September 3, 2008 1:58 PM
Hattie update - not good news.
Josh just called.
Instead of removing one small tumor from Hattie's lung, as the surgeon had hoped, they had to remove the top half of Hattie's lung. They also found three small tumors on the lower half and three on her heart - all of which are now removed.
As Josh said, this was the worst case scenario.
I still do not understand the medical situation completely. Hattie has a form of cancer which is not terminal but which is very aggressive. She has had a few inches of her spine replaced by titanium and her thyroid removed, as well as radioactive iodine treatment. This was her fourth surgery, the second time they've gone in to remove a tumor on her lung.
She still has to have a fifth surgery that they already know of to remove another tumor at the original spot on her spine.
Hattie is only 21 and it is rare for a person her age to have this kind of cancer. She and Josh are very optimistic and cheerful people, but the news that past couple weeks - and now today's outcome - is certainly raising the bar for their faith and trust in God.
Our family is grateful for your prayers. Right now Hattie is in recovery and Josh was waiting for them to let him go back to see her. My prayer - over the phone - for Josh was that God would help him find the words to tell her the news and that they would feel God's loving presence. He has certainly had to grow up as a husband more quickly than many.
I am grateful for the strong foundation God prompted us to build in him. Who knew how soon and how much he would need it?
Comments
{{Lifting you all up in prayer}}
Posted by: suzanne | September 3, 2008 2:28 PM
We'll continue praying, Barbara.
Posted by: Shannon M | September 3, 2008 2:32 PM
My heart is heavy regarding this news. I continue to pray for Hattie, Josh and all family members.
Posted by: Kim | September 3, 2008 2:42 PM
Praying for Sweet Hattie today and Josh, too!
Posted by: Shari | September 3, 2008 2:50 PM
Praying for Hattie and Josh.
Posted by: Margaret | September 3, 2008 2:50 PM
praying. thanks for the update.
Posted by: beccy | September 3, 2008 3:07 PM
Oh Barbara.
Hattie and Josh are blessed to have such a strong faith background to lean on. Of course they are in my prayers, as are you and the rest of the extended family.
If I may ask, what type of cancer is it that Hattie has? (Please don't answer if you don't think Hattie would want the internet to know.)
Hugs,
Anna
Posted by: Anna | September 3, 2008 3:09 PM
I am so very sorry.....I will be in prayer.......
Posted by: Lisa | September 3, 2008 3:16 PM
God will continue to build on the foundation of Josh's faith. I am praying for him and Hattie and all of you.
Posted by: Elizabeth M. | September 3, 2008 3:23 PM
Heavy news. I'm sorry.
Posted by: Marian | September 3, 2008 4:36 PM
I continue to pray that they will know God is very present. I know each of us is here to make a particular journey through this world and yet we can't see the road ahead. It's comforting to me to know that even when something beyond my imagination happens, God knew I would go through this and He has chosen to permit me to experience this. It's still hard, but that does reassure me.
Posted by: Evergreen | September 3, 2008 4:40 PM
I'm so sorry for the way their world has changed. I have been praying for a long time, and will continue to pray for ALL involved. Sending love across the miles....
Posted by: Greta | September 3, 2008 5:52 PM
This is such painful news. I feel for both of them. I also want to say that I have really come to admire Josh over the past year or so of your blogging about his and Hattie's ordeal. His strength of character is everything a man and husband's should be.
Posted by: Amy K. | September 3, 2008 6:19 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this, Barbara. Prayers for Hattie, Josh and your family.
Posted by: KatieButler | September 3, 2008 6:58 PM
I feel for you Barbara. It must be very hard to watch your son and his wife go through these trials. I have alot of admiration for you and tripp also, you have raised a family whose 'tent pegs' have been well hammered in.
Praying that they are all both kept safe and that this storm passes soon.
praying for supernatural peace for Hattie.
God bless you all.
Posted by: Clare | September 3, 2008 7:03 PM
We will pray for her and all of you. How hard!!!
Posted by: Kathy, Jeff's Wife | September 3, 2008 7:15 PM
we are praying hard for them!
Posted by: Momma | September 3, 2008 9:27 PM
Oh Barbara, I'm so sorry to hear this! I was praying for them today and will continue. Thank you for keeping us updated!
Posted by: shawnda | September 3, 2008 9:39 PM
Our family will continue to pray for dear Hattie and Josh - and all of you. God is our refuge and God is our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
I pray that Jesus will give you all His very
precious peace.
Posted by: Kathy | September 3, 2008 9:59 PM
Oh my goodness, this brings me to tears. Lots of prayers coming your family's way!
Posted by: Angela | September 3, 2008 11:06 PM
Praying for strength and comfort and PEACE that comes from HIM ALONE!!!
Posted by: Betty Connally | September 3, 2008 11:31 PM
