In yesterday's blog we mentioned yesterday morning's sermon at The Crowded House which we found so encouraging.
Here is the link: http://thecrowdedhouse.org/media/the-gospel-of-mark/ - The Gospel of Mark 3 | Mark 2:1-3:35| 8th February 2015.
Phoebe's dad wrote last night:
"Today has been a much better day than yesterday. Phoebe hasn't been vomiting today but is still battling dizziness and exhaustion. We are learning how to care for her and it feels the landscape keeps changing much in the way it did when she was an infant.
Rachel's brother Jon and sister in law Heather came down from Scotland yesterday & it's been a joy to see them & our niece Roseanne. Phoebe not only enjoyed her time with family but also loved having her first post-op bubble bath. She was in such a good mood after dinner she even walked to the toilet & back before she crashed out in bed. Thank you all for your on going support and care for us. #PrayForPhoebe"
This morning Phoebe had some extra stitches in her head wound, to stop a slight seepage. When Marcus called in about 11am Phoebe was sound asleep, looking very restful. Jen is now at the hospital while Marcus is looking after Reuben, who is having his afternoon nap. They then catch the bus to go and see Phoebe.
Again, thank you for your prayers, messages and meals. We are continually amazed at God's love to us through all of this.
Pray For Phoebe: Updates about Phoebe's treatment for her brain tumour and ongoing rehabilitation
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Phoebe Update - 8th February
The following update from Rachel and Matt was read out at church this morning:
"A huge huge huge thank you to you all for your incredible support of our family this week. This time a week ago we never could have imagined that our happy healthy energetic girl would be diagnosed with a brain tumour and undergo major surgery, with the very real possibility that she wouldn't come through it alive.
We are thankful for so many mercies - too many to list - and so many examples of Father God at work in the small and large things. We never knew how significant it was to live ten minutes from one of the country's best children's hospital with all their excellent staff and facilities, nor of Marcus & Jen's decision to move to Sheffield 18 months ago, nor of Matt's recent change from self employment to employment.
Phoebe is recovering well from the surgery and small achievements like the first smile, the first meal, the first cuddle and kiss, sitting up unaided and so on have been a source of real encouragement to us. Friday was a really good day, she made progress in mobility and motor skills and was awake and cheerful for a good while. We also got the results of the MRI scan which showed there are no other tumours.
Saturday has been tougher, she's been vomiting, tearful and exhausted. There is concern over leaking brain fluid from the wound so the EVD (external ventricular drain) has now been connected which will drain the fluid to ease the pressure on the brain. We are realising that the road to recovery will be long, with setbacks along the way. We have been given a very rough estimate that if there are no further complications we should be home by next weekend, and hopefully at some point this week we will find out whether the tumour is malignant or benign.
We have been amazed and humbled by how many people have served us by praying , as well as in so many other practical ways. Your prayers really do mean everything to us. How anyone goes through this without faith in a loving sovereign God and without brothers and sisters in the faith we cannot imagine. So many friends and family have commented on the amazing extent of the church community we have around us and it is evident that you guys are a living example of Paul’s commands to the church in Philippi to “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:2-4)
Many times this week life has felt unreal, but you standing with us in our pain keeps us recalling what is real - that our kind Father knows just what is good for us, that he graciously provides for all our needs, and that he, more than anyone, sympathises with our deep heartache because he watched his own son suffer and die.
We long that God will use this for his glory, specifically that many people will come to Christ as a result of hearing the good news that we so desperately are clinging to right now. Please have the courage to speak this life giving news to your friends and family. As our story comes up in conversation please quickly let people know that Jesus is the hero of our story, regardless of the outcome for us.
We continue to trust the words of Phoebe's favourite Colin Buchanan song : "God never slips up , never says oops, never makes any mistakes, coz he's got the perfect plan, and can he do it? Yes he can”."
The sermon this morning was such an encouragement to us. We hope to add a link to this tomorrow.
This afternoon Phoebe greatly enjoyed a deep bubble bath which brought large smiles! But then she was tired after the effort. Also Phoebe had the cannula removed from her foot today.
It has been great having Jon, Heather and Rosanne (Phoebe's uncle, aunt and cousin) come and visit us this weekend from Scotland. It was lovely having Rosanne read stories to Phoebe this afternoon.
Thank you Lord!
Reflections on this past week
We so easily make assumptions about what the coming week, month or year will involve, as if we were masters of our own destinies. This time last week we were expecting that Marcus would start looking for a job to replace the one he finished before Christmas. Also having been away from home since Tuesday 27th there would be lots to catch up on with Friends of Mandritsara.
But last Monday night (2 Feb) our granddaughter Phoebe Joy was taken to hospital in an ambulance suffering from vomiting, a headache and in a confused state. Phoebe and her mum, Rachel, spent the night in the Sheffield Children's Hospital. About midday on Tuesday (3 Feb) we received a phone call from Matt, our son-in-law, telling us that dear little Phoebe had just been diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of a golf ball. These three words "brain", "tumour" and "golf-ball" were devastating. How could the head of a five year old contain something the size of a golf ball? He went on to say that surgery was planned for the next morning. Whatever would be the impact of this on Phoebe?
Yet it was that at this point we had to decide how would we react to all this? We profess to believe in a gracious and loving God. So what did all this mean? We were reminded of a sermon we had heard nine days before on the life of Job, who had just suffered the loss of his wealth and then his ten children. His wife's suggestion was: "Curse God and die!” Job's amazing response was: “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” What right do we have to expect God always to do things for our personal pleasure, and not trust him in the difficult times?
We have been granted such peace through these last few days which at times feel like weeks. We have heard of people who are praying for us around this country, at home, in churches, even abroad. Hundreds have been following Facebook, blogs and Twitter. We have been surprised and delighted. And this has given us opportunities to speak about our Saviour Jesus.
We have been amazed to see how well the operation has gone, and to see the Phoebe we know and love return to us bit by bit. Her smile, her giggles, her courage, her whispering to us, and even sitting and standing up. It is amazing that such massive invasion of her head can be done with such skill and care that the real Phoebe has been left intact.
As we look back over recent weeks and months we see how again and again God was preparing us for this week.
In October 2000 Rachel had no thoughts about children and hospitals when she came to Sheffield for university, yet she stayed here after uni and is living within two miles of the Sheffield Children's Hospital!
Jen and I moved up to be near Rachel, Matt, Phoebe and Reuben in June 2013. We thought this was to help Rachel out with Reuben and because it was cheaper to rent in Sheffield than Stevenage. But this week we have been on hand to care for Reuben while Rachel and Matt have been focussing on Phoebe.
Last summer when Rachel worked part-time for her old job, HFT, Jen looked after Reuben 2 days a week, so Reuben got to know her well and has been very happy this week without mum, dad and Phoebe about, which is a another great blessing.
We are continually amazed at God's gracious providence in our lives.
We are proving the truth of Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
But last Monday night (2 Feb) our granddaughter Phoebe Joy was taken to hospital in an ambulance suffering from vomiting, a headache and in a confused state. Phoebe and her mum, Rachel, spent the night in the Sheffield Children's Hospital. About midday on Tuesday (3 Feb) we received a phone call from Matt, our son-in-law, telling us that dear little Phoebe had just been diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of a golf ball. These three words "brain", "tumour" and "golf-ball" were devastating. How could the head of a five year old contain something the size of a golf ball? He went on to say that surgery was planned for the next morning. Whatever would be the impact of this on Phoebe?
Yet it was that at this point we had to decide how would we react to all this? We profess to believe in a gracious and loving God. So what did all this mean? We were reminded of a sermon we had heard nine days before on the life of Job, who had just suffered the loss of his wealth and then his ten children. His wife's suggestion was: "Curse God and die!” Job's amazing response was: “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” What right do we have to expect God always to do things for our personal pleasure, and not trust him in the difficult times?
We have been granted such peace through these last few days which at times feel like weeks. We have heard of people who are praying for us around this country, at home, in churches, even abroad. Hundreds have been following Facebook, blogs and Twitter. We have been surprised and delighted. And this has given us opportunities to speak about our Saviour Jesus.
We have been amazed to see how well the operation has gone, and to see the Phoebe we know and love return to us bit by bit. Her smile, her giggles, her courage, her whispering to us, and even sitting and standing up. It is amazing that such massive invasion of her head can be done with such skill and care that the real Phoebe has been left intact.
As we look back over recent weeks and months we see how again and again God was preparing us for this week.
In October 2000 Rachel had no thoughts about children and hospitals when she came to Sheffield for university, yet she stayed here after uni and is living within two miles of the Sheffield Children's Hospital!
Jen and I moved up to be near Rachel, Matt, Phoebe and Reuben in June 2013. We thought this was to help Rachel out with Reuben and because it was cheaper to rent in Sheffield than Stevenage. But this week we have been on hand to care for Reuben while Rachel and Matt have been focussing on Phoebe.
Last summer when Rachel worked part-time for her old job, HFT, Jen looked after Reuben 2 days a week, so Reuben got to know her well and has been very happy this week without mum, dad and Phoebe about, which is a another great blessing.
We are continually amazed at God's gracious providence in our lives.
We are proving the truth of Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Phoebe update - Friday 6 February
This morning (Friday 6th) we have heard some great news! The doctors say that no other tumours have been found in Phoebe's body!!! So thankful for the Father's answer to prayers!!!
Yesterday (Thursday 5th) was a good day for Phoebe. She improved considerably during the morning after having had a little breakfast and greater pain relief. It was lovely to see her eat her lunch so willingly, to hear her giggle and to be able to tease her. During the afternoon she was turned on to her back and was then sleeping peacefully. She is much improved.
Matt wrote yesterday:
Yesterday (Thursday 5th) was a good day for Phoebe. She improved considerably during the morning after having had a little breakfast and greater pain relief. It was lovely to see her eat her lunch so willingly, to hear her giggle and to be able to tease her. During the afternoon she was turned on to her back and was then sleeping peacefully. She is much improved.
Phoebe has been moved from the High Dependency Unit to a ward and is doing quite well. She has been sleeping a lot and is on a lot of pain medicine which is making her drowsy but we had about an hour talking with her, seeing her smile & generally being her old lovely self. Can't tell you how relieved we are to know our Phoebe is still there! Continually humbled by everyone's kindness, including my new work who sent a card & £200 gift card to Starbucks so we can stay stocked up on coffee while here in the hospital!
Her speech is a bit slurred and movement is very limited but that's a result of drugs, exhaustion and stiffness and not an indication anything is wrong.
Phoebe - update - 05 February
6.28am - Rachel wrote:
Quick update for prayer:
Phoebe's vitals have been stable overnight but there has been some concern about oozing from the head wound. Also she has been lying on one side all night and they are keen to turn her to help reduce swelling on that side but she gets very upset whenever we try to and strongly resists.
8:47 am - Rachel has since texted:
Phoebe has managed a bit of breakfast (with eyes still closed) so they can give Ibuprofen now as well as paracetemol and morphine. She is very stiff and sore so may also need diazepam. The surgeon was not worried about the oozing which has now stopped :-)
We have been overwhelmed by the response we have received from so many people far and wide. So far there have been over 1,300 views of yesterday's blog entries. Many kind emails, texts and Facebook entries. We are so aware of answered prayers in the peace we feel, how well Reuben is coping and the strength we have. "We rest on Thee, our shield and Our defender".
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1,2)
THANK YOU!
(To get future updates emailed to you, please add your email address to the "Updates by Email" box on the right side of the blog)
Quick update for prayer:
Phoebe's vitals have been stable overnight but there has been some concern about oozing from the head wound. Also she has been lying on one side all night and they are keen to turn her to help reduce swelling on that side but she gets very upset whenever we try to and strongly resists.
8:47 am - Rachel has since texted:
Phoebe has managed a bit of breakfast (with eyes still closed) so they can give Ibuprofen now as well as paracetemol and morphine. She is very stiff and sore so may also need diazepam. The surgeon was not worried about the oozing which has now stopped :-)
We have been overwhelmed by the response we have received from so many people far and wide. So far there have been over 1,300 views of yesterday's blog entries. Many kind emails, texts and Facebook entries. We are so aware of answered prayers in the peace we feel, how well Reuben is coping and the strength we have. "We rest on Thee, our shield and Our defender".
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1,2)
THANK YOU!
(To get future updates emailed to you, please add your email address to the "Updates by Email" box on the right side of the blog)
Phoebe's operation
Dear Phoebe is now out of her operation and in the High Dependency Unit.
Rachel and Matt write:
Well, we are feeling a huge relief at this point as Phoebe's surgery went extremely well. The surgeon feels confident that they removed the entire brain tumour & she remained stable throughout the surgery. At this stage, we don't know if the tumour is malignant or benign but will know in the next week or so. We are also praying that no other tumours are discovered anywhere else in her body but will know for certain soon. Please continue to pray, this is possibly the start of a long journey. Your messages & prayers are most welcome & appreciated, can't tell you how much they have helped us through.
Thank you so much for praying with us all.
(To get future updates emailed to you, please add your email address to the "Updates by Email" box on the right of the blog)
Rachel and Matt write:
Well, we are feeling a huge relief at this point as Phoebe's surgery went extremely well. The surgeon feels confident that they removed the entire brain tumour & she remained stable throughout the surgery. At this stage, we don't know if the tumour is malignant or benign but will know in the next week or so. We are also praying that no other tumours are discovered anywhere else in her body but will know for certain soon. Please continue to pray, this is possibly the start of a long journey. Your messages & prayers are most welcome & appreciated, can't tell you how much they have helped us through.
Thank you so much for praying with us all.
(To get future updates emailed to you, please add your email address to the "Updates by Email" box on the right of the blog)
Please pray
Two weeks ago when we wrote our last blog we had no idea of the events that would follow so quickly.
On 20 January about 10pm after driving home from choir and baby-sitting we ended up slipping down our road in fresh snow, past our house and a number of others. Thankfully we did not crash into anyone, any car or house. We did crash into the kerb and then a tree, bringing us to an abrupt halt. We were able to get out with no cuts or breaks, but the car was written off. As we slid down the hill we were amazed at the peace we felt, knowing we would crash at some point. The insurance quickly paid out and we were mobile again.
But all of this pales into insignificance with today's news.
About 1pm today we had a call from Matt, our son-in-law, to say that Phoebe, their 5 year old daughter, had just been diagnosed with a brain tumour, the size of a golf ball, and that she would be operated on tomorrow (Weds 4th Feb). The operation is due to take place at 8.30am till 5.30pm.
Please pray with us:
We rest in the knowledge that God is good, all the time!
On 20 January about 10pm after driving home from choir and baby-sitting we ended up slipping down our road in fresh snow, past our house and a number of others. Thankfully we did not crash into anyone, any car or house. We did crash into the kerb and then a tree, bringing us to an abrupt halt. We were able to get out with no cuts or breaks, but the car was written off. As we slid down the hill we were amazed at the peace we felt, knowing we would crash at some point. The insurance quickly paid out and we were mobile again.
But all of this pales into insignificance with today's news.
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| Phoebe having supper on her hospital bed |
About 1pm today we had a call from Matt, our son-in-law, to say that Phoebe, their 5 year old daughter, had just been diagnosed with a brain tumour, the size of a golf ball, and that she would be operated on tomorrow (Weds 4th Feb). The operation is due to take place at 8.30am till 5.30pm.
Please pray with us:
- for Phoebe and her parents (Rachel and Matt) to know God's peace and comfort;
- for wisdom and skill for the medical staff;
- for courage for us to support Phoebe, Rachel, Matt and Reuben at this very sad time.
We rest in the knowledge that God is good, all the time!
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