We're going home!

Three more radiation tx to go. This last Friday Josh was moved to a rehab/nursing home in Beaverton. It's nice being out of the hospital but still hard. He is getting more rehab which is the reason he is there. Standing for longer periods of time and take more steps with assistance. Radiation will finish up on Friday and the docs say we can go home to Klamath on Saturday. Hooray! January 30th is the next surgery. It's a BIG one. The three tumors that are growing around his spine start in the connective tissue and then grow around the bone. From what we understand the tumors are eating away at the vertebra, therefore the doctor is going to put pins in Josh's spine starting around T9 all the way down. That is the first part of the surgery. The second part of the surgery consists of attempting to remove as much of the three tumors as they can. It's expected to be a 12-14hr surgery, then 1-3 days in ICU on a breathing machine. About 7-10 days total in the hospital. After that we're not sure what is going to happen. So surgery on the 30th, he'll be admitted back to OHSU on the 28th (the day after his birthday) for preparation. Josh's legs are getting stronger and stronger yet he is getting more tired from the radiation. It's a vicious circle. God is defiantly is control of our lives which is exactly how we want it! :)
Joshuah had his first doctors appt on Monday. He weighed 6-15 1/2 and 19 1/2in long. He gained a pound in a week! Needless to say he doesn't have to be on the extra calorie formula for much longer. He is starting to be awake more during the day. Sleeping 4-5hrs at night. A much nicer change from Andrew's baby days. Brother Andrew LOVES to help. He wants to be right in the middle of everything, always wants to give him hugs and touch his head. We've really worked on not touching his face but his head... Joshuah is very tolerant of his big brothers lovin. It's sweet! I love my boys!
This past weekend I got to go home to Klamath for a few days with my sister and the boys. It felt soooo good to be in my own home and sleep in my own bed after two months. Andrew was also very happy to be home and Joshuah got to sleep in his new room for the first time. I had a great time visiting my friends from the clinic and getting to spend time with Uncle Erick and Auntie Sharla. Time went too fast and I am anxious to return and enjoy the time we will have at home with each other again, along with our new addition.
We are thankful for all your thoughts and prayers and pray that you too will be blessed with God's strength and peace when resting in him.