Let the journey continue .......

Good morning world!
I've been home now going on my third week and so far I am getting stronger and stronger everyday YAY! I miss the hospital and everything I experienced there and the amazing people I got to spend time with those for long periods of time and those for only a brief moment. God is still comtuneing to do awesome and powerful things in my life and those around me. I'm seeing situations and the life I have differently these days and though it's not as life changing as it was at USC it's even more precious because it's every day life, of friends and family that I can pray with and speak of Jesus to and that alone is amazing as I wasn't as much before my cancer even though I thought I was ha! That's what I get for thinking lol! I love being home but I've notice that life is just that life, with all it's dramas and distractions. Sometimes I struggle to find time to just sit and listen to God like before and I know that my choices have a lot to do with that. My God is an awesome God and He knows the distractions in my life that keep me from Him and so here goes my second journey.

I recently was ask to speak at a womens fellowship, I'm not a speaker whats so ever, but I am a talker and immediately I said yes, as sometimes people might respond " I'll pray about it" but I didn't hesitate because I already knew that's what God wants me to do, fellowship ( talk about the things of God). My friend was surprised that I agreed so quickly and that's when I was able to share what was required of me. OBEDIENCE.
I'm looking forward to sharing and pray that Gods journey for me will touch someone, anyone.
So see God isn't leaving me alone and He's removing those distractions that are keeping me from the relationship we have build at that hospital and helping me to continue to grow in Him. Just as my cells are maturing so am I, not being perfect but a working progress. Jesus is the only perfect One.
So please continue to pray that those who hear or see me see Jesus. That He will continue to remove more and more of the distractions and replace it with more and more of fellowship.
So here we go!!!!!!!!

I'M HOME!!!!!!

Hello Everyone!!!!!!
Well I'm home now, just finished my LAST treatment and all is good to go, and they say I am in " complete remission". (wow beautiful words to my bones) YIIPPPEEE!
I'll be monitored for about 2 years and I'll be able to visit all the staff there at USC regularly and I'm excited about that as I've made some great friends and some awesome supporters.
This has been an incredible journey that I'll never regret and if I was to have to go through it again , I would. I've met the most amazing people, staff and patients that I will never forget. My Lord is the sweetest Lord and I am so thankful that He gave me this oppittunity to grow,to love,to share and to sit. I will forever be grateful for this experience and will share what I've gone through with anyone who will listen. I will praise my Lord day and night for His presence, His love, and His grace that He so CLEARLY showed me. I encourage anyone who doesn't know God, to get to know Him and have a deep relationship with Him. He will change your life..... For the better and turn your world upside down in a glorious way.
To those who prayed, thought of me, texted, called, read this blog, visited me, sent me cards and took care of my boys with meals I thank you with all my heart. All those wonderful gifts touched me and my family in a way we can't explain only that it's felt deeply in us and we know saying "thank you" will never be enough, but please know that we pray for all of you too everyday and will continue. PRAYER DOES CHANGE THINGS !!!!
I will hangout at home for a bit before tackling on the world and spend time with my sweet, beautiful husband who without him as my EVERYTHING I would of been so sad. It's amazing how God uses human touch to give you strength and heal your soul from sickness and weakness, and that's just what my love did for me several times while I lay helpless. One touch from my "soulmate" (yes I believe Shawn and I are soulmates) changed our love forever, deeper and deeper it went into our marrow. The chemo didn't heal me it was my sweet Lord and the sweet man He gave me. I am so blessed to have  him, he's so giving and supportive and not just through this but for the the last 25 years of our marriage. God truly gave me a love that would last forever. He's my lobster, my penguin my forever best friend!
So what's next? Only God knows and I look forward to this next journey that He will lead me on, with a beautiful family by my side and Him at the helm.
                                              LET THEM SEE JESUS IN ME!

Last Round!!!!!!!

Well here we go!
I came back to Norris on Monday June 2nd for my last round of treatment, and so far it's going by quick. I will be done with the chemo on Saturday morning and then the waiting game begins as usual.
I'm usually in for about 22 days so let the count down begin. I'm so excited about this last visit but also very emotional and overwhelmed. This place has been my home away from home and everyone here has been so supportive and loving  towards me. What's next for me? Only The Lord knows and I'm still taking this journey step by step, day by day as He gently reminds me that He is in charge.
I know that he has a plan for my life outside of here and cancer free or what they say "complete remission". Praise The Lord what a trip huh? He is an amazing God!
I will have to come and do blood drawn once a month for a bit and then every 3 months and so on and after 3/5 years if everything is clear I will be considered healed.YAY!!!
Well I'm off to bed I will continue this visits as the days get closer to leaving.
Thank you all for following this blog and being apart of my journey.
Love you xoxo

Thank you my Lord!

Hey everyone,
Well I've been home for about a week now and enjoying every minute of it! I been able to see some friends and family and hope to see more of you soon. God truly blessed me with this last treatment and was able to come out and see Dakota graduate from highschool. Shawn and I are so very proud of his accomplishments and look forward to what life has for him. I return on the 2nd for my last treatment and will get the rest of the details on what lies ahead of me and my future as well. God has a bigger plan for me and looking forward to seeing what exactly that is. Please continue to pray for me and my family as things are changing with Dakota going on 2 amazing trips ( Europe & Hawaii ) and then enlisting into the Navy. So we will be kid free and starting our own adventures as a twosome. We are looking forward to so much that God has for us and serving him in whatever way he calls us to. Again I want to thank all who have been bringing meals, thinking of us means sooo much and the food has been incredible. Yummy!
I love you all so much and God bless!
xo,
J

Round 3

Hey everyone!

I'm back in hospital for my 3rd round. I'm doing great n feel great too. Please pray I can get home for Dakotas graduation on the 27th. Thank you for all the prayers, I can totally feel them surrounding me. I had a great time at home and got to see a lot of friends and family and also had some awesome meals. I'm so grateful to

You all!!! 1 more round to go! and prayfully I'll be home for good. God is amazing and continues to open my eyes to the world around me. 

I love you 

all! I'll talk to you all soon! 

Ps 5622179358 if u want to txt me or visit just let me know :)

J

Coming home :)

Hello everyone!

I'm going home for 10 daysYay!!!!

I go back on May 2nd. I'm so thankful for all your prayers and the meals. please continue as I have 2 more rounds. I can't wait to see my family and friends! 

Our God is an awesome 

God!!!

Love you,

J

April Fools Day

Hi friends & family

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY !!! and Happy Birthday Dakota !
Just a quick update:

Im going back to the hospital on Wednesday for 1 month (30 days)...possibly more chemo. Don't really know the plan. I haven't gotten results from my bone marrow test yet. That usually takes a week or so. They did tell me though that even if my marrow comes bak clean I would still need 2/3 more rounds to be in "complete remission" possibly cured. So Ill do whatever it takes for that. Im still praying that that's not the case. & my Lord will intervine & bring me home sooner. But if not Ill continue to praise Him through it. :) Than you all for your prayers & support, please continue to join me in this journey because we all know that prayer changes things. Thank you to all that have been bringing us meals, what a blessing that's been. love it ! If you want to bring a meal to Shawn & Dakota please contact Lauren @ 714)329-6205 to schedule a time & day. I love you guys & so very blessed to have you all in my life. Glory to God in the highest!

P.s. as soon as I know the plan Lauren will update.

Love Joanie <3

potassium ...

Alright guys....my mom went to usc today to do her bone marrow test. Her blood counts are looking good but her potassium level is pretty low. So she will be there until 7 tonight getting what she needs through the IV. She said her bone marrow went great and she will probably get her results on Friday when she goes back on Friday for more potassium. She will be there on Friday for 4hrs. So please pray that she gets everything she needs and her test results come back clean and she won't need more chemo :)

shes coming home!!!!!!!!!!

Just got the call! She's coming home around 2 ish :) so beyond excited!!!!!! She will be home for two weeks.

She can have visitors....BUT PLEASE CALL FIRST BEFORE COMING OVER. ALSO, SHE CANNOT HAVE ANYONE WHO IS SLIGHTLY SICK IT EVEN TICKLED IN THEIR THROATS. SHE IS STILL CATCHING THINGS REALLY EASILY AND IF SOMEONE COMES OVER SICK IN ANY WAY IT CAN CAUSE HER TO GO BACK TO THE HOSPITAL. SO PLEASE PLEASE CALL FIRST.

Prayer request: she will be getting her bone marrow tested next week. Prayers that it comes back clear and that she won't have to go back for more chemo. :)

lots of prayers

Hey everyone. A lot of prayer requests are needed. This past week my mom has been getting a lot of fevers. Not sure if it's the medications that are causing them or not. But please pray for my mom. She's not really getting any visitors at the moment and I think that's really getting her. Please pray that she stays strong mentally and physically. Also that she doesn't let her spirits get down by being in the hospital. It's very easy and she's had a great attitude about it all so far I just really don't want her to let Satan mess with her head and her start thinking negatively about things.

Medical update.....this week she will have her bone marrow tested as well as her blood count. If both come back looking good then she should have about another weekafter that left before she can come home. :)

Also thank you to those who have been bringing dinners for my dad and brother. It means so much to us that you all are thinking about us and helping. When my mom gets home I will post a message for those who have expressed their wishes to bring dinners when my mom comes home. I think that is really great since my dad and brother will be so focused on my mom that I'm sure cooking is they last thing they will think about. If anyone wants to get ahold of me and let me know anything or ask anything please don't hesitate to call/text. 714)329-6205 :)

room change

well they moved her to a new room. its much bigger now which is great . She is now in room 3320 :)

how to leave a comment...

some have mentioned that leaving a comment has been difficult.heres what to do:

at the bottom of each post there is either "no comments" or a certain number of comments.click on that link. it will take you to a separate page to leave your comment. it will also ask to "choose an identity" if you have a google account you can choose that option. if you don't then click "anonymous" and you can leave it that way.

hope this helps !!!

if anyone has any questions feel free to call or text 714-329-6205 (my cell )

Spending the day with mom :)

So Tuesday I went to spend the day with my mom. I brought over a few decorations to spruce up the room a bit so it wasn't so daunting lol. We got to talk and go for a nice walk. The hospital chaplain, Phil, also stopped by which was so great. :) We got to talk about God's word and plans with my moms life with Him and listen to worship music and just talk about everything going on. It was so great. We got to watch a movie and relax. I also got to meet some of the staff that had done certain procedures on her and even the nurses. They all are so great. So friendly and just happy to be helping my mom. :)

Happy Birthday to the best mom ...EVER!!!

So yesterday was my moms birthday..YAY! We all (my brother and dad) went to spend some time with her. She got a bunch of really great gifts from some friends and family. We watched a movie and went for a nice long walk around the wing. I brought some yummy cupcakes so we could enjoy a nice birthday dessert with her :) Also, her nurses and a cutie doctor ;) came and sang happy birthday to her .. how sweet !!!    

the birthday queen !!!! hit the big 5-0 yesterday :) I know I know..50 ?! She looks 39 !!! ok maybe 40 lol But she DEF doesn't look 50 :)



Love is in the air !

"Winning the Leukemia Lottery !!! " - Lisa Mark

First things first, thank you my Lord and Savior !!

Well, today was an awesome day. My sweet love came to see me and we danced in each others arms, it was beautiful. I got to feel his arms around me and we held each other tight. It brought us to tears.

The other awesome news is I received part of my genetics test and do you want to know what my God did ?! He gave me a NORMAL inversion 16 ! What's that you ask ? Its a chromosome in my DNA (ok enough of that lol). What it means is that it's curable and treatable. Hallelujah to my King !!

This past week, as I mentioned before, God has, is and will continue to do great things because that's what He does. Ill receive my complete test results soon. So for now I'll be here for 3 weeks (neutropenic still though. throw in a bone marrow, check my levels and thankfully go home for a week). So on and so on for 3 months (at least that's their plans). I believe God has something bigger planned.

If you're curious who my God is, cry out to Him with a pure heart, repent of your sins
and make Him the Lord of your life. Believe He will change YOUR life...for the better !!Then hold on !!

Prayer requests: Please continue to pray for these next 3 weeks as it will be intense treatment. Please pray for these ladies at the hospital.

Thank you for all your prayers...keep them coming because prayer changes things. Thanks for all of yours. Love you all,

J

Visitor Update !!!!!

Ok, So I got a call from my mom this morning. She is no longer able to receive any visitors. She is neutropenic. (very low blood count---can easily get infections) This is good because the chemo is working and doing what it needs to do. We are not sure how long she will be in this condition. She's waiting on her genetics test results and bone marrow biopsy. If everything comes back looking great then they will begin rebuilding her blood cells :) But if not then she will be doing another round of chemo. So for the time being she won't be having any visitors outside of the immediate family. And she isn't always taking phone calls or texting so don't take it personal if she doesn't get back to you. If anyone has any questions or wants to talk to someone feel free to call me. She sends me updates so I can relay any messages to her. She's asking that you all pray that this round takes out all the cancer so she can start working her way up to get back to normal :)
 
Also, many have mentioned a desire to bring meals to the family. We all love that idea and are so thankful to you all. Please give either my dad or me a call so we can make sure someone is at the house when you wanted to come by. :)


Shawn 562-881-7444



Lauren 714-329-6205

God is changing my life...for the better !

(from Joanie)

Hi everyone !
Wow, this has been a wild ride already ! I'm still in shock ! Ya know I knew this year was going to be a great year LOL! We never saw this comin' that's for sure, but then again..that Acute Leukemia is a sneeker :)

Since being in the ER, transferred to Anaheim and now at USC (which I'm now a fan). God has been doing incredible things with me, in me and all around me. The people I've met on this journey from all walks of life have been so sweet. From the janitors, transporters, EMT, cleaning ladies, nurses, specialists, doctors, some believers and some not. God has shown me their hearts. I'm so blessed that God has allowed me that pleasure. He keeps opening doors over and over again and I'm walking through, "holding nothing back" from what He wants me to do.

Hey does anyone remember that whole Britney Spears things, when she shaved her hair off ? Well, I remember thinking "I want to do that" LOLOL! I guess you should be careful what you wish for huh ? haha !Well, Tiffany Amber Theison wig .. HERE I COME !!!!

As you can tell, my spirits this week are good. Started my treatment so please pray for this first week..its supposed to be intense. My soul is at peace and my God is here with me. So I'm not alone.

So what do I need ? YOU! My friends and family. I cherish my relationships. My true, genuine relationships that I'm blessed with each and every day. And even though I don't see you every day, I know you think of me. You all inspire me by just being YOU.

MY LIFE IS OVERWHELMINGLY BLESSED WITH MY FAMILY...
-Shawn is my BFF. From the moment, and I MEAN moment, we met it was FIREWORKS. And every minute since has been fireworks. God is in my husband. He treats me like God does, everything unconditional. Now THAT'S a man ! The man of my dreams. Stay strong baby!

-My kids are incredible. TOTALLY different from each other, but the loves of my life. I'm in love with my kids. Stay strong my loves !

 

-And then there's my precious, precious Kaia. WOW..what can I say? She's "the best granddaughter ever!" (She loves when we say that) Thank you God for this amazing, beautiful Joy that you blessed me with. "You are my Sunshine!"

 

We are all going to FIGHT ON!!!! TOGETHER! (Phil 4:13)

I'm praying for all of you, please know that. Please pray for all the people that are surrounding me here. That their lives will be forever changed by our Lord and Savior.

Remember, this is not about me, really! It's about God's plans for all of us. I'm just a vessel being used for His glory. Am I scared ? You bet, but God's got this! And that's good enough for me!

C'yall soon !!
All my love to you
- Joanie

P.S. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK !

Chemo round 1..hopefully the last !

I got a call from my mom today. She sounded good. Staying extra positive :) So far all of her test results are looking great...she is waiting on her cytogenetic test results which will tell her exactly what level of AML they are dealing with. Those results will take about 2 weeks to be finished...so lots of prayers that its a lower level and not extreme. Here is the link for those who are curious to know a little more details about this form of Leukemia. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adultAML/Patient

She has started her first round of chemo this evening. There will be a number of side effects. So if you ARE texting or calling her she will most likely NOT be responding at this point. But she would like to receive funny jokes, uplifting words and most importantly (she told me to be specific about this) she wants anyone with any prayers requests to send them to her so she can pray for you. Also, she would like prayers for calmness, peace and for her to be able to witness to those she comes in contact with in the hospital.

What the chemo is going to be doing is making her red blood cells attack the white blood cells that are causing the cancer. Please pray that this round of chemo will eliminate all the white cells and that she wont need to go for another (or more) rounds of chemo.

She will be getting ANOTHER bone marrow biopsy done in 2 weeks to see if the chemo has eliminated any if not ALLLLLLLLL the cancer cells. (keeps your fingers crossed and send a lot of prayers upstairs for positive results)

Some of you may be wondering if she will be losing her hair due to the treatments. YES she will. But she is already embracing that and not worried about her hair. If hair loss is a side effect of beating cancer then take it all !!!!! and take the cancer with it !!!

She has been writing her own updates in the hospital and prayer requests so tomorrow when I get them  I will  post them up so you'll have something straight from her :)

We have been getting such a great feedback so far from this blog and I thank you all for being so supportive and here for my mom when she needs it more than ever. :) She's going to kick this cancers butt !!!! She going in fighting like the warrior that she is..a warrior of God. With him as her leader, friend, father and supporter we know she is in the best of hands.

 

 

Well, today has been pretty eventful... We spoke with the doctor. The type of Leukemia she has is called AML(Acute Myeloid Leukemia). We are still waiting on tests to see how far advanced this type is. We will get those results in the next few weeks. Until then she will be starting basic Chemo treatment. According to the doctor the actual Chemo wont make her feel weak or run down. But because her immunities will be extremely low she will most likely catch illnesses (cough,cold,sneezing,etc) VERY easily. Call ahead to see if shes feeling up for visitors. Right now shes taking it day by day.

 She will be staying at USC for about 1 month (as far as we know). Then she can come home. She will have to continue the month long visits but we aren't 100% sure how many of those visits she will have to do. Feel free to leave any comments or questions on any of these posts. She will eventually be posting up her own words and feelings. Same with my dad and possibly brother. So keep an eye out or those ;) But I will be monitoring this page daily so you will get a response soon.

Many have asked about sending flowers or plants...There are no live plants/flowers allowed. Also, no outside food without the nursing station approval ahead of time. But feel free to send humorours cards or send her funny videos to her phone. She'll love that :)

after she had her bone marrow biopsy..they let her keep some. she said it was "glistening" :)

they also gave her a piece of her bone !!!! trippy !!!!

For those of you who have already been informed about my mothers situation and have sent your well wishes I thank you very much. To those who haven't heard much here's the update/announcement.

This morning my mother was diagnosed with Leukemia. And as you can imagine we all were in complete shock. One minute we are camping in Silent Valley.. the next...emergency room. She was admitted Sunday night. Had a lot of tests done only to confirm that she has Leukemia. Fortunately they caught it in the early stages and will begin Chemotherapy within the next couple of days.

She is currently at USC: Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in LA. We have heard nothing but the best about this center and have complete faith in God and the staff that she will get the best treatments out there to nip this cancer in the butt ! Its going to be a bumpy ride. But with the support and love of all our family and friends we will get through this together :) She is definitely not alone in this and has an amazing support/prayer group in all of us.

Her room is located on the 3rd floor room 3311. Visiting hours will be 10am-8pm. PLEASE CALL BEFORE HAND. Since she will be going through intense treatments she will,of course, not always be up for visitors. If she doesn't answer her phone or the room phone, try again at a later time. Phone numbers will be listed below. I will be posting updates regularly on this blog for those who wish to be kept in the loop.

If you feel the need to send/bring anything to her, she is only accepting humorous greeting cards. The ward she is in has limitations and laughter is the best medicine so send as much funny things her way :)

Nurses Station: 323-865-3333
Room #:323-865-3311
Personal #: 562-217-9358
1441 Eastlake Ave.
Los Angeles, 90033

PS. YOU MUST PAY FOR PARKING. METERS ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS AND QUARTERS.(yes, this is a bummer but we have been informed that even the employees have to pay to park "/. so no one wins with parking in LA)