Phew!

Aaron's surgery went well, so much better than 10 years ago, and better than we expected. He'll just be in pain for a few days, but he knows a brave little boy who has been a really good example of handling pain.

One week ago when we arrived at the hospital for Nathan's surgery, he said, "I never get to have a 'normal' day." What he meant was the girls get to stay at our friend's house and play, but he has to be at the hospital. Well, today he got to stay at their house and play, too, reminded that this was God's gift to him.

Now It's Aaron's Turn

Aaron goes under the knife at about 10:00 a.m. tomorrow for his hernia operation, God willing. Tonight he's feeling achey, flu-like. It's never boring around here. Please pray for my dear husband, the rock of our family.

These Pictures Tell About Nathan's Recovery

This was taken today. The lump you see is the shunt. I prayed that the Lord would give Nathan joy to outweigh his sufferings.

Today we got a visit from the young man who gave Nathan his racing trophy, and his brother. They are John Bandimere's grandsons (of Bandimere Speedway), and I'm sure he's proud of them. Their family had been praying for Nathan, and called a few days before the surgery. These boys wanted to buy Nathan and his sisters some Christmas gifts with their own money. And they came with some very nice gifts. We have received so much kindness from this family, and we are Bandimere Speedway fans for life!

Opening gifts on Christmas Day, three days after surgery. Best Christmas ever!

In the wagon getting ready to leave Children's Hospital the day after surgery.

The day after surgery, napping with policeman bear. He wanted to be dressed in his own clothes to be ready for a visit from his favorite police officer.

We thank God for sparing Nathan's life, for sparing him the massive headache and the rush to the hospital for emergency surgery. He was throwing up the day of surgery, we think from the cranial pressure, so it couldn't have been much longer. God's timing was perfect, that his surgeon could do the surgery, and as a bonus, that we could be home for Christmas.

He's Home!

Just a quick post to say that Nathan is home as of last night. Up a lot through the night with pain/vomiting, but doing much better today. Biggest complaint is a very stiff neck. He's walking around, sitting and playing, even humming some of the time. We're so thankful. I'll post some pictures and other details when I have some more time. Thank you all for your prayers.

After Surgery

I just heard from Darlene. Nathan is out of a successful surgery! The surgeon came out and told them it could not have gone better. He was able to burst the largest cyst and one of the smaller cysts. Darlene and Aaron are just now going back to see Nathan.

Thank you Lord!

I'll update more when I talk to Darlene tomorrow.

Answered Prayer

Thank God, Nathan slept through the night and woke up well. We met with the surgeon today and learned more about shunts and the procedure he will be doing. He is planning to attempt to burst the largest cyst and then place the shunt. The surgery is still scheduled for 5:00 Tuesday, but may be moved up an hour or two. We so appreciate your prayers.

Missy will try to post the results late Tuesday or Wednesday.

SCHEDULE AND COMPLICATIONS

Nathan is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. But tonight he started throwing up, most likely from the virus I had a few days ago, but it is also one of the symptoms of brain pressure, so things are complicated now.

He will either have surgery as planned, or they might admit him to the hospital tomorrow to keep him under observation.

Please pray that Nathan's surgeon will have wisdom from God to know the best course of action, and be skill ful in the surgery. He will either attempt to burst the cyst, which is risky, and put in a shunt, or leave the cyst alone and just put in a shunt to drain brain fluid.

Pray that Nathan will recover from his sickness and gain some strength before his surgery.