Thursday, November 29, 2007

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."

8 comments:

Carol said...

I was sent this link from a friend of a friend. I have been praying this morning and will continue to do so. I pray that God will cover your family with his arms and give you all peace. Please come visit my blog. I have told Joseph's story there to send people here to visit. www.sheeptotheright.blogspot.com
In Him, Carol

Our family said...

We are praying for Joseph and have been all week. We will pray for complete healing and comfort for him and for peace for your whole family.
Nathaniel, Rebekah, Anna Walton, and Olivia Wright

Hills said...

Gillian and Allen- You all are in our prayers today. My Bible Study group, friends,and family members are praying for sweet Joseph. May our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be your ultimate comfort today and the days to come.
Love in Him,
Adam, Suzanne, Asa, and Annie

vim+dash said...

we are praying!! may the Lord guide the surgeon's hands today and comfort allen and gillian as they wait and care for holly.

know you are loved back in nashville (of course).

love,
conor, boothe and sellers farley

Vann and Norma said...

Thanks so much for keeping us informed. I called Bubba - Magu's brother. Grandaddy came over yesterday. He can't sit still. Said he had been raking leaves at his house most of the day. Our prayers are with you constantly.
love, Vann and Norma

Anonymous said...

Love and Prayers from Kansas City.

courtney said...

Praying for you all today...

candicesalazar said...

Hello, I see that you have not had the ability to update in a while..I do not know how you all are doing at this time. But I saw your link (thru many others)..And I just wanted to reassure you, if I can...I am a pediatric nurse in Nebraska. You may already be well aware, that St.Judes hospital is amazing. And my little guy(treated for brain tumor there) is thriving....I will pray for your family, as this is agonizing, I am sure. I encourage you to reach out to others there in Tennessee. They are a godsend. (So many people willing to help---and offer words of encouragement and everyday advice on recovery/therapy/ect.) Hold on, Gods got you all...Candice in Nebraska