The last 24 hours have been full of little encouragements. Yesterday Joanne began opening her left eye and I could just tell that she was trying to get that right eye open too. This morning she managed to get her right eye a little open. That's cool! Cooler still is that we had some very limited movement of the left and right legs and in her right arm. Plus she coughed. I know coughing probably doesn't seem like a big deal but actually it indicates that some of her reflexes are in tact as coughing is a reflex action.
Right now she is down getting an MRI which will paint a clearer picture for her neurologist as to what damage has been done and what's still in tact. I feel like I'm holding my breath to get those results. It'll be a few hours but am trying to be patient. Dr. Pales will read the MRI as soon as it comes up and then we'll see where we're at.
After that she'll get another EEG and see what sort of brain activity is going on. And once that is off then we'll ge to give joanne some TLC--they are going to wash her hair and get all that EEG paste out of her hair and a few other little things that'll make her feel like anew women.
Prayer requests:
1. Looks like Joanne might have a little pneumonia--they xrayed her chest today and we'll know in the next little bit if she has any fluid build up. If so, they will increase her antibiotics. Would love to avoid this complications!
2. Would LOVE a good report from her MRI and EEG.
I'll post later today either here on or twitter and let you know what we find out as the day goes on.
Toben
Holding my breath with you while I pray......
Posted by: angela | January 23, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Praying those specific requests right now.
Posted by: Sandy Chapin | January 23, 2011 at 10:39 AM
It is hard to be Anxious for nothing today!! God understands and is holding you no matter the results. What a bunch of blessings that you have seen movement on both sides and coughing!!
Posted by: Tonya | January 23, 2011 at 10:56 AM
New mercies each morning, Toben. Prayers for Joanne and your family continue from this believer in Texas. God is bigger.
Posted by: Annette | January 23, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Praying alongside you now for favor. Thank you Lord that You are a cari g Father. We are in your Hands Father.
Posted by: Janine Longoria | January 23, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Continuing to pray for your family!
Posted by: Daisy | January 23, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Praying and waiting with you!!
Posted by: Janna | January 23, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Keep going Joanne! She is a fighter! Thank you Jesus....
Posted by: noell | January 23, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Thank you for the update Toben. Praying with you and for your family.
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:14
Praying hard in Alpharetta/Atlanta, GA
Blessings to you and yours this Sunday...Lisa Walker
Posted by: lisa walker | January 23, 2011 at 11:04 AM
This is such good news! Praying that the MRI and EEG results will leave the Drs speechless and in AWE of our wonderful God!
May it show great results!
Praying!
Posted by: Kim - connorcolesmom | January 23, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Just soaking in the good news! Trusting Jesus and knowing that His plan is better than anything man could imagine. Praying my head off for you Toben and your sweet family! Hold on-- morning is coming.
Posted by: Mary | January 23, 2011 at 11:13 AM
I am so glad that Joanne opened her eyes! Praying and praying that the MRI result goes well! Thanks for sharing!
Barb in CNY
Posted by: Barb | January 23, 2011 at 11:15 AM
Hi Toben,
You don't know how often I check this and twitter.
I am WITH you all in this. Praying continually!
Thank you for your diligence in keeping the updates coming...as we are all waiting, praying, even though not at the bedside.
Tami Snowden
Posted by: Tami Snowden | January 23, 2011 at 11:29 AM
I'm not one to comment much on other's blogs, and have only done so once here before since Joanne's stroke.I have been praying and thinking of all of you so often throughout my day. I am so glad to hear the good news and the progress that is happening.
This weekend while reading a book (One Thousand Gifts), Ann Voskamp writes "thanksgiving always preceeds the miracle." I couldn't help but think of Joanne and the situation your family is currently facing. Through your words, it's been so clear that your foundation of believing, hoping, and trusting is rooted so very deep in Jesus. When we have been given the privilege of carrying a burden so heavy and hard, even then we can give thanks. I pray that you continue to see the miracles that all around you and that He makes His presence known to each of you in tender and significant ways.
Thank you again for all your updates and for giving all of us out here the opportunity to pray.
Christy in Ohio
Posted by: Christy | January 23, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Praying for y'all now. Looking forward to a great update!
Posted by: Nikki Andrews | January 23, 2011 at 11:34 AM
praying and rejoicing. even the small things can be claimed as mighty!
Posted by: melissa irwin | January 23, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Prayers are being said here in NM.
Posted by: Erlinda | January 23, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Sending prayers and wonderful thoughts to all of you!
Laurie in Massachusetts
Posted by: Laurie | January 23, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Praising God for the encouraging signs and continuing to pray for a miracle for Joanne. Thank you so much for keeping us informed and giving us guidance in praying for specific needs.
Posted by: Carol | January 23, 2011 at 11:48 AM
We have been praying for your sweet wife and for your family. Every night I have fallen asleep praying for her. Was listening to great is thy faithfulness this morning. His mercies are new every morning. May today be laced in His grace.
Posted by: lisa | January 23, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Continuing prayers for you all! Joanne is always on my mind as I deal with my own stroke issues. The Lord is faithful and He is with us! Love to you all!
Sara in Oklahoma
Posted by: Sara G | January 23, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Many, many prayers are being said for Joanne and your family. Thanking God for the prayers He's already answered, trusting Him in the days ahead with Joanne's complete and total recovery. He is faithful!
Posted by: Beth E | January 23, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Praise God for open eyes!!
Posted by: Gina | January 23, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Praising God for the positive encouragements about Joanne. Will continue to lift up Joanne and your family!
Blessings
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Medeiros | January 23, 2011 at 12:23 PM
I only know you through this blog but I can't keep you from my thoughts. I find myself anxiously checking for updates and eagerly praying for you. I feel like you are family.
Thank you for blessing me by allowing me to share in this experience through your writing.
Posted by: Emily W. | January 23, 2011 at 12:31 PM
I feel like I've been reading a mystery novel with every update and I just want to turn to the last page and make sure everything is ok. SO encouraged by this latest news and continuing to pray for all you have mentioned.
In Wyoming.
Posted by: Melana Cummings | January 23, 2011 at 12:43 PM
God is faithful :) Praying for positive results and strength to keep on in the moment.
Posted by: JanMarie | January 23, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Praying and waiting for good results. God is good.
Posted by: Nanci | January 23, 2011 at 01:01 PM
Continuing to pray for Joanne and knowing that God is able....
~Beth
Posted by: Beth Thomas | January 23, 2011 at 01:01 PM
I am praying that the pneumonia isn't there when they look and that the other tests show progress! I am thankful for the eyes opening and the cough is another thankful moment!
Big hugs and continued prayers! Theresa in Georgia!
Posted by: Theresa Roach | January 23, 2011 at 01:10 PM
Thanks for taking the time to update. We are praying for you.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 23, 2011 at 01:30 PM
Praying for only GOOD things today!
I was thanking God and praising Him and worshiping to Him this morning!!
Singing songs like "How great is our God! Sing with me, How great is our God! And ALL will see, How great! How great is our God!!"
Also sang " I have seen the healing hand of God!"
Thanking Him for the beautiful Miracle that is happening in Joanne!!
Thank You Jesus!!!
He is the everlasting God!!!
Posted by: Colette | January 23, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Praying with you and for you brother. God is able....and all I can think about regarding her tests is that He is LORD over her brain waves and activity. He is Master over her motor skills and body functions. He is the God of both of her lungs. I believe that like the song says "all will sing, how GREAT is our God"!!
You are loved brother,
Jen Bartlett (and Rob)
Posted by: Wife of Rob | January 23, 2011 at 01:34 PM
Praying for miracles...
Posted by: Stephanie Riley | January 23, 2011 at 01:36 PM
We prayed for you this morning in Sunday School. Tammy Snowden let us know about Joanne and I'm keeping up with your updates. We will continue to pray for her in West Virginia.
Wilma
Posted by: Wilma Hatcher | January 23, 2011 at 01:41 PM
I continue to pray for your beloved. And your whole family. Praising HIM for steps forward. God be glorified.
T
Posted by: Teri Butcher | January 23, 2011 at 01:41 PM
I can't seem to get anything done around home today for checking on Joann. Thank God for a little step forward. Thank you so much for keeping this huge family of (prayers)updated.
Annie in IL.
Posted by: Annie | January 23, 2011 at 01:43 PM
Praying for Joanne, from Missouri!
Posted by: Ruth | January 23, 2011 at 01:53 PM
Hoping and praying for good test results!
Posted by: Marcia | January 23, 2011 at 02:08 PM
Praying like crazy for you all.
Kelli in Colorado
Posted by: Kelli | January 23, 2011 at 02:09 PM
Praying here in New Zealand....May you continue to be encouraged with God's Presence as you see little improvements (((hugs))) to you and your girls!
Posted by: Julia | January 23, 2011 at 02:16 PM
I am hoping and praying all goes well. The waiting is so hard and I think you are doing amazing. Hange in there.
Praying and praying,
<><
Posted by: Child of God | January 23, 2011 at 02:25 PM
What encouraging news Toben. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I will continue to pray for Joanne, as well as for positive MRI and EEG results. Continued prayers for You and your family.(((Hugs)) and many prayers from my family to yours! Erin in BC, Canada
Posted by: erin | January 23, 2011 at 02:29 PM
Have been praying fervently for your family/Joanne every day. While I don't know y'all, I don't want any precious young woman/wife/mother to go through this. Am praying for God's healing hands to work his miracles! So excited and encouraged by these baby steps of good news - keep 'em coming!
Blessings!
Posted by: Wendy Franz | January 23, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Thank you, Jesus, for the recent MRI findings! Thank you, Jesus!
Lisa from Louisville, KY
Posted by: Lisa | January 23, 2011 at 02:56 PM
Thankful to the Lord for the encouraging news!
Sue, Oregon
Posted by: sue | January 23, 2011 at 03:24 PM
Praising God! And still praying for all of you.
Posted by: Amy | January 23, 2011 at 03:28 PM
Psalm 91:14-16: "The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life...
Continued prayers~
Posted by: Jen | January 23, 2011 at 04:00 PM
I have been memorizing Exodus 15:11 the last week or so, and have been praying it over your family. "Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" Praising Him for the wonders He is doing in Joanne!! Praying without ceasing in Houston, TX.
Posted by: Kristen | January 23, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Bless the LORD and continuing in prayer. So encouraged today by your wonderful news on Joanne's progress.
Posted by: Pam Houston | January 23, 2011 at 04:04 PM
Here's to eyes being opened!
As ever, sending love and prayers.
Posted by: Debbie | January 23, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Praying for each of you and keeping your family close in heart.
Posted by: Megan | January 23, 2011 at 04:49 PM
I know God is going to miraclously heal Joanne and give her body complete restoration. What the devil meant for harm God will turn around for his good. I have my church praying for her.
Posted by: Michele | January 23, 2011 at 04:58 PM
Praying for great news today! So thankful for the hope that God gives to us!
Posted by: Barbie | January 23, 2011 at 05:14 PM
Praying for good results from the MRI and EEG. Becca
Posted by: Becca | January 23, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Prayers for excellent reports from her doctors. Prayers for strength for all of you.
Posted by: Andrea | January 23, 2011 at 05:37 PM
Praise the Lord!! My husband and I stalk the blog and your tweets daily for an update... we are praying like crazy and won't ever stop. :)
Posted by: Shaela | January 23, 2011 at 06:09 PM
Lessons Learned in the fire of trials, Part 2
Toben, I remember a sermon my pastor years ago gave on prayer. I was undergoing a trial myself at the time. Afterward, I went up and asked him this question: "What if you are too numb, shut down, weak, or whatever to be able to pray, or you just can't find the words?" He answered warmly, "That is when God will have others praying for you."
Can't we see exactly that happening here? You are being upheld in prayer by many, so that you can be free to get on with the practicalities of life such as hospital visits, updates, care of your girls, etc. That isn't to say you shouldn't pray yourself, even if it is nothing more than a "Help, Lord!"
I think of Psalm 61, a beautiful & comforting psalm of David.
"Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth
I call to You,
And when my heart is overwhelmed,
Lead me to the Rock
That is higher than I."
This has also been made into a Hosanna Music song from the "My Refuge" album by Kent Henry. Listen on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvXo9dwkPw&feature=related
I sure hope I typed the youtube address in correctly. This song is very peaceful & comforting. I gave that song as a birthday gift to a sister in the Lord.
Praising God along with you for every little millimeter of progress. Remember, even if at any given moment things don't look good, prayers can turn them around. Prayer changes things!
Posted by: Edwynna | January 23, 2011 at 06:12 PM
PRAISE YOU GOD! THANK YOU FATHER for everything You are doing in Joanne's life. WE PRAISE YOU!
Posted by: Devanee | January 23, 2011 at 06:13 PM
:(
When I clicked on the youtube link from here, it didn't work!
But the song title is "Lead me to the Rock", and it is put out by Integrity's Hosanna music.
It was uploaded to youtube by user Marfavas.
Posted by: Edwynna | January 23, 2011 at 06:22 PM
God has awaken me at night...reminded me during the day to pray for your sweet Joanne..and to pray for you and the girls. We can't wait to hear about God's mercy and grace...
Suwanee, GA
Rachel
(Psalm 62:8)
Posted by: Rachel Pate | January 23, 2011 at 06:25 PM
I look for posts about every 20 minutes...I can not sit silently anymore. I pray for you constantly. From a medical standpoint, these are all such significant steps. I pray it continues. You must be so thankful for the signs that she is giving to you. Thank you for the updates... I can't wait to hear more.
Posted by: Tara (Bowers) Bain | January 23, 2011 at 06:29 PM
Great news, Praying in San Diego, Ca
Posted by: Dan | January 23, 2011 at 06:34 PM
How precious this is...Jesus, you know when we need encouragement...thank you for showing this today...praying for healing and continued movement and healing....
Posted by: Lori Proffett | January 23, 2011 at 07:04 PM
Praying for Sleeping Beauty! Can't wait until she opens her eyes and KNOWS you and comprehend the extent of her family's love for her.
Posted by: lisa @ the preachers wife | January 23, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Praying for Sleeping Beauty! Can't wait until she opens her eyes and KNOWS you and comprehend the extent of her family's love for her.
Posted by: lisa @ the preachers wife | January 23, 2011 at 07:11 PM
PTL! And still praying in Ohio.
Posted by: Melissa Thacker | January 23, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Jumping for joy happy over these steps forward. Loving & praying here in California!
Posted by: Wired Whimsy | January 23, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Praying...trusting...believing in a miracle performing God. He has His powerful arms of mercy & love wrapped securely around your beloved Joanne.
Posted by: Sandy in Texas | January 23, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Praying for your family. What good news you shared about Joanne today.
Posted by: sl | January 23, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Been praying for you all so much! Praising the Lord with you for the MRI results and all these little signs of improvements...What a warrior she is!
One day at a time to a complete recovery!
Posted by: Lrnmcghee | January 23, 2011 at 08:29 PM
I am praying and so excited about what God is going to do here. I just read on the twitter that Joanne's left brain is good. I am so excited and will keep praying that God's healing is just starting and things will continue to get better as we praise Him. Thank you, Toben for keeping us up to date. I come to this blog page several times a day looking for news. You have done an amazing job! I'm afraid that I would be so wrapped up in myself and my hurt that I would forget about everyone else. You and your precious children have really been an example of when God is first in our lives. May God bless you all and keep Joanne in His healing hand.
Posted by: Esther in Queen Creek, Az | January 23, 2011 at 08:42 PM
You all are still running the race and we are your support team!!!! Still praying tons!!!
Posted by: Ginny | January 23, 2011 at 09:07 PM
I have been following Joanne's blog for a while and was heartbroken when I found out that she had suffered a stroke. I have been praying for her faithfully since this happened. I work as a Physical Therapist directly across from Littleton Adventist Hospital, and before I went to work this past Saturday morning, I sat outside in the parking lot and spent some extra time in prayer, praying that God would work a miracle and would begin his complete healing for Joanne. I prayed specifically that she would begin to wake up and would open her eyes and would begin to demonstrate signs of healing. When I look out my office window, I see the hospital and think about and pray for Joanne continuously.
Keep running the ultra race and keep fighting for Joanne. You are an amazing husband and father, Toben.
Posted by: Gina | January 23, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Tears of relief to hear this great news. Praying still for all needs to be exceeded for Joanne, you and the girls. Praying for protection, complete healing and recovery.
Praising for this miraculous news!
Julie Hoagland - Seattle, WA
Posted by: Julie Hoagland | January 23, 2011 at 11:42 PM
I will definitely pray for Joanne. The MRI scanner can be a bit scary at first (just ask my son) but it goes quickly. It gave me the best results too. Along with the EEG, you will get a very accurate report.
Prayers to you,
Jacques
Posted by: Jacques S | January 24, 2011 at 07:56 AM