Keep Praying

Hi Everyone,

It's Kim and it's my first time to "blog" so hang in there with me.   We have some preliminary news and I don't know how to say it except to just lay it out here.

Joel's  biopsy this evening shows he has a Grade 4 Astrocytoma ( more commonly known as Glioblastoma).  This is a very aggressive tumor.  The formal pathology report will be available by Friday but this is what is seen as of right now.    Joel will stay in the hospital until Thursday.  We will meet with the neuro oncologist next week.  They will be able to go over the treatment so we understand it.   He will start with radiation & chemotherapy within the next 2 weeks after his incision has healed and the sutures have been removed.  We will be able to seek treatment in Kansas City with doctors who are under the direction of our doctors here at MD Anderson.  The treatment will not cure Joel of this cancer but will only prolong his life.  Everyone reacts differently with the treatments.  Doctor has seen people live 12 years, but that is very rare.  The median is 12-14 months.  Though on the other side, this is not typically found at Joel's young age, and typically patients are already experiencing neurological side effects. 

I will tell you all that the Blackman's are not going to get hung up on the "time left"...we will start livingg each day to our fullest.  We are continuing to rely on God and will continue to pray for a miracle.

Joel & I love you all and continue to ask for your prayers.

Kim

Please pray for our strength.  Pray that we will avoid Satan's temptations of doubt and bitterness.  Pray that Joel's tumor will be very responsive to his Chemotherapy and Radiation. 

As Joel's sister was on the phone discussing with her husband the news a women walked by and handed her a note that read.  "With God all things are possible-The doctor's don't know everything!"  What a sweet thing to do!!!

Keep praying we know you all will.  We love you we will discuss when and how we will return in the next few days and keep you posted. 

Joel's actual procedure went normal with no complications thus far.  Because the surgery did not start until 4:30 this afternoon he will likely stay in the hospital until Thursday. 

Love,

Kyndra J. Blackman

Comments

[Kris McNamara]

I want to let all of you know that I have been praying for you each and every night. I really love you and hope that you know I will be here for any and every thing you ask from me.
Drop me a line or call when your time allows (We know that our friendship can go many months without communication and still pick right back up).

LOVE and GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Linda and Mike Gibson]

I know this is one of the scriptures I sent but it one that I feel we all feel right now "Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope." Psalms 94:19
We love you all and will keep lifting you up to God who hears our every word. In Christ's Love, Linda and Mike

[Jen and Jason Runyan]

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

[Ryan]

Hey guys. I wish we could be with you. Kyle, Brandon & Brett, how are you holding up? You've been on my mind constantly. Your dad never did take the easy way out did he? It's incredible to watch his strength as he humbles himself to God's will and plans -- and how he's willing to be God's faithful servant in the middle of this. Take note, because your dad is a spiritual giant, a pillar of faith, a David, an Able, a Job, a Paul, Peter. God has given you an incredible father that has caused you each to come to faith in Jesus, who has caused you to live with honor, and who has blessed the Blackman family for generations and generations to come. Anyway... I just wanted to brag on your dad a little bit, but you knew that didn't you ;)

I can't wait to see you again. If it's too long, I'm going to have to come down there.

Later,
Ryan

[Matthew Barlett]

Me, my family, and my church community are all praying for you and your family. Keep up the fight! Many people with worse outlooks have won the fight, you can too. Know you have our support emotionally, and spiritually.
- Matthew

[Paul and Denise Eyler]

The entire Blackman family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul and Denise Eyler