Sunday, August 17, 2008

Veggies Videos

Blogger wasn't loading the videos on the last post, but it's working now. Here is Joseph meeting the real Larry. His paralyzed side is facing the camera, but you can still see a huge smile on the other side. The second one is the kids playing various whistles and instruments in the music room.

Also, we probably won't post until we get back from Memphis on Thursday, so be praying for our visit. We're going to try and take Holly because both she and joseph want her to go. He has a bunch of scans and tests and then hopefully he'll get his first avastin treatment IV. Honestly it didn't feel like we were going to make it to this point and getting here seems like a mini-goal accomplished. I think what we are mostly hoping for is that the avastin/cpt-11 shrinks whatever is there that is causing the symptoms. He now has to be holding hands with someone to walk without falling and he has started having some shaking in his arms when he uses them. It would be great to have some improvements for a change instead of steady worsenings. Above all the hope is that avastin will kill the tumor, but like Gillian said a few posts ago, we are being realistic and know that this is not the expected outcome.

We really do appreciate and depend on all your support. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.



27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, They are great pictures and great videos. We are hoping that the Memphis trip will bring about great improvements for Joseph. Have a safe trip there and back. Love your all Ann Ben and the boys

Anonymous said...

Praying and thinking of you. We will call you on your way. Safe travels and praying for improvements. LOVE YOU ALL. Jody

Anonymous said...

Hey guys. Thanks so much for the videos (thank you blogger for accepting them I mean!). I can't believe how sudden the paralysis seems to have come on. We will continue to pray for the avastin to work and for the stupid cancer to die.

Speaking of wanting Joseph's cancer to die, I saw a funny Sarah Silverman skit online the other day in which she said she wants to start a hate group for cancer. Where do I sign up?!

This morning in church, I was praying for Joseph during some point, and prayed "God, please help prayerforjoseph to get better. I mean, Joseph." I think about your blog all the time, apparently. :) Love all you guys very much, and continue to pray for tender mercies on your big boy.

scott cunningham (and paige)

Chloƫ said...

Good Luck with Avastin Joe P.

You're a fabulous, brave, boy.
Thinking of you all.
Love Chloe.

XXXX

Craig and Gwen said...

Praying Praying for this next week.

KJ and Claire love the pics and videos.

Sharon Harrison said...

Hi...You don't know me and I am not even sure how I stumbled upon your blog (other than to say God put me there to pray for your precious family) My husband and I live in Memphis and go to Bellevue Baptist Church. I am not sure what your support group is in Memphis but if you need ANYTHING while you are here please email me and I would love to minister to you. I have a friend that works for ALSAC at St. Jude and I have a special place in my heart for "St Jude Kids"..

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking the time to post this. It's sad to not see all of Joseph's smile, but great to see how much fun you all had there. You'll be heavy on our hearts this week.

mwosteen said...

We will be praying for the things that you listed. Thanking God for the obvious strength and courage He has given all of you so far and for that grace to continue to sustain you. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged; for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Josh 1:9

Anonymous said...

A part of us will be in Memphis with you.
Melissa and Kayla

Anonymous said...

Joseph- you are the bravest boy I know(even though we've never met!) Our family is praying for you and your Mom and Dad this week!

Carey Heid and family
(sj friend)

Amy Lafayett said...

Continuing to pray for sweet Joseph!

Christy said...

Wow, that thunder whistle thing was great! I want one! Praying.

Anonymous said...

Our hearts and prayers are with you always. We loved the pictures and videos. What a day you guys had! May you have a safe trip to Memphis.
love,
vann & norma

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for your family! Susan from Suwanee, GA

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and praying often.

paige c.

Lynn T said...

Gill, Allen, Joe and Holly,
Thinking of you all today as you travel. I'm praying for you all. Loved the videos and pictures..so sweet.Love,Lynn

Randi said...

We love the videos! I am so happy that all of the children had so much fun.
Joseph's bravery and courage inspires us all. Thank you for blogging because it is Jesus that shines through in Joseph.
Praying every day and every night, thinking and loving you all,
Randi Booth and her boys

The Loeffels said...

Speechless really. I often wonder if I am saying the wrong things. I think all of us hope we might be able to say something that would offer even a milisecond of relief. I, too, struggle with being disappointed in God. I am so grieved by the pain your are experiencing. Continuing to pray, Jaime

Our family said...

We are praying all the time. Anna Walton prays for Joseph at every meal and before bedtime without fail:)
the Wrights

Anonymous said...

I am praying for your safe trip today--that it will be a sweet time for Holly and Joseph being together. We will definitely be praying that this new drug will KILL that tumor. What an amzing child Joseph is. And so is Holly. I am also praying for her as I am sure this is really hard for her to comprehend. you all are such an inspiration to all!!!
Love & Blessings
Ann Lewis

Anonymous said...

The Lord be with your sweet boy.

ErinM said...

As always, we are praying for Joseph. He is such a brave boy, and you are all such a strong and loving family. It is hard to hear about your active boy needing to hold on to walk, but if prayers could help hold him up, he would be able to fly.

--Erin, Jason, Patrick, and Melkamu

So Blessed said...

Praying for your family this week...

joann said...

will be praying. ~love from the rosenbaums

Anonymous said...

You are all in our thoughts tonight, may peace be with you as you lay down to a hopeful day tomorrow

Lynn T said...

Goodnight,sleep well. Praying for you tonight. Love you tons, Lynn

Anonymous said...

Gillian,

We heard from SJ that Joe is not doing well in Memphis right now. We are saddened and praying fervently. I hope this trip will provide you with understanding of what exactly is taking place as well as some plan of care that will help relieve his symptoms. I know he doesn't know who we are but tell him scott and paige are praying for him on his birthday. Our thoughts are with you all.

love,

paige