Where we are

I am Jennifer, Joseph's aunt & sister to his dad Allen. I have decided to start this blog for all of the many friends and family members who care so much for Allen & Gillian. I do not want to use last names at this public blog, so let's respect that when we all leave comments. And it is so encouraging to read the comments that have been left on my personal blog which has hosted the details of Joseph's dilemma since it began to unfold yesterday.

What is Joseph's dilemma? Yesterday, an MRI showed a tumor on the stem of his brain. The tumor is in a very delicate spot and surgery is being performed tomorrow (Friday). What I have been told is that they will extract as much of the tumor as possible to be biopsied. Sometime midweek next week, the results should be in. The doctors have been realistic with Allen & Gillian, and told them that the possibility that this tumor is malignant is high and at the best, 50/50.

Joseph has suffered hearing loss and some vision loss, which we hope and pray is temporary. He is just 3 years old and of course, longing to get out of the bed and play, as any boy his age would be.

Many of you have asked me what led up to having Joseph tested. It started several weeks ago when Joseph began to tilt his head to the side a lot. A visit to his Pediatrician produced no alarm in the doctor. Then, earlier this week, Joseph began falling. Another visit to his doctor secured an appointment with an Opthamologist as his Pediatrician felt it to be a visual disturbance. Before seeing the Opthamologist, Allen had his suspicions and after talking with some of the doctors where he is in residency at Emory in Pediatrics, they decided to bring him in for the MRI yesterday morning. And of course what followed was the earth shattering news that their child had a brain tumor and it could be malignant...

There are some specific things I would ask that you pray for Joseph and our family tonight. First, that Joseph can have a peaceful night in his hospital room. Last night was not good and he needs rest and comfort. Secondly, I ask that you pray for skill and wisdom to be with the doctors tomorrow as they perform delicate risky surgery on Joseph's brain to remove as much of this horrid tumor as possible. Third, I ask that you pray for the agonizing 8-15 hours that the family will have to wait for news during the surgery. Sitting for that long without your baby while he undergoes a very serious and delicate surgery has got to be heart wrenching.

I am heading down to Atlanta in the morning. I will try and keep this blog updated as much as possible and I will most likely have my husband log on and and give you all the latest news.

Thank you for all of your support, concern, and mostly - your prayers.