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!