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Jon's Cancer Journey

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Jon's Cancer Journey

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08/30/2023

Jon’s final surgery went well yesterday! He was in surgery from 8:30-10:00am, much shorter than his first surgery two months ago. His surgeon said everything went as planned, and he’s happy to see Jon walking and eating. Jon had some intense pain last night, but this morning has been more manageable. We’re hoping he will be released later today. Thank you for your faithful prayers! Praising God for another successful surgery!

I snapped the sunrise picture from my hotel room this morning. The sun was rising right above the hospital where Jon is staying… reminded me that God is always faithful, even in our darkest days.

“Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”

08/28/2023

We’re in the final stretch of Jon’s cancer treatment! Friday, Jon had a scan and labs which both looked great, showing his body is healing well from his first surgery. He will have one final surgery at Mayo tomorrow (8/29) to reverse his ileostomy. The surgeon said this should be a much easier procedure for Jon. Please pray for a smooth surgery and recovery tomorrow!

Jon and I celebrate our 5-year wedding anniversary this Friday! Since Jon will be recovering then, we took time over the weekend to celebrate by exploring Minnesota. It’s been an amazing weekend to relax, laugh, and dream about the future. God has been so good to us, and we count each day together as a miracle. 💛

07/20/2023

Hey, everyone! We figured it was time for an update on Jon.

Over the past three weeks, Jon has only had minimal discomfort/soreness from his surgery. He still has a bit to go before feeling “himself” again, but we’re encouraged and so thankful for the progress he’s made!

A few days after we got home from Mayo, we received the pathology report… There was NO SIGN OF CANCER in the tumor or 30 lymph nodes they removed!!! This news is huge to us, and it confirmed chemo and radiation were successful in getting rid of the cancer before surgery! God is faithful!

Next steps… we have a scan and checkups at Mayo next week to see how everything is healing internally. If all looks well, Jon will have a small surgery in August to reverse his temporary stoma. Lord willing, that should be his last procedure, and we’ll be on the path to 5 years of occasional scans and blood work. Please keep praying he would heal well and there would be no complications with the stoma reversal. Thank you for your faithful prayers!!

07/01/2023

Cancer surgery update from Jon:

“Thank you for praying! I’m feeling pretty well after my surgery Thursday. I’ve been able to walk the hallways, eat regular meals, and have almost no pain so far. We’re hoping I can be discharged today! We’ll spend a night in Rochester to see how things go, then head home tomorrow. Rachel and I are so thankful for your love and prayer support over this past year. There have been hard days, but God has always taken care of us. Please continue to pray for a smooth recovery and internal healing!”

PS - Jon’s family was able to be here on surgery day, and brought him a screaming rooster. Needless to say, it’s brought a lot of laughter! 😂

06/30/2023

God is SO good.

Jon came through 6.5 hours of surgery like a champ! The surgeon said they were thorough removing the tumor and repairing things. He’s very pleased and believes the radiation and chemo before surgery helped contain the cancerous area well!! The surgeon will stop by tomorrow to check in and give us further updates. When I gave Jon the good news, he had the biggest smile! Relief and thankfulness are what we’re both feeling tonight.

Jon doesn’t currently have pain with the help of medication. Please pray he’s able to rest and heal well! I’m so very proud of how amazing he’s done through this whole journey. He’s peacefully sleeping and deserves the night off.

Most of all… THANK YOU for your faithful prayers!

06/29/2023

“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”

We report to the hospital early tomorrow morning for Jon’s surgery. The surgeon has high hopes for a successful surgery and the ability to remove all the remaining cancer! Please pray for no complications and the skill of the surgeon’s hands. We know God will wrap us in His love and give the strength to face tomorrow. Thank you for the love and prayers you’ve sent our way! ♥️

06/14/2023

Upcoming Surgery:

Hey everyone!

It’s been nice to be back home this past month. Almost all of Jon’s side effects dissipated a few weeks after chemo and radiation. He’s enjoyed having extra energy, and I’ve had a hard time keeping up with him! 😂 We’re so thankful for the strength God has given.

Our next step is surgery on June 29, at the Mayo Clinic. The surgeon will remove the area of the colon with the tumor, as well as the affected lymph nodes. Jon could be in the hospital 2-5 days following surgery. Please pray for pre-surgery scans, smooth surgery, and a quick recovery!

As you can imagine (and some of you know well), dealing with cancer is exhausting in every way - mentally, emotionally, physically, financially. We’re tired and ready to move on with life. But we know God doesn’t make mistakes and has a reason for this long journey. When thinking of us, please pray He would encourage our hearts through a successful surgery and the tests that follow! 💛

05/10/2023

Jon rang the bell today!!! 🎉🎉🎉

• 5 months of treatments
• 5 rounds of chemo infusions
• 28 days of oral chemo and radiation

He finished all chemo and radiation treatments!! We’ve prayed and anticipated this day for awhile now. I’m so proud of him. 🥲

Jon’s side effects have been very minimal during radiation… so much so, that his doctor commented Jon is in the top 1% of those who’ve done amazing with side effects! We have a loving Heavenly Father who answers our prayers and yours.

Next step… Jon will have surgery 6-8 weeks from now to remove what remains of the tumor and the affected area. We will keep you posted when our surgeon lets us know a date. Please pray the recent radiation and chemo kill off any remaining cancer cells. Also, pray that God would allow recovery to be smoother than we could imagine! We love you all!

04/30/2023

“Not every day during a difficult season is hard.”

Jon has been feeling great, so we ventured out to the Minnesota zoo today. It was therapeutic and we had some good laughs. Only 8 radiation treatments to go! 🙌 Pray for him to finish strong!

04/21/2023

Radiation treatment 15 of 28 ✅

Hello, everyone! We are over halfway done with Jon’s radiation treatments!! Jon is handling them well. He has a few minimal side effects, but nothing quite like his previous chemo infusions. Thankful for the strength God gives him during this stage!

Cancer doesn’t care who we are… age, race, gender, occupation, etc.. There’s a sweet sense of community here among patients, because we’re facing the same struggles and fears that come with any type of cancer. God has good intended for our cancer journey, and learning to share our story with others has been rewarding (and a bit therapeutic). Thank you for your continued love and prayers through this journey!

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.”
Psalms‬ ‭20‬:‭4‬ ‭

04/03/2023

Radiation treatment 1 of 28 ✅

Jon’s 1st radiation treatment went well this morning! He’s feeling great and the procedure was simple. Continue to pray radiation shrinks the tumor and kills the remaining cancer cells. Also, please pray any side effects from treatment would be minimal.

THANK YOU to those who’ve given to us through GoFundMe, Venmo, or in person!! Our housing plans changed last minute, so we’re staying in a hotel during treatment. Thankful God always provides, and has used many of you to help! Our hearts are full in seeing your generosity, support, and prayers through our journey. We love you all!

03/23/2023

It’s been a full 2 days of doctor appointments! Jon’s CT scan and MRI show his tumor continues to shrink, and the affected lymph nodes are back to a normal size - both are encouraging!

Thank you as always for the prayers! ☺️ We will be back at Mayo on April 3 to start radiation. Please pray the tumor will have a “complete pathological response” from treatment!

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

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