First Notice

After we got the news and muddled through the Christmas Eve service we had a quiet but fun family Christmas (just the four of us) Then on the 26th we sent this email out to the whole congregation and community.

Merry Christmas to you all. We hope this email finds you in the peace and grace of Christ.

Some of you were recently included in the prayer chain asking you to pray for Jody. (Christmas Eve) Then many of you again saw us that night at the service but nothing was said about the details. (that was because we wanted to keep the focus on Christ and the real meaning of Christmas) As our lives have always been open to the people at Geneseo, we want you to know what is going on in our lives. Below is a brief synopsis of our last couple days which we share with you and ask for your prayers.

Jody had a routine physical on the 24th. At about 3:00 Pm they called and told us they needed her at the ER immediately. When we got there we were met by two doctors. They confirmed her blood tests and did a bone marrow biopsy and an aspirate. (The good news is that they were fast and we made it back in time for the Christmas Eve service, a little distracted, but there) They informed us that Jody has CML Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. (Now you understand about the slightly distracted bit)

We have been seeing Dr. Sangha in Waterloo and he tells us that although this form is rare, there is good news for patients. There is a drug called Gleevec that allows most people to have very normal life as long as they are on it. Jody is on another medication currently until Jan 3rd and the Gleevec is available to us.

We have also done a little research on other or additional health treatments: Foods, Cancer treatment centers, possibilities of bone marrow transplant. (these are all things we will need you to pray about as we continue to look for the right course of action)

We have told the kids as much as they can understand. They know it is CML and that it is a type of blood cancer. They also know that it is not anything we are going to be afraid of. We are instead going to pray about it as a family and we ask you to pray about it too.

Again we will keep you informed as we get information. If you have questions do not be afraid to ask, you are all family and our lives are an open book to you. Love you all.