Just Sign The Dotted Line

My children are back in school today and so life is good. We have an exchange student Ken, from Japan and he was very nervous. The boys all made it through the day though. I can't believe how many papers I had to sign for each of the classes for each child. It's like making a contract with each teacher over your child who you have no control over when they are at school. It kind of cracks me up. "Sure I will sign a paper saying that my child will be exemplary. Sure I will sign a paper that I understand the grading system and my child will be getting an A. Sure I will sign a paper that my child will be to class on time (I will walk him in between classes to make sure of it). " Do you get the idea? I guess if it makes the teachers feel better to have me sign it then go for it. Don't get me wrong, I do like the syllabus of the expectations of the class, but really do I have to sign that I read it? With the new technology, we had to read it on-line and then sign. Let's just say today, I wish my signature was worth money because I would of had a great pay day. As for Ken, he didn't understand a thing he signed. So can he plead for mercy of ignorance? Or will it come back to haunt me because I signed it too. Time will tell.................

home at last

Tray here...

We brought Jake home yesterday evening. He is doing better than anyone ever expected. We feel so blessed.

He will go back in on Monday to get his stitches out and meet with Dr. Menezes again. He will have MRI’s every 2-3 months for the first year and then every 6 months for a couple of years. If they see any change he will start radiation therapy immediately.

For the next 3 months he is supposed to have no intense physical activity and should not lift over 10 pounds. Jake is more disturbed about that than anything. He is now 137 lbs – he started the summer at 155. He thinks he is way too skinny and wants to work out but can’t. Keeping him compliant with doctor’s orders is going to be a challenge.

His doctors say he can probably go to college this fall if he can get back to University of Iowa Hospital for his MRI’s. They also say that they will not approve a mission outside of the US – ever. A mission in the US is probably okay after a year or so from the surgery if all is well, but they reserve judgment until then. Dr. Menezes says even then it is only OK if he can get back to Iowa to have MRI’s on schedule.

Overall we feel very blessed. We cannot thank each of you enough for your prayers, thoughts, and acts. We found that he had candles lit for him in an Italian Basilica, he was being prayed for in a monastery, he had a special prayer in his behalf by the Mormon Tabernacle choir, he was prayed for in a Jewish synagogue, and was prayed for in many churches and homes across the world. We believe that there had to be divine intervention to have received such an unexpected and positive outcome. He also had friends (both adult and his age) in the hospital comforting and entertaining him every day. People helped with meals, with our boys, with my work and Tammy’s teaching, etc… Again thank you all very much, and especially thanks to God for the miracles we have seen.

If anything changes we will get back to you all, but for now, we are signing out…. (I am signing out. Tammy may have more to say, as I often miss things.)

Love to all,

Tray

Home

Jake is home. We are so happy! Now he just needs to take it easy for the next 3 months. That is where patience comes in. This will be a great time for him to learn that virtue. Sometimes gifts are forced upon you.

Sunday

We had lots of wonderful visitors who cheered Jake up. Still hoping to leave tomorrow. Here is a picture of Jake and his friends entertaining the nurses by singing. Still hoping to go home tomorrow.

Miracles Do Happen

As I said yesterday, the tumor is a grade 1 (slow growing). There was talk of radiation, but the doctors decided that they will just keep a close eye on Jake and watch for any changes by MRIs and hope that it won't grow back. They said there was a 30-50% chance it could grow back, but if you look at the glass is half full theory then it is 50-70% chance that it won't grow back. The doctors said that if they see any changes at all, then they will zap it with radiation. So the good news is no radiation for now and hopefully never.

I wish you could see for your own eyes how well Jake is doing. In fact, if it wasn't for getting steroids to prevent swelling, he could go home. We think he will go home Monday. I know if it weren't for all of you and your faith and prayers we wouldn't be doing as well. I know I have felt strength through your prayers and good will. Thank you!!!!

Tammy

Day 4 and Great news

Great news! The pathology report came back and the tumor is a grade 1. Miracles do happen!!!! They are going to consult with radiation and see if they think radiation is necessary or not. We are very hopeful and excited. Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts, and fasting. We are so encouraged.

Tammy

3 days after surgery

Jake is doing awesome. He walked down the hall. They moved him to the pediatric floor. If everthing continues well, I think we will be able to go home on Monday. I washed Jake's hair that they didn't shave. We will have to shave it when we get home to match. Here is a picture of his ouchy.