Thank you everyone for your prayers. We are back in our room and Joella is resting in a snuggly nest of stuffed animals, pillows and blankets. Joella's surgery to place a port-a-cath, lumbar puncture with chemo injection and bone marrow biopsy went well, no major issues. Praise God! She has some oozing from some of the sites, but not too bad. She was able to drink apple juice from a straw right after the surgery, and one of her first words was "O's!" Cheerios have been her staple food since she's been here. She shovels them in by hand and they end up all over her bed, in her diaper...
We saw God's grace in a big way in the timing of her surgery. Yesterday they made it sound like we would be waiting around most of the day for whenever they could work her in. She wouldn't be able to eat or drink all day. Last night at 11:30 p.m., Joella woke up and I helped feed her a "midnight snack" of cheerios, string cheese and milk. When they took her down to anesthesia at 8:30 a.m., she had not even asked for food or drink yet. God's grace. I was a little surprised for her to be called so quickly, but I was able to carry Joella down by myself and be with her before the surgery. Joel and my parents arrived toward the end of the surgery to wait with me. God gave me overwhelming peace while waiting, and I was able to read some of your sweet notes and emails on my phone while in the waiting room.
This port in her upper right chest is covered by skin, and they can access it to draw blood or give medications or IV fluids. They've already drawn several tubes of blood, and Joella slept through it. This will make her life so much easier. Blood draws have been pretty traumatic so far. When she goes home, it will just look like skin with a bump underneath.
Continue to pray for wisdom as we talk with doctors and make treatment decisions today. We desperately need wisdom and simple, clear direction. The information is very overwhelming at this point.
That is great news. oh such praise for the little things that reveal the Lord's presence and grace.
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ReplyDeletePraying for you all today!
ReplyDeleteMelissa Hays
So glad to hear the good news. And seeing her have an appetite does a mother's heart good!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there is a lot to absorb, so we will pray for discernment for you and the medical staff.
thinking of you Kerry! I am a nanny these days for a 14 year old boy named Ethan. He survived ALL leukemia and has been in remission for 8 years. He told me to tell you that the porta cath will be Joella's best friend and that Emla cream helps even more so you can't even feel the needles. We are both sending good thoughts and energy your way.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear everything went smoothly today!
ReplyDeleteRobin Snyder
Awesome to hear everything went well, will keep prayin!
ReplyDeleteRyan
I'm so sorry to hear what Joella is going through. :[ I'm glad the surgery went well, though. I'm totally praying for you, and so is my small group and some other friends of mine at school. :]
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lindsey Snyder
Danny and I are good friends with your uncle Jon here in Newark, De. We have followed Joella's progress since she was born. Jon has delighted in telling us all of her developments and I have truly enjoyed the updates as I have a son born just before Joella.
ReplyDeletePlease know that we are wrapping your family in our prayers. We will include her in our daily family prayer time and ask for wisdom and grace for you. God's grace is a miraculous gift that he showers on us in our times of distress. May you find constant strength in his grace. We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Joella that she may be calm and strong.
Danny used to teach a little boy who had Leukemia. The doctors discovered it when he was around Joella's age. He is now 10 years old and such an inspiration to all. He is strong, healthy and all boy:) Even though he is small he is such a witness of courage, strength and perseverance.
My sweet friend, you amaze me everyday. It is so wonderful to have someone other then ourselves to lean on. I hope that you and Joella rested well last night, and look forward to meeting Joel when the time is right. I'm sure this has been quite challenging to find a routine. Our family and friends will be praying for you all daily.
ReplyDeleteJosh 1:9............ "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
We here in Tennessee are praying for Joella and all of your family. We are asking God to provide his power for you (grace) for all your needs at this time. Praise God for the good report yesterday! We love you all and miss you.
ReplyDeleteMark, Linda, & Lindsey
Praise the Lord for what He is doing so far and all that He is planning for Joella's future! Thanks so much for the update. I am thinking of your sweet family and praying for you every time you come to my mind. Kalene
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear surgery went well. We'll continue praying for strength and wisdom. Hugs to all of you. God bless!!
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