Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Back for a Scan

We are headed back to Memphis tomorrow night. Although none of us relish the idea of going back into St. Jude's, I am glad we are one of those families that can now say, "We are just back for a scan." I used to be envious of those people as we sat day after day in waiting rooms thinking 6.5 weeks was an eternity and they only had to be there for one day. Don't get me wrong: We are so thankful that St. Judes exists and that Joe is privileged to get such amazing care--it is just a hard place to be for a long period of time.
It has been SO nice to be home. The kids are happy, we are happy, and we have truly been having so much fun seeing our friends and just visiting our old haunts again (Bouncin Bobs, museum, Target, etc.). Joseph is energetic and happy and Holly is more herself now that we are home. They are even being super-sweet to each other, hugging and sharing a lot, glad to be back in our old routine.
We have a day full of appointments on Friday--first he will have his port accessed (his absolute least favorite part), then we will have the MRI, then we will meet with our radiation doc and neuro-oncologist to discuss the scan. We are planning to head back Friday night, then leave for the beach on Saturday. Joseph took the news that we had to go back okay once we told him Florida was coming soon after.
As Allen mentioned, this first scan is not the most reliable as to what his tumor is doing b/c the radiation can cause swelling...but it is standard procedure and I guess they just want to make sure that, if there is swelling, it isn't causing any other problems. Of course, we are hoping that God has just chosen to remove the tumor completely and the doctors will be flabbergasted that he is completely healed.
We are thankful for Joseph's amazing recovery from 2 surgeries and 6.5 weeks of radiation. Looking at him I see God's hand on him, healing him and restoring his buoyant personality.
Oh, and Mimi, I have to add another cute story. Joseph out of the blue asked, "Can we call Jesus? I want him to come over!" I said we couldn't call him. "He doesn't have a telephone?" Joe wanted to know. Hmmm...I answered that he doesn't, but Joseph can talk to him anytime he wants; he just has to talk to Him and Jesus is right there with him. He put his hand on his heart and said, "Okay." It brought tears to my eyes to see his pure desire to know Jesus. I just know God has drawn especially close to Joseph through all the trials and pain he has endured and given him a special comfort to meet his needs.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gillian I remember at the beginning of Josephs first surgery we were talking and I was telling you that I was praying the Lords prayer and you told me that was what you were praying also.It truly is a beautiful prayer.I having been praying it again almost unconsciously this week.After you told me about Joseph'slittle talk about Jesus yesterday it just made me smile.That is why Jesus said "Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for their's is the kingdom of Heaven" He understands and has such a pure faith.I know God is going to use him in a mighty way.I keep thinking of Pam's vision of him as an old man (Joseph) telling the story of when he was a little boy and how sick he was.The other scripture that comes to mind isRevelation 3;19-20Be eager to do what is right and change your hearts and lives.Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.If you hear my voice and open the door,I will come in and eat with you,and you will eat with me"We love you all dearly.Sleep sound in Jesus .Lots of love Nana Grandad and Davy

Anonymous said...

Just thought of a priest, Father Charles of Mount Argus, in Dublin who through his intercession, a son of a friend of my parents was cured. If you would like to google him and read about him. We will be thinking about you all on Friday and hope that all will go as you want it to. Love to you all.

Chloƫ said...

thinking of you and your journey tomorrow. hope all goes well. joe p is a sweetheart and a great guy. have a great time in florida and i'm glad to hear that being at home is offering such peace and joy. see you soon. chloe. xxxx

Anonymous said...

Loved the story about Joseph wanting to call Jesus. I can't imagine what it is like to watch the faith of your children grow over time. Must be pretty amazing. Praying for your trip back to Memphis and excited for your upcoming vacation! Catherine

Anonymous said...

In response to Joseph's question on calling God...here is a story I once heard on K-Love.

A little girl told her grandpa that she knew God's phone number. Grandpa looked at her and went "really"...the little girl proceeded to take her bible, open it up to Jeremiah 33:3 and while holding the bible to her ear she "called God" and recited "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know"

I will continue to pray for ultimate and complete healing of Joseph. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts...I truly believe that children are a blessing from God and for people like me who have no children...they are even more of a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Hi Gillian, I am a friend of SJ in LExington. Crosby just finished wiht 22 clinical trial of Chemo here at UK. We go for scans next week & I have been following your blog. Crosby & Joe have such similar issues- waking up at night, needing someone there by them (aka sleeping in bed) and the yucky cream/port access. Praying for Joseph every night with the list of other "friends" fighting the fight! Praises for Joe feeling good- & praying that Joe & Crosby will be fully miraculously healed (and play together one day!!!)
praying for your family,
Meredith

courtney said...

From the mouths of babes... What a testament Joe P. already is! Just reading that about talking to Jesus spoke directly to my heart today. Thank you, Joseph.

Anonymous said...

We have enjoyed every minute with you guys. Its been wonderful!!
These past few day have been a time of with encouragement and sign of how deep our friendship has grown. BJ and I have been so happy to see the families together and kids playing again.

Logan is so happy to have his buddy back home and running and jumping with him.
Today he came running up to me and said, Hey Mommy, the car Joseph gave me has his tongue out!! That silly Joseph. I had the biggest smile on my face.
I also want to echo on how well Holly is doing now that she is home. Holly, in her own special way, HAD to say goodbye to Logan last night with a kiss and hug followed by blowing kisses and says thanks for coming till we were down the steps. My heart was melting and Logan loved every minute of her affection.
We will miss you dearly.
Have a blast together at the beach. The fun will continue when you return. =)
Love, BJ, Beth, Logan and Disney

notes of em said...

Sweet Joseph; thank you for sharing that story with us. Out of the mouths of babes.....
we will be praying for flabbergastedness all around....
love to you all
the millers

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update and for sharing what Joseph said to you.
Yes, Joe P., Jesus is right there with you carrying you through the halls of St. Jude, in the MRI machine when you get your "picture" taken, and when they hook the port up and it stings, Jesus is right there whispering in your ear how much He loves you. We are praying for you as you travel and go through a busy day at St. Jude's tomorrow. Have a wonderful trip to the beach full of lots of laughter and fun in the sun. Going to the beach always restores my soul. "Be still and know that I am God."
Love, Mimi and Big Daddy

Jean Joiner said...

thanks for sharing all of that. we're praying for you and your time at st. judes. have a wonderful time at the beach too!

Anonymous said...

Gillian, thanks so much for this great post and for Joseph's comments. We will continue to pray for all and hope your trip to Fla. will be full of peace, happiness, fun,and memories that the 4 of you will talk about in the years to come. love, Martha and Karl

So Blessed said...

That is so sweet and precious...how blessed we all are that we can talk to Jesus at any time and that we are assured that He hears us. Praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

With all the recent videos posted, we can vividly imagine Joseph's sweet expressions as he talked about calling Jesus. Praying for you all tonight as you face tomorrow- may God give you the grace you need each and every minute. This time, you'll be the ones offering hope to parents who are just starting their journey at St. Jude's. Have a great time at the beach! love, Mel and Steve

Anonymous said...

Went to a banquet tonight and saw a lot of people we had not seen in a long time. Everyone of them asked about Joseph! Each one said that they were praying for Joseph. Glad Joseph had a good plane ride and that he liked looking out of the window. I know you are glad to be with Jennifer,Matt, and Winnie Kate again...and of course Laney and Millie. They have missed you so much.
The staff at my school meets every Friday morning before school starts to pray; know that we will be praying tomorrow morning for all of you. Love, Mimi

Lynn T said...

Gill, Allen,
I am praying this morning. I absolutely loved the story of Joseph wanting to call Jesus. Joe, I agree with Courtney, it spoke to my heart too. Love you all

Our family said...

We prayed for you all this morning and last night Anna Walton told her grandparents that we needed to pray for "Josus" before supper. You are so heavy on our hearts.
The Wrights

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all today more than ever. Have a blast at the beach. We will miss you while gone, but I know the family time and 'vacation' will be great. Holly and Joseph are both doing great and I know you love being home. The Jesus story brought tears to my eyes...he does work is miracluous ways. LOTS OF HUGS! Jody

Anonymous said...

Have a great time at the beach!

Anonymous said...

Been praying harder than ever today that the MRI will display a miracle. I am sure today will feel like it lasts forever- Please let the support of all of us hold you up today.
Enjoy the beach. The waves always make me feel close to God.
Margaret

Anonymous said...

What a precious story. Praying for miraculous news today!
Kate

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gillian,
Becky Bracher and I got together this morning and she directed me to your blog. I am privileged and thankful to be able to pray for your family. Your peace and joy radiate in your narratives and challenge me in my response to every day bumps in the road compared to what you have faced. Please know I will continue to pray for your family! Love, Christy Wright

The Loeffels said...

I have been praying for you guys and little Joe all day. Ps 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I am praying that you are able to rest in His shadow today. Much love to you all.

Christy said...

Thinking of you guys this evening and hoping your travels went as well as they did last time. If only he could sleep through the port stuff. How totally rotten.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet post, Gillian! It was great to see you at the Pirate party...can't wait to catch up more and get the kiddos together.
love,
Tracey

Anonymous said...

Hey guys,

We love you guys and want you to know that you all are being showered with prayer in California by the Darkes. Continue to rest in His amazing grace and mercy.

Love,

Phil, Becca, and the kids