would you believe???

Yay!!!!!! John has retired! Just wanted to share the good news. March 31st was final day. Don't worry, he's got plenty to keep him busy. The 'vette is out of the garage and talk has been heard about the boat. Watch out fish - there's another retiree on the prowl.

We really felt John deserved a celebration for his birthday since he's had less fun this past year. A few local friends and relatives were invited down to the American Legion where they were treated to food, cake and beverage. Thank you all who attended. I posted some photos of the small shin-dig. John enjoys being a member of the Legion and as a family we enjoy participating in the events that place there. Happy 67th birthday Dad! (March 29th)

pet scan clear

Good news!!! On Monday, March 16th, John and Kay traveled back down to Karmanos in Detroit. The oncologist had the good news of the CT pet scan being clear. Meaning: there was no detection of cancer.

The doctor was NOT excited about John's bloodwork though. His blood counts are low along with other valuable levels of elements. So some adjustments are being made. One prescription and another OTC supplement are being eliminated from John's daily regiment of pills because it is believed they are hindering the recovery process. John was told it could take 6-12 months to completely recover from the stem-cell transplant, but with his overall good health, he should be further ahead at this point than what he really is.

John's started bouncing back pretty well, but lately seems to be at a stand-still. Now knowing that his numbers are low still explains that. So hopefully we'll see a bit more energy in a couple of weeks.

thank you for your continued prayers. keep them coming!

March update

John has been trudging along. I see improvement in his energy weekly. He has his shop open, but takes it easy. A job here and a job there. Been going to church for over a month now. He had avoided church due to the large amount of people and possible germs. One of the greatest things about church is the large number of people there he knows; which means the large number of people there that have been praying for him. It's hard to get out the door when Mass is over due to many parishoners wanting to say "hi" to him.

His blood count numbers are good. Just slightly on the low side but the doctors are still happy. Most importantly - John had another PET CT scan done on Monday the 1st down in Grand Rapids at St. Mary's hospital. This is an amazing test that detects cancer cells within his body. Lymphoma doesn't always stay in one spot like a tumor. This one will determine if or how well the stem cell transplant worked. Of course we have all of our fingers crossed that none will be detected.

John will get the results when he goes down to Karmanos again on the 16th of March. He is also still seeing Dr. Peterson locally for his blood draws. We will be asking for prayers for the appointment on the 16th so we will get good news.

Meanwhile, his hair has been growing back. He has eyebrows now! Amazing how much eyebrows make a difference in our appearance. I'm including pictures to show his improvement. I have to admit, the hair re-growth just makes one look healthier too.

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