Update

Well, as far as cancer, not a whole lot new is going on. John has finished his chemo rounds. Still has plenty of other meds he is taking though. He has been feeling ok, eating ok, still working most days. A few weeks ago he and Abby went to a cancer benefit concert for Abby's friend Aija's violin teacher. She was recently diagnosed with cancer. She is pretty well known in the music world in Utah and some friends put on a benefit concert for her. Here is Abby, Aija and Aija's brother with Jon Schmidt from the Piano Guys! It was an amazing concert. Worst part is that John had to leave at intermission. His neuropathy in his feet was really bothering him. He was so sad to miss the second half - cancer sucks.

The other night I thought I would take John out to 'The Chocolate". It is our favorite dessert cafe. It was a Wednesday night and I knew it would not be too busy. We could sit in the back away from other people. I had babysitting and everything and was trying to surprise John. He has not been anywhere since his diagnosis other than work, home and that benefit concert. So, another cancer sucks. John goes to work that day and then does not feel good, comes home, climbs into bed and does not feel like going out. It was so sad.

This week John has had a lot of tests in preparation for the stem cell transplant. We spent a whole day at the hospital and were on 4 different floors doing tests. Of course they save his least favorite one for the last - bone marrow biopsy. His last experience was AWFUL!! But it was not done at the hospital. So, he had more pain meds this time and it went way better. He still felt pain and pressure, but not like the first time. So glad that is over.

Then yesterday morning he woke up with a fever. It was over 102 and I made him call the hospital. We went into the hospital and they did more tests. Luckily nothing came from the tests, so they let him come home. He is feeling ok, but still has a fever and a little cough. He has missed 3 days of work this week though.

John's first stem cell transplant is in 3 1/2 weeks. It is coming so soon. I think we are all nervous and excited in a way. John will be in the hospital for 3-4 weeks. I am grateful for those that are so willing to help during that time. Three of my sisters will each be coming out for about a week to help. And some of John's friends from High School are taking a road trip from CA and coming out to visit for a weekend after he is home and John's sister Christy is coming out after he is home too. We are so blessed with so many friends and family that do so much for us.