2 yr old Joseph, hanging out, literally, at the foot of Ian’s hospital bed.
Lumbar Puncture this morning, to check for cancer cells in Ian’s cerebral-spinal fluid. He’ll be sedated, with yet another kind of medicine that he’s never had before- praying for no adverse affects, especially as this will take place in a “procedure room” and not a full-fledged operating room filled with equipment and supplies for every kind of emergency. The Lord has taken such good care of him so far, and I trust He will continue to do so, yet my flesh, my mom-heart is a buncle of nerves this morning.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
***UPDATE- This morning’s LP has been temporarily postponed after I raised concerns about Ian’s increasing headaches (it’s now been over 60 hrs since his last brain mri), and with his unusual reaction to his previous sedation… The plan now is to get a head CT to double-check his ventricles/ventricular pressure, to be sure that a lumbar pucture will be safe. Also, they are planning on doing the procedure in an OR (operating room) under general anesthesia rather than the different sedation method originally intended. I still wish he didn’t need to go through this, but I am feeling much better about this procedure now…!
{Deep breath}
Ian was quiet and exhausted yesterday, and when I asked him if he was excited to get back to his therapies after his day off, he just looked at me with that “Are you crazy, Mom?!” look and quietly answered, “um, yeah, no.”
I think the fact that this is going to be a very long road to recovery is starting to hit him.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
{Deep breath}
Last week, he was saying “More therapy! I have to push harder!” and he meant it, and it was so totally his personality. He seemed to visibly lose steam over the weekend, which is so hard to see. I’m hoping and praying that he can see some good progress with his physical therapy this week, enough to re-ignite that fire of motivation, to get him excited to work hard to see more and more progress.
Monday’s Prayer Requests-
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NO cancer cells in the cerebral-spinal fluid
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that he would not be discouraged about slow progress
I’m looking forward to some regular blogging again one of these days, know what I mean? Posts about homeschool scheduling, a few late summer field trips, the giveaways I back backing up (I may have to have a full week of giveaways soon), pictures of muddy children, and some new favorite recipes. You know, the good old blogging days…
But for now, this is our life.
A new normal.
Thank you for walking this with me, with us, for your encouraging words along the way, and especially for your prayers.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Praying!
Praying for your family. One of my friends’ son just finished his last chemo for medulloblastoma (he was diagnosed just over a year ago), you can find her blog at http://ontheoldpath.blogspot.com Her son has major fall-out from the surgery too; balance issues, speech issues, eye issues, etc..I’m sure she can be of encouragement/prayer support if you want it
praying for answers and strength. praising that you have healthy children and are healthy to be there for him. praising for a working van, praising for supportive friends and family
New to your blog and in the process of spreading it around to all I know. My prayers and thoughts go out to Ian and your whole family. As a mother to 4 myself, it is hard to imagine this happening to any child, anywhere. I am reminded of the movie “Letters to God”, and the mothers strength throughout her own sons illness at that time. God seems to bring that strength within in us that we didn’t know existed during these moments. Please know that you have immense amount of support and prayers with your family. I will make sure you get more though.
God Bless.
I’m sure Ian’s positive attitude will resume in full force! It will be a long road, but he is blessed to have a wonderful, supportive family and community with him every step.
Hey Momma! It’s so crazy bc I faced this road earlier this year! On 1.11.11 (we LOVE that is happened on that date to remind us who is always number 1!) we found out my 4yr old son Chase had a Glioma brain tumor located at his Cerebellum. I have walked in those shoes and as I read your blog I am so reminded too of God’s hand and fingerprints in every aspect of our journey just like you are aware of His hand in your journey with Ian. We have been praying for your Ian and for you, your husband and your family. I am so proud of you for being able to blog about this and glorifing His name in all of this. You are doing amazing and thank you for letting us walk beside you on this journey.
Blessings, Janet Crouch & family
Thank you for continuing to share. I have done a lot of therapy when the MS was bad. It is hard to keep up the motivation. Will pray for his constant encouragement.
Thank you for being specific in the kind of prayer support that you need. I had only started following your blog a week before your life took this drastic change and yet, I have Ian and your family heavy on my heart and wish that there was more that I could do. Your specific prayer requests at least make me feel like there is something that I can be doing every time I think of you or of him. God is big enough to handle all of this. He can renew Ian’s strength and yours too. Continuing to pray…
Hello Alison!
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your family’s journey with me and my family, and the rest of your followers. I feel like I am reading my family’s journey through your beautifully written posts and updates. I, too, had a brain tumor, and my family can relate with yours the fear of the unknown but had the Great Physician to look after me during my long journey. I thank you again and continue to pray for your son during these difficult and trying times but always remember that Christ had this in His plan for your son and that NOTHING surprises Him. God bless your family.
Molly
This is really a very touching post! I know how hard for you to see Ian battling. Don’t worry things will be better. I’m praying for Ian and for your family.
Ali, I’ve been trying to keep up on your blogs. I have been keeping Ian in my prayers and the rest of all of you too. You and Mr. Extraordinary are amazing parents and amazing in your faith. You are an example to others in letting the Lord do his work. I know this is a hardship but will only bring glory and praise to his name. I know everyone misses Ian at church and I’m so sorry he missed camp, I know all the kids plan and look forward to it all year. I’m anxious to hear how the LP went, but in the meantime praying all goes well. You have many people praying and caring for all of you. Keep it together for Ian needs you.