Tuesday, April 17, 2007

ONeill Update 2007 April 17

Just a quick note to everyone about our trip:

We leave tomorrow at 11:00 local time Edmonton, arriving at 3:00 local time San Francisco. Ed and Jan (Brian's folks) and Sean and Michael (Brian's brothers) get there before us and will pick us up. We had a challenge finding reasonable and close lodging to the Hospital since it is in Palo Alto California (Silicon Valley), but have some reservations finally.

The surgery is on Friday, April 20, at an undisclosed time (meaning they won't tell us until the day before for whatever reasons) at Stanford Hospital. They say to expect to be in the hospital around 3-5 days. Brian will be in ICU the first night for recovery for sure. Longer, if necessary. Right now, our flights have us returning on Friday, April 27: me to Edmonton, Brian to Peoria accompanying his parents. Depending on Brian's condition, I will stay long enough to get things situated, close accounts, pack, whatever.

Thanks so much to those who have helped make everything so easy so far - making travel arrangements, expediting our move, bringing food, paying for things, listening to us, crying with us, praying for us, giving rides, etc. Everything seems to be falling into place. We even have an appointment with a neuro-oncologist (a doctor who does nothing but treat brain cancer) post-operatively. We haven't seen a neuro-oncologist in 7 years since we moved from Denver, so it will be good to get a specialist opinion again. And, as far as our move goes, things seem to be falling into place for that. Karen, my mom, is here to help with cleaning the house and getting things in order. We are working on getting the dates arranged and should have more details on that in the next week. The boys' schools are aware and sensitive to the situation and are praying for Brian (both go to Christian programs).

Our biggest prayer requests:
#1 - the pathology of what they find. This is our biggest concern as this will determine the next course of treatment and the prognosis. We pray that what they find is contained, and easy to treat. Miraculous would be non-cancerous - like I said before, I know our Lord is capable of this.

#2 - Brian's condition post-operatively. No loss of function. No deficits. No speech problems. and a speedy recovery.

#3 - for Brian's current symptoms to subside - he is very tired and he is having lots of tingles and sensations and occasional lack of feeling on his right side - hand, foot, calf, lip, groin, and the newest - his shoulder. He seems to have a new problem every few days or so and this is especially concerning to us considering he had no problems in December.

#4 - As complete of a resection as is possible for Brian - for Christ to guide and lead the surgeon and the entire medical team.

#5 - Blessings on those who have helped and offered to help

#6 - Protection for our families. Gavin has a headache, a fever and has been vomiting (when it rains, it storms in our house) for a couple of days now. So, my mom will have her hands full. We are praying that the rest of us are unaffected by this virus. Also, protection for safe and easy travels for all. Protection on our kids while their parents are away.

#7 - for length of days for Brian - that he can be a Daddy to his boys and a husband to me for a long time.

#8 - Peace, faith, love and support at Stanford and during the upcoming days and the move.

KEEP BELIEVING

Brian, Angie, Gavin, and Grant O'Neill

27 comments:

  1. You are in our every thought and prayer. Just know that God is watching over you and will protect you all. We send warm hugs from across the miles and hope you can feel them.

    The Lord your God which goeth before you, He shall fight for you...
    Deuteronomy 1:30a

    With love,
    Andrea and Brian

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  2. Brian and Angie -

    We are praying for you guys (ya'll) out here in Oklahoma. Even Jacob (7 years old) has added you to his nightly prayers. Brian - you will do great on Saturday!!!

    On Saturday, we will (we'll) be saying a lot of prayers for all of you (ya'll) from way out here in Oklahoma. Both of you will do great!

    With Love -

    Roger, Kimberly, Jacob and Ryan White

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  3. We are praying for you, as always, and have faith that all of our prayers will be answered. We are ready to come to Peoria when you need it and help to unpack or whatever else you need. We also have tons of airline miles and Hilton Hotel points that we would gladly share with you if you need them for flights and nights at hotels. Just let us know what you need. We love you all, John, Heather, Jack and Luke

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  4. Brian and Angie~
    You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I am hoping that things go according to plan and I am keeping my fingers crossed. I have asked my friends to keep you all in their prayers and thoughts as well. I love you all and miss you!

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  5. Angie and Brian

    We were very saddened and concerned to hear that Brian's problems had returned, as we were confident that you had won the battle.
    However, we know that the combination of guts, effort and faith you have can overcome anything. You guys continue to be an inspiration for us all. You have a huge support group, including us, who are thinking and praying for you.

    With our love,
    Hugh and Carol

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  6. As always Brian, you and your whole family are in our prayers.

    "The Lord watches over you-
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
    The Lord will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life."

    Psalm 121: 5-7

    God Bless,
    The Ramlo's

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  7. Dear Brian and Angie,
    If you are Mark and Sue Werner's friends, then you are our friends too, and we care about what you are going through. Mark has mentioned you to us often. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers this week and the coming weeks as you face this new challenge. I will dedicate this weekend's efforts we are spending with the NC Knights of Columbus Chorale to Brian. May God Bless him and keep him happy and healthy so he might continue being a great father to those beautiful children. God bless you all.
    Tony & Sue Werner

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  8. Brian and Angie,

    Believing that you have safely arrived in the beautiful city of San Francisco.
    What a fitting place to be in Saint Francis, the saint to accomping all of you during this time. Many blessings be showered upon you,the Dr's and their team.
    Looking ahead into the eyes and ways of the Lord Almighty.
    For He is the One going before you.
    As we are moving the mountains into the valley, making a smooth path for all of you to walk on. Gods words is the light underneath your feet. God bless
    Love you Marjo and Paul

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  9. Brian and Angie

    You are the two strongest most courageous people i have ever known. You can do this and everything will be okay. God has a special way of looking after brian. Andrew only has 12 tickets to give out for graduation and he said tonight "I would give all those up just to have brian there, he's always been an inspiration in my life." So please have a safe surgery and speedy recovery.

    We love you,
    Lisa and kids.

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  11. Brian and Angie,

    We just wanted you to know the entire O'Neill family is in our thoughts & prayers. Brian, after a lifetime of playing hockey together, we also know you will go great on April 20th.

    Bo & Brody

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  12. Brian and Angie: Be encouraged. As precious as you are to us, you are even more precious to God!!!! We all take care of those precious to us.

    The Lord bless you and keep you;
    The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;
    The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." Numbers 6: 24-26

    Love, Jane

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  13. BO and Angie,
    You are in my family's thoughts and prayers and we pray for your safety and protection. You are a true example of strength and courage and are an inspiration to us all. BO, I know your wife, children, family, and friends are pulling in your direction each and every day and we will continue to do so through this time. If you all need anything upon your return to Peoria, do not hesitate to call on me. Flash.

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  14. Dear Angie and Brian,

    We are leaving to go to a special mass for Brian. We will pray for a good pathology report in addition to our other prayers for all of you.

    We send you are warmest wishes, hugs, and prayers.

    Love,

    Jo Ann

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  15. FROM MAINSY...
    Good to hear you arrived in SFO safely. As always, prayers are with you Angie, Grant, and Gavin. Just know...that there are far more people praying for you out there than you can possibly imagine. Get well soon as I look forward to speaking with you, shaking your hand, and you beating me at a round of golf (or pool...your choice).

    AEKDB - Mains

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  16. Brian and Angie,

    I wanted to let you know that you guys are thought of often. You have so many people pulling for you from all over the world. I know Burk sends his prayers your way as well from Shanghai. Please reach out to me should you guys need anything. I will be in Chicago in mid-May and can track down to Peoria to assist. You guys are an amazing family!! Be tough, fight hard, and see you guys soon.

    HUDPUP

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  17. Hi Brian & Angie
    We are praying for you all through this trying time
    Randy & Carol McDonald
    Albera Canada

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  18. Praying for you constantly through out the days. Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts. So many great Scriptures......

    Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you........I will strengthen you and help you, uphold you with my righteous right hand.

    Happy Anniversary!! Andy and I celebrated our 10 year yesterday, 4/19 as well.

    In Christ,
    Jen Paulson

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  19. Brian,

    Keep up the fight! It's amazing how well you are doing. The whole family is cheering for you. We love you and your family so much! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep it up. Your struggle makes my Boston marathon run look like a cake walk!

    Love,
    Rob, Shev, Kiera and Kaila

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  20. Thanks, Angie, for taking the time to post these updates when you have so,so many other things to think about right now. It is a testament to the way you and Brian have lived your lives and care about others that you have so many people waiting for these updates, and that, even now in this hard time, you care enough about others to keep us informed. We are blessed to have friends like you. With thanks and love, John, Heather, Jack and Luke

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  21. Dear Angie and Brian,

    Your entire family is to be commended for your faith, poise, and strength in your battle for good health.

    We love you and want to envelope you in prayer and love.

    Keep up the good work. We are proud of you.

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  22. Jo Ann Said...

    We are proud of all of you in your valiant fight. You have the faith, trust, and strength to fight for good health. God loves all of you.

    Keep up the good work. We want to envelope you in prayer and love

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  23. Jo Ann said...
    We are proud of you in your Olympic fight for good health. You have the faith, trust, and strengh to regain good health.

    We want to envelope you in prayer and love. Keep up the good work.

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  24. Jo Ann Kinsella said...

    We are proud of every one of you. Your combined efforts are amazing. You have the faith, strength, and trust to gain God's blessings.

    We want to envelope you in prayer and love.

    With love,

    Jo Ann and Bob

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  25. Dear Brian and Angie,

    We are continuing to envelope you in our prayers and love. We continue to ask God's blessings for each of you and your family.

    We continue to believe, and continue to enlist soldiers in your fight.

    With love and prayers,

    Jo Ann and Bob

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  26. Angie and Brian,

    Please know you are all in our prayers and are never alone. I pray that you will always feel the love that is being poured out for you both from so many people here on earth and our Lord in heaven. I know so many of us wish we could be there to wrap you all in hugs and take away some of the pain, but just know you are always in our thoughts.

    And, remember, miracles do happen!

    God Bless,
    The Kruiswyks

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  27. Angie & Brian, you are both phenomenal!

    I am humbled at being allowed to travel this journey with you.

    No majic word; just want you to know that I'm BELIEVING with you. The Believing is the important part of the equation.

    ASK - BELIEVE - RECEIVE!

    When Jesus healed the ten lepers, "as they went they were cleansed (healed)" Luke 17:14b

    Praying for your strength "AS YOU GO."

    Charlesetta Taylor (Karen's Mom)

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