Back for a Scan

We are headed back to Memphis tomorrow night. Although none of us relish the idea of going back into St. Jude's, I am glad we are one of those families that can now say, "We are just back for a scan." I used to be envious of those people as we sat day after day in waiting rooms thinking 6.5 weeks was an eternity and they only had to be there for one day. Don't get me wrong: We are so thankful that St. Judes exists and that Joe is privileged to get such amazing care--it is just a hard place to be for a long period of time.
It has been SO nice to be home. The kids are happy, we are happy, and we have truly been having so much fun seeing our friends and just visiting our old haunts again (Bouncin Bobs, museum, Target, etc.). Joseph is energetic and happy and Holly is more herself now that we are home. They are even being super-sweet to each other, hugging and sharing a lot, glad to be back in our old routine.
We have a day full of appointments on Friday--first he will have his port accessed (his absolute least favorite part), then we will have the MRI, then we will meet with our radiation doc and neuro-oncologist to discuss the scan. We are planning to head back Friday night, then leave for the beach on Saturday. Joseph took the news that we had to go back okay once we told him Florida was coming soon after.
As Allen mentioned, this first scan is not the most reliable as to what his tumor is doing b/c the radiation can cause swelling...but it is standard procedure and I guess they just want to make sure that, if there is swelling, it isn't causing any other problems. Of course, we are hoping that God has just chosen to remove the tumor completely and the doctors will be flabbergasted that he is completely healed.
We are thankful for Joseph's amazing recovery from 2 surgeries and 6.5 weeks of radiation. Looking at him I see God's hand on him, healing him and restoring his buoyant personality.
Oh, and Mimi, I have to add another cute story. Joseph out of the blue asked, "Can we call Jesus? I want him to come over!" I said we couldn't call him. "He doesn't have a telephone?" Joe wanted to know. Hmmm...I answered that he doesn't, but Joseph can talk to him anytime he wants; he just has to talk to Him and Jesus is right there with him. He put his hand on his heart and said, "Okay." It brought tears to my eyes to see his pure desire to know Jesus. I just know God has drawn especially close to Joseph through all the trials and pain he has endured and given him a special comfort to meet his needs.