Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Yesterday Kristen and I came in to see Lincoln in the PICU like we do everyday. When we got to his bedside we noticed his eyes were open wide and gazing off into nowhere. When we picked him up we noticed that his head would lean to the left, not wanting to straighten. All day we noticed Lincoln not being himself and noticed that his eyes never focused on us or any other of his favorite toys. We had been concerned all day and finally early this morning they did a CT, EEG and MRI scans of his brain. We found out that Lincoln has suffered a small stroke. According to the MRI there had been a blood clot that was lodged in the center part of his brain preventing blood flow to an area that affects motor function. The cells of this part of his brain are damaged permanently. On top of that, there might be evidence of small seizures. We have been told preliminarily that this was a small clot and stroke, and that the effects should be limited to only his eye movement and head control...everything else looks OK. Allthough he does not track or follow with his eyes, they are still not completely sure if there is any loss of sight yet. Obviously the biggest concern is if this affects his status on waiting for a heart...the answer so far is, NO. This hopefully should not change anything in regards to his cardiac condition, management in care or being on the waiting list. It just means that he will have to be on more medication and watched extremely close. We will have to follow up on the stroke with another MRI...most likely today to be sure there has not been any clot growth or hemorrhaging. However, the Dr's are positive that even though he has some decreased motor function...given his size and the fact that he still has a lot of growing up to do, the chances of him regaining back some of these functions are good with time and physical therapy. Obviously because of the news today, the wear and tear on us is huge! Lincoln is just not himself now and it's hard to see him not smiling or focusing on us. Emotionally this hits hard as it is just one more thing to add to the pile of concerns and problems. Granted, Lincoln is still stable and is hanging on...PTL!...but the longer we wait, the more susceptible he his to problems. Please pray for Lincoln today as we go through more tests. We will be looking forward to seeing what God does in the next few days and how His Glory will be revealed. We love you all! J&K
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23 comments:
We are so sorry to hear what happened, but thankful that they say that they believe he can develop some of these things back. Please know we are praying for you and lifting you up to God who is above all and loves us beyond comprehension. We are praying that he will be the strength of your heart. We are praying for great things! We serve a great God!
Hi Josh and Kristen,
I am so sorry to hear of Lincoln having a stroke but know he is still in the palm of God's hand and care. I pray you will feel God's loving arms around you during this difficult time. I know it has to be hard not having Lincoln really focus on you when his eyes have been so alert towards both of you. I trust God will heal even this now and give you the necessary strength to keep on going with Him.
Will continue to pray for each of you and your families, especially during this difficut time with Lincoln and the holiday season. I pray you will feel Christ's presence in a special way.
Hugs and love to all,
aunt donna :-) John 3:16; Isa. 40:31
We have 100% trust that God is in control over Lincoln. Hang in there guys! We pray for daily.
Hope to see you soon!!!
You guys, my heart is aching for you...please know that we have never missed a day of prayer for your sweet Lincoln. We will continue to lift you up.
I know the Great Physician is keeping watch, but I can only imagine how hard it must be to trust Him in these hard times.
We love you and pray for comfort.
Love and Hugs~~
Amber Ferry and family
Lord, please hold Lincoln and his whole family in your arms today. Thank You for being big enough to have their past, present and future all in YOUR hands.
Amen,
Jan & ESA
Hey guys. Tears stream down my face as I read today. (You know me). I can't even begin to imagine what you guys must be going through.
I am daily praying that God's glory is revealed through a miracle. Time and time again through the Bible it seems that God chooses to reavel his glory at the toughest times so that there is no question that His hand is involved.
We are praying that God gives you guys strength and peace through this difficult time. We love you guys.
love ya,
Sarah...John, Madison and Joel
Hi you guys,
My heart is aching for all of you today. What a shock. As always, we will continue to pray daily for God's direction, wisdom and healing for Lincoln with his heart and now for the function of his brain. God CAN DO THAT!!!! We will pray for HIS will to be done in little Lincoln's life.
I'm sending a BIG hug to both of you too as you deal with this "bump" in the road. We love you so much!!
Love,
Linda and George
hey guys,
heard what happened this morning from heather. if there is anything that we can do just call!
the williams
wes, lorie, sydney and timmy
J & K and all other family members and friends ...
I am just bawling...and I can't stop crying... I am just heartbroken for all of you...
I am just sick over all of this...
you have all suffered so over the past few years... you deserve a break!!!!
I pray for you...and I just can't imagine what you're going thru...
I just can't. As bad as I ever thought it was for Mike and I when Matthew was in the ICU for 6 months...and two OHS's it just doesn't compare to what you've had to endure..
Lincoln is just so adorable and he deserves a good life... you all do... I pray that God gives you all a break ...
Terri King ~ Las Vegas
Josh & Kristen,
You don't know me, but I go to Riverpark Bible Church. I have been following Lincoln's story through the many prayer requests and updates of your dear friends and family at RBC. Truly little Lincoln is a fighter. As the mother of 7 month old twins, I relate to the love you have for your son. My heart is pleading to God on Lincoln's behalf. God is good, this we know. I pray you can trust Him completely and your hearts will be full of His perfect peace. He is more than able to do above and beyond all that we hope or imagine.
You are in my prayers.
Danette Gillingham
Hi Josh and Kristen-My heart literally is hurting for you guys and little Lincoln. He is such a strong little boy to get past these obstacles! What a blessing! Please know that there are many people praying for you in Escondido,CA!!! We love you all and think and pray for you daily! We are praying for a miracle! God can do anything!!!! Love- Karen Charles(Thompson) and Family
Josh and Kristen----
I don't know what or how to say it. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I agree with what Terri wrote--THE THREE OF YOU DESERVE A BREAK!!!! I am at work and am just doing well with this news. I love you guys sooo much and just want God to heal Lincoln, get him the heart he needs, so all three of you can go back to Fresno.
We are constantly thinking and praying for you guys...Please hug each other for me and I will see you all in couple of weeks...
Love
John
I forgot the word "am not" doing well with this news..
John
Dear Josh and Kristen,
You do not know me, but I heard of your son on our email loop through tchin.org. My husband and I were married at Campus Bible over 19 years ago, and our youngest son had open heart surgery and it was followed by a stroke. I wanted you to know I am praying for you, and know that God will reveal Himself in this. Know that you are in His hands.
Please read William's story at http://tchin.org/portraits/william-2.htm
I hope it will inspire you to hang in there.
Praying for you all!
My heart sank when I read the post today about Lincoln's latest setback. I know, as do you, that Lincoln is in God's hands but it is so hard to see him go through so much. It is equally difficult for me to reconcile in my mind why you two have had to go through so much. Your steadfast faith has been so encouraging and it is an amazing testimony that you have been able to keep your faith 100% in the Lord through all your circumstances. We will continue to pray for precious Lincoln. We love you guys!
Melissa
Josh & Kristen - Lincoln is in our constant prayers. He's a "celebrity" around here. Our Bible study asks about him often & my extended family checks the blog regularly. As I sit here writing to you with tears in my eyes, I am amazed at the strength that God has given both of you. Lincoln is touching so many lives and the story of your family has become an inspiration for many. God is holding you in His mighty hands right now- you are safe.
-Tara Miller (& Boys)
We were so sorry to hear about Lincoln's new hurdle! I can't even imagine how hard this must be...
We have been praying urgently for the three of you and will continue to do so. : (
-ryan & renee ollenburger
I am also a friend whom you have not met. We attend Bethany Church with Sarah and she has kept our group up-to-date with Lincoln's progress. I check his site every week, praying with you and for you.
Lincoln is a beautiful little boy. We pray for healing, strength and peace for you all. Our God is the great physician and He is in control. Please know that you have four more out here praying hard for your sweet boy.
Blessings to you,
Corey, Kristine, Hayden & Madison Schroeder
If anyone hears anymore news on Lincoln... can you send a quick e~mail to tigggrr37@aol.com (put "Lincoln" in the subject line so I know it's not spam)
Thank you
Terri King
www.whomagoo.blogspot.com
Josh and Kristen,
I am so sorry to hear about all you are going through. We are praying for you and I am adding you to the prayer list at http://www.christianwebsite.com/talk/ We have been gone from Campus for several years but you all are still in our hearts.
Love,
Daren, Dena, and Cole Flores
Hi Josh and Kristen,
As I prayed for you and Lincoln yesterday morning, I wept as I went to our Heavenly Father in your behalf and I know He hears the prayers of His people and sees the pain you are going through. You are all so special to Him and to me and I love you so very much. I shared with the ladies in Bible Study last night about Lincoln's stroke and they were so very sorry but will continue to pray for God's healing touch on Lincoln and for strength for you both.
I just read a note from the husband of Sheila Walsh from Women of faith and it encouraged me and I trust it will encourage you as well. It said, "In the midst of the joy and fun this season brings as we celebrate Christ's birth, I know there are many who are living through very difficult and hard times. This verse comes to mind as it has encouraged me many times in my own life:
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
I recently read what a pastor suggested after reading this verse as he explained how to "wait upon the Lord". I wanted to share this with you:
1. Focus your thoughts on the Lord, not on whatever your circumstance may be.
2. Be patient. God hears every prayer you pray and sees every tear that falls. He will answer in His own time and way.
3. When you pray, expect God to answer your need.
As I was writing this, I decided to dig deeper to see what Matthew Henry's Commentary had to say. I love this:
"those that... commit themselves to His guidance shall find that God will not fail them. They shall have grace sufficient for them."
I pray for you this week that you will receive His grace for you, a grace that came to earth when the Christ Child opened His eyes.
With Love,
Barry
*************************
May you feel God's love in a special way today, Josh and Kristen and just know I am praying much. Please give my love and hugs to your family. Wish I were there to give you all hugs.
Love ya much,
aunt donna :-) Psalm 23
I heard of Lincoln on an email support group (tchin.org) for CHDs and wanted to offer my love and support. My daughter, Jessica, was born with complex CHDs and has had 5 heart surgeries. She has also suffered from 2 strokes, the first being when she was only 5 months old. Jessica's first stroke was in the speech center of her brain and made the right side of her body weak. She learned sign language and we were told she may never learn to talk. Well... she talks CONSTANTLY now and has done for years! LOL The second stroke was during surgery when she was 3 yrs old and she was paralyzed on her left side (which had been her strong side) and she was blind and had gaze paralysis - her eyes were "stuck" looking to her right. We were told that she may never regain her eyesight and of course this news devastated us. After some time Jess was able to focus on something for a short amount of time and we felt her eyesight could be coming back... although she was scared of whatever it was that she could see. We prayed and our prayers were answered. Jessica regained most of her eyesight and the strength in the left side of her body.
I'm telling you about my daughter because I completely believe that recovery can happen.
Lincoln is adorable and quite the righter already. I will be praying for him to recover what he has lost. I pray for comfort for you and wisdom for the doctors. I pray that your son will get the heart that he needs and will continue to bless your lives.
If you would like to see the rest of my family and read more about Jessica's life, please go to: http://www.angelfire.com/oh4/jensenland/
Nancy
Hey Guys,
Everyday I look on Lincolns Blog, hoping and praying for him to get his heart. Today was an especially tough day for me, as my family is going through some tough times as well. With the recent passing of my mom, my poor father is lost without her. My comfort always brings me back to knowing that God has a special plan for him, not sure what is it yet, but I know its there. All I can say is that God is in control and has a special plan for your family. You guys have been through so much, and will be DEEPLY rewarded in God's plan. Just talking with you Josh a few times last week gave me strength, and I want you to have that same strength. I have faith that Lincoln will survive this and become a huge "difference-maker" in this world. Stay strong guys and stay faithful...
Chet Linton
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