We're back

As the old saying goes, no news is (sometimes) good news.

The Lord has blessed us with a 3+ year reprieve from any sort of major surgery or procedure. During this time, Jacob has grown from a toddler into our "little man." He is six years old and in First Grade. He loves school and has been doing very well. He has great teachers and a wonderful nurse who helps him with the day-to-day necessities. God has been so gracious in terms of so many of the "small" details that surround school and really just day-to-day life.

Jacob still has a prolapsed stoma (colostomy), but it has continued to function normally since July 2010 (last time a revision was done). He has grown quite a bit since our last update and now weighs around 56 pounds and is about 45 inches tall.

The time has come, though, for the next major surgery, and we'd like ask that you pray for Jacob and the rest of our family. His surgery is scheduled for 11/15/13, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Our plan, at this point, is to travel to Baltimore on 11/13 and Jacob will be admitted to the hospital at around noon on 11/14 (for bowel prep). The surgery, which is expected to take 8-10 hours, will address two separate concerns and involve two different surgeons.

First and foremost (in terms of significance), he will have a bladder augmentation (done by the Urologist). This is where his bladder is supplemented with tissue from his bowel, so as to expand its capacity. A continence stoma will also be created, so that Jacob can begin using a catheter for urine rather than having to always wear a diaper/pull-up. His existing urethra will eventually be closed off.

Second, he will have a revision to his existing colostomy so as to reduce its size (this will be handled by a General Ped Surgeon). Over the past three plus years, it has been prolapsed to the point where it extends out as much as 8-10 inches. The goal with the revision is to reduce it down to a more manageable size.

He is expected to be in the hospital for approximately 10 days. After that, we plan to remain in the Baltimore area for an additional period of time, perhaps eight weeks or longer. This will allow him time to heal from the surgery and time for both us and him to be trained on the use of a catheter.

As you can imagine, we do have a number of specific prayer requests surrounding these upcoming events that we'd like to share with everyone.


1. That Jacob and the rest of our family will remain healthy between now and the date of the surgery. Jacob began running a fever as of yesterday, 10/27, of around 102, but is doing much better as of today (11/1).


2. That we will be able to stay in the Children’s House throughout the duration of our time in Baltimore. This facility is located across the street from the hospital and is very affordable and convenient. We will not know for sure if we are able to stay here until shortly before we leave.


3. For safe travel on 11/13. The trip to Baltimore typically takes us about 12 hours. And while our vehicle has been very reliable, it does have higher mileage, so please pray that God will keep it running strong.


4. For a successful surgery on 11/15 – pray that God would grant wisdom, skill and focus to the two surgeons who will operate on Jacob, as well as the other physicians, nurses and techs that will attend to him.


5. For a quick, but complete recovery. With regard to the colostomy revision, we are a bit concerned because he has had several unsuccessful revisions in the past. However, at the same time, God has allowed him to have a great appetite over the past few years and really not have any major issues with the prolapsed stoma. We are not exactly sure what to expect with the bladder surgery as this will be the first attempt at this surgery, but our prayer is that Jacob will ultimately be able independently “cath” himself.


6. Bryan working/commuting – he will likely alternate weeks in Chattanooga and Baltimore, but should have some flexibility to be able to work remotely.


7. James – please pray for him, too. We want him to be with us in Baltimore, especially during the surgery and days that follow, but also need to balance that with his school. We do have some wonderful family and friends who have offered to help with school pick-up and things of that nature. Also, please pray that he will be understanding of the entire situation – separation, less attention given to him, and so forth.


8. Separation – Bryan and Courtney, Bryan and Jacob, Courtney and James and James from Courtney and Jacob (and sometimes Bryan).


9. For everyone around us with whom we come in contact – please pray that we will be a witness to those around us of God’s grace and mercy, through our words and actions. Pray that God might use a difficult and challenging situation such as this one to draw men and women, boys and girls, to Himself.



To God be all the glory, honor and praise.

Mommy and Daddy