Hospital stay

Hi everyone. We had some scary news on Friday that ended us in the hospital, but luckily it seems like we might have caught it in time. On Thursday Jon had an MRI done of his left leg because of an increase in his pain lasting over two weeks that has been hard to control and because he has decreased feeling and sensation as well. He has been using a walker now at home and has had two falls in the last week :(

We got the call on Friday what exactly was causing it. The MRI showed that Jon's lumbar region of his spine has cancer and it was starting to press on his spinal cord. The Doctor was really concerned that Jon could if not treated ASAP loss all sensation to his leg along with the bowel and bladder control. So the first step was getting him checked into the hospital and getting treatment done as soon as possible. After discussing all of our options we and the Doctors decided on some radiation to his spinal cord and a strong steroid that will help with any inflammation in that area. We got started on the radiation today (Sat) and will have a total of 5 strong radiation treatments. The Doctors think that of course the radiation should help the pain and also that over time will shrink the tumors, but unfortunately the damage already done to his spinal cord is non-reversible.

He thankfully is more stable and started on treatment so, the Radiologists think there is nothing that should be holding us in the hospital any longer then tomorrow, but ultimately its up to our Oncologist. We want to go home and hope it will be tomorrow, but right now its not decided.

We are trying to stay positive and keep praying for a miracle. My in-laws have been researching some very promising clinical trials that are going on around the United States right now that I am going to ask our doctor about the next chance I get and continue to research on my own. I feel strongly that we are going to have to take more of an active role in Jon's treatment and have a back up plan just in case. We are not giving up the fight easily!! and we are not just going to do what the doctor says, we are going to do what's best and benefits us. We are going to pray and do what we feel we have to at this point.

My family and I have decided to hold a fast for Jon tomorrow. I don't feel like waiting until next Sunday because we need the blessings now. I know it is late notice, but if you would like to participate please do. Our little family is suffering and we need some positive thoughts and feelings in our spirits to keep us strong. Keep praying and stay positive for us. May the spirit be with you all and thanks for the support and love we have received. We couldn't ask for better people to be associated with then all of you.