Thursday 6 November 2008

The Day After Continued

This is Jason, Kimberley's husband finishing up the report on the day. Kimberley is still at the hospital with Liam and I have returned home to visit with our other amazing children, fill them in on how things are going and help them get a start on the day tomorrow.
It continued to be an amazing day as we watched Liam make such progress towards recovery (see previous post for some details). He truly astounded everyone with how well he did! He did have the final drain removed and was transferred out of ICU to the regular ward. He seems to be showing no signs of the possible effects of the surgery that we had been told to expect. In fact, after viewing the results of today's MRI the surgeons said that there was hardly any evidence that he had undergone surgery at all!!! We continue to be thankful for the progress he is making.
Unfortunately, the surgeons had some other news based on the MRI that they had to share with us today as well. The pictures revealed that there was significantly more of the tumour left behind than they had thought, more than they are comfortable with. After a consultation between the members of Liam's surgical team, it was decided that a second surgery will be required in which they will go back in and remove the rest of the tumour. I would be lying if I suggested that there was not a bit of shock, sadness, some tears and fear upon receiving the news. We have felt so much peace, and have been lifted by the prayers of so many during these difficult months and I know that we will be carried through this next stage as well. Liam was also informed about the news by Dr. Singh, after which he simply nodded and said "OK". His courage really is amazing.
We are so grateful for the support, encouragement and prayer that has been given thus far, and if it is not too much, we would ask that you might consider praying for a few weeks longer.
I have been thinking about the story where Jesus heals the blind man but only partially at first. For whatever reason Jesus uses two steps to bring the healing to completion. I think that I will probably look that verse up tomorrow and spend some time reading and praying with it, but I think some sleep is needed first!
Blessings,
Jason.

11 comments:

  1. We are praying for Liam, the rest of your family, and the doctors.

    Today is the 25th anniversary of my traumatic experience - and healing! It is also my daughter's 10th birthday, yet we kept checking the RSS feed to see how Liam was doing.

    May God continue to give you all peace.

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  2. Hey Jason,
    Liam has great courage that can only come from a family rooted in Christ. I pray at this very moment that the Lord gives you rest as you lead your family though these events. Send our regards to all the kids from Danelia and Joshua.

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  3. Jay & Kim;
    We too would be lying if we said we were not shocked, sad and upset. It is not easy to hold back the tears and worry. However, we have an awesome God and we will continue our prayers. We are keeping both of you, the surgeons, nurses and all medical staff as well in our prayers. We will continue to stand firm and trust God to continue to show up in most incredible ways.

    Liam we love you so much and you bring a smile to our faces just thinking about your energy, courage and faith. You are a SUPER KID! We love you and are praying. xxoo
    Cheri & Gerald

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  4. Thank you so much for continuing with the updates. I am continuing to pray for Liam and his roommates. Praying for a peaceful night for all of you.
    In Jesus' name,

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  5. It is not too much to ask! It is an honour to spend time in the throne room of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to bring Liam, your family, the doctors, nurses, staff and his roommates into the peace that passes all understanding. Jason we will be your persistent friends as in Luke 11. We will keep knocking and asking! "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds and to him who knocks the door WILL be opened."vs 9&10 If you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! vs. 13.
    Father we ask for your Holy Spirit to be present with Liam and all those surrounding him. You are the great physician. We trust in you.
    Love you all
    Bev

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  6. You are an amazing boy, Liam! We've spoken with Grandma Cheryl this morning and have heard all about your incredible strength and healing! We love you and can't wait to see you on the weekend. You are an example for all of us, for sure.
    Love, Dini, Mark and Madeleine

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  7. Dear Liam and family,

    I prayed much for you while I was at work last night and I am thankful to God for giving you strength and courage! God will be with you and your family during the next step. I will continue to pray for you all, may God give me grace to pray well and to remember you all in prayer. God is so good to provide us with medicine and with wisdom on how to heal people. Even the next breath we need to breathe is from God! How is it that we are alive, being such sinners as we are? It is only by the grace and mercy of God! Liam, when you are afraid, take courage and know that God is good and does good and know people are praying for you! Remember Christ, who died to save you, if you repent and trust him. Remember heaven where there will be no more pain,and God will give you grace to endure. He is the God of all comfort. I will be praying for you all.

    With Love in Christ

    David (from Challies church)

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  8. Jason & Kim

    We will pray forever!

    I cannot even imagine what you are all going through but we are praying for peace for you all.
    Liam, you are such an amazing example of God's Light. Your illness, courage, strength and love have touched more people than you can ever imagine.
    Please know that we are not just praying for you during our alotted times, you are in our thoughts and prayers constantly throughout the day and night.
    Hang in there dude!!
    Love,
    Karen, Craig, Brandon and Justin

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  9. Glad to hear Liam is still in good spirits despite the setback. Of course we'll continue to pray for all of you. *hugs to you all*

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  10. Hello from the Convention hill! Glad to hear that things went well with the surgery and Liam is recovering nicely. I pray that the tumor will shrink, all will have strength, and you'll continue to see God at work in and around you! Jesus is the Great Physician!
    Know that I am praying, even if I didn't sign up for a slot. If you still need folks to take a slot, let me know when.
    Blessings in Christ,
    Ellen Cone
    CNBC missions ministry leader

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  11. The Gariepy family have made Liam our number one prayer request.. we will continue praying for an amazing recovery. Our mission team heading off to New Orleans will also be praying for Liam.. be strong little man! -Andy

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