pictures

First Mya Joy discovers how cool it is to put hands in pockets and shows some LOVE for her Papa.

Then, all the kids and grandkids. L-R.
Mya & Johnny, Justin, Tara & Pamela, Allison & Jillian & Heidi, Michelle.

last pic - 4 grandkids. Allison, Mya Joy, Tara, Jillian.

It's Baaa-aaa-ck!!!! well...kinda

The most amazing news to share with all of you......John's hair is starting to grow back!

=D

This may seem silly, but it's a big deal to him. He's got some facial hair on his lip and chin appearing, his eyebrows are darkening and there is just the faintest fuzz on the back of his head.

John has also started working again. A little here and there. Couple hours at a time.
Has even gone shooting at the Fin and Feather club. A "newer" passion of his in the last few years.
Getting more and more strength back everyday.
He's still got a ways to go though.

The goal is Memorial Day - to be strong enough to march in the parade in Ludington. I think he can do it.

Next check-up and scan is/are mid-March.

Jan 15th

John braved the cold and went out last night. Best place in Ludington on a Friday night is House of Flavors for the Fish Fry. Saw many people he knew and obviously hadn't seen in quite awhile. How frustrating to be "here" but not see anyone. I think it was a wonderful night.

It's interesting to see how much he DOESN'T eat anymore. Food still has a dull taste to it. He really hopes that goes away soon. One example is: if you've ever eaten old icecream that tastes like the cardboard box it comes it.....that's what a lot of his food tastes like. His appetite in general is lower than it used to be. But this is okay. He calls it part of the weight-loss program is wanted to have anyhow. :)

Although John is anxious to "start" to go back to work, his stamina and energy are still quite low. He actually is starting to putter around the shop a bit.

So please pray for strength and energy.
Michelle

check-up

John had a check-up today in Detroit.
Everything looks good!!!
White count is 5.2 which is an excellent number.
Hemoglobin is 10.5 - which is not too bad. If he can get it up to 13+, he probably won't feel so tired.

Was told he can do activities as he can tolerate them. He needs to start exercising - which he has slightly. As far as isolation, he needs to stay out of big crowds and just be cautious. So please, if you are sick, keep your distance.

He'll go back in mid-March for a checkup and a CT pet-scan at that time.

Hoo-ray!!!!!!!!

Your thoughts and prayers have really helped! Thank you so much. We all really appreciate them! I am constantly stopped by people asking how my dad is doing. It is so amazing to know that people care so much.

Michelle

HOME!!!

John is Home! And I apologize, with all the excitement, I forgot to continue posting on here.
John came home on Monday the 28th as hoped. What a nice Christmas present.
He had an antibiotic to continue to take, and just some other meds that help with the side-effects that like to linger after chemo.

So it's just a plan of resting and waiting for his blood counts to continue to rise and for John to regain his strength. He eats a lot more now because it is real food and food he wants and not the hospital food. Still doesn't have the appetite he once had but he thinks that is ok. The weight he lost during this treatment, he honestly wants to keep off. Good plan.

We've had so much snow this past week here. That inhibits getting outside though. Exercise is encouraged, but it's COLD out there. We'll be having our family Christmas this weekend. After that we'll be moving some exercise equipment into the house. Maybe some laps at the school once that starts again.

thanks for the continued prayers.
Michelle

out of the hospital

John was moved from the hospital over to the guest housing apartment. There had a been a slight delay as he had caught a "bug". But things seem to be going well.

Monday he has an appointment at the clinic. If all is well, he MIGHT come home to Ludington.

Keep fingers crossed, and hands clasped in prayer please.

Michelle