9:30 PM Update for Joey Keller - Thanksgiving Night, Nov. 25th, 2010

Hey everyone,

I just got off the phone with Nick. You can definitely feel their spirits lifting. They certainly are aware that this is a long battle, and obviously are not out of the woods by a long shot, but all in all they are positive. Nick uploaded a few pictures, but is extremely limited in his ability to get and be online. He definitely wanted to communicate that the best way to stay in contact and updated is through this blog for now. I'm monitoring his Facebook for him at this point still, but the messages, comments, etc. are getting to them. He was blown away by all of your support, love and especially prayer.

We definitely know that it's prayer that is the big key now.

Joey's One & Only smile after coming out of surgery.

A few positives from today:

• Joey ate Lucky Charms twice and kept most of it down.
  

• A Breathing Therapist came in and gave Joey Applesauce to watch his swallowing and things are looking good.

• The Breathing Therapist also did some tests to monitor for Pneumonia, which at this point looks clear.

• At this point in the game, the radiation doesn't seem to be having any huge side effects that would bother him right now.

• All in all, today was a slower day and some people from church came by with Turkey and Pie which all the family indicated lifted everyone's spirits. Thanks!

Nick said Joey sleeps a lot right now.

A few continuing concerns:

• The biggest concern right now is his spinal cord. We have to believe for these tumors on his spine to shrink big time. They can effect things like bladder control as well as other organs in the body. 

This is why they are doing Radiation every single day, which is abnormal as we understand it, especially after such an intense surgery. But they feel that time is of the essence in terms of attacking these tumors on the spine! We must pray that these tumors continue to shrink! Let's win this one in prayer as well as with Radiation!!!

• His eyes aren't tracking too well which is frustrating him alot right now, but the medical professionals are saying this is normal and don't seem to be too concerned at this point. 

Nick and Elizabeth are spending time reading to him and asking him to imagine a lot. Unfortunately, they have to take great care to make sure that he doesn't get too excited because of the release of brain fluid to the rest of his body which apparently isn't a good thing at this point.

• As for other details concerning treatment, everything continues to remain day to day. 

Nick feeding Joey Lucky Charms which is a good sign

Once again, thanks for all of your kind words, comments, prayers, etc. They are so life-giving and powerful during this difficult season for our family. We hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. Thanks for taking time out of your world to get an update from ours.


Much love from the Kellers