Wednesday, January 9, 2008

More Bad News

Well, we take one step forward and then two steps back. Today we got the news that the pathology from his second surgery which looked at more of the tumor showed that the tumor is stage IV not stage III as thought earlier. A stage IV glioblastoma is called glioblastoma multiforme or GBM. Basically this means that the tumor is more aggressive and faster growing than thought. There is some subjectivity in reading pathology from slides and our radiation oncologist even said we could line up ten pathologist and six would say one thing and four would say another, but they compared this slide with the one from the first surgery and feel that the first diagnosis was correct, but that the new sample shows more signs of a stage IV. GBM is much more common in adults and is rare in kids, and again the location of this kind of tumor in the posterior fossa is rarer. You can look up pediatric GBM here: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site962/mainpageS962P0.html for all the details.

Basically this changes his overall prognosis but not the treatment plans. He will still start radiation tomorrow and it will last for 6-7 weeks. Again there is no known chemo that works for GBM and Joe will start his experimental Tarceva tomorrow as well. He will be sedated for the radiation every day, but the actual radiation only takes a few minutes.

It seems like we can't even start to get a grasp of our situation before the situation changes. We continue to need your prayers and support. Please specifically pray that the radiation treatments will go smoothly and that Joe will not have bad side effects from it, that he will continue to progress in his physical therapy, that he and Holly would sleep at night, and that Gillian and I would communicate well. It helps us to know that there are so many out there praying for us and continuing to have hope.

98 comments:

Dave said...

Always praying in Birmingham for you guys. Quinn now prays for Joe every night at bedtime like he is part of our family.

Raegan said...

Gillian and Allen-
I am a friend of SJ's from church. She told me about this blog and I have been reading it daily. I just want to say that I am praying daily for hope, strength, courage and a miracle for you all.
Love, Raegan

Unknown said...

Gill, Allen, Holly and Joe P,

So sorry to hear this bad news... I am praying continually for all of you. It was great to hang out with you yesterday. Allen, I can't stop beaming with pride as I dwell on our achievement in marble tower construction. I hope to see you all again soon and will continue to pray for rest, good communication and healing.

love,
sam

heidi r weimer said...

Praying for miraculous healing, you guys. Don't lose hope.

We love you all...
-the weimers

Anonymous said...

We can't even begin to comprehend what you all are experiencing emotionally. Please know that we are lifting you up in prayer. We are praying that Joseph will respond well to the radiation treatments, and that he won't have bad side effects from it. We are so hopeful the Tarceva will work. We are earnestly praying that God will heal him.

1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have
overcome them, because the one who is in you is
greater than the one who is in the world.

Psalm 91:15 He will call upon me, and I will answer
him; I will be with him in trouble.

Love, Bill, Lisa, and Tripp Allen

Our family said...

I am so sorry you got bad news. We are crying with you. Praying for God's miraculous, complete healing for Joseph. We will pray specifically for the treatments and that the Lord will grant you times to be just husband and wife and that you'll stay always on the same page. Praying for rest for all four of you. Many of our friends are praying as well. Is. 43
nathaniel, rebekah, anna walton and olivia

Anonymous said...

My heart in breaking for you guys!! We are so sorry to hear this report. We love you guys and are praying daily for a miracle.
Love,
BJ, Beth , Logan & Dis

Jennifer said...

Hurting with you as always. Still singing "Jesus Loves Joe" to Winnie Kate at night. I'll talk to you later.

"When you pass through the fire you will not be burned and the waves will not overcome you. Do not fear for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, you are mine."

"I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me"

Fall on Him and don't forget that your friends and family are His body, so fall on us and you will be falling on Him.

Kathy said...

We heard about little Joseph from Mary Dodd Mifflin, a dear friend from Community Bible Study and just wanted you to know that God has an army of believers lifting you all up in prayer here in TN. My husband was diagnosed last Feb with stage IV Burkitts Lymphoma and today there is no trace of the cancer. I know what you mean about 1 step forward and 2 back. Each day holds a new challenge and a new reason to place our trust in Him. Some days I didn't know which end was up but the Lord carried us both. I'm not sure how but the prayers of the saints have a lot to do with it. We will continue to go before the throne on Joseph's behalf. There is always hope for nothing is too hard for our God.
Kathy

Chloƫ said...

Canal Bank Walk, Patrick Kavanagh


Leafy-with-love banks and the green waters of the canal
Pouring redemption for me, that I do The will of God, wallow in the habitual, the banal,
Grow with nature again as before I grew.
The bright stick trapped, the breeze adding a third
Party to the couple kissing on an old seat,
And a bird gathering materials for the nest for the Word
Eloquently new and abandoned to its delirious beat.
O unworn world enrapture me, encapture me in a web
Of fabulous grass and eternal voices by a beech,
Feed the gaping need of my senses, give me ad lib
To pray unselfconsciously with overflowing speech
For this soul needs to be honoured with a new dress woven
From green and blue things and arguments that cannot be proven.

Anonymous said...

Gillian and Allen, Praying.... Love you guys! God is in control, Jo Little

Anonymous said...

Dear Friends,
I am so sorry....sorry to hear this discouraging news, sorry for what you are going through, sorry for the uncertain future and the difficult details of each day and night. Although you are out of sight and out of reach, you are certainly not out of mind. I never stop thinking about you and praying for a miracle.
We love all four of you and miss you.
Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Dear Ones, My heart breaks with you over this new news. My arms want to hold you all close to me right now. I am praying that you will know beyond a shadow of doubt that your heavenly Father is walking with you through this.
Isahiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:13: For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Continually praying and crying out on your behalf, Love Mimi

Anonymous said...

Gillian Allen
So sorry to hear this bad news. Hope everything goes well tomorrow. That you all will be able to rest well and continue to have the amazing strength you already have. Thinking of you all the time. Love you
Ann Ben & the boys

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gillian, I have been reading your blog since the beginning - we are praying for you and for your family every night. I pray specificallly for wisdom, courage and endurance for you and for Joe. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gill,
I hate hearing this news but I want you to know that you are ALWAYS on my heart and in my prayers. I have so much hope and will continue to pray for God's hand to touch Joseph minute by minute. Much, much love to you all. Lisa Brown

The Morginskys said...

Gillian and Allen,
My heart groans for you. But do not despair. He has a future for Joseph, He knows his steps. Asking our Father to be near you.
Love, Sharon Morginsky

Lynn T said...

My dear Gill and Allen,

I am so sad for you and just want to be there with you. I will see you in less than 2 days. I will be praying for your requests and you are constantly on my mind. Will told his class today all about his time with cousin Joseph over Christmas.

Love you tons,

Lynn

Anonymous said...

i am praying for you all and hope that knowing just how many out here care for you, even strangers, is comforting in even the smallest way.

Lynn T said...

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for Joseph and his treatments to be gentle for him. God is still in control and has not left. Praying also for your relationship to grow stronger through this time as you both deal with the emotions sometimes differently. Great sleep for all and a great outcome from treatment for Joseph is my prayer for you continually. Hope is an amazing healer, keep your hopes high in the Lord.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Christy said...

Thinking of you guys constantly. I wish I could tell you that Andrew was praying for Jofus every night, but at the moment "da" (daddy), "br" (bread) and "agee" (again) is about all we get out of him.

Love and miss you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Gillian and Allen, Praying for you all daily and will be praying specifically for the radiation and chemo...that they would be used by our Father to slow and obliterate this tumor! We'll be praying for rest for all of you and that Joe, in particular, will be rested and able to tolerate the procedures daily. We'll be lifting up your specific requests.
My heart breaks at the new path report, but nothing surprises our Father, nothing is new to Him or out of His control, so I am thankful for the hope and faith that gives me and hopefully gives you. (thank you for your amazing testimony of faith!!)
Thank you for updating us, know that you are thought of and prayed for daily!! Cate always prays for Joseph! Love, Jeanne for the Fell's

Anonymous said...

Gillian and Allen- We're so sad to hear this latest report. But, again, thank you for sharing with us. We are praying and thinking of you constantly. Specifically for the next couple of days, I pray that Joseph adjusts well to the treatment and the new schedule, that the whole family gets rest, and that you are able to enjoy sweet, calm times together. I hope it isn't trite, but I pray that you all can have some moments of laughter together. We continue to have hope that our mighty God will heal little Joe.
Love, Rob and Sara Wade

Mandy said...

Found your blog through Boothe's. Praying for you in Arkansas. God is Faithful.

Craig and Gwen said...

Yesterday I was at Ashford Park and meet a nice lady who lives down the street from Ya'll - well I start telling her about Joe and start to cry and she tells me she already knows because Gill's Mom and Holly meet her while walking and told her about Joe - and that she started crying to.

Well now that 2 total strangers have cried about Joe P. to her she is certain to be praying hard...

I'm praying hard, and so is Craig.

I HATE this new news and I would like to change it.

I'm having Hope for ya'll and I hope that all the details will go smoothly - praying, praying, missing and loving!!
Gwen

Mary Vagnoni said...

Praying that the new chemo drug and the radiation will shrink the tumor and that tomorrow will be two steps forward. Add to the prayer list but not bloggers, Philip's family in South Carolina. Praying for continued strength for you and your family

So Blessed said...

Your prayer requests will be lifted to our loving Father...the One who watches over you does not sleep. He knows the desires of your heart and hears your every prayer.

Erica said...

Gill and Allen
Know that so many of us out here are lifting you up to the Lord, going to throne for you--so that you will be strengthened and comforted with His presence! I'm glad SJ is there to hug you and love you now, and know that so many out here also send their love, hugs, and prayers of healing your sweet baby boy before the Lord!
Love to you guys,
Erica

Anonymous said...

HI SHERIFF SALLY MAC AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST LIGHTENING MC QUEEN.I JUST HAVE TO CALL YOU BY YOUR CAR NAMES BECAUSE IT JUST MADE JOSEPH LAUGH SO MUCH!!JUST THINKING OF THOSE CRAZY STORIES I TOLD JOSEPH BRINGS ME VERY HAPPY THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES.MY MOM SAID WE CREATE MEMORIES EVERY DAY SO LETS CREATE GOOD ONES.GILL AND ALLEN IAM AMAZED AT HOW MUCH FUN YOU CREATE EVERY DAY FOR HOLLY AND JOE P. EVEN IN THE MIDST OF ALL THIS PAIN. YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING PARENTS IS IT ANY WONDER THAT JOSEPH JUST WANTS MOMMY AND DADDY TO BE WITH HIM 24-7.THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT YOU SHOULD NOT GO OUT.GRAB A LUNCH TOGETHER WHEN YOU CAN,OR A STARBUCKS.I AM SO GLAD SARAH JANE IS THERE WITH YOU GUYS.I HOPE THE SHOPPING TRIP FOR ALLENS SHIRTS WENT WELL.I AM CONTINUALLY PRAYING FOR JOSEPH ELI AND BELLA ARE ALSO PRAYING EACH DAY.I AM SO SORRY AND SO SAD TO HEAR THE BAD NEWS TODAY.STAY STRONG AND REMEMBER THE BODY OF CHRIST AROUND THE WORLD IS LIFTING JOSEPH UP TO OUR ABBA FATHER.PSALM 21 "I RAISE MY EYES TO THE MOUNTAINS WHERE DOES MY HELP COME FROM?MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD THE CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH"LOTS OF HUGS AND KISSES NANA(GUIDO)...PS GWEN IAM SO GLAD YOU MET THE NEIGHBOUR AND SHE IS STILL PRAYING.

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for God's grace, intervention and healing on Joseph's body and on all of your weary souls. We lift you up in prayer several times each day with faith and hope for recovery.
With love in Christ,
Maija, Jeremy, Jane and Beatrice

Anonymous said...

We are devastated at reading your news and are praying all the more fervantly.

much love.
keely, josh, & salem

Carrigan Family said...

"I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel who summons you by name." Isaiah 45:2-3

This scripture brought me great comfort when my daughter was born with Down Syndrome and it has again been bringing me great comfort since Ryan's diagnosis of a brain tumor - it reminds me that even the darkness is light to Him, that there will be treasures in this darkness, it's hard to wrap our minds around, not sure it's even possible - but it brings me comfort. Praying for you sweet Joseph and each of you. Lord - arm these precious ones with YOUR strength and endurance.

Mary Lee Carrigan -

Stanton Stebbins said...

We'll keep praying for Joseph, you, and the rest of your family!

Stanton & Susan

Buddy Buds and Friends! said...

Allen, I have your blog as one of my favorites and I check it regularly. Thank you for sharing about everything so we can know specifically what to pray for. You are being lifted up in prayer. I will pray for his treatments as they are underway. We miss you at Emory and we are sending our thoughts and prayers your way.
Kelly Lathem

Melissa P. said...

i have been checking back often for updates and am so sad to hear this news. praying against discouragement, for comfort, peace, hope, rest...

continuing to think about and pray for you often!

melissa platt

Vann and Norma said...

Our hearts are so heavy and we continue to shed many tears for you. We are faithfully before our Heavenly Father praying for miracles, peace, comfort... Please Lord, wrap your arms around Allen and Gillian.
love,
norma

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear the news. I cannot begin to imagine all the emotions that you must be feeling. I am still praying for a miracle...

LeVan McLain said...

We want you to know that we are praying for you and Joseph's healing! We pray for God's presence, peace and sustaining strength for you and your family. You are so close to our hearts-
With love,
Sarah-Jane's Bible Study ladies

Anonymous said...

I, like other people, have found your blog from Boothe Farley's. I have been reading since the beginning of your journey and have been praying for your entire family. May God grant you peace, wisdom, strength, patience, and understanding as you deal with life's new journey.

Tammy (Texas)

Anonymous said...

"I lift up my eyes to You, to You whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us His mercy."
Ps. 123:1-2

We will not stop looking to the Lord on your behalf for a miracle. I pray that you would have lots of fun with SJ while she is there and build some new memories as Nana said. Our love is with you!
The Hess Family

Anonymous said...

So hard to hear this news. Thinking of you- Melissa and Kayla in Atlanta

Anna Tester said...

Dear Gillian, I ache for you. And stand in awe at the all the many different ways little Joseph is being lifted up. It is just not part of this world. I am so greatful for the glimpse. Much love and many many blessings. Anna

vim+dash said...

we love you.

we pray for you constantly. tonight, as we put sellers to bed and began to pray. she reminded me - mid-sentence - to "pray for joseph." you are on our thoughts and in our prayers constantly. i am asking the Lord to remove some of the burden from you even now and let us carry it. we are continually asking for and believing in healing. God is the God of miracles. He is strong to save. i wish i could wrap my arms around you and cry with you. we are thinking of sweet joseph in his radiation treatments tomorrow. may you be comforted in comforting him.

much love-
b.

Aly said...

hey, allen & gillian. david and i are praying for you and will be praying continuously throughout the day tomorrow.

twiceasnice said...

Prayers are coming your way for all your family as the treatments begin from Austin, Texas. We lifted up his name in our church preschool sunday school meeting. People are praying all over the country and you are in the best place for healing.
In His love, jennifer

Anonymous said...

praying with a heavy heart, but believing in a miracle...

Jiggs said...

Prayers tonight, thoughts tomorrow ...

With Love from Kansas City ...

Anonymous said...

Just wanted you to know that our family in Franklin is praying for your family. May you physically feel the presence of our great God in that hospital, and may that bring you some comfort and peace.

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

Praying, praying, we will not stop praying. Keep your eyes on Him who IS able ....

Anonymous said...

We're feeling the pain with you today and are praying for a miracle.

Love,
lizzi & tony

shannon said...

oh, guys- i hurt so much for you. i know the pain and the struggle to be optimistic. God is good, all the time! i love you all and pray for God's sweet grace to fall all over you, shannon harris

Chloƫ said...

To Nana Guido (AKA Auntie Pauline!) - your blog brought tears to my eyes. You are all amazing and in my thoughts constantly. Love Chloe. X for all.

Anonymous said...

Gillian,
My running time has turned into my special prayer time for you all and Joseph. This morning I couldn't help but remembering all the joy of when Matthew was born. I prayed that Joseph would be "reborn" to you healthy and whole again. If the statistics can work against you, then by golly they can work for you as well!!
Margaret

amanda said...

I don't know what to say other than my heart aches for you and I am praying more than ever. There are many, many people in Houston praying as well.
love, amanda and alex sims

The Fields said...

Gillian and Allen--

Our whole congregation at Grace Lutheran Church in the Virginia- Highlands is praying for Joseph and for your entire family. We will continue to pray that our Heavenly Father sustain you with His peace, which passes understanding, during these difficult days. Where two or three are gathered in His name, Jesus promises to personally be there, too. May you feel His presence and lean on His strength.

In Christ,

Heidi Fields (from Oasis)

Armin Siedlecki said...

I am so sad to read your news. Please know that you are in my thoughts and that I am praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Oh guys, we just wanted to let you know we continue praying for Joseph's healing at night before we go to sleep. Actually, we pray for "the Josephs", as one of Chas' best friends from seminary also has a young son named Joseph who has been battling cancer as well. We beg the Lord for healing! As always, love from Orlando. If you need a break from the cold after the first treatment phase is over and can get away, all of you all are welcome in Orlando at our house.

Anonymous said...

My class of 13 prayed this morning for today to go smoothly and that Joseph would see Jesus in the eyes of all the doctors and nurses. They prayed that Joe would be happy today. Sweet prayers from 8 and 9 year olds. Holding you close in my heart today. Love, Mimi

Anonymous said...

Dear Gillian and Allen,

Even know we have never met and Allen has not seen David in so many years, I still feel a closeness to you through family and maybe because we are parents of young children, too. I just want you to know my tears flow as I read your blog and pray for Joseph. I know God hears us and he is with you, guiding you both. Joseph is so lucky to have two parents that love him so much. We will continue to ask God to answer your prayers.

Love to you all,
Karin and David

Anonymous said...

Your news is a lot to bear but you know hope springs eternal!! At times like this it is just great to have such wonderful and loving families to support you. We are all thinking of you and feel for you. Such good memories, Gillian of you and all your siblings with our kids growing up in Ireland and then here in the States. It is so hard to think of you all having to suffer like this and wish we were there to give you a hug! Positive thoughts are sent to you all. Love always, Susan, Brian, Killian, Marie, Shane and Susan

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear the discouraging news and my heart is breaking for the emotional pain you all must be feeling. I admit I am angry that you all having to go through this and your faith constantly amazes me. I will continue praying for you all and strength for the difficulties ahead.

You two are fabulous parents and I love reading about the fun memories and moments you all making & having as family...despite the challenges.

Please know I never stop thinking about you and praying for a miracle.

We love all four of you and miss you.


Jody

The Johnson Kids said...

My heart hurts with this message. It is my prayer that God strengthen you for everything that is to come. You are such a strong family and it is people like you who make us able to get through anything. Know that you are in my fervent prayers!

Jean Joiner said...

This news is so shocking. We will continue to pray.
Love,
Allen, Jean & Everett Joiner

Anonymous said...

I am so saddened to hear of the newest dx. Barely a prayer is prayed in our home without lifting up joseph--and if we forget then Miles lets us know! Willow even asked me if she could pray to "Dod" for "jofus"--and she did.

we love you guys and keep you in our thoughts continuously.

Anonymous said...

I heard about Joseph through the Morehouse School of Medicine community. We are praying for all of you daily.

ErinM said...

We're praying for you and Joseph, and hope that this treatment plan will make miracles happen so Joe can get back to being a normal and healthy little boy.

--Erin (and Jason)

Brea said...

My heart is aching at this news. We are and will be praying for all your requests, as well as for your ability to endure, trust and hope. We are continually asking the Lord to heal Joseph and grant him a long life with which to love and serve our God.

With Love,
John, Brea and Brennan

Anonymous said...

I just read the latest news - which is devastating and then I read all the many comments from those who love you. The beautiful prayers, encouraging words, and the Truth of Scripture- such a picture of the body of Christ ministering to you. Praying for you today and every day - Love, Mel and family

Anonymous said...

Gillian and Allen and Holly and Joseph
We are thinking of you all and send you our love. Please God that the treatment will go well for Joseph and that you all have some good time together, and that you can get the rest that you need. Take care of yourselves. Thank you for letting us know how things are going. Hi to all the family. Hugs and kisses. Ingrid

Anonymous said...

Oh, I can't believe this. I'm so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Hello Sherriff Sally and Mac and of course Lightening mc.queen.It was good to talk to you today.Eli and Bella Claire and Deacon were thrilled to talk to joseph . Lightening Mc Queen you have no idea how popular you are!!Guido was standing in line to talk to you too!!I almost had a wreck i missed hitting doc by a few inches because i was sooo excited to talk to you!!!Nothing too exciting happened in kentucky today..there was a tornado watch and we were told to go to the basement for cover which meant we just played with the toys.Deacon pulled the door handle off the kitchen door later in the day.so then we couldnt go down until phil got home (this info is for sarah-jane) GILLIAN have you booked Mac into drama classes yet? the girl is ready.Does this talking on the phone(holly) remind you of anyone? Iam praying for you all to sleep well tonight and for God to give you peace and comfort.Sleep sound in Jesus.Ilove you all tons and tons....Guido (Nana)

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

I spoke to my husband and we prayed this evening. I know the tumor your son has and the one my son had are different, but here are the people we sought additional opinons from .. they may be able to help.

1) http://www.skullbaseinstitute.com/
2) Dr. Ben Carson (A Christian) or Ken Cohen (Neurosurgery)@ Johns Hopkins
3) Keith Black @ Cedar Sinai

We needed to hear from other pediatric surgeons about our son's case and they helped tremendously!!!

We prayed tonight and will continue to stay on our knees for you.

yourmindcreatesthisworld said...

Gill and Allen,

You're all constantly in my thoughts here in Melbourne, I have no words, bless little Joseph,

so much love, cousin Soph x

Anonymous said...

Gillian and Allen,
We are CCC members and Jillian is in Pauline's D-group. (We just loved it when we found out she had a daughter of the same name, though spelled different.) Please know that along with sooooo many others we are fervently praying daily for each of you.
Kae and Jilli Mac

Anonymous said...

I'm heartbroken to hear the latest news. We're missing your whole family right now and wish we could run over and just hug you all! We are continuing to pray for Joseph's healing and your daily needs.
Much love,
Tracey (for the Shells)

Sara Beth said...

Believing that God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine!! He is good.

Praying and hoping and asking God to grant you all rest and Joseph comfort.

love-
Sara B

Anonymous said...

Dear Gillian and Allen, Joseph and Holly, My thoughts are constantly thinking about all of you. Thanks Sarah Jane for calling me today to let me talk to Holly. My class enjoyed watching me try to get her to talk to me. Joe P. I pray you are resting tonight and that you had fun picking out another great toy at Target this afternoon for being such a brave boy today!
I am amazed at how many people I run into at school, the grocery store, resturants, etc., that say they are lifting all of you up in prayer. Most of them haven't written on the blog, but they either know you or have heard from a friend, who heard from a friend, and they have been praying and they have passed it on to others. It is truly overwhelming for me when I think that every minute of every day must be covered by hundreds, maybe thousands, of people all over the world who are praying. Most of them we don't even know and may never meet in this life.
I pray that you have a restful night and a peaceful day tomorrow. I miss you all SO much!
Love, Mimi
"Do not be terrified; do not be afraid;the Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you." Deut. 1:29

courtney said...

I pray that you all, in this moment, would feel the Father's tight grip on you. We will be praying for all that you asked for. I'm so very sorry that you're having to walk through this. We love you and we are hurting for you. Knowing that God is the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow, we beseech Him daily for total healing. Love-

Rob, Courtney, Hannah and Emma Grace

Anonymous said...

We love you all so much and were so grieved to hear of this stage IV prognosis. We will continue to lift up Joseph and the rest of the family in prayer.Thank you for blogging and giving us specifics on what to pray. May the Lord grant you His peace and strength, wisdom and grace. May His Holy Spirit supply you with all that you need! Chrissie and Rick

Anonymous said...

Dear Gillian and Allen,

We continue to lift you up in prayer, and plead with God to heal Joseph.

In the LORD I take refuge. . .
When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
~Psalm 11:1, 3-4

Even when all is chaos and confusion, the Lord is our refuge and strength. And, He still reigns.

Praying with hope,
Betsy Huey

Anonymous said...

praying.
margarita

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for Joseph today and asking God for peace and hope for all of you. He has the final say in Josephs life, and I ask Him to touch and heal Joseph. Keep trusting Him. He has His eye on all that is going on and He loves you dearly.

Laurie in Ca.

Handlyrics said...

Your family is in my prayers.
Job 9:10
"He does great things too marvelous to understand.He performs countless miracles"

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but I'm a friend of Christy M. in Atlanta. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for Joseph and your family. Love, Your sister in Jesus - Felicia

Eleanor and Neil said...

Gillian and Allen
We hope all goes well with Joe's first treatment. We are praying for you guys and for strength, to guide you along the road ahead.
You are never far from our thoughts.
Love Eleanor and Neil.

Audrey said...

all I can think of is this song by Casting Crowns right now. Praying.
-Audrey Finney & fam

"I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth"

Anonymous said...

This is a quick hello from guido(Nana)Iam glad Lynn got there safely.Iam so glad you girls had a good night out last night with Jennifer and Courtney.Iam sooo glad you had a good night sleep last night Gill.Now I guess its Allens turn.Eli Bella Claire and Deacon all pray for Joseph a lot ..the most precious prayers.I look forward to seeing you next week after Lynn leaves.Iam praying for mercy comfort and peace for you all,Sleep sound in Jesus again tonight love and kisses Guido Nana ps.Sara b will you call me sometime ..i need to ask you a question....615 4811290..pauline

jeanne said...

Gillian. as i read your sad news i see you sitting on the hill with my Holly and my heart breaks for you. We are all praying for Joseph and his brave brave parents. I only wish i could reach out across the miles and comfort the girl we all loved so much when you were part of our lives here. love jeanne

Anonymous said...

prayer is there on a daily basis for the entire family.

Anonymous said...

Gillian:

I am Ruthanne (Mayfield) Szenasi's older sister. We met a time or two when you guys were at UT. Just wanted you to know that my heart hurts earnestly for you guys (I have a 5yo 3yo, and 18 mon old.) I am asking God for His healing touch for Joe based on what Jesus did for all of us. Lord, please also give wisdom for Gilliam and Allen, for the doctors. I pray for supernatural energy and comfort from Your Holy Spirit for this entire family. Father, please do your miraclulous healing that You are so known for doing!! amen.

Craig and Gwen said...

We had dinner with the Adam's tonite - and Andy lead us in some sweet prayer for you guys - and this time Ann Marie was asking for "more prayers"! Praying for ya'll a ton

Gwen

PS - Don't think I did hear about those Thank You notes Gill - you are in big trouble!

Anonymous said...

Our hearts are aching for you as we pray for Joseph today. We know God is a God of Miracles and we are anxiously awaiting one. Know that you are loved and lifted up in Atlanta by many.

The Allens

Anonymous said...

Dear Joseph,
I hope you feel better. We pray for you at home and in our class.

Love, Lauren Fontenot (5 and 3/4, she says)

Anonymous said...

I am so heartbroken over this. Hunter and I will pray for the things you mentioned. With love in Christ,
Abbie

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of Pauline's and I am praying for you & especially litle Joe. God is the Great Physician and He is in control. Many moms at CPA are praying and many at Christ Community. We will pray for few side effects from the radiation and that the radiation will attack all the cancer cells. "Do not fear, for I am with you." Isa. 41:13 Love you guys, kristine

The Loeffels said...

Ps 138:3 In the day when I cried, thou answered me and strengthened me with strength in my soul.

Ps 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried in the midst of the sea, thought the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

I am crying and grieving with you. Wish I could hug and hold you, Gillian.

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you.

God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Members of the Mt Pleasant Methodist Church