Josh Visit

Pastor Lee and I drove down for a quick visit with Josh prior to his planned shunt surgery today. Providentially, we both had time for the trip, arrived in just the right place, at just the right time (after going to the wrong hospital first) to just happen to meet up with his parents, kids, and sister-in-law in the parking garage going in to visit him.

We probably visited for about 5-10 minutes before they rolled him back to surgery. We definitely would have missed him if not for the above coincidences? Our visit ended with a short prayer.

He looked weak. Sad to see a guy who could out run me, and out climb me on a bike 6 months ago unable to walk.

The surgery successfully, and very quickly relieved the fluid pressure on the brain. We await further developments as far as his recovery goes. Hopefully, he will come up to the local PV rehab hospital in a few days.

The biopsied tissue from his last surgery a week ago shows about 50% living tumor (grade 3 Astrocytoma), and 50% radiation necrosis. What this means is that it will grow again. He goes on chemo permanently at this point. His physicians see a worst case scenario of 6 months, and best case scenario of several years depending on how the tumor behaves. I doubt he has any further radiation or surgical options, but don't know this for sure.

Anyway, he's doing well right now, and should rehab quickly.

PS: Nothing like visiting a hospital that specializes in neurological illnesses to make one very thankful for one's health.