Update on My Nephew, Joey (8 pm, Wed, Nov. 24, 2010)

After speaking with my Dad, here is the most recent update:

Joey's body is stable from the surgery on the brain tumor.  His eyes are re-adjusting and tracking today, which is a good sign.  He is still in the ICU and is receiving his nutrients through an IV and his pain is being managed.  His legs are moving and it seems that his senses are functioning.

He had another MRI this afternoon, to see how the remaining parts of the tumor in his brain are doing and what the spinal cord looks like.

The largest concern continues to be the small tumors that are on the spinal cord.  These tumors are in-operable, so they are treating them with radiation right now.  He has had a radiation treatment every day since he was diagnosed (3 days straight).  These tumors are the size of M & M's and are putting pressure on his spine and are affecting bodily functions (his bowels in particular).


This needs to be our biggest prayer:  That the tumors on his spine would shrink and respond to the radiation quickly.

Joey will start chemotherapy when his body is strong enough to sustain the intensity of chemo.  The doctor said that this kind of aggressive cancer has shown to respond well to chemotherapy.  After a few more days in the ICU, he will be moved to the cancer ward to continue to fight this fight.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day.  There is a local church in Indianapolis who is bringing Thanksgiving dinners to the families who are in the hospital.  I am thankful to God for his people who will be encouraging my family tomorrow, even though we cannot be there.

Thank you for praying.