Thursday, July 24, 2008

Good news, we think

Well, Allen and Joe and Mimi have left St. Jude and are on their way to Target and Moe's. They did a CAT scan, which Joseph was able to sit still for, and our surgeon and neuro-oncologist both saw no tumor growth or anything different from the last scans. They believe all these new issues are due to steroid withdrawal, so we will keep giving him the steroid and hope to see him improve. Both Allen and I are a little skeptical because we have never seen him act this way and it is hard to believe that simply coming off a steroid could do this. But, we are choosing to believe the doctors, trusting they know a lot more than us, and be glad that there is no growth or infection or anything that requires surgery. So, thank you for praying. God did give them a very short trip and Holly and I are looking forward to having them home tonight.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi
Gillian & Allen
Well we are home after a long trip. We just loved seeing you all. So happy to hear that Joseph is on his way back home again. Hopefully he'll be back to his Joe P games real soon and that Holly will be back baking apple pie in Paulines kitchen.
Theres enough apples for the entire neighbourhood, it'll keep her busy for a long time.
lots of love Ann Ben & the boys

Anonymous said...

thanks for the update Gillian. Praying the trip home will go well and you will see positive results in Joseph in the near future.
love, Kissell's

Anonymous said...

Ah, great! That is good news! We had so much fun with you guys at the pool today. Did you get my message? Selah never went to sleep. She has been in her room singing, "Hollie, Hollie, Hollie..." :) Love you my sweet friend!

Anonymous said...

We are believing and praying for these symtoms to go away very soon..We know that Joseph is "safe in the arms of Jesus" I love the sond" Held " and it is so comforting for me to listen to. Get well soon Joe P. I think Im ready for a apple throwing competion!!Joe P. remember you were throwing them at all the Junior High kids on the big slip and slide a couple of weeks ago.Iam so glad you had Mimi with you for the ride!!I hope you told her and Daddy some funny stories..Get well soon Lots of love Nana

Anonymous said...

praise God for a short trip and good news. get some good rest tonight!

Anonymous said...

Gillian and Allen, I want you to know that we check the blog daily and are praying for you continually. Thanks for the updates and thanks for the song, "Held." It is great. We know that God is holding you no matter how hard the circumstances are. From Atlanta with love, Pat and Doris

Sara Beth said...

praying for sound sleep after a long day.
So happy about the good news and no more surgery.

love

Brea said...

That sounds like good news! We'll pray that the symptoms dissipate.

Anonymous said...

Glad you trusting doctors and not letting your anxiety get the better of you (you amaze me that way). As smart as you two are....these specialists probaly do know more and they telling you good news so just take it in. I thank you so much for updating the blog since I have been praying and thinking of you all. I hope the symptons go away. Good Sleep to you all. Love, Jody

Siobhan said...

How lovely to read some good news this morning. Trust the doctors & your faith. You honestly amaze me in every bog I read - how you manage, throughout all of this, to be the inspiration and comfort to all of us reading the blog, truly amazing, you make me more grateful everyday.
Love Siobhan x

Michael and Jana said...

I'm so glad I got the chance to meet you and Holly. I hope that being at the pool was relaxing in midst of a difficult day. We will pray that the doctors are right.

Sarah-Jane said...

so glad for the doc's prognosis. hopefully his symptoms will go away soon.
I think we might come in end of August if its good for you guys...around the 23rd.
love you all

Anonymous said...

Praying for rest for you all tonight.
I was so proud of how brave Joe P. was today..so many people touching him and talking to him, sticking things into him, pulling things out. And still he manages to smile and laugh, and of course, go to Target and Moe's!! Those two stores should just give you all free shares of their stock since you have almost gone to both of places everyday since last November.
Whenever anyone asks Joe P. who made him so brave, he always says, "God did!" I see that bravery in both of you, Allen and Gillian...that strength that can only come from Christ.
Praying that you find peace tonight and that tomorrow finds Joseph a little more steady on his feet and his spirits a little lighter because he's at home with Holly, Mommy Bear, and Daddy Bear.
Love, Mimi

Chloƫ said...

gald to hear this hopeful news. take care, keep well. love chlo.xx

here's some words from john keats that offer some solace.

ON THE SEA

It keeps eternal whisperings around
Desolate shores, and with its mighty swell
Gluts twice ten thousand Caverns, till the spell
Of Hecate leaves them their old shadowy sound.
Often 'tis in such gentle temper found,
That scarcely will the very smallest shell
Be mov'd for days from where it sometime fell,
When last the winds of Heaven were unbound.
Oh ye! who have your eye-balls vex'd and tir'd,
Feast them upon the wideness of the Sea;
Oh ye! whose ears are dinn'd with uproar rude,
Or fed too much with cloying melody -
Sit ye near some old Cavern's Mouth, and brood
Until ye start, as if the sea-nymphs quir'd!

Anonymous said...

Glad it was a quick trip and you are back to the comforts of home. Thinking of you!

Our family said...

Praise the Lord for good news! Praying daily for you all.
Nathaniel, Rebekah and girls

Travis said...

That is great news. We continue to pray!

Anonymous said...

Goodmorning! I am praying for a good day today. A day full of laughter, adventure, and hope.
Love, Mimi

Anonymous said...

AWESOME!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
Just to let you know that though we've never met, we continue to pray for your family. We are specifically praying that God will grant you sleep this weekend. You are an inspiration to us.
Blessings, the Eppingas - Saline, MI

Anonymous said...

Goodnight sleep tight dont let the bed bugs bite!!We found all the pictures of the slip and slide tonight and the pictures of Joe P.squirting all the older kids including a young man who was all dressed up and ready to go on a date Joe p. you did a good job on making him look very frumpy.I will e-mail Mommy and Daddy the photos.Sleep sound in Jesus.lots of love and hugs and kisses Nana Grandad Sam and Davey.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all, knowing that you are being held.
Randi Booth

Christy said...

SO glad you all weren't stuck in the hospital again and that everything looks good. So strange, though. And I know you're really wanting to be done with the steriods - I'm sorry to hear you'll have to continue them. Let us know if he starts lifting cars over his head ... that would be cool.

Anonymous said...

Hi Gillian and Allen,
I am so relieved for you about this good news!! I have written lots of notes to you and Ashley has explained to me what I was doing wrong so you never got them. I have been praying ALOT for you all. And we will continue to pray for a miracle of healing for precious Joseph.
Love and blessings to you all,
Ann & Terry Lewis

Anonymous said...

We are continuing to pray for Joe P. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but are praying that you do continue to be 'Held'. I also love that song and fortunately, have never had an experience in which it specifically applies to my life's situation. I do know that I truly believe with all my heart that I do not want to outlive my children & we pray for a miraculous healing of Joe, but know that God has His plan. Hugging you from CO.

Anonymous said...

Asking God to grant you rest tonight. Praying for all of you.
Love, Mimi

Sarah-Jane said...

yo....we went to Moe's in honor of you guys tonight...we needed Joe and Holly to yell "welcome to Moe's" though. did you know kids eat free on Tuesdays with an adult? we were pleasantly surprised!!

suzebab said...

Glad to hear Joe is doing better. What a joy it is the hear the sound of those feet pitter-pattering on the floor. If you guys are up for it we would love to get together! Let us know.

love,

The Babcocks