The Arsenic Therapy continues to go well. So far John has not experienced any sickness due to this medicine. There was a slight concern over his blood pressure, but they are monitoring him closely. He will have an EKG on Monday.
Little Brice received his Stem Cell transplant on Thursday. Lorena and Janna were able to watch the procedure. Now they will have to wait for 14 days to see if he can begin to make his own cells.
Continue to pray for John and the family as they travel to Indy daily. Let’s also pray for Brice and his family as they wait over this next week.
Thank you all for your prayers. God is at work!
Jan 25, 2008
Jan 22, 2008
John began his Arsenic treatment at Riley Children’s Hospital on Monday. This treatment began with a blood draw to check his levels. John’s ANC count was over 2000. This is a tremendous praise for the Doctors were hoping for at least 1500. All of John’s other levels were holding steady as well…perhaps just a bit below normal but still doing okay. John received the arsenic through his pick line for 2 hours, followed by another hour of the medical staff monitoring his heart. This will be a daily routine (except for the blood draw) for the next 5 weeks; excluding weekends. John did not feel ill following the procedure and was even able to eat on the way home and attend FCA at Ole Miss. Continue to pray over these next few days as John’s body is getting used to receiving this new treatment. Thank you all for your continued prayer support.
Let’s also continue to pray for little Brice. Brice was John’s first roommate. He is 2 ½ years old and is from southern Indiana. Brice is back to Riley and is receiving several high doses of chemo-therapy. On Thursday he is to receive some of his own stem cells back which were taken from his bone marrow. The family is most likely looking to take him to New York to a special clinic there for a special procedure. Please pray for Brice, Shea (mom) and Linda (grandma) as they are away from home helping with Brice. Pray for wisdom as they are making decisions, traveling mercies as they travel, and ultimately for the Lord to intervene on Brice’s behalf.
Keep praying…
Let’s also continue to pray for little Brice. Brice was John’s first roommate. He is 2 ½ years old and is from southern Indiana. Brice is back to Riley and is receiving several high doses of chemo-therapy. On Thursday he is to receive some of his own stem cells back which were taken from his bone marrow. The family is most likely looking to take him to New York to a special clinic there for a special procedure. Please pray for Brice, Shea (mom) and Linda (grandma) as they are away from home helping with Brice. Pray for wisdom as they are making decisions, traveling mercies as they travel, and ultimately for the Lord to intervene on Brice’s behalf.
Keep praying…
Jan 15, 2008
Praise the Lord!
John heard back today that his bone marrow shows zero leukemia cells which means that he is in remission. The plan is still that he will begin his Arsenic treatment on Monday. This could change depending on his blood counts. As of today, everything points to being able to start the Arsenic as scheduled. John did go back to school today and was glad to see his friends and teachers. The Arsenic therapy will take approx. 2 hours to administer through his pick-line and he will receive daily for five weeks. Keep praying…
John heard back today that his bone marrow shows zero leukemia cells which means that he is in remission. The plan is still that he will begin his Arsenic treatment on Monday. This could change depending on his blood counts. As of today, everything points to being able to start the Arsenic as scheduled. John did go back to school today and was glad to see his friends and teachers. The Arsenic therapy will take approx. 2 hours to administer through his pick-line and he will receive daily for five weeks. Keep praying…
Jan 14, 2008
A trip to Riley for more tests today revealed some more good reports. John’s ANC number is at 807. Doctors would like to see this at around 1500 but it’s still good. He had an EKG today and it came back normal. His kidneys and liver both look good as well. He did have a bone marrow biopsy today and his Doctor’s preliminary report is that it is clear. They have to wait, however, for a couple of days until a pathologist can take a closer look. John did not start Arsenic treatment today. They want to know the results of the bone marrow first. They are looking to next Monday to start this treatment. John has been back on the ATRA for a few days and is not experiencing any headaches. He is now being taken off of his headache medicine. John is in good spirits, feels good, and is gaining weight. It was GREAT to see him in church on Sunday. The entire church family was glad to see him. Tomorrow he is going back to school. He is going to have to wear a mask…but is glad to be going back. Praise the Lord for all the answered prayers. Keep praying.
Jan 11, 2008
Just a quick update for today. John’s ANC numbers are up to 802 which means he is out of the severe neutropenic range. This means he is able to go out...but still needs to wear a mask. He is hoping that he might pay a visit to the ballgame at school tonight. Everything is on track for Monday; Bone Marrow Biopsy, EKG of the heart, and maybe begin the Arsenic Therapy. More good news; John has gained 1 lb since being back home. That’s a step in the right direction. We’ll keep you posted. Keep praying.
Jan 10, 2008
To catch everyone up....
Last Wednesday evening (Jan 2) was a great celebration as John was able to come home. Over the past week, John has been feeling a bit better. He continues to make 3 or 4 trips up and down the stairs at home each day. He's been playing some video games, working on his computer and seeing some friends each evening as they catch up on what is happening at church and school. Now, John is getting a little "stir crazy" being coped up in the house and can't wait until he can get out.
On Sunday night the Westview Youth group was able to raise some money for the family as well as support John with a head shaving party. Lorena and Janna were able to be there that evening to give the church and update as well as enjoy the shaving party. John has been able to see many pictures and the video of his friends going bald for a good cause.
Yesterday (Wednesday, Jan. 9) the family received John's ANC number from the labs. His count from Monday was 431 which is up from 196 when John left the hospital. This is a praise but also an area of prayer. John's ANC count needs to be at 1000 before he'll be allowed to leave the house. John also began taking his ATRA again on Wednesday. The hope is that he won't have the side effects (headaches & fever) he had while he was in the hospital.
On Monday, Jan. 14th John will go back to Riley for a bone marrow biopsy, an EKG, an Echo gram and may begin his arsenic therapy. Let's pray for the family on this day. Whenever John begins his arsenic therapy it will be a five week process.
Another prayer request from the family is for each of us to continue to remember Brice and his family. Little Brice has some major procedures facing him in the next few days/weeks. Pray for God's peace, strength and wisdom as his family walks through these days with Brice.
With John being at home now, his status seems to be pretty much the same. If/When this changes, we will make sure we update this blog. If there are no updates, then we can just assume that his status remains the same. Thank you to each of you who have been praying for the family, making comments on this site, visiting the family and sending Johnny notes. The family greatly appreciates all you have done. Let's keep up the great work!
Last Wednesday evening (Jan 2) was a great celebration as John was able to come home. Over the past week, John has been feeling a bit better. He continues to make 3 or 4 trips up and down the stairs at home each day. He's been playing some video games, working on his computer and seeing some friends each evening as they catch up on what is happening at church and school. Now, John is getting a little "stir crazy" being coped up in the house and can't wait until he can get out.
On Sunday night the Westview Youth group was able to raise some money for the family as well as support John with a head shaving party. Lorena and Janna were able to be there that evening to give the church and update as well as enjoy the shaving party. John has been able to see many pictures and the video of his friends going bald for a good cause.
Yesterday (Wednesday, Jan. 9) the family received John's ANC number from the labs. His count from Monday was 431 which is up from 196 when John left the hospital. This is a praise but also an area of prayer. John's ANC count needs to be at 1000 before he'll be allowed to leave the house. John also began taking his ATRA again on Wednesday. The hope is that he won't have the side effects (headaches & fever) he had while he was in the hospital.
On Monday, Jan. 14th John will go back to Riley for a bone marrow biopsy, an EKG, an Echo gram and may begin his arsenic therapy. Let's pray for the family on this day. Whenever John begins his arsenic therapy it will be a five week process.
Another prayer request from the family is for each of us to continue to remember Brice and his family. Little Brice has some major procedures facing him in the next few days/weeks. Pray for God's peace, strength and wisdom as his family walks through these days with Brice.
With John being at home now, his status seems to be pretty much the same. If/When this changes, we will make sure we update this blog. If there are no updates, then we can just assume that his status remains the same. Thank you to each of you who have been praying for the family, making comments on this site, visiting the family and sending Johnny notes. The family greatly appreciates all you have done. Let's keep up the great work!
Jan 7, 2008
Jan 5, 2008
Another opportunity to give...
The Won-By-One Youth Group of Westview are trying to raise some funds and build support for Johnny all at the same time....and you can be involved!
One of the side effects of the chemo that Johnny had to take while in the hospital was the loss of his hair. Johnny now is sporting the bald and beautiful look, just like his father. The guys in the youth group want to support Johnny through this time by going bald themselves.
Sunday night, January 6th, following the evening worship service (around 7:00pm) the youth group is organizing a shaving party. Three different dollar marks have been set which will lead to some shining scalps. At the first dollar mark, almost every teen guy in the youth group will be having their heads shaved. At the second dollar mark, some of the adult guys who help with the youth group will shave their heads. And if the top dollar mark is obtained, Pastor Jeff will be shaving his head. The money that is collected will be given to the family to help with their expenses during these challenging days.
If you would like to make a donation or pledge to this cause, send an email to pastorjeff@westviewwesleyan.com or call the church office at 765-674-8558. Another way you can support John is by having your head shaved. If you'd like to participate, join us Sunday night in the Family Life Center at 7:00pm.
This will be a fun time together to support and encourage John and his family!
We love you Johnny!
The Won-By-One Youth Group of Westview are trying to raise some funds and build support for Johnny all at the same time....and you can be involved!
One of the side effects of the chemo that Johnny had to take while in the hospital was the loss of his hair. Johnny now is sporting the bald and beautiful look, just like his father. The guys in the youth group want to support Johnny through this time by going bald themselves.
Sunday night, January 6th, following the evening worship service (around 7:00pm) the youth group is organizing a shaving party. Three different dollar marks have been set which will lead to some shining scalps. At the first dollar mark, almost every teen guy in the youth group will be having their heads shaved. At the second dollar mark, some of the adult guys who help with the youth group will shave their heads. And if the top dollar mark is obtained, Pastor Jeff will be shaving his head. The money that is collected will be given to the family to help with their expenses during these challenging days.
If you would like to make a donation or pledge to this cause, send an email to pastorjeff@westviewwesleyan.com or call the church office at 765-674-8558. Another way you can support John is by having your head shaved. If you'd like to participate, join us Sunday night in the Family Life Center at 7:00pm.
This will be a fun time together to support and encourage John and his family!
We love you Johnny!
Jan 2, 2008
Re: Visiting John at home.
John is still in a neutropenic state (susceptible to illness/germs, etc.) and is quite tired; therefore the best “policy” for visiting John is to call first. You can call Lorena’s cell; 765-661-8395 or their home phone; 765-674-9514 to see if it’s a good time for a visit. Starting next week John & Lorena may set some “visiting hours” in order to allow for family time, and study time for Janna and John, when he’s up to it. They welcome your visits and are encouraged by your prayers and concern. Let’s be sure to call in advance before visiting. Also...if you have a cold, sore throat, or any type of infectious illness, please stay away.
Re: Bringing food.
There are many procedures/cautions when it comes to food for John. I know that many of you would love to bring a meal in, but there are several concerns because of his weakened immune system. Since they are just now learning about what to do and what not to do, let’s hold off on bringing in any meals. There will no doubt be a time coming soon when this will be possible. Again, if you have questions regarding bringing food you can always give Lorena a call. For now it would be good to allow them to get home and let the “dust settle.” There are going to be many opportunities to help in the coming months. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. God is working; you ARE appreciated and loved.
John is still in a neutropenic state (susceptible to illness/germs, etc.) and is quite tired; therefore the best “policy” for visiting John is to call first. You can call Lorena’s cell; 765-661-8395 or their home phone; 765-674-9514 to see if it’s a good time for a visit. Starting next week John & Lorena may set some “visiting hours” in order to allow for family time, and study time for Janna and John, when he’s up to it. They welcome your visits and are encouraged by your prayers and concern. Let’s be sure to call in advance before visiting. Also...if you have a cold, sore throat, or any type of infectious illness, please stay away.
Re: Bringing food.
There are many procedures/cautions when it comes to food for John. I know that many of you would love to bring a meal in, but there are several concerns because of his weakened immune system. Since they are just now learning about what to do and what not to do, let’s hold off on bringing in any meals. There will no doubt be a time coming soon when this will be possible. Again, if you have questions regarding bringing food you can always give Lorena a call. For now it would be good to allow them to get home and let the “dust settle.” There are going to be many opportunities to help in the coming months. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. God is working; you ARE appreciated and loved.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Today is a “Happy Day” for John and his family. He is to be released from Riley sometime today. The family (as you can imagine) is very excited about coming home; sleeping in their own beds; eating something, other than McDonalds...etc. After his release today, John is going to have another test on his optic nerve...then they’ll head home. They are receiving instructions for all that needs to happen on the home-front. They are also being set up with a Home Health care provider who will care for John’s pic-line, change dressings and draw blood so they can monitor his progress. John will begin to receive the ATRA again next Wednesday. His counts are holding steady. He has been fever free since Saturday. The headaches are lessening, Praise The Lord! At present, he is scheduled to return to Riley on January 14th for a routine follow-up appointment.
Give the Lord praise today for answered prayers, and for the provision of His hand. Keep praying!
Today is a “Happy Day” for John and his family. He is to be released from Riley sometime today. The family (as you can imagine) is very excited about coming home; sleeping in their own beds; eating something, other than McDonalds...etc. After his release today, John is going to have another test on his optic nerve...then they’ll head home. They are receiving instructions for all that needs to happen on the home-front. They are also being set up with a Home Health care provider who will care for John’s pic-line, change dressings and draw blood so they can monitor his progress. John will begin to receive the ATRA again next Wednesday. His counts are holding steady. He has been fever free since Saturday. The headaches are lessening, Praise The Lord! At present, he is scheduled to return to Riley on January 14th for a routine follow-up appointment.
Give the Lord praise today for answered prayers, and for the provision of His hand. Keep praying!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
