Josh is continuing to heal and adjust to life post-surgery. His stamina and ability to be active is gradually improving. Over all things are very encouraging.
This Friday (the 15th) he will start post-surgery chemotherapy and the plan is to do six rounds of it over the next twelve weeks.
The Winans are immensely grateful for all of your prayers and support. Please continue to pray!
I know everyone has been anxious for an update on Josh. As you might imagine, a lot has been happening and it’s been hard for Colleen to find the time to contact people but she has been grateful for all the kind and encouraging messages and prayers.
With regard to the surgery, the main surgeon said that it was way more complicated than he had anticipated but that a lot of things turned out better than he thought.
They were able to remove the entire tumor but the tumor had perforated the bladder and they expect there to be a micro-spillage of cells. This was something they were unable to see on the MRI. Thankfully, he did not need the plastic surgery component because they were able to get enough healthy stomach tissue to fill the gap left by the removal of other organs.
Josh and Colleen have gotten feedback from other surgeons praising the skill and effort of the main surgeon saying that most wouldn’t have even attempted the surgery. Praise God that he did!!!
Last night, while Josh was in recovery, he experienced severe pain in his left leg even though he was on pain meds. They discovered two blood clots: one behind his knee and the other in his groin. This was pretty serious and they wanted to act quickly as they were trying to save his leg. Colleen was able to see him for a few moments before he was taken in for a second surgery last night which took a couple of hours. The vascular surgeon was able to stent both areas. Blood flow still wasn’t great and the surgeon discovered a problem area around where the tumor was removed. He was able to fix that and all seems well now.
He has been awake and in good spirits today. Colleen said his sense of humor is back. He expressly wants our church to be encouraged by the power of prayer. Many things to praise God for.
Life going forward:
Good news-he had the nephrostomy tubes removed.
Good news-His surgeon said his hospital stay will be anywhere from 7-10 days instead of 2-3 weeks.
He now has an ileal conduit and a colostomy bag.
The micro spillage of cells will mean that he will need regular checkups to monitor his condition.
It is likely that he will need a follow up round of chemo.
The Winans are hopeful that Josh’s quality of life will improve significantly. He is excited to get back involved in ministry since he has missed church life greatly.
Thank you for all the prayers that have upheld them during this time. Please continue to pray for his healing as the road to recovery is long. Pray for the entire family: for encouragement, hope, joy, perseverance and peace.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Hello Church Family,
Josh is out of surgery and headed to recovery. They were able to remove the tumor and complete all the steps they had planned for the surgery. Praise God!
Continue praying for his recovery, rest in Jesus, and endurance for the road ahead.
On Tuesday, September 10th, Josh will undergo surgery to remove his tumor. It is called a pelvic exenteration and it includes the removal of his bladder, prostate, colon, rectum, and anal canal. All of this is to create conservative margins around and safely remove 100% of the tumor.
It is an extensive surgery that requires many surgeons and will take 7-8 hours to complete.
In addition, there is plastic surgery involved to fill the gap left by the removal of organs.
Recovery will be 2 to 3 weeks in the hospital to monitor for potential infection, wound healing, nutrition, etc.
Josh and Colleen want to thank everyone for all the love, support and prayers. Please continue to pray for healing, hope, endurance and the peace that transcends understanding.
Josh and Colleen met with his oncologist last week and it was confirmed that the tumor has shrunk. They had a long conversation with his surgeon who confirmed with the tumor board that surgery is his best option for further treatment. It is a long and very invasive surgery that involves the removal of multiple organs. He would probably be in the hospital for around 2-3 weeks post op and a long road of recovery after that. Josh is understandably anxious about it.
He has a final round of chemo this week and they will hopefully have a date for surgery soon. Please continue to keep Josh, Colleen and the boys in your prayers.
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope you.” Psalm 33:20-22
