Joel’s Headaches…Please Pray
Hi all, it’s Dave filling in for Cheryl.
Cheryl made an appointment this past Tuesday with our family doctor about Joel’s headaches…they didn’t seem normal to us and were getting worse, more frequent and lately waking up with them and sometimes with vomitting just after he gets up or is woken up by the headaches…she was told that they were migraines and to treat it symtomatically…with Advil or Tylenol. This advice didn’t sit well with us and sought the opinions of friends and family…getting a second opinion was the most popular response we got. We talked it over and decided to take Joel to our regional children’s hospital (Friday morning).
We got there and Joel looked totally fine and were almost afraid to bring him in for fear of being immediately sent home. Triage labelled him as urgent, to our surprise. We were almost certain he would again be diagnosed with migraines, and to our surprise the resident ordered a CT scan just to be certain…within a couple hours that was completed and we were visited by the resident as well as the staff doctor…more than one doctor, didn’t seem like good news.
The CT revealed a large growth at the back of the brain and immediate surgery was the course needed to be taken. An MRI was ordered ASAP in order to learn the extent of the tumour so that an action plan (surgical) could be made. Thankfully it is NOT wrapped around the brain stem and is only on one side of the brain. The bad news is that it is more than likely malignant but a biopsy will be done at the time of surgery to be sure.
Surgery is scheduled for first thing Saturday morning…Joel goes under anesthesia at about 8:30 and the surgery could take 8 to 14 hours. This surgery is by no means a cake walk, given the risks, but there is also a good chance of success. We were informed that the surgeon who will be working on Joel is a world renown neurosurgeon and that surgically we couldn’t be in better hands. Over all we realize that Joel is in, and always has been in, the Great Physician’s hands. We take great comfort in that combination.
Please pray for the best possible outcome for this surgery…for God to carry us in His love and with His overwhelming peace…for Joel especially and also for his sibblings and of course his parents. May God be glorified in all our experiences.
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6 Comments
Kristi-Anna
I heard this news from Cynthia K. in St. Catharines this morning. I heard it again this afternoon at church, from Sharon U., who knows you from a homeschooling group here. I cannot imagine the things you as a family are going through. Little Joel, we are praying for you, for all of you!! I am encouraged by your faith, and am thankful for the internet and it's ability to help your readers and prayer partners stay updated without having to make fifty phone calls. I pray the news is better than you anticipate!
Alexis
I'm praying for you all during this trial, and trusting God for a MIRACLE!!! Many, many times we have seen Him work his power in our midst, and I'm anxious to see how He will touch little Joel and all the family.You are DEEP in my prayers.
Shirley
I am praying for Joel and the family.
Sandra Grimes
Just wanted you to know that I had a nephew who had a brain tumor at the age of 5 years and his was wrapped around the brain stem. He under went surgery and he had a long crueling recovery. The good news is he is alive today at the age of 30 and just got through serving in the Army over in Iraq. So there is hope! With Jesus Christ at your side there is always hope. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
•J•O•
wow. heard about you from another friend's blog. i also have a 5 year old… totally can't imagine what you're going through. praying for you guys.
Susan
I am & will continue to pray. Children have a stronger healing power than us adults. If you believe in the power of the Surgeons, Joel, all Medical staff, let God do the rest. This isn't an easy time, so a family that prays together, will stay together.