Today we had the opportunity to meet with the Child Life Specialist (Lauren) that will be with us for Justin's surgery. She took us on a tour of the Children's Diamond Center and while we were in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) a small horse walked in.
Justin was a little apprehensive at first (as was everyone else...a horse in ICU?!?!?!) but he warmed up and was able to pet the horse and walk it up and down the hall. They call this pet therapy. They also bring in small dogs.
Justin asked the head nurse in the PICU how long he would be in the hospital and she wasn't sure. He wasn't too excited about having to sleep there but I reassured him Jason or I would be there with him the entire time he was in the hospital. He said he was scared and Lauren said it's okay to be scared, but remember your mom, dad, grandmas and all the nurses and doctors are here to help you get well. He kind-of took in her response with a deep breathe and smiled (I think he got embarrassed).
Justin had to have another CT and MRI about a week ago at the hospital where they are performing the surgery. We got the results Saturday and it listed an additional tumor on his right temporal lobe. It is a small tumor which is probably why it wasn't caught by the previous scans. As frightening as this is I am beginning to understand that this is what life will be like, each time Justin has a scan there may be new tumor growth. We will just deal with it when it becomes an issue. As much as it makes my hurt ache for Justin, these are facts we have to live with.
Our Home Teacher came by tonight and assisted Jason in giving Justin a beautiful blessing. He shared a scripture, 2 Nephi 2:24 which reads: "But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knowest all things."
So although we don't understand the entire plan the Lord has planned out for Justin and our family we do have faith that there is a reason. We have many choices everyday. It's my choice how I will deal with this and I am determined to choose joy.
We need to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. Surgery is at 7:30 and is scheduled for 8 hours. We should receive progress updates throughout the day. I felt the easiest way to relay the updates besides this blog was via a Facebook page, so I will be setting that up later tonight and I'll send out invites to everyone. If you don't receive a facebook friend request to join the "Get Well Justin" page, please message the page or my facebook page (Emily Tressler Anderson) and I will get an invite sent to you.
Thank you to everyone for everything from the meals to the stuffed animals, cards, emails and prayers. There have been so many people that have touched our lives these last fews months, we are so grateful to all of you. We are mindful of you and your concern for Justin and we are grateful we have such a strong support system.
No comments:
Post a Comment