I just got a call from Jake in San Diego. Jessica is in surgery right now, 7:45 PM CST, at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, CA. We have known that she has tumors on her spine, but now two of her vertebrae have collapsed. She is paralyzed from the waist down and I can imagine that she is in great pain. The surgeons are trying to relieve the pressure on her spine and, if things go well, remove the tumors in that area. If you’re a medical person and would like to weigh in on what this surgery may entail, please do so in the comments.
Please pray for her, the surgeons, and the surgery. Also pray for Jake and their girls, Katelyn, Jadyn, and Bryn. Jessica’s aunt, Sandy McNutt, is with them and Jake is staying with his grandparents. If you would like to help them out in any way, Kim Vann is coordinating. You can call her at 817.516.7920 (h).
The Kaylors will also have to get back out to Texas somehow. The plan was to come out on Tuesday, but I’m sure that’s changed. I’ll keep you updated as much as possible.
Tammy Virnoche’s father, Bill Pearson, died this afternoon at the age of 70. He had a very aggressive stomach cancer. He was a good friend of Roscoe Stidman’s so they’re walking and talking together right now. Roscoe is walking…praise God!
Update: I just got an email from David Jenkins who has spoken with Jake:
“Just talked with Jake and he said the surgeon said the surgery went VERY well and he thinks her body has a good chance of recovering in her legs. He removed most if not all of the tumors in the vertebrae and those wrapped around her spinal column. He’s reputed to be one of the best in San Diego area.
Jake sounded better and VERY grateful to hear everyone who knows them are praying and supporting them. No word yet on plans for her hip or her return to Arlington at this time.”
You can also see updates on Jessica’s blog.
Update II: Jake just called and said that Jessica was just able to move her toes on her left foot – this is a big deal as she wasn’t able to move at all yesterday. Also, she lost a lot of blood during the surgery so they are waiting for her to recover more before they go back in and try to replace her vertebrae. Her mom, Judy, is flying out right now and the kids may fly out this weekend. Keep praying.
