9-29-06

Main Page . John's Journal (2000-2003) . CLL Information . Contact John . Seattle Cancer Care Alliance . MD Anderson

September 29, 2006

Adversity introduces a man to himself.

Author Unknown.

It has been a long time since I have written. The days have brought me blessings, but they have also brought on new adversity. (Everybody’s story if you think about it). Life can be unsettling at times.. Especially when your circumstances are unsure.

My boys in Maui

Spring started out tough as I caught the Norwalk Virus on my family’s Maui vacation and I had to fly home early for what would turn out to be a long hospital stay. We didn’t want to ruin the vacation for the whole family, so they stayed in Maui for the rest of the vacation. After about six weeks of fighting in the hospital, going between University of Washington and Good Samaritan, I finally recovered enough to finish my healing at home. Once the Norwalk Virus settled down, something new appeared. I came down with a fever and extreme fatigue all day. I was absent minded, unable to maintain thought, short memory, unbalanced and clumsy. I was just totally off. People just didn’t know who I was. I wasn’t John. The doctor’s test results indicated my brain had a infection called HHV6, a rare form of Herpes that affects the brain. Bam! In the hospital for an indefinite period of time. I sent the lord the prayers to give me patience and understanding, courage and strength. I was scared. They never told me personally, but they told my caregivers that it was very serious. I could lose large parts of my memory permanently or for many years. I would probably need to function on assisted care, or the disease could kill me. I’m glad I didn’t know all this at the time. However, I probably wouldn’t have remembered it anyway. The great news is that everyone’s prayers have carried me through. My body has responded well to antibiotics and everyone says you would never recognize me from the sick John of a couple weeks ago. Doctors are amazed. I had an appointment today with specialists at SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) and the doctors were so thrilled... Patients just don’t recover this fast. I guess I am a Miracle (Through God’s Hands!). I am at in two weeks where it takes most patients two years….Praise God! My goals now are to gradually work my way back to school while my body finishes recovering. Thank you to all of you who helped my family and me through hospital and house visits, special help, and more. We wouldn’t have made it through without all of you. Since the HHV6 makes me kind of disoriented and at risk of hurting myself, volunteers from church and friends spend the day with me while Michelle is at work. I thank all of you who have given your time to be sure I don’t hurt myself. In closing I bless all of you with good health, happiness, and peace. I also ask that you keep the prayers going for all people that continue the battle against all cancers.

Kyler and me at the 70 mile Livestrong Bikeride to raise money for cancer this past July.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test,

he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

Specific Prayer Requests:

•The HHV6 infection completely clears so I can return to work and the rest of my normal life.

•My wife, Michelle, is given the strength to carry the extra burden she must carry while I am unable to do as much.

•Pray the boys keep a good attitude and always maintain a strong faith that I will be OK.

•Thankfulness for a positive doctor visit today.

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