Thursday, November 29, 2007

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.

24 comments:

Merritt said...

Jim and I are praying lots from NYC.

mwosteen said...

Thanks for keeping us so well informed. . .it helps us know how to pray. May God give you all the grace you need for this journey. How we wish we were there. All our love and prayers.

Reg said...

My heart goes out to you and your family. I am praying for your precious nephew and all of your family.

bella said...

This is so heart breaking. Our prayers are with little Joseph and his family. What would we do without trusting that there is a God who has this little life in His hands.

Alecia said...

And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well.
James 5:15

Joseph, the medical staff, and your family will certainly be a constant in my prayers tonight for rest, and tommorow for strength.

Erica said...

Jen, continuing to lift you and your family up in prayers. I have passed it on to so many other friends, family, and our church members! Our God is so much bigger and greater than statistics! We love you guys!

MLS said...

We'll be in prayer for Joseph and for God's great healing tomorrow.

Lauren

Christy said...

Thank you for taking the time to do this. Our hearts ache with you all ... we will be praying fervently.

Melody Lemonds said...

Sending prayers from Austin - love you guys.

Allen and Gillian said...

Every time I read a comment, my heart leaps with hope in the certainty that prayers are being lifted up everywhere. I cannot wait to share this site with my family as they are all too busy with being at the hospital. It will no doubt bring them great joy as well to see all of the loving words and encouragement.

nate said...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

We are praying for peace for your entire family tonight and all day tomorrow.

Nathan and Nancy

phil said...

You are all in my thoughts. Words hardly do the job of expressing my support for all of you.

Tracey said...

Thank you for providing this resource and update on Joseph. Please know that your blog will be used to spread prayer chains far and wide.

Jane said...

I am a friend of Melanie and Steve's in Greensboro,NC.We will be praying for Joseph and for all of you.I cannot even imagine what you are going through. I will pass this along to our church so they can pray too.God will hold that precious little one throughout the surgery in a way none other can.
Jane

Karl and Martha said...

We're so glad that you are going and pray that your trip is as easy as possible. I know that you will be a blessing and an encouragement. We will be in constant prayer.
You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;you encourage them, and you listen to their cry... Psalm 10:17

Meg said...

I am praying for you all and have others praying as well. Your whole family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you await more answers.
-Meg Bloomer

Melissa P. said...

praying and thinking about you guys so often! i have posted the requests on my blog in order to gather more prayer warriors on your behalf...

melissa platt

trmills said...

We are praying all the time and have asked everyone we know here in Bangkok to join us. Thank you for keeping us up to date.

The Mills

Karl and Martha said...

As Joseph is now being prepared for surgery, we are praying for peace and that God will be guiding the hands of the surgeons. We pray that God's name will be glorified through Joseph's healing. Love to all

Brea said...

Thank you for setting this up, Jennifer.

Allen and Gillian, we are in constant prayer for Joseph and for you, as is everyone at Intown.

-John and Brea

Katie said...

Gillian, I met you and Gwen briefly in the church lobby a few weeks ago...we are praying for Joseph and your family, especially during your waiting time today. May you have the counter-intuitive peace of our Father....He promises to redeem all things.

Blessings,
Katie, Trevor, & baby Evie

EBW said...

We're praying for Joseph and for the rest of the family. Great idea on the blog - Thanks for the news and updates.

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gillian,
The Fikse family keeps praying for you hour by hour, knowing how difficult it must be to sit by and watch, helpless. But we know that God is not sitting by, helpless. We are pleading with Him to heal Joseph and restore him to the vibrant little boy we know him to be. Know that our hearts and prayers are with you.
Susie

Anonymous said...

When I was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago the prognosis was very bleak...God healed! I am praying the same for little Joseph and for abundant grace, peace, and comfort for you, his family!