I only have a few minutes before I am bombarded with doctors. Gideon returned to his sweet self and tried to sneak a "late night" of being up (full of giggles and stories). At around 1 a.m., he woke up suddenly screaming "OW! OW! OWIE!" at the top of his lungs and grabbing his head. I was more helpless than the last time he was in pain. He was hitting his head and screaming inconsolably. He was given morphine, but it didn't seem to be working. I was rubbing his head (he kept pushing my hands where it hurt) and applying wet cloths, but nothing was working. I called Craig Thornton to go to our house and have Tom come in (thank you, Craig). I was so afraid. That is an understatement.
My eyes looked up and I saw Pastor Mark's phone number on the whiteboard. Even though it was past 2 in the morning, I frantically called. I asked him to pray that Gideon's pain would subside. There is nothing more helpless than not being able to take away your baby's pain. I couldn't hear Pastor Mark, but he was praying. I hung up, and I promise on all that I love and hold dear, Gideon instantly fell asleep. Power of prayer in a moment when I had no control. Thank you, God.
Later, when he was checked, this is what we found out: The headache (not sure what caused the headache) triggered a very irregular heartbeat. His heart rate is also very slow. We have had blood work and an EKG, and are waiting for more answers. We were supposed to get in for pre-op to get his port in this morning. I don't feel like that is the best idea, but I'm not a doctor.
Right now: PLEASE PRAY THAT GIDEON'S HEARTBEAT AND RATE RETURN TO NORMAL!! This monitor that is hooked up to my baby is a helpful device, but more frightening than any monster I could ever dream up. We need you right now. Please spread the word.
Oh sweetie! I am here and praying HARD! Prayers have worked so far and w will all keep at it! <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeletePraying hard.
ReplyDeleteDear Precious Mandy and Tom, We were just awakened by the call for prayer from Aunt Marianne. We want you to know we are pleading with God through tears for your wonderful little warrior and for both of you - that you will feel Him lifting you in His everlasting arms and holding you tight. Have they mentioned that the head pain could have been triggered by the loss of spinal fluid? Severe headaches are often the result of spinal taps. Our constant prayer is that Jesus will hold Gideon's little heart in His hand and make it strong!! We love you.
ReplyDeleteYou, your family and GIDEON are in my constant thoughts and prayers!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of healing thoughts flooding your way, sweet girl! :)
ReplyDeletePraying for Gideon and your family every day!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I just cried through your whole blog. I am so very sorry that this had to happen to a sweet boy like Gideon. My family and I will be praying for your family to get through this. Garrett hopes Gideon will feel better soon, I know he hates to see you sad.
ReplyDeleteKaren Owel
We will be sending our strongest prayers yet!
ReplyDeleteKarey and Nate
I am praying fervently and constantly. Gideon is never far from my heart and mind. May you feel God's strength when you have none. I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Ps. 121:1 Thank you for sharing in your blog. God has given you a gift of communication that will touch and change many people. It also helps us to pray specifically.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying with all we have that Gideon's heart rate will get back to normal and the treatment will continue as painless as possible. You are all in our thoughts constantly. Logan has been such a sweet boy praying for Gideon often.
ReplyDeleteTom and Amanda,
ReplyDeletePastor Mark texted us last night to pray. Kevin and I were both having trouble sleeping and I think that was God because I don't think we would have heard the text come in otherwise. We prayed and prayed and we are still praying! Please know you can call on us anytime of the day or night also! Praying you will all feel the peaceful presence of Jesus with you today and through this long journey. We love you!
-Kevin and Cathy
prayers prayers and more prayers coming your way!!!!
ReplyDeleteDearest Amanda, I, too, was having much trouble sleeping last night... I should have gotten up and looked at the computer! We are all sending all the positive vibes we can your way to help you and the whole family stay strong though this. We love you all, so much, and I am praying harder than I think I have in my entire life.
ReplyDeleteLOVE,
~~Aunt Nancy~~
Oma (Beth) just spoke with Amanda and she asked me to post the latest for her: The Drs have decided to go ahead with surgery for putting in Gideon's port, even though the situation is less than desirable. She is asking that all of you be praying right now. Thank you on their behalf!
ReplyDeleteMany tears and prayers are being poured out for you and you sweet Gideon....xoxo
ReplyDeletePraying oh-so-hard Amanda.
ReplyDeleteI do not know who you and your precious little family are, but I wanted you to know that I am praying for you guys and this journey that you are on. Our God is an AWESOME God and he does perform miracles. I am praying for a miracle in your lives each and every day.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I'm praying constantly for healing,strength,patience, peace and understanding for the 4 of you and for wisdome and guidance for Gideon's doctors. My friends in FL are praying for you. My family in MI is praying for you.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, My "mother's heart" aches for you. It wasn't that long ago that I spent a nightmare-ish 2 months in the hospital with one of my sons. God is all powerful. He will carry you and your family through. My family and I are praying for you. If there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to let me know. ~Linda Parker~
ReplyDelete12:45 p.m. Just got word...the port is in....successful!!! Also, the spinal fluid is clean. Praise Praise Praise God. Thank you Jesus. I turned on the radio on my way to work and heard Michael W. Smith singing..."Let it go, give it to the One who gave His life for you. Hear Me calling, don't stand alone, leave it to me. Gideon is not alone, we are not alone. So blessed to be HIS. Prayers and Love, Aunt Marianne and Uncle Greg
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that for some reason I took my phone upstairs with me last night and set it on the table next to the bed. I rarely do this, but I know why I felt the urge to do it last night. A little before 2:30AM I got a text message from Pastor Mark asking for prayer for Gideon. I wanted to let you know that I am praying that you and your family will continue to feel God's presence in a mighty way and that God will heal Gideon's little body.
Alison Haney
Amanda, I know how hard it is to watch your children suffer - I've been through it with both of mine. I am praying with all my heart for your little guy and your whole family. God will sustain you through all of the upcoming days!
ReplyDeleteLynn
You are the most amazing, Amanda. The worst night yet, and you made it. Gideon - and all of us - are lucky to have you on this journey.
ReplyDeleteps - Call me anytime at 2AM or whenever. I may not be quite as calming as Pastor Mark, but, I will answer and I will do my best. Love you!
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI have been constantly thinking and praying for sweet Gideon and your family. I'm in awe of your strength and ability to find the words to make me feel like I'm sitting next to. In my heart, I am there. Last night Chase and I sang a song we sing often and since hearing of Gideon's Angel, it has new meaning for me. We sang, "All night, all day, Angels are watching over me, my Lord. All night, all day, Angels are watching over me." We sang again and inserted Gideon's name. Chase knows who Gideon is from checking out the picture of your handsome warrior while I'm reading your updates. With thoughts and prayers, Nicole
More prayers for Gideon coming his way!
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Tom,
ReplyDeleteWe are sending lots of prayers your way!
Mitch and Tara
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you remember me, but I went to Muir Middle School with you until I moved to Wisconsin in 8th grade. Anyway, I heard about your blog through Amanda McClenaghan....and wanted you to know I am praying for you guys: that God will give you the strength you need for each day, that the doctors will have wisdom in treating Gideon, that Gideon will respond well to treatment and that God will keep Gideon and your family in the protective and comforting shadow of His hand.
I was recently diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma (last month), so I have a bit of an understanding of Gideon's response to the chemo....it sure is hard on the body. A verse that gave me tremendous comfort during times of near despair was Isaiah 43:2-3a:
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
We serve a mighty God!
Praying, praying, praying for your little one.
-Jen Caswell
You don't know me...I found your blog through a posting on a friend's Facebook page the other day, and I have been thinking about you and your family and all that is happening to you. Know that even those whom you've never met are praying for your son and your family.
ReplyDeleteWe are storming the gates and praising God all the way. He will be with you and he will never let go. Keep looking up! May the sweet aroma of praise and prayer sustain you
ReplyDeleteMatt and Gena
I'm praying as often as I can. I am in complete awe of how the love you've created with your family has infected so many. I pray that all this beautiful love will embrace your family and heal your precious Gideon. Stay strong!
ReplyDeleteAll My Love,
Kate Sims
After I received an email from Julie to pray for Gideon, I read your blog and was brought to tears and to my knees in humble awe of God at work in your little boy's life. I immediately let our church prayer chain and our Christian school staff know of your need and very quickly heard back from many of them who responded the same way I did--anguish and awe! Please know that many prayer warriors in Adrian, Michigan have joined Gideon's Army.(Isn't is awesome that Gideon in Judges 6 also saw an angel of the Lord "face to face?")
ReplyDeleteMy dear Amanda,
ReplyDeleteYour words are beautiful to read and inspiring to us all. There isn't a moment that goes by where we are not thinking about you, Tom and the boys. My prayers and heart is with you every moment of the day. When I am with my family I think of you being with yours. God is good, you said so yourself. We will continue to pray and you continue to write. It is therapy for the heart and soul. We love you so very much and will do anything you need. Keep looking to the light. Kelly Henry. xoxo
Just prayed!!! Jesus touch Gideon's body...I CLAIM his healing right this minute!!
ReplyDelete