I have realized that there are over 30 wonderful people or groups praying for Andrew, and there is just no way I can keep updating everyone on a regular basis during normal life. I apologize that I can’t text everyone individually, but we’re going to have to go with mass messaging for more efficient updates!

Here’s where we are for February:
Seizures: Andrew has had no more seizures that we know of since the one on December 27. He had an overnight EEG end of January which showed no seizure activity, so we are thankful for that. Restless Leg Syndrome (maybe a side effect of the seizure medication) was severe in January but has been slowly getting better to where at least half the nights we are all getting decent sleep now. Andrew has experienced some forgetfulness of words since the seizure, so he is starting speech therapy next week. I am very thankful God answered my prayers to find a qualified speech therapist who had openings immediately to fit our schedule.

Tumor Progression (DLGNT): Andrew’s MRI images have remained overall stable since his initial diagnosis in April 2025. That said, the addition of seizures and some slow changes we have seen in his speech have led his doctor to recommend we start a MEK inhibitor (trametinib) this spring. While it can’t eradicate the tumor, this medication often shrinks it, which would hopefully decrease the burden on his brain and reduce the chance of further seizures. I am nervous about the timing of starting this medication as Andrew also has severe oak pollen allergies in late February-March, and both can cause him skin issues.

VP Shunt: More shunt-related issues sent us back in the hospital for three more days the second week of January. His shunt setting was at 1.5 after an MRI, so either the MRI reset it from 2, or it reset on its own. At any rate, we asked to have the setting changed further to 2.5 as we still had a feeling as parents he has been dealing with over-drainage. While it’s still early, it seems like he has a lot more energy at this setting. The real question comes as to whether he can swim and do Jui-jitsu without headaches at this setting. I’m too scared to try these yet... but at some point, we will just have to try it again. Prayers that these won’t lead to shunt issues again and another hospital visit! Andrew really wants to be independent and do everything other kids do at this point, but I am trying to get him to listen to his body.

Prayers:
We are so thankful to be getting back to near “normal.” God was so good to us in bringing Andrew through the seizure and not allowing any severe brain damage. However, there is a lot of daily worry. Every minor headache or night waking sets us down a course of stress wondering if we are heading back to the hospital again. There are so many unknowns, and that is just where we are going to be living.

Here are some specific things for prayer:
• Pray for us to feel the peace that passes understanding.
• Pray that Andrew would be stable and that the tumor would shrink on the new medicine with a minimum of side effects.
• Pray that the speech therapy would help his brain make some new connections quickly.
• Pray for no more shunt issues! Pray that this shunt setting would be the right one and that Andrew would be able to fully return to activities he loves.
• Pray for us to be present parents to all three kids even when so much focus is on one.
• Pray that we would have the energy to guide our children spiritually and that they would learn to trust their Heavenly Father and rest in Him in the difficult times.
• We pray and stand in faith that God will work all things together for His good, for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, sent messages /food/ gift cards, or checked in with us. We feel the power of your prayers!