Tuesday, June 24, 2008

MRI Tomorrow

Over the past two weeks and since the whole pseudoprogression thing, we have noticed that Joseph has started his head tilt again. It was gradual and we denied it as long as we could, but it is definitely back. This was the first sign that something was wrong way back in November. Over the past few days his walking has become increasingly unsteady. This is obviously very concerning for us.

They told us that even if this truly is psuedoprogression we may see some symptoms, but they appear to be increasing daily. After talking with his doctors at St. Jude, we are hopefully going to have an MRI tomorrow (Wednesday) here at Vanderbilt. The images will be sent to Memphis and they will compare it with the previous ones. Hopefully this will help us find out what's going on. Best case senario is that the spot is still the same size and shape and that his symptoms are due to whatever necrosis and stuff makes up the spot. Worst case is that the spot really is a progression and that it is growing bigger. If that is the case, then we will stop the Tarceva and start on a new chemo regimen. We think he'll start CPT-11 and Avastin, but we're not totally sure yet. He will also probably restart steroids regardless. We have no idea if another surgery would even be an option.

This is a very difficult time for us. Seeing him like this reminds us of the terrible days back in November. Please be praying for him and for us. We really appreciate it.



UPDATE:
Okay, now the plan is to get a CT scan here to see if there is any increased intracranial pressure. They will not be able to tell whether this is progression or not. We will be going to St. Judes on Sunday for an MRI and PET scan Monday and Tuesday which will be able to tell what's going on. So we won't find anything out until next week.
Please pray that Joe will take his medicine easily without much fight and that he will have great patience and endurance for the battery of tests that await. Thanks.

42 comments:

courtney said...

Dilligently and fervently praying for you guys... Hannah has started calling Joe P. "Jesus" at night when she prays for him. I don't know where that's coming from!!! But, she never ever forgets to ask God to heal him. Kathy was here last night and was talking about Joe and Holly and Hannah was hanging on her every word. Hope to see you guys soon and our prayers for healing and allevation of symptoms will continue-

Courtney

Jennifer said...

I'm praying - and will see you in a couple of days. I love you all so much.

Shannon said...

Friends in Dallas are praying for complete healing and perfect peace.

Shannon (Newbill) Niemann

Melissa P. said...

so great to see you guys today! know that we will be continuing to pray for you all of you...

Jean Joiner said...

praying for you guys...
jean

Lynn T said...

Miss you terribly. Praying all the time. We loved being with you all and Will misses Joe and Holly so much. He is treasuring the Lightning McQueen car Joe gave him. Joseph, you have such a huge heart. We love you all. Love, Lynn

Sarah Partain said...

You all are still in God's hands, close to his heart and in his care. We'll keep praying for you and Joe. Thanks again for letting us into your world!
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Ah, Gill, I am so sorry to hear that. I know this has to be heart breaking for you guys to even see any symptoms. He's been doing so great and looking fabulous. I was just praying for you guys as I was running. Please know that we will continue to pray hard for you all. Oh, how we pray this is just a symptom of the pseudoprogression. We love you guys and we are praying. Hope to see you soon. We've missed hanging out!

juliette said...

praying for you everyday.
love, j.r and juliette.

Audrey said...

Praying right now

Anonymous said...

We're praying for all the things that God can provide for you. You are constantly on our minds. Love, Martha and Karl

Mad Fat Woman said...

praying for your family.

notes of em said...

we are on our knee's for you all daily, and in our thoughts and our hearts moment by moment of each day.

Ali Tanner said...

several updates since i last looked. i will be praying so much over the next several days and spreading the word. much much much love to each of you and thankfulness for what he is portraying in your life- His faithfulness.

Anonymous said...

We're praying in Atlanta for all of you.

The Slotkins'

The Dogs said...

Praying expectantly for positive results.

Courtney said...

Thank you for the update. It is a privilege to pray for you, Joseph, and Holly. I can't imagine how disconcerting all this has been in the couple of weeks. Know that you are being prayed for...

-Courtney S.

Brea said...

We are praying.

Anonymous said...

praying at the beach, and crying. we love that boy so much...all of us!! especially me though:)
love you all and are praying for endurance through this hellish roller coaster.

Anonymous said...

praying for peace and endurance and good sleep all around.

Anonymous said...

I cannot imagine the sadness and anxiety you all feeling. Please know how many people are praying for Joe, his healing, and your entire family. My heart breaking for you Gill... I wish I could be there to hug you in person and just talk all night long. I love you all so much. My prayers going out to you all especially during this uncertain time. Hang in there and know we all holding you up in our prayers. Safe travels. LOVE, Jody

Anonymous said...

Just caught your blog and wanted to say that one more would be praying for you. Your vacation pics are wonderful. Can only imagine how hard these next few days will be. May the God of ALL comfort make Himself known to each of you in a very real and powerful way. Praying with you to a God who can do anything. Blessings.

Anonymous said...

Isaiah:40:11"He tends his flock like a Shepard:He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart;He gently leads those that have young" Gill that is the scripture on the cover of the blog.It is also the lovely painting writing you made for me when Davey was a baby.May those words of God comfort you and Allen tonight.Lifting you all before the throne of God and continuing to pray for complete healing .We love you all dearly.Mom and Dad

Anonymous said...

I agree with Nana and will be praying with her for you both to rest in Jesus. In Psalm 139 it says that God has "hemmed us in behind and before." In The Message, it says, "I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there,too--your reassuring presence, coming and going."
I pray that somehow this will bring you comfort. God IS with you, and He IS with Joseph.
Holding you close in our hurting hearts,
Mimi and Big Daddy

Dee Dee said...

Praying for your precious boy. And for all of you.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry that you are going through this. We are holding you in prayer that He would surround you with great comfort and protection.
Continuing to pray for complete healing and wisdom for the doctors as well as you and Allen.

God Bless You dearly,
amber

Carrigan Family said...

Praying, praying for your precious Joseph and for each of you ......

Craig and Gwen said...

Praying praying praying....

Much love - Gwen

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all as you face so many unknowns. Love, the O'Steens

Anonymous said...

We're praying for peace, healing, and good news.

- Rob and Sara Wade

Anonymous said...

can't even imagine all that you are going through. praying constantly.
love,
vann & norma

Anonymous said...

Your Atlanta fan base is praying for you. Gill, I wish I could be there just to give you a hug, no words, just a hug. So I will have to send one from my heart to yours. This is just not fair and I am so MAD that you did not even get this little break of peace between MRIs. I'm praying with all my heart that Joseph takes the tests well.

Anonymous said...

can't even imagine what the waiting on all of the tests is like...we will be praying for patience for you as you await results. praying the lord will hold you all close during the days ahead and your trip to st. jude. asking that joe will sleep well and that the tests and meds won't be too hard on him. believing in a miracle.
love you guys,
erin and dave

Anonymous said...

Dear friends,
So sorry to hear that behind the scenes of the recently posted fun beach pics there were signs you were increasingly worrying about.
Asking God to supernaturally uphold you during the time of uncertainty,to allow the medicine taking to go on without a fight,and to continue to give you sweet spots every day. And always for healing!
With love, Suzanne

Anonymous said...

In praying for Joseph, the Lord continues to remind me he knows everything before we do. I'm praying for his comfort to penetrate your hearts and minds this week.

Love you guys,
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Little Joseph is in my thoughts and prayers as is the whole Peabody clan. I hope this week goes by quickly for you and that you get good news soon.

Our family said...

We are praying so much for you all. We continue to pray for complete healing for Joseph.
The Wrights

Chloƫ said...

I hope today goes well and the MRI is ok too. Thinking of you all. Love Chloe xxxxxxxxxxx

Anna Tester said...

Peabodys we are praying for each one of you! Hampton and Jack especially! Hampton loves to pray for Joseph, Mickey (thanks to the disney video clips), and the cow (I think this is due to the every other day chic-fil-a stops). I let Jack watch the video clips and he (just turned one) was pointing at the screen. Anyway, it was wild I wanted to video them and send it to you all! You are touching so many of us even the little ones can see how special you are! Sorry for the long note just wanted to say that the little ones are praying fevernetly and there is power and strength in that. Godspeed.

Christy said...

Glad I didn't bother with mascara (not that I ever do). Praying for you all as I type.

Anonymous said...

Just read your thoughts, so sad for you, praying for intervention and that all will be well. Thinking of you at this very tough time.

Anonymous said...

This is such scary, horrible news. My prayers are with you four. love -scott c.