Prayer Updates for Buntheep

Buntheep Performing The Blessing Dance		Buntheep Playing Molly in Annie

Hello Partners,

Gioia called me and passed on this news. (Some of this is from memory, so bear with me if I get some details less accurate that I hope.)

The surgeon started moving the growth away from Buntheep's optic nerve. Then, they took some of the main tumor for testing. The resulting bleeding from the main tumor was very serious, and the operation became an attempt to stop the bleeding and stabilize Buntheep. She lost approximately 50% of her blood volume, and a transfusion was necessary, but her life was saved. The bleeding was stopped, but the remainder of the surgery put on hold for her to stabilize and to get lab results back.

Here's some medical terminology on what they found. The doctor called is a "giant reparative granuloma". They still don't know exactly what it is, and want lab results to clarify this. Then, they may be able to cut off its blood supply ("embolization") and remove it or treat it in some other fashion. Another surgery will be necessary.

Buntheep awakened with a breathing tube, which was upsetting to her. The doctors verified that she can see out of her left eye. Gioia would like us to pray that she would keep and even regain sight, and stabilize so the doctors can successfully treat her with whatever the next steps should be. We believe in a God of miracles; so we would like to pray for her complete restoration to health by God's hand and the doctors' work.

I'm sorry that my notes are not better from the call. I was in the car when Gioia called and stopped to jot down a few notes. I'm sure she'll keep us posted and clarify details that I left out or did not get right. Keep praying!

--Joe Ginder,
for Gioia and Buntheep