A message from Allen

Allen sent an email out earlier which gives a few more details & requests than I have offered you:


"Most of you have heard by now, but yesterday we took Joseph to
Egleston Children's hospital to get an MRI of his head because of some
changes that we were noticing. The MRI showed a mass in the back of
his brain on the brainstem compressing some of the nerves. They
admitted us to the hospital for further tests and for surgery tomorrow
(11/30). An MRI today did not show any spread of the tumor to the
spinal column which is good news. He does have some deafness in his
left ear which may or maynot be permanent. Overall he has not enjoyed
his stay here (except for all the toys and presents that people keep
bringing) and has not slept much at all. Gillian is doing great
except for not sleeping, and our families have come down to help with
Holly.

Tomorrow's surgery is the most important part of his overall treatment
and prognosis. They do not know what the tumor is and will not know
for sure until the pathology has been read which won't be until next
week. So the key is to remove as much as possible no matter what kind
of tumor it is. The surgery could last anywhere between 6-14 hours
and he will go to the PICU for a couple of days afterwards. Then he
will need lots of rehabilitation.

We have been overwhelmed by all the calls and emails and people
telling us that people are asking or praying about Joe, and we ask
that all of you continue to pray for him especially tomorrow and pray
that the tumor will be easily and completely removed without any
complications. Thank you all so much for keeping us in your prayers
and for visiting/calling/emailing."