Friday, November 30, 2007

Another message from Allen

I am with Allen & Joseph. Joseph is currently resting/stirring a bit.

Allen & Gillian are reading your comments and there is even a computer right here in Joseph's room, thus the update. Thank you all for your encouraging words.

Here is the email Allen sent out moments ago:

"Friends and Family-As Jennifer has posted at http://www.prayforjoseph.blogspot.com/, Joseph hascome out of surgery and is in the PICU sleeping a lot with lots of newIVs and monitors. The surgery did not go as planned as they couldonly remove about 1/3rd of the tumor. It was difficult to distinguishthe tumor tissue from the normal brainstem tissue. So initialpathology was inconclusive and we have to wait until Tuesday orWednesday for the final pathology to come back. But it looks likeit's either an astrocytoma, an ependymoma, or something weird andrandom. Depending on what it is, he will either need to go back tosurgery to try to remove all that they can, or we will get set up withchemo or radiation therapy as indicated. An astrocytoma cannot besurgically removed.Once again we are amazed at the amount of support we have received.Please continue to pray for him and for us. The hardest part (if youknow Joe then you will appreciate it) is that he has to sit still inbed with lots of stuff hooked up to him. Please pray that he will becalm and let every test that needs to be done happen. Please alsopray that somehow the pathology will come back with good news (the twopossibilities before are not good). Please also pray that Gillian andI can keep it together enough to be there for him and help calm himdown.Thanks to all who are praying and who have emailed, dropped by, orcalled. For the future to any who would like to visit, we are in thePICU and we cannot have food in the room. Also only two people can bein the room at the same time, so you probably won't get to see him,but we love seeing people in the waiting room. A lot of our family ishere and they enjoy company in the waiting room too.Thanks so much and keep praying,Allen, Gillian, Joe, and Holly"

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love you guys so much, and I'm so sorry WK and I are not there with you. Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.

Uncle Matt B

The Morginskys said...

Gillian- It's Sharon (McCallum) Morginsky. Praying for sweet Joseph and a swift recovery. Miss you!

Melissa P. said...

I keep checking back for updates and we continue to pray. The Lord was faithful to keep your family present in my mind all day today. I am praying for peace for Joseph's body as well as for your minds as you try to comfort and support him and as you await the results.Praying...
Melissa Platt

Anonymous said...

Praying for all of you from Waco, especially that big wonderful boy of yours. - scott and paige cunningham

Anonymous said...

Stil praying. I have CMOM and colombian family and friends praying for all of you. Be strong, take it one day at a time. Matt, if you need anything call 901-337-7803.
Margarita

Vann and Norma said...

Allen and Gillian, Grandaddy is at my house and wanted to leave a note for you. "I can't find the right words to say. I don't like the test we are facing. I know you will make the necessary adjustments and make the best of what the future holds. Know that I would gladly take Joseph's place. I love you all." Grandaddy

Sarah said...

Your NHA family is praying in Franklin. My Katie is in the 3rd grade and is obviously aware of the situation and she said the sweetest prayer for Joseph tonight at dinner with some sleepover friends. The children are all praying... and so are the parents. We missed you today Kathy and prayed for your strength and for the Lord to sustain you all.

courtney said...

We will diligently and specifically pray for the requests that Gillian gave. I'm praying that God would again and again solidify your confidence and faith in Him and in His plan, as confusing as it can be. We love you guys. Hannah wants you to know that she is talking to God about Joseph- to "make him all better".

Courtney (Nelms) Ashburn

courtney said...

I am a friend of Courtney Nelms Ashburn. A group of 20 women/mothers were praying for you all last night at our christmas party in Hendersonville. We are all hurting for yall and praying that God would heal Joseph and get all the glory through your journey.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the updates on the internet. We are all hanging on every word you send. We know many in Martin, Jackson and Middleton are praying continuously for Joseph and all the hundreds his life is touching. He is so sweet and precious. Love, The Warrens

Anonymous said...

Peabodys-
We love you all and are in almost constant prayer for Joseph--this morning at staff prayer meeting, our time was dedicated to him and we prayed for an army of warriors to rise up to pray for him. Also, for a fighting spirit in Joseph and many other things. Thanks for posting the specific requests. As I read the beginning of the Christmas story to my kindergarteners today, a verse jumped off the page as I read it, with new meaning--"For nothing is impossible for God." (Luke 1:37)

We love you and our hearts are with you. May the Lord grant you some rest.

Alison Fontenot
Franklin

Allison Parker said...

I am praying constantly.. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. I have shared this site with my prayer chain here at school. My heart aches for you in this hard time.
Allison O'Steen

Anonymous said...

miss you all already. home with Phil. I love reading about how many people love you guys and are praying for you guys and crying for you.
talk soon
sj

Anonymous said...

You all are in my constant thoughts and prayers...

Christy said...

I can't think of any good words. Just wish we could hold your pain for you for even a second and give you rest.

Carol said...

I have prayed for you all day. My best friend is friends with a friend of yours named Tracey Shell. Word has traveled fast through your brothers and sisters in Christ. My sunday school class and blog readers are all praying for you. I posted about Joseph on my blog today www.sheeptotheright.com May the Lord pour out peace over you and bless you with a perfect healing. Carol

Anonymous said...

We're praying for little Joseph and for you guys who are loving him and taking care of him right now.

Anna Lang Cass

Anonymous said...

Can't stop thinking of you guys and Joseph. We're praying...
Tracey and Chad

Anonymous said...

Please know that we are praying for little Joseph and your precious family. I am telling everybody I know to pray!! I love you and pray for God's peace and strength and healing during this time! God is able!

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gillian,
We are lifting you up to God in this hard time. Love to you both.

Amelia and Ben

Anonymous said...

jennifer, just wanted to say i'm so sorry i goofed on the not using last names--i am not a pro at this comment thing and wasn't thinking. please edit/erase my comment below as needed. still praying for you guys.

Anonymous said...

Dear Gillian and Allen,

Billy and I are praying fervently for your little Joseph. We love you guys and are praying you will get much needed rest during this hard time.

Prayerfully, Liz and Bill Iverson

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all. Wishing we could do even more. With love,
Brooke, Andy, Anne Marie and Eleanor