Late this afternoon, the medical team gave the OK to remove dad's breathing tube. As a result, he was able to begin communicating with us a little more regularly. He's emotionally very fragile right now. He is aware of the seizure and the lesions and, understandably, that has him rather upset. However, in the interest of focusing only on the items directly in front of us, we're joyous that the tube is out and he's able to communicate with us. For now, we need him to continue resting and breathing.
We were finally able to track down the phone number for the neurologist that dad was consulting with back at home (Rex Hospital). We're planning to get in touch with her tomorrow morning and get her connected with the neurologist out here. We're also trying to get in touch with dad's insurance company to find out what they will/will not cover as we examine options. And speaking of options, the neurologist here says that he would like for the radiation/chemo treatments to begin right away. Naturally, we'd like to see that happen back at home, but we're still unsure of his ability to travel. So, we're waiting to see the results of the MRI that was done this afternoon before proceeding any further.
I do want to thank you for the comments that you've offered up-- they mean a lot to us and it is amazing to see the outpouring of support from all of you. It is wonderful to see God at work through each of you. Please keep praying for strength for us and healing for dad. We're about to get some dinner (it's about 8 p.m. out here) and will briefly go back to the hospital tonight before calling it a day.
Thanks for your prayers-- it is wonderful to see how God is at work through
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Tell everyone that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our prayer is that Norman will be well enough to come back home to North Carolina for any treatments that he may need.
ReplyDeleteTell Brenda we love her.
Good to know that things for your Dad are improving. I do know that there is still a long road ahead of all of you. (When my Dad went to Zion, Illinois in September of 2004 to see about treatment for his brain cancer, he actually fell ill and was hospitalized for several days. Fortunately, he was able to come home.)
ReplyDeletePlease pass along to your Dad and Mom as well as your Aunt Betty and sister, etc. that I said hello and that I'm thinking of all of you. I know that many people are keeping you guys in their thoughts and prayers as well.
Hey Jon! I am so happy that they were able to remove the breathing tube! We are praying for all of you every moment of every day. In fact even at dinner last night when we said our blessing for the food, Caleb added "and Jesus, help Uncle Norman feel better soon!" We love you all so much and if we can do anything at all to help, let us know!! Give Uncle Norman a kiss for us!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Jessica
This was GREAT NEWS! Please tell my brother in Christ I am praying for him. Please know that I am also praying for Brenda and all of you for strength and guidance.
ReplyDeleteJon,
ReplyDeletePlease know that we at Vandora Springs School and Aversboro Church are praying for your dad and your whole family. That's great news that the breathing tube has been removed. Tell Brenda and Norman we love them and we will continue to pray for you all. Brenda Evans
Jon,
ReplyDeleteIt was so wonderful to hear good news. Obviously he is a fighter! We are all praying for Norman and all of you at Vandora. Thank you for keeping us posted on his condition.
Lisa Smith
Jon,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know your father and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I work with your mom and attend church with your parents. They are very special people. So are their children! Thank you for keep us updated with the blog. Jan Jones
We are so happy to hear that Norman is breathing on his own. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope that you all will be back home very soon. Barbara and Buck
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you. Brenda, you are truly missed here at VSE. I will cook you dinner when you come back!!!! Love you. Judy Woodward
ReplyDeleteJon,
ReplyDeleteHow I wish I could be there to wrap my arms around Brenda and Norman and just love you all!! We have folks everywhere praying for you guys! Tell Brenda to remember the conversation we had last week about the "one thing I know for sure". She'll understand. Thanks for keeping this blog. We'll all be checking it frequently. Love to you all!!
Emma McManus
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI have had you and your family in my prayers since I heard about Norman's illness. My prayers are for healing and that Norman would be able to return home soon. I'm so grateful you know we serve a mighty God! We miss you here!
Sonia Armstrong
God is good all the time! I am so glad Norman can breathe on his own. I am praying for you all and I know through adversity is when we see the love and power of God. His timing is perfect eventhough we don't understand it. Keep looking up and know we are praying for you all. Tell Brenda we love her!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates - we'll keep praying that he can travel back to NC to start the treatments.
ReplyDeleteWhat a praise that the breathing tube has been removed.
May God be the glory.
David and Stephanie Armstrong
Brenda and Norman,
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to hear that the prayers are working and the breathing tube is out. We will continue to pray for good news. Please let us know if we can do anything.
Troy Peuler
Jon,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for creating this blog and keeping us informed. It helps us to know exactly what to pray for. The Allen family is praying for all of you! Please give Aunt Betty and your mom a big hug for me! Also, if there is anything that needs to be done here in NC for you guys, don't hesitate to call!
We love you!
Donna
Dear Brenda & Family,
ReplyDeleteMay God watch over you during this time. I hope for good news and a quick return to NC. I know you will all feel much better when you can return home. You all are a special family and your dad is lucky to have you by his side. Thank you for the updates and we will all continue to pray for you.
Hello Jon,
ReplyDeleteLinda and I are certainly distressed to hear this news about Norman, but we are also greatly encouraged by the progress he is making.
I happened to run into Norman at UNC Memorial a month or so ago (I was visiting someone else there), and he told me a bit about the cancer and said that his checkup (which he had just completed) seemed to be OK.
ALL of you are certainly in our prayers -- that Norman will make good progress and be able to return home soon, and that God will comfort and encourage and strengthen you and all your family in these anxious days.
May God's great grace, and His unspeakable peace, be with you,
with HIS love,
Harvey
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray for your families same return to Raliegh. Take care of each other. Love, Mona Siegel
Jon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping everyone updated. Please let Norman and Brenda know that we are praying for them every day. We will continue to pray that Norman will improve each day and will be able to come home soon. We send our love and support to all of you.
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that we have the technology to stay in touch so rapidly. Also that our kids know how to use it for good things. Our prayers and thougts are with Norman, yourself, and your family during this time. May your faith, love, and strength bring you all home safely soon.
Brenda and Bill Hodges
Thanks Jon for the blog. This is a great way to keep everyone informed. I have been in touch with Jessica, but this helps a lot. We are praying for him every day and for all of you and pray that he can come back to Raleigh soon. I'm sure that will be a relief to all of you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
ReplyDeleteTravis and Lori Webb
Thank you Jon for setting up this blog. We are so concerned about Norman and the stress for your family during this difficult time. Please let everyone know you are all in our thoughts and prayers continuously. We are so encouraged to hear your dad is making progress and hope he is able to come home very soon.
ReplyDeleteRon and Linda Brown