Monday 31 July - please keep praying for Phoebe

During today we have received the following updates (UK time) from Rachel and Matt.

[13:59]

Phoebe has had a fever all night which doc this morning has just told us is a good thing as it indicates she's more likely to be unwell from an infection rather than shunt malfunction . They'll run more tests today and we're waiting to see neuro surgeon.

Please don't worry, we feel calm and are in good hands xx

[14:01]

Also, Reuben slept well and woke cheerful so that's an answer to prayer too.

[20:13]

Please pray! Phoebe is deteriorating somewhat and neurological signs are getting worse. They are about to lumbar puncture to test for viruses.

[20:50]

Phoebe is currently in procedure for a lumbar puncture; they are concerned that she could have a virus in her cerebral spinal fluid.

Please pray with us and for us.

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During the day Rachel has also written this more reflective piece, highlighting our confidence in God:

Two nights ago I was drinking wine on the veranda, watching a beautiful sunset over calm lake waters under the stars after a day of boat riding, swimming, jet skiing and feasting. Last night I was napping my way through a night of hospital machines beeping interspersed with distressed cries from my poorly and exhausted daughter, horribly reminiscent of so many such nights 2 years ago. Within a few hours our circumstances are so different, but our God is the same, and there is so much comfort in knowing that the one who made and sustains the lakes, stars and sunsets is the one who made and sustains my sweet girl.

Thank you

Marcus and Jen

Please pray for Phoebe who is unwell again

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16 NIV)

Last night (Sunday) about 10.30pm (4.30pm in Alabama) we received the following message from Rachel:

Please pray for Phoebe. We are on our way to hospital. She is not right at all, been vomiting and neurologically unresponsive.

Phoebe a month ago

Rachel & Matt, Phoebe and Reuben had enjoyed a happy weekend away from Mobile with friends.
While on the their way back home, they had to call an ambulance after Phoebe was very unresponsive and crying. She was taken to hospital in Montgomery, Alabama (about 170 miles from Mobile). Obviously they are very concerned for her.

Since then Rachel has asked:
Please pray especially for Reuben. He is finding it very distressing seeing Phoebe in this state.

At 5am this morning (11pm for them) we received this update from Rachel:

We are all back in Mobile. Reuben staying the night with the friends we've been with this weekend. He'll go to Matt's sister's tomorrow. I'm staying at the hospital with Phoebe; Matt has nipped home to bring me a few supplies and all Phoebe's notes. 

So far CT scan and X ray suggest shunt is ok and she wasn't dehydrated as we thought . But she's still not right at all. Could still be shunt malfunction. Aiming to keep her comfortable overnight and waiting to see a neuro surgeon early tomorrow . But she's starting with a fever now (11pm) so pray that doesn't develop. Staff here are v nice. Thanks for prayers.

She's been quite incoherent, confused, and distressed. She's sleeping calmly now but is running a fever. Yet again we covet your prayers. We haven't seen her this poorly since she was in ICU with sepsis in Aug 2015.

This brings back painful memories of two and a half years ago. Please pray for them!

Thank you

Marcus and Jen

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For email subscribers:

We know that our journey with Phoebe is being repeated again and again in other families around the world, and that other people and situations may become your new focus and concern. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, simply click on the 'unsubscribe now' link at the foot of this email. Thank you.

The USA adventure begins!

It is great to report more good news for Phoebe – another clear scan, and another 2 cms gained in height!  What a great way to sign off at Sheffield Children’s Hospital after two and half years!

Rachel’s Green Card was at last granted last month and in these last few weeks she has continued to work very hard sorting out everything that needs to be done when a family moves from one continent to another!  Meanwhile Matt was busy preparing their new home in Mobile, Alabama where he has been working since February.  Although it goes without saying that we will miss them hugely, we are delighted to report that today all 4 Lollars are together again and on their way to the USA.

Leaving their home in Sheffield

Farewell photo with English grandparents

It has been an emotional time for them with so many fond farewells to be made with neighbours, school friends, church, rugby coaches (Reuben) and art club leaders (Phoebe).  Not to mention the difficult decision made not to take Bramble the dog with them; she is going to live with their friend Phil near Matlock and will probably still come to us for her holidays!  But this morning the children were excited to be on their way at last, and thanks to the prayers of our good friends we were able to take them to Manchester Airport and wave them off without tears!

Matt, Reuben, Rachel and Phoebe at Manchester Airport

So now it’s our turn to be the long-distance grandparents and learn to relate to the family via Skype and Facetime.  We hope to plan a visit to them in the autumn, by which time we hope they will be well settled in neighbourhood, church and school.

If you are interested in continuing to follow Phoebe's story, why not visit the new blog set up by Rachel and Matt. - prayforphoebe.wordpress.com/. At this stage we are not expecting their updates to be regular or frequent.

Thanks for your interest and prayers!

Marcus and Jen

_____________________________________________________________

For email subscribers:

We know that our journey with Phoebe is being repeated again and again in other families around the world, and that other people and situations may become your new focus and concern. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, simply click on the 'unsubscribe now' link at the foot of this email. Thank you.