Phoebe update - 14 February - further progress

In the last couple days we have seen little steps forward from Phoebe's brain surgery, for which are so grateful after being told that Phoebe will require both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These small steps forward are encouragements as we prepare for the coming treatments.

We have been encouraged by friends with words such as:
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds." (Psalm 73:28)  These steps forward are some of God's good deeds to Phoebe and the family.

Yesterday Rachel and Matt wrote:

Phoebe's surgical procedure to remove the tube from her brain went very well and she is now completely tube/line free! This means we are doubling up on the cuddles as we haven't had many for the last 11 days. Another answered prayer. ‪#‎PrayForPhoebe‬

Tube free!

Yesterday Matt wrote:

There are some specific things we'd like to ask you to pray for:

1. Phoebe's mental well being. Despite the smiles & happy photos we post, she is often tearful & sad. She has cried several times and said "I'm scared of what's happening to me."

2. Phoebe's motor skills. The right side of her body isn't working as good as the left and the left isn't working normally. She can't walk on her own and struggles to hold small things. She can't write and her speech is slurred. These things also feed into her mental well being. Things should return to normal with practice and Physio.

3. Today's surgical procedure to remove the tube from her head which was attached to the EVD. This was scheduled for this morning but has been pushed back to this afternoon.

4. Reuben's emotional wellbeing. The amount of time Reuben has been away from Rach & is starting to get to him. In general he is very happy with Grandma & Grandpa but he does miss us a lot.

On Thursday 12 Feb Matt wrote:

We've had some lovely news today, our prayers have been answered and Phoebe will not need the cerebral shunt. The doctors had her booked in for an 11am surgery this morning to put the shunt in because her brain's drainage system wasn't working. As of yesterday morning it has worked beautifully and there is no longer the need for the shunt! ‪#‎PrayForPhoebe‬ 

Facebook group for Phoebe

Matt has created a Facebook group #PrayForPhoebe where he and Rachel will post up to date news, for those of you with Facebook. We will continue to add updates from time to time here.

Thank you all for your concern and prayers!