Hannah Update 2.21.08 9:09 p.m.

I’m writing this from Hannah’s room (#4728) at Children’s Hospital. We’ve had a long, but good, day. Not much has happened today…she has had an MRI of her spine, a CT scan, and some blood work. The MRI of her spine showed no problems. We have not met with the surgeon yet, but have spoken with a resident, who told us that they will probably do surgery on Monday or Tuesday. The tumor is on her pineal gland and is obstructing the flow of cerebral spinal fluid through the brain, causing her symptoms. They will begin with a less invasive procedure through the skull, remove some cells from the tumor, and test it to determine the cell type. Some cell types are especially responsive to radiation. If it is that type, they will probably just close her up and do radiation. If it is some other type, they will have to do a more invasive procedure and remove it. In the meantime, they are keeping us in the hospital just so they can keep an eye on her. The really good news is that she feels great. She is taking steroids, which is reducing the swelling on her brain, and relieving her symptoms. Her faith is strong, and she has been given a real peace about the whole thing. She has really amazed us. We probably won’t have much news to share over the next few days, but we’ll try to send emails in the evenings to keep everyone posted. Brad has gone home tonight to spend some time with Bethany, and will be returning in the morning. We have been so blessed by all the phone calls, visits, and emails.

Thank you so much…and please continue to pray.
In His Peace, Jill