Happy News!

Well, it seems like this is the first time I have been able to report really good news. The surgery was very quick (I think less than two hours), so I feared that it was like last time where they got in there and realized they couldn't tell brain tissue from tumor. So, I was bracing myself to start crying again but I ended up hugging our surgeon, who was very sweet and gave me a nice big hug right back. He said they were able to get "quite a lot out" but the part around the brain stem stayed in there. So, they were able to relieve the pressure in his brain and even free the facial nerve that was wrapped up in the tumor, which is truly amazing. This is Gillian reporting, so in my layman's interpretation I might be messing things up...but I think it was the nerve that affected the movement on the left side of his face.
Immediately after surgery we went down to the ICU and Joseph's condition was astounding. He was talking and asking for me and Daddy, for a juice box, to sit up etc. We gave him a cup with a straw to drink some juice, but he immediately told us, "That's not a juice box!" I've never been so happy to hear him bossing us around again. Soon, we had his orange juice AND his juice box and he sat up several times to take sips. I was really amazed b/c he didn't seem this good after the last surgery. It also appeared to me that his left eye was shutting more in sync with his right eye, so maybe that is related to the nerve they were able to free up. Up till now his left eye was not responding the same as his right eye, which was worrisome since he needs to be able to protect his eye.
It has been wonderful to have our family here. Holly is having fun with her cousin in Memphis and Mimi is here taking care of her while we stay in the hospital. We are so relieved that the surgery went so well. Thank you all for praying for us and for Joseph. This little boy must be the most prayed for boy in the world! Please keep praying for his healing, and that he will be more comfortable and not in pain. It is great that he is expressing his needs, but it is really heart-breaking to not be able to make the pain go away. Overall, we are so happy with the surgery and with the amazing care he has received here so far. All of our doctors and nurses have been really amazing.
Ksusha, thank you for that sweet story of your friend's tumor. Keep praying for a miracle for Joseph. Love to all of you!