Dear friends of Modern Manna Ministries:
I would like to take this time to update you on my father, Danny Vierra and his current health condition. As many of you know, my father shared at this year's Health and Healing Crusade that he is faithfully battling metastatic melanoma. Since the crusade, his prognosis has worsened.
For those who did not attend the Health and Healing Crusade or have not watched his testimony on YouTube, here is a snapshot of his cancer discovery and treatment plan. Initially, my father had a mole that concerned him because it bled a few times throughout the previous year. My father's doctor referred him to a dermatologist to have a biopsy of the site, and the results showed malignant melanoma on his right posterior flank. Following the biopsy, he was scheduled for a PET scan, and the results showed no specific metabolic evidence of recurrent or metastatic melanoma. However, the melanoma from the biopsy was rated a stage IIB, meaning the depth of the cancer was between 2.01mm and 4.0mm. The doctor said, "Of all my patients your cancer is the deepest I've ever seen, you are one stage away from IV stage cancer."
With this news, the doctor referred him to a surgeon, in the San Francisco area, who specializes in melanoma cases. The doctor provided further information regarding his condition. The surgeon reassured my father that he was strong, but recommended removal of the melanoma, a margin of healthy skin, and multiple lymph nodes. The surgeon informed my father that melanoma quickly spreads far and wide and the best approach to his particular case was to remove the cancer immediately. My father did not want to take any risks and accepted the doctor's advice and proceed with surgery. Based on the removal of the melanoma, the surgery was a success, and the doctor reported that my father had no evidence of disease. However, two of the sentinel nodes removed, did contain melanoma. This resulted in his cancer diagnoses progressing from stage IIB to now IIIC melanoma, along with a risk of an 80% recurrence rate. At this point, my father was advised to go home, heal from surgery, and wait until the middle of August for a follow-up MRI and PET Scan to determine any further evidence of cancer.
At the end of July, my father started having episodes of confusion, loss of balance, and slight headaches. After consulting with the oncologist, an MRI and PET scan was ordered to determine the cause. A few days later, the results arrived, but they were not favorable. The doctor told us that the melanoma had metastasized to the brain and many other areas of the body-including the lung and lymph nodes. The cancer had progressed from stage IIIC to stage IV. The doctors then informed us that if treatment was refused, we could only expect 2-5 months before permanent brain damage occurred. Two treatment options were advised, and the research had suggested that if both therapies were used simultaneously, a 60% success rate was possible. Unfortunately, the disease could not be cured; rather it would only prolong his life. With much prayer, my father received localized radiation to the brain and intravenous immunotherapy in the hopes the disease would be halted from taking his life. He received a total of three treatments of radiation and is currently undergoing immunotherapy.
As my father previously shared at the Health and Healing Crusade, he continues to faithfully adhere to the Gerson Therapy. Despite other health improvements credited to the Gerson Therapy, by my father, the cancer continues to grow. My father's most recent MRI and PET scan was this last November. The MRI indicated multiple brain lesions many of which were new. The PET scan, however, showed no evidence of cancer in his lung and some lymph nodes deemed clear. Nevertheless, there was a progression of cancer in his bones, various other organs, and lymph nodes.
Currently, my father has lost the function of his right leg and arm and is bedridden. The doctors are not sure what is causing the loss of mobility, but believe the symptoms are caused by the brain tumors. My father is very feeble but trying to stay strong as his body fights this disease.
Please continue to lift up my father in prayer. We pray that God will give him peace and increase his faith throughout this journey. Isaiah 41:10 is a comforting verse as we journey together. Assisting my father with his needs would be impossible, if it were not for my sister, Mia. Mia has truly been a gift from God. Her beautiful and compassionate heart has tirelessly helped our father for the past eleven months. A special thank you to my wife, sisters, brothers-in-law, uncles, aunts, cousins, doctors, and friends who have helped and encouraged my father along the way.
It is our prayer that through our father's story, no one is discouraged from living a healthy lifestyle. We all are susceptible to sickness and disease and the best form of action is one that is preventive. Being individuals, with our own health journeys, many underlining factors come into play, whether or not, we become susceptible to diseases like cancer. Every case is unique with its own prognosis. This remains true-We must continue to trust in God and stand firm until the end no matter what we face here on Earth. My father sees this as another test of his faith and believes he is exercising his faith now, more than ever before. My father's testimony and his vision remain strong. The ministry continues to thrive even though my father's focus is on his personal health. If you visit Modern Manna's website you will find the 2018 calendar and the available programs offered for this upcoming year. My father has instructed me to run the ministry as well as future programs including BellaVita and RISEN. As I carry the ministry's focus of health and the gospel to the world, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
We are currently in need of a skilled caregiver with nursing experience living in the Lodi, California region, who can assist on weekends. Please send resumes and references to daniel@modernmanna.org
Due to my father's health, he cannot accept visitors at this time. Words of affirmation through cards and letters are dear to his heart. I know my father would be eternally grateful! Please send your support to:
Modern Manna Ministries
Attn: Danny Vierra
P.O. BOX 408
Victor, CA 95253
In Christ's name,
Daniel Vierra, Jr.
