Attached below is an email from Josh's parents. Heather and I visited him last night and he seemed tired and down. I just got off the phone with Ginna (his mom), and she said today was a dramatic improvement, physically, emotionally, and attitude wise. They actually had to re-write the email below from one they had originally planned to send out.
Greetings Everyone,
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women and children)
of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." I Corinthians 16:13, 14.
In the picture attached above you will see four people who are living out
the above verses. These words that the Lord sent to the believers in
Corinth so many years ago have been a source of guidance for all of us who
have been with Josh and family over these past two weeks of unexpected
surgeries and rehabilitation. Since our last update there have been several
major challenges that have called us to do just what this verse says. Would
you once again join in special prayer during this recovery time? Thank you.
Success In Two Surgeries and Rehab: April 30 Joshua underwent a three hour
surgery to relieve pressure in his brain caused by tumor and dead brain
tissue which were rapidly taking away freedom of movement on his right side.
A week later on May 7th a second surgery was needed to insert a permanent
shunt to help his brain drain off excess brain fluid which was causing
swelling and a "soggy brain." Both surgeries were a success, but both left
him with intense pain and nausea to deal with. May 10th he was released to
an inpatient rehabilitation center in Prescott Valley, which is about 15
minutes from where we live, and the rest of us were able to return to our
homes. Today we are very thankful to report that his pain level is way down,
his nausea has pretty well subsided and his right side is quickly regaining
movement. He is walking further each day with the aid of a walker during
his physical therapy.
Pathology Report: One week after the first surgery we received the
pathology report. The section that was removed was 50% cancer and 50%
necrosis (dead cells). Although we continue to ask the Lord to take ALL of
the cancer away, we are thankful that the cancer is still stage III and has
not elevated to the highest level of stage IV. This report also affirmed
that the doctors at both hospitals made the proper diagnosis and treatment.
They will continue to monitor the cancer with three month MRI exams as well
as treat it with chemo-therapy.
When Can He Go Home? Joshua has once again shown his courage and
determination to regain his strength and health. Would you like to register
a guess of when he will be released from rehab to go home? So far we have a
one week, a two week and a three week guess on the official registry.
To quote his surgeon, the combination of surgery, shunt and chemo-therapy
could extend Joshua's life to "years."
Emotional Battle: Josh and Sadie are both courageously and victoriously
fighting the battle against the cancer and all that is involved in the
treatment. As you can well imagine though the battle is very hard,
especially now in this recovery from the surgery that removed most of the
left front lobe of his brain.
Right now Joshua still does not feel well, he has little appetite, his
emotions don't easily lend themselves to hope and joy, and he gets exhausted
easily. Yet each time the occupational or physical therapist comes in, he
gets up and works hard to strengthen his muscles to stand, walk and to
regain full use of his right arm and leg. He, Sadie and the girls need your
prayers. Most of all, would you please pray that all of us will be daily
encouraged as we hear the same message that the Joshua of the OT heard when
he faced the huge battles ahead of him? "Be strong and courageous. Do not
be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Thank you for your prayers, support and enCOURAGEment,
Tom for us all
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