans Street
Baltimore, MD.21287
Attn: Halstead 3, Brannon Thomas Room 10

Thanks for the ongoing support.
Dani