just another update

So things are going pretty good. I go every 2 weeks to the Cancer Center in Free Soil. This last time, even tho Doc thought my overall numbers weren't too bad, she wants to take a deeper look. So they will be extracting some bone marrow and testing that instead of just testing blood. I had this done once last year. It's a lovely procedure - I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys such pain. (sorry, just a little humor).
Next month I will be having my 6 month pet scan at St. Mary's in Grand Rapids and check-up down in Detroit at Karmanos.

Still regaining strength, balance, sensation in my feet, all ever-so-slowly. A lot of food still tastes terrible too. Have been able to keep the weight I lost off though - so that's a good thing. Hope to stay at this number permanently. Was hoping to be strong enough to march in the Memorial Day parade but instead will be driving my Corvette and representing the Ludington VFW in the parade. Michelle will be riding with me since she is also a member.

On a side note - Kay has kept Michelle and myself busy. She's had a herniated disc in her neck for a few months that caused pain and numbness all down her left arm. Last week she had surgery to repair that (Dr. Hamati in Muskegon). So she is recuperating and doing better each day. She's been wearing a neck brace but will be able to get rid of that next week. Can't lift more than 5 pounds, can't raise hands over her head, and obviously can't turn her head. So we've been taking care of her and all her duties - but we do it with a smile! Will gladly do a few dishes to help her get back to normal and healthy.

I like retirement and miss work at the same time. Actually, I miss my tools and space. Been working on putting together the barn/shop at home with a few things I brought home from my business. Have been able to accomplish a lot of little projects around the home that have been neglected. Was able to go fishing this week finally too with the new son-in-law, Steve.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.
John

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.