Thursday, July 3, 2008

Surgery Monday

After meeting with Joe's surgeon we decided that surgery would be the best course of action. He is very confident that he will be able to remove a significant portion of this area with minimal risks. They again stressed the importance of operating now instead of waiting until the problem was worsening and it had to be done emergently.

We'll be home for the weekend and then head back to Memphis on Sunday. The surgery will be Monday around noon and should last about 2-3 hours. The surgeon expects him to have a quick recovery and a short stay in the hospital afterwards.

So it's another surgery. We feel pretty good about the plan; obviously we're anxious about the surgery, but we feel like it will help his symptoms, get him off steroids, and hopefully give us some definite answers about the nature of the spot.

Please be praying for him and for the surgery throughout the weekend. Thanks.

31 comments:

Brea said...

I'm sure another surgery is a hard prospect, but it's comforting that the surgeon feels confident that it is the best thing to do and will have a good outcome for Joe. We will be praying!

Anonymous said...

While we were preparing for tomorrow's Peachtree Road Race and making plans for a cookout and fireworks I was thinking of you spending your day trying to decide if your son should have brain surgery. I am so sorry that your young family has to go through all this!
I am praying for the best possible pathology results, a smooth and successful surgery and quick recovery.
Praying for supernatural strength for each one of you.
I hope you are able to have some fun on the 4th :)
With love, Suzanne

Anonymous said...

We will continue to pray every night and day.....We will pray for incredible strength for the two of you and also little Holly and Joe!
The Booth family

Anonymous said...

Praying for the best for Joe and peace for you guys this weekend. Miss you terribly.

B.J., Beth and Logan

Michael and Jana said...

Praying for steady hands for the surgeons and continued confidence about the surgery in you guys.

Mad Fat Woman said...

praying and believing..
blessings,
The Cadenheads

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for each one of you and especially for Joseph. Keep holding on to God's promises. Love, the O'Steens

Anonymous said...

Allen, this is the first time I've written but have been following Joe's progress and faithfully praying for you and your beautiful family. Thanks for sharing. I feel like I've gotten to know your family. I feel God's presence when reading your blog and all the comments from your friends. Your Disney World and beach pictures reminded me of our trips together when you were little!
-Praying for God's healing power, strength, and peace each day for all of you. Love and prayers,
Brenda

Brandon said...

I will be in prayer for you, your family, and the surgeons hands as they operate next Monday. May God grant you peace and strength.
Brandon

Christy said...

I'm glad to hear they're anticipating a quick recovery and short hospital stay - and I know you'll love kissing the steriods goodbye once again. Still such a hard thing.

I'm very impressed with Gillian's steady hand with the eyelash trimming. Wow. He must have some serious Snuffleupagus eyelashes!

suzebab said...

....His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

Joe P. I'm sorry little man. You are so brave!!!

Will be praying. Let us know if you need anything

love,

Babcocks

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

Definitely praying!!!

Our family said...

We will be praying for the surgery and a very quick recovery. Also praying for great time for y'all as a family this weekend.
nathaniel, rebekah and girls

Anonymous said...

Hope you guys have a great 4th. May our Lord grant you much peace and comfort in the days ahead. Tell Joseph and Holly we look forward to catching more lightning bugs soon!
love, vann and norma

Anonymous said...

We will be praying hard.

- Ange

Anonymous said...

Many prayers... Let us know what we can do to help.

Anonymous said...

It seems like this will increase your doctors' understanding of the nature of this progression. Any information seems better than simply not knowing, or at least I can only imagine. God bless all of you. WIll pray for the surgery and for your weekends. I hope Joe and the rest of you can have a good weekend and rest before the stressful next week. How soon will you hear results from the surgery? - scott c.

Craig and Gwen said...

Praying for you guys sooo much

Gwen

Anna Tester said...

Allen and Gillian, in the midst of all this thank you so much for keeping all of us updated so that we may walk with you. You are in all of our prayers. xxxxxooooo. Anna and my family

Anonymous said...

It's a sad comfort that at least this time you have a little better idea what to expect and I am glad the doctor has confidence in the course of action and outcome. I hope you feel confidence too-I can't imagine how difficult to make these kind of decisions. I know you and Allen are smart and are balancing the intellectual and emotional to make the best possible decisions. We will be waiting and praying. And we are looking forward to a fun bday party after recovery!
Lots of Love!

Carrigan Family said...

Praying for your precious boy and for your family .......

kcaimee said...

I will be praying for your precious little boy and for you, his brave parents, as well.

Anonymous said...

After chatting with Gillian over beakfast this morning I came to realize what an amazing young lady and woman of God Gillian has matured into.It is in our darkest hour that God is closest to us.He cares and cares profoundly.It is His presence which gives us peace.His nearness gives us hope.We dont have to be alarmed or even anxious.Gillian told us that Joseph woke up last night about 3.am and they both went down to the kitchen and sat at the kitchen table and Joseph said "I so happy to be in our house Mommy and for Holly bear to be there too!and then he said and I quote "We wont worry about St.Judes ok.Mommy"What a precious baby!He knows the meaning of my favorite scripture "This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it" We love you so much and we are not going to worry about Saint Judes because Joseph said so.Love from Nana and Grandad and David Sam Ann and Ben Darragh and Ronan.

Kathaleeny said...

Dear Nana, That is my favorite psalm as well. How often I have logged on to this website and thought this family is a living example of that psalm. Living by example is sometimes more powerful than a sermon. For that, I thank you.

So Blessed said...

I'll be praying for Joe and all your family...as well as the doctors and surgeons and nurses. I pray for the peace of Christ to fill your hearts and minds as you trust in Him.

Anonymous said...

I am crying reading Nana comment and am always amazed by how GOD touches our kids lives. Gillian and Allen are truly amazing parents and huge role models for me as Christians and parents. I am praying always for all of you and especially for these days/weeks ahead. We miss you terribly, but know you are in fabulous hands at St. Judes. LOVE YOU TONS! Jody

joann said...

praying for all of you. love from the rosenbaums.

Anonymous said...

Pauline, thanks for sharing that beautiful story of how God comforted Gillian through Joseph!!! What a blessing! I am praying for all of you...Love, Paula

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

Think and talk of Joseph and your family often even though we have never met, but my prayers continue.

We call on the name of Jehovah-Rophe (Our God who heals) for Joseph and pray for his doctors, nursing staff, the team, and whoever is involved in his surgery.

Praying for you throughout the weekend and the days ahead.

Lynn T said...

Goodnight Gill, Allen, Joe and Holly,
Loved hearing all your sweet voices over the speaker phone last night. I'm praying for you all. Love you tons xxxx

Anonymous said...

We are praying that God will bless you with a peace that passes all understanding. We are praying for Dr.s and that God will guide their hands. We are praying for a miracle. Love Karl and Martha