It seems like these days, Jeremy and I go through many different life events that I feel the need to blog about day by day so we can come out on the other side remembering every single detail that happened on our journey...
Beginning of May - Jeremy asked me one night if I could see a lump on his throat. At the time, I couldn't really see anything? Apparently, he felt something there because he called the next day and made an appointment with his family doctor. Anyone that knows Jeremy would know that this is bizarre because I usually have to haul him to the doctor kicking and screaming!
May 31 - A month later, Jeremy went to his appointment at his family doctor. The doctor gave him a physical, drew some blood, and did an X-ray. By this point, I could clearly see that there was a lump there.
June 3 - Dr. Hull ended up forwarding Jeremy on to Dr. Brazil. After looking at Jeremy's neck, the doctor determined that they needed to deaden the area and do a biopsy. He spouted out things like, "Jeremy, you know you have a lot stacked against you when it comes to your family's history with cancer" "Your brother had colon cancer, remember?" "I'm not ruling out Lymphoma." "We will call you in 4 to 5 days when we get your biopsy report back". Wow...what encouragement.
June 5 - Dr. Brazil's office called Jeremy and informed him that he would need to report to United Regional at 1:30 for a CT Scan. Jeremy was pretty siked out because a lot of tests were being ran and we had no answers and we were doing a lot of waiting?
June 6 - First thing on Thursday morning, Jeremy received another call from the doctor letting him know that they had cancelled his CT Scan for that day and he would need to be at United Regional at 7:00 AM to be put under anesthesia and they were going to "do another biopsy"...according to Jeremy. I am learning that if the doctor's offices were smart, they would call the wife instead of the husband so that we could all know the "correct" details.
June 7 - We arrived at the hospital "thinking" that we would only be there for about an hour for a minor biopsy. We walked in and they directed us to the admission's office. At this point, I was...confused? I was planning on being at work at 8:00? We sat down with the admission's lady and she proceeded to tell us that the cost of the surgery (wait...did you just say surgery?) was $15,798.00. Luckily if you are an insurance policy holder (praise the Lord), you get a $6,000 discount. Our portion was going to be our $1,000 deductible and an extra 15% of the total bill which made our grand total for the day $2,229.00. Normally, I wouldn't be in so much shock. I mean, jump back to how much was spent on fertility and I should be used to medical expenses, but in our defense, we had NO idea that Jeremy was having surgery that day??
We got escorted to the surgery floor. Jeremy was called back and prepped for surgery. At this point, he is starting to get very anxious!! The nurses come in and take his vitals. Then Dr. Grisel comes in and starts to explain exactly what he is going to do that day. He let us know that he is removing a whole Lymph node and it will take at least an hour, depending on how deep they have to go. At this point, Jeremy has moved to the VERY anxious point.
They end up having to give him calming drugs on top of the anesthesia. I tell him bye and then head to the waiting room. Judy and Carol meet me in the waiting room to sit with me! You guys are WONDERFUL! I really needed someone there with me! An hour later, the doctor leads us into a room to talk about the outcome of the surgery. He let me know that he has removed enough Lymph nodes to know what Lymphoma looks like and he is speculating that it is Lymphoma. There was a pathologist in the room with a microscope and he was almost positive it was Lymphoma as well. They can't 100% guarantee the diagnosis without a complete pathology report. He was wonderful talking to us and made me feel like everything was going to be ok. He was certain that he had removed enough tissue to send to the oncologist. He let us know that as soon as he got word from the oncologist, he would be calling us and then we would be sent on to the Texas Onoclogy. He informed us that Lymphoma is usually treated with Chemotherapy and Radiation. He didn't think that just by looking the cancer started somewhere and ended up in the Lymph nodes (Boy were they wrong).!! After the pathology report comes back, they will be able to tell what stage the cancer is in and what type of Lymphoma we are dealing with. We were told that he shouldn't pick up anything over 8 pounds, get the incision wet, or drive for 4 days!
A couple of hours later, after Jeremy was in recovery, we were released from the hospital and able to go home. I got Jeremy all tucked in bed and went and got him a huge salad and chicken from Cheddars, gave him a pain pill, and let him sleep the day away!
For the remainder of the weekend, I felt like Jeremy was trying to sleep away the pain of the surgery and the fact that he was scared, worried, nervous, etc.
June 11 - Today, we received a call from the doctor confirming what they thought. They let us know that it is for sure Lymphoma and if someone was to get cancer, Lymphoma is the best and easiest to treat. This Friday's appointment is to check his incision and make sure everything is healing ok. He scheduled us an appointment with Dr. Chalagala at the Texas Oncology on Monday, June 17th. This appointment is to go over exactly what stage the cancer is in and if it has spread. We are waiting on the Mayo Clinic to do more testing and let us know the answers to those questions. The pathologists, without hearing from the Mayo Clinic just yet, are almost positive that the cancer is Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
June 14 - We had our final appointment with Dr. Grisel at the Head and Neck surgical office. I was kinda sad because he has been such a kind doctor. He let us know that the incision is healing wonderfully and Jeremy can resume normal activities!
June 17 - Today, we were really nervous. We were anxious about finding out what the Mayo Clinic has to say about the stage of the cancer and if the cancer has spread. We were also hopeful that we would like Dr. Chalagala. I'm going to go ahead and document the fact that this is really hard being pregnant, in your first trimester, with two kids (not to try and steal the spotlight for a minute) and sit in a waiting room with tons of cancer patients. Talk about fighting back a sick feeling in my stomach and the need to cry! Really felt like we were in an out of body experience. We didn't need to be there!?!
After the nurse came in and took Jeremy's vitals, Dr. Chalagala walked in and instantly lit up the room! She informed us that the Mayo Clinic was not finished with their observations of the Lymph node that was removed. Boo! However, she didn't take this time to just sit there and blow the appointment off. She let us know that she wants to be aggressive with the cancer and the treatments. She went ahead and made all of Jeremy's appointments for further testing and let us know that it is easier to cancel appointments, if need be, rather than try and schedule appointments once we hear back from the Mayo Clinic. That was so nice to hear! She went over the different stages. Stage 1 - Lymph node only. Stage 2 - Lymph node and throat. Stage 3 - Lymph node, throat, and chest Stage 4 - All the above and the bone marrow. She let us know that the survival rate of Lymphoma is around 95%. She let Jeremy know that there was no need to worry! Thankfully, God has a great plan for our lives and He has allowed us to already be pregnant because she informed us that if we were wanting any more children that we needed to go to a sperm bank and save Jeremy's sperm before the treatments began. Thankfully, we do not have to worry about that! We still have 6 children "frozen" (that sounds so bad) in Fort Worth.
After some blood work (thought we were going to need to put him under to draw some blood), we left Texas Oncology feeling encouraged! They assured us that we should hear something from the Mayo Clinic by this afternoon.....we didn't. :(
June 18 - Jeremy called me first thing at work and let me know that the Texas Oncology called him and let him know that they still had yet to hear anything from the Mayo Clinic. At this point, he lost it. He has been so strong, but enough is enough. He wanted to know how bad this is? What treatment is he going to have to go through? Etc. Etc. The waiting game was killing him! I spent the next 30 minutes trying to calm him and reassure him that no matter what comes our way...we can handle it! He got it together and went on about his day.
Later on that afternoon, around 5:00, my phone rang and it was Jeremy. He proceeded to tell me that the Mayo Clinic finally called and they let him know that it's probably Seminoma Cancer, which is testicular cancer and it has more than likely traveled through his body to all of his Lymph nodes. This would explain why his neck is swollen. This would also, in my opinion, explain why we had trouble getting pregnant on our own. We start a whole round of tests tomorrow.
June 19 - 7:30 had to drink a whole jug of Berrium. 9:00 - Blood work and CT Scan. He did great!
On a side note, the outpouring of love from all of our friends and family has been overwhelming. It is absolutely amazing, when times get tough, how you can always count on everyone to lift your spirits and keep you keepin' on! We will forever be in debt to so many people for the kind words, prayers, and phone calls of concern!
June 20 - We reported the hospital bright and early at 8:00 for a sonogram. That was crazy! I know that I didn't graduate medical school but I am going to go ahead and say that I saw a round white circle of cancer on the sonogram screen. That lasted a bit and then we went down the hall for a PFT test. They are trying to make sure that Jeremy's heart and lungs are strong enough to handle chemotherapy.
Around lunch time, in between our appointments, Jeremy called me and let me know that Texas Oncology had called him and scheduled a Chemotherapy Educational Class for him on Friday. Everything finally became real to me. Chemotherapy was being involved now for sure?? This is bad. I broke down for the first time and had a minor pity party for myself. How long are Jeremy's treatments going to be? Will I be bringing home two newborn babies all by myself, have a 4 year old, and a sick husband to take care of? This is bad...
At 1:00, we had an ECHO test to take sonogram pictures of his heart to, once again, make sure that his heart is strong enough to handle chemo. After he was hooked up, this took about 30 minutes of listening to his heart, taking pictures of the chambers opening and closing, and taking pictures of his heart when he breathes. She ended the test saying that it was nice taking pictures of a good heart. She is used to taking pictures of "old" hearts and ones where the person has smoked forever. So, that was nice to hear that something was good...!
June 22 - Today, we had to be at Kell West Hospital at 1:45 for PET scan. We showed up having no idea what a PET scan is. We had to sign in, talk about cost...all that fun stuff. I was REALLY impressed with the billing lady. She made it clear to us that she would be praying for us!! How cool? Normally, people at their job will not even discuss faith and this lady said multiple times that she would be praying for Jeremy.
Wasn't long after, they informed me that because I was pregnant, I would not be allowed to go anywhere near the PET scan area. I was sad that I would not be able to go with him.
This is a picture of the semi truck that was on the outside of Kell West that I was not allowed to go into!
June 24 - What a day. Our 8 year anniversary to be exact. Here is the picture and details that I posted on facebook...
HAPPY 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!"
We got escorted to the surgery floor. Jeremy was called back and prepped for surgery. At this point, he is starting to get very anxious!! The nurses come in and take his vitals. Then Dr. Grisel comes in and starts to explain exactly what he is going to do that day. He let us know that he is removing a whole Lymph node and it will take at least an hour, depending on how deep they have to go. At this point, Jeremy has moved to the VERY anxious point.
They end up having to give him calming drugs on top of the anesthesia. I tell him bye and then head to the waiting room. Judy and Carol meet me in the waiting room to sit with me! You guys are WONDERFUL! I really needed someone there with me! An hour later, the doctor leads us into a room to talk about the outcome of the surgery. He let me know that he has removed enough Lymph nodes to know what Lymphoma looks like and he is speculating that it is Lymphoma. There was a pathologist in the room with a microscope and he was almost positive it was Lymphoma as well. They can't 100% guarantee the diagnosis without a complete pathology report. He was wonderful talking to us and made me feel like everything was going to be ok. He was certain that he had removed enough tissue to send to the oncologist. He let us know that as soon as he got word from the oncologist, he would be calling us and then we would be sent on to the Texas Onoclogy. He informed us that Lymphoma is usually treated with Chemotherapy and Radiation. He didn't think that just by looking the cancer started somewhere and ended up in the Lymph nodes (Boy were they wrong).!! After the pathology report comes back, they will be able to tell what stage the cancer is in and what type of Lymphoma we are dealing with. We were told that he shouldn't pick up anything over 8 pounds, get the incision wet, or drive for 4 days!
A couple of hours later, after Jeremy was in recovery, we were released from the hospital and able to go home. I got Jeremy all tucked in bed and went and got him a huge salad and chicken from Cheddars, gave him a pain pill, and let him sleep the day away!
For the remainder of the weekend, I felt like Jeremy was trying to sleep away the pain of the surgery and the fact that he was scared, worried, nervous, etc.
June 11 - Today, we received a call from the doctor confirming what they thought. They let us know that it is for sure Lymphoma and if someone was to get cancer, Lymphoma is the best and easiest to treat. This Friday's appointment is to check his incision and make sure everything is healing ok. He scheduled us an appointment with Dr. Chalagala at the Texas Oncology on Monday, June 17th. This appointment is to go over exactly what stage the cancer is in and if it has spread. We are waiting on the Mayo Clinic to do more testing and let us know the answers to those questions. The pathologists, without hearing from the Mayo Clinic just yet, are almost positive that the cancer is Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
June 14 - We had our final appointment with Dr. Grisel at the Head and Neck surgical office. I was kinda sad because he has been such a kind doctor. He let us know that the incision is healing wonderfully and Jeremy can resume normal activities!
June 17 - Today, we were really nervous. We were anxious about finding out what the Mayo Clinic has to say about the stage of the cancer and if the cancer has spread. We were also hopeful that we would like Dr. Chalagala. I'm going to go ahead and document the fact that this is really hard being pregnant, in your first trimester, with two kids (not to try and steal the spotlight for a minute) and sit in a waiting room with tons of cancer patients. Talk about fighting back a sick feeling in my stomach and the need to cry! Really felt like we were in an out of body experience. We didn't need to be there!?!
After the nurse came in and took Jeremy's vitals, Dr. Chalagala walked in and instantly lit up the room! She informed us that the Mayo Clinic was not finished with their observations of the Lymph node that was removed. Boo! However, she didn't take this time to just sit there and blow the appointment off. She let us know that she wants to be aggressive with the cancer and the treatments. She went ahead and made all of Jeremy's appointments for further testing and let us know that it is easier to cancel appointments, if need be, rather than try and schedule appointments once we hear back from the Mayo Clinic. That was so nice to hear! She went over the different stages. Stage 1 - Lymph node only. Stage 2 - Lymph node and throat. Stage 3 - Lymph node, throat, and chest Stage 4 - All the above and the bone marrow. She let us know that the survival rate of Lymphoma is around 95%. She let Jeremy know that there was no need to worry! Thankfully, God has a great plan for our lives and He has allowed us to already be pregnant because she informed us that if we were wanting any more children that we needed to go to a sperm bank and save Jeremy's sperm before the treatments began. Thankfully, we do not have to worry about that! We still have 6 children "frozen" (that sounds so bad) in Fort Worth.
After some blood work (thought we were going to need to put him under to draw some blood), we left Texas Oncology feeling encouraged! They assured us that we should hear something from the Mayo Clinic by this afternoon.....we didn't. :(
June 18 - Jeremy called me first thing at work and let me know that the Texas Oncology called him and let him know that they still had yet to hear anything from the Mayo Clinic. At this point, he lost it. He has been so strong, but enough is enough. He wanted to know how bad this is? What treatment is he going to have to go through? Etc. Etc. The waiting game was killing him! I spent the next 30 minutes trying to calm him and reassure him that no matter what comes our way...we can handle it! He got it together and went on about his day.
Later on that afternoon, around 5:00, my phone rang and it was Jeremy. He proceeded to tell me that the Mayo Clinic finally called and they let him know that it's probably Seminoma Cancer, which is testicular cancer and it has more than likely traveled through his body to all of his Lymph nodes. This would explain why his neck is swollen. This would also, in my opinion, explain why we had trouble getting pregnant on our own. We start a whole round of tests tomorrow.
June 19 - 7:30 had to drink a whole jug of Berrium. 9:00 - Blood work and CT Scan. He did great!
On a side note, the outpouring of love from all of our friends and family has been overwhelming. It is absolutely amazing, when times get tough, how you can always count on everyone to lift your spirits and keep you keepin' on! We will forever be in debt to so many people for the kind words, prayers, and phone calls of concern!
June 20 - We reported the hospital bright and early at 8:00 for a sonogram. That was crazy! I know that I didn't graduate medical school but I am going to go ahead and say that I saw a round white circle of cancer on the sonogram screen. That lasted a bit and then we went down the hall for a PFT test. They are trying to make sure that Jeremy's heart and lungs are strong enough to handle chemotherapy.
Around lunch time, in between our appointments, Jeremy called me and let me know that Texas Oncology had called him and scheduled a Chemotherapy Educational Class for him on Friday. Everything finally became real to me. Chemotherapy was being involved now for sure?? This is bad. I broke down for the first time and had a minor pity party for myself. How long are Jeremy's treatments going to be? Will I be bringing home two newborn babies all by myself, have a 4 year old, and a sick husband to take care of? This is bad...
At 1:00, we had an ECHO test to take sonogram pictures of his heart to, once again, make sure that his heart is strong enough to handle chemo. After he was hooked up, this took about 30 minutes of listening to his heart, taking pictures of the chambers opening and closing, and taking pictures of his heart when he breathes. She ended the test saying that it was nice taking pictures of a good heart. She is used to taking pictures of "old" hearts and ones where the person has smoked forever. So, that was nice to hear that something was good...!
June 22 - Today, we had to be at Kell West Hospital at 1:45 for PET scan. We showed up having no idea what a PET scan is. We had to sign in, talk about cost...all that fun stuff. I was REALLY impressed with the billing lady. She made it clear to us that she would be praying for us!! How cool? Normally, people at their job will not even discuss faith and this lady said multiple times that she would be praying for Jeremy.
Wasn't long after, they informed me that because I was pregnant, I would not be allowed to go anywhere near the PET scan area. I was sad that I would not be able to go with him.
This is a picture of the semi truck that was on the outside of Kell West that I was not allowed to go into!
June 24 - What a day. Our 8 year anniversary to be exact. Here is the picture and details that I posted on facebook...
I wrote this on facebook to Jeremy...
"We made it through 1 dog, 2 pregnancies, twins on the way, the "seven year itch", death, loss, and now cancer. We are taking the "through sickness and in health" vow to the next level. Wouldn't trade anything we've been through (ok...maybe a couple things) for anything in the world! Love you Jerm!
HAPPY 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!"
Today, "normal couples" would want to be in Vegas or even at dinner with no worries, but not me and Jeremy. We go big or go home! Today, our anniversary consisted of....
an appointment at Texas Oncology confirming the diagnosis of all of the test results. How romantic!
Dr. Chalagalla brought us into a room and confirmed that Jeremy does, in fact, have Seminoma Cancer. She let us know that the cancer started in the left testicle, went through his stomach, up his esophagus, through the throat, and landed on the Lymph Node in the neck. Basically, the cancer had traveled up his body and hit about 8 or 9 Lymph Nodes in the process. We went on to learn that Jeremy needed to go to an Urology appointment the next day to discuss whether or not we need to remove the tumor (remove the testicle). We also needed to schedule an appointment with Dr. Myers to schedule putting in a port for the chemotherapy, and Chemotherapy is the only way we are going to get rid of the cancer in the Lymph nodes unless MD Anderson has a better alternative. My heart is two sided! I want Jeremy to have the best treatment possible, but I am pregnant!!!! How am I going to be able to make all of these treatments in Houston. "Dont worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself" Matthew 6:34. That rang in my mind...
She encouraged us to not get down about this news and there was no doubt that we were going to be able to beat this! She educated us on the fact that we needed to call MD Anderson and schedule an appointment with them as soon as possible to get a second opinion and be able to find out if there are any other options greater than chemotherapy. That was really encouraging because she wanted us to be sure that we were getting the best and most aggressive treatment out there even if she had to forward us on to someone else. That spoke volumes to me that she was more worried about finding us the best care for Jeremy instead of just being worried about keeping us as her patient! I could tell that this was a big deal to Gayle as well. Getting a second opinion is very important to her for obvious reasons.
Jeremy left there underwhelmed, to say the least! He was actually crying. Life was coming down on him, that's for sure! We actually kinda knew what she was going to say, but to hear it confirmed that you have CANCER was a little overwhelming.At this point, I am leaning on everyone praying for me to not worry about anything and to have a peace come over me about this situation. I am so worried about these babies and I am still waiting on my test to come back confirming that these babies are going to be ok. After the appointment, Phoobie and I had to wait about 45 minutes for the lab to put all of his tests on a cd for us to take to MD Anderson. Then, we had to head over to Kell West and get a cd from them as well.
I left there and made the phone call to MD Anderson to schedule his consultation appointment. The appointment lady was sooo nice and she informed me that whenever they get a call from a testicular cancer patient, they make the appointment as soon as possible because that is one of the most aggressive cancers. She informed me that the nurse would have to go over all of the faxes that they received from Dr. Chalagalla and she would be calling me first thing in the morning to make an appointment. I called and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Myers at 1:45 and Dr. Dryden at 2:30 for the following day.
The Anniversary from ________. :) I always say, things could always be worse!
I sent out an email updating everyone on Jeremy's diagnosis. I have been trying to keep everyone updated the best I can, so that we can have as many people praying for us as possible. I ended up getting a text message from a real life angel. Her name is Katie Warnock Morphew. She is a LONG time friend of the Johnsons. The text message went on to ask me if I would allow her to start a face book page that would help me keep everyone updated on Jeremy's current situation. I thought that that was a great idea! I was having trouble keeping everyone updated and we needed prayer, so this would help out a LOT! Within hours, the number of people following the Support Jeremy Johnson facebook page had reached 3,300!! WHAT???
June 25 - Today, because of the instant popularity of the facebook page, people were urging me to open up an account so that anyone that wanted to could donate to help out with the medical expenses. Wow...how nice is that?? On the way to work to pick Judy up so that we could go open the account, I got a phone call from Texas Oncology. I saw that it was them and I thought "Hmmm...I wasn't expecting a call?" I answered the phone and it was Dr. Chalagalla's nurse, Jennifer. She let me know that after looking at the test results some more, they want to do some further testing to see if the cancer had spread to Jeremy's brain. Wait...what?
I had spent the whole night before getting Jeremy pumped up about beating the cancer. How am I going to call him and tell him that he has to do more testing because they want to make sure the cancer hasn't spread to your brain even though it has already traveled up your whole body and is in your neck right by your brain! I was very glass half empty about this new situation but, of course, I did NOT let Jeremy know! I called him (with Savannah in the back seat of my car) and I told him (very guarded because Savannah was in the back seat) what the doctor had said. He was in shock!
When I got off the phone, Savannah said, "Mom, who were you just talking to?" I told her that I was talking to Daddy and she said, "Why are you worried" and I said, "Well, I never said that I was worried" and she replied, "Well, you told Daddy to keep praying" and I went on to say that Daddy's car brakes were broken and he was getting his car fixed and I needed him to pray that the bill was not expensive. She seemed like she didn't believe me but it was too early and she was way too tired to debate me anymore. This let me know that she is on to us but just hasn't figured out exactly what is going on...
Later on that day, we had our first appointment at 1:45 with Dr. Myers. He let us know that we would need to wait until after the MD Anderson appointment to put the port in, just in case MD Anderson has a better plan other than chemotherapy. He went on to say that it would be no big deal to put in the port and that we should call as soon as we get back from Houston.
Our next appointment was at Dr. Dryden's office. He looked over the sonogram tests and confirmed that he did, in fact, see the cancer. He let us know that the only thing to do would be to remove the left testicle and that would completely take care of that. We left there thinking that we have a plan of action but we can't press forward because we have no idea what they are going to say to us on Monday at MD Anderson.
So much to think of...
June 26 - Today, we had our dreaded CT Scan at Texas Oncology, which would let us know if the cancer had spread to Jeremy's brain or not?
Update on the Support Jeremy Johnson facebook page. Katie has set a $20,000 goal to take care of our medical bills and travel expenses. Within a 24 hour period it seems like, we hit 50% percent of that goal! How amazing! People were donating money left and right! I am amazed at what God is doing in the midst of this storm! We now have 3,600 followers on the Support Jeremy Johnson facebook page! How amazing! There are people offering to do a Golf Scramble, a Chili Cookoff, a Prayer Vigil, a Chick Fil A night, a Red River Roller Derby girl Mashup, selling bracelets, selling t-shirts, selling signs, wipey travel cases, and much more...all to raise money for us!!! Are you kidding me? That is amazing!! Among all of the craziness, blessed is the only word to describe how we feel at this point.
June 27 - Today, I decided to call Jennifer at Dr. Chalagalla's office and remind her that we have an appointment at MD Anderson on Monday and would we be able to find out the test results of the CT Scan that would let us know if the cancer had spread to his brain or not before Monday? She let me know that she would call us as soon as she got the results back.
A couple of hours later, my phone rang and it said Texas Oncology. My heart sank. When you are about to find out information, it almost makes you sick until they tell you. Jennifer went on to say, "Crystal, we actually ended up getting Jeremy's results back and there is no trace of the cancer in his brain!" This was the best news that I have heard in a long time! I was actually in shock! I was for sure that it would be in the brain! This aggressive cancer had traveled up his whole body...why wouldn't it be in his brain?!? I wanted to scream!!! Praise God! God was listening to all 3,600 of us praying for Jeremy!!! I called EVERYONE and shared the good news! I blew up facebook with the good news and made sure I lifted God up in the process!
Update from Jeremy on his facebook page...
"I am forever indebted to you all for helping my family and I. I really appreciate your love and support. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I can't say it enough. You are all an inspiration to fight this battle and I will fight it hard. I'm honored that you all came to fight this fight with me. I really can not believe this support. Once again Thank You everybody. Love you all for helping my family"!
June 28 - Today at 11:00, my work had arranged for everyone to come and pray over Jeremy before he left for MD Anderson. Around 40 people showed up to pray. How blessed am I to work for such an amazing company that will stop during the work day to bring everyone together and pray over someone. Emotions were flowing and tears were shed.
Later that afternoon, Jeremy, Phoobie, Bob, and Brian left for the Rangers game. Phoobie surprised Jeremy with tickets! I couldn't be more excited that he was getting out of the house and having fun!
Apparently, there was someone that donated money for a gift card to Salt Grass so that all of them could eat before the game! Also, someone donated money to have this put on the jumbo tron at the 7th inning...
June 29 - Today was the big prayer vigil day today. Jeremy was really anxious about being in front of a lot of people, so that ended up making me really anxious. In the end, there were about 40 something people and everyone prayed over Jeremy and Jim Strickland from the Cowboy Church said a few things, prayed over Jeremy and that was that. Jeremy was of course emotional. Exactly how he has been lately. I would be far worse probably! So, I am really proud to be the wife of the strongest man in the world! He has been amazing! The prayer vigil was so nice! Everyone was so nice to come out, sign a book of encouragement, create signs in the front yard, and pray for and encourage Jeremy! Special thanks to Paula Hutto to go to so much trouble to put this on. We will never be able to repay you for your kindness, Paula!!!
July 1 - Today was the big day. Jeremy had his big MD Anderson appointment with Dr. Tu.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
July 2 - Judy Cookingham came up with the AMAZING idea of having everyone (a couple people so she thought) write Savannah a comment on facebook letting her know that they were thinking about her Daddy and praying for him. Judy and Steve bought a map and they were going to put a dot on every town/city/state that was praying for Savannah's daddy so that when she got older, she would get the big picture that prayer works! Well...little did she know, everyone loved this idea as well and 1,051 people ended up "commenting" on the post, 637 people "liked" it, and 128 people "shared" the post with their friends on facebook.
But, with a face like this, who could turn that request down??
Here is a copy of the facebook request....
There is a wonderful project in the works for Jeremy's beautiful little daughter Savannah. She is going to have a world map and would like to be able to map each of you praying for her daddy and her family in every city and state that you are praying from. Would each of you priceless 3,432 Team Jeremy members PLEASE comment to this post with the city and state that you are praying from (feel free to leave a message for Savannah as well with your post). She could see where people all over the country were praying for them. What a neat example of God's love for her little heart. Jeremy and his fight is God's opportunity (and blessing) for each of us (and countless others) if we recognize it, unite in prayer and then get on our feet and serve his little family. Thank you for your help!!
Here are just a couple of the entries...
Claudia Lee Stephens Savannah, I have a daughter named Sanannah also. She joins me in praying for you & your family!! She is in Washington, DC, and I am in Ennis, Texas. All our love
Shannon Dixon-ray Prayers are being sent to you and your family in this time of need from Okinawa-Japan. May God lift you and your family up and hold you all in is grace.... May he heal your daddy and give you and your family strength! In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!!
Jeff Janek You are beautiful and even in São Paulo, Brazil we are praying for your brave Dad to stay strong and beat this! God bless you!
These are just a few of the 1,051 entries that were received! All over Wichita Falls, all over the state, all over the United States, and all over the world. Wow. Just to think that that many people were praying for Savannah's daddy to be healed. Amazing!
Thank you Judy and Steve for coming up with this wonderful idea! This has to be one of my favorite ideas!
July 3 - Bright and early this morning (6:00AM), we made our way down to Kell West Hospital for the 2nd of three surgeries. I had mixed emotions about this surgery. I was excited that the initial tumor was being cut out, but on the other hand, I felt sorry for Jeremy having to go through this! Getting one of your testicles cut off and a vasectomy (I threw that in at the last minute. At this point, we don't need any "surprises" on the way) on top of everything else was a big deal. We were getting kinda used to going to Kell West and that wasn't a good thing.
After Jeremy came out of surgery, he was in TONS of pain! I spent the rest of the day making him comfortable and bringing him ice packs and his frozen bags of peas! haha.
We spent the next week making sure his body healed properly.
July 9 - 6 days later, poor Jeremy hadn't even recovered from the previous surgery and we were already having to make our way back to Kell West for the third surgery at 6:15AM to have his port put in for chemotherapy. I am kinda shocked that we are actually here having this surgery. It was kind of a battle between Jeremy and I whether or not he would have this surgery. He wasn't looking at the big picture and he "thought" that he just needed to be stuck in the vein in his arm every time he had a chemotherapy treatment. He was actually just thinking in his head that he didn't want to have another surgery. I was looking at the big picture of his chemotherapy journey and knew that in the long run, he would be glad that he went through with the surgery to get the port. We checked in, once again, and waited for the anesthesiologist to give him "the good stuff". I just knew that since he made it through the previous surgery, this surgery would be a breeze. BOY. WAS. I. WRONG!
Apparently, they hit a bone when putting the port in and the port was resting on a bone, so he was in LARGE amounts of pain. Shockingly, he said that this surgery was way worse than the last one. I, personally, think that his body just hadn't fully recovered from the last surgery and he was too weak.
Once again, we spent the next week making sure his body continued to heal properly.
July 12 - We had an appointment at 9:15 at Dr. Meyers to make sure he was healing. He was given the ok to proceed with everything!
Shortly after at 10:00, we walked down a couple of buildings to Texas Oncology for our chemotherapy education class. This was NOT the funnest thing I have ever done, for sure! We basically had to sit in a room and watch a video over a MILLION things that could go wrong during chemotherapy. Really encouraging...no! We signed some papers and got our schedule for the 20 upcoming treatments that would begin on the following Monday. He wasn't even fully healed from the surgeries but there wasn't any time left. They wanted to be aggressive about the situation because testicular cancer one of the most aggressive cancers and there wasn't any time to wait for the surgeries to heal. I was glad that they are so aggressive!
July 14 - Red River Roller Derby Benefit!
Ashley Urioste and the wonderful people with the Red River Roller Derby put on the most amazing benefit for Jeremy. If you haven't ever been to a mashup, then you are definitely missing out!!
July 15 - FIRST DAY OF CHEMOTHERAPY :(
Over the weekend, we spent lots of time preparing for this day. Jeremy's emotions have kinda hit rock bottom. He was extremely nervous because he didn't know what to expect. Thanks to Katie Morphew keeping everyone up to date with everything that was going on, he was able to get the encouragement and prayers that he needed to keep on keepin' on! We had to be there at 10:00 to start blood work to make sure his white blood count was ok and then the chemotherapy would begin. Katie, along with a whole list of wonderful people, had supplied Jeremy with this awesome North Face backpack called the "war pack". The war pack was filled with supplies that would help him get through the 20 chemotherapy treatments. This was the nicest thing ever! The war pack was filled with Bose headphones, ITunes gift card, a Texas Rangers blanket, a Texas Rangers hat, and multiple other things!
This was kinda painful for me to watch because I knew that his port hadn't healed yet and they were shoving a needle in it, preparing the port for the first IV bag of steroids and chemotherapy. Made me cringe and Jeremy had this leg shaking thing going on! I looked around and surveyed the room. I can't imagine what everyone is going through! Kinda made me depressed just looking at half the people wishing they were somewhere else, half the people probably about to die, and Jeremy being one of the youngest people in there. 5 1/2 hours later, he was able to go home and rest. He was given some anti anxiety pills and some nausea pills that knocked him out until I woke him up the next morning to take a shower and get back to the Texas Oncology for round two...
July 16 - Day #2 of Chemotherapy.
Jeremy says, "Let Day #2 begin. Lights, Camera, Action"
At the end of the day, this was posted about him on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson facebook page...
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) ~Team Jeremy- I wish I had a better end of day one update for you. I'm going to be pretty honest, it was a hard day for Jeremy. He went in there with a positive attitude and fighting spirit this morning. The latest report is that "he is ghostly white and looks like someone has punched the life out of him. He is mostly out of it but when he is awake, he is very sad". He would never admit to this because he just does not complain and is more worried about others! This is only day one, he has 4 more consecutive days of chemotherapy. He will have a week off, 5 days on again & so on for 20 total treatments. I am so thankful to everyone who has served him & his family. PLEASE, I am literally begging....PLEASE pray for courage & strength (emotional, physical & spiritual strength) for he and Crystal to be able to get through tomorrow and the rest of the week.
July 17 - Day #3 of Chemotherapy.
Jeremy said, "Day 3 is a go!"
My sister Jackie went and visited Jeremy. I don't know who this helped out more? Him or her? She left there with a whole new perspective on life! The little things that used to bother her, suddenly didn't matter that much anymore!
July 18 - Day #4 of Chemotherapy.
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page)~Team Jeremy- Day 4 is in the books! It was a very hard one, not going to lie! Jeremy is such a fighter and has such an amazing & faithful attitude about all of this but, as would any of us, is struggling! Tomorrow is his last day of chemo this week. 5 straight days he will have conquered! That fight deserves some AMAZINGLY good news......We are literally ALMOST at our goal of $20,000 for his mounting medical bills!! We are only $679 away!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, each of you take 5 minutes, click on the link &; donate as little as $0.16 &; we can hit the goal TODAY! There is NO better gift to reward Jeremy's hard, painful, and faithful fight this week, his first week! Give him the peace of mind to be able to rest and heal for a week before he goes at this full force again for another 5 straight days! And please keep those prayers coming for spiritual, mental & physical strength for our fighter! Thank you each and every one of you!
July 19 - Day #5 of Chemotherapy.
By this day, Jeremy's spirits were down in the dumps. It was hard to get him to even go this morning.
We sent this picture as a little pick me up, but in turn, Jeremy bawled like a baby when he saw it!
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) ~Team Jeremy Today is without a doubt, a day to celebrate! Jeremy has worked so hard all week fighting this cancer and enduring 5 long days of chemotherapy! He is AMAZING! We hit our medical bills goal of $20,000 today! You are all AMAZING! What a sweet reward for such a deserving man and his family. There truly are no words to adequately thank each of you enough! Please pray these next few days that Jeremy will be blessed not to suffer from nausea or any other adverse side effects. Please pray that he will have the strength and comfort over the next two weeks while his body fights the cancer cells. Most importantly, say a prayer of gratitude for the blessings the family is receiving and for the gift we have all been given to know Jeremy and his family and to be able to walk side by side with him every step of this journey!
When chemotherapy was over....
his spirits were back up and Jeremy was out of the bed for the first time all week! It was so refreshing seeing the joking, fun Jeremy back up and running!! He actually rode around the block!
July 22 - Today was the On The Border benefit put on by the wonderful Jason Brumbelow.
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) ~Team Jeremy, I just got the results from tonight's dinner benefit at On The Border......We easily exceeded the 100 supporting diner checks goal! That means they are donating 10% of EVERY check the ENTIRE dinner shift from 5-10pm! Net sales at $5,000 when I checked a little while ago so that means at least $500 for Jeremy & his family!!! Thank you to the wonderful On The Border staff and manager, Jason Brumbelow for their help! Jason told me this was one of the best fundraiser turnouts they have ever had! No surprise there! Wichita Falls & all of our Team Jeremy supporters are THE BEST! We could not have done it without you! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! Love you all!
July 23 - We decided to take a family picture while Jeremy still had hair and I have a baby bump so that we could make some thank you cards to send out. I think they turned out really good considering I had a HORRIBLE sinus infection and Jeremy felt horrible! Stay tuned...you will be receiving your thank you note soon!
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July 24 - Friends and family have been so supportive of us during this time of dealing with cancer. Different people have come up with different ideas to make money for our doctor/hospital bills. So kind!!
Deric Gentry, Aaron Galloway, and Jody Morris t-shirts
Jenny Wright signs.
Jodi Camp and Amber Reed Team Johnson bracelets
Carol Davis Wipey Cases
July 26 - Jeremy Johnson Golf Scramble
My good friend from High School, Carlos Flores and his wife Amber, put on a golf scramble for us that was a HUGE success!! We will NEVER be able to repay him for his kindness!!! How many people can get 33 teams, tons of hole sponsors, and plan a whole golf scramble in a month?!?
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) ~Team Jeremy- The 1st annual "Jeremy Johnson Benefit Golf Scramble" was a huge success! There were 33 teams that came to play, some traveling from 200 miles away to be there! The love & support was just truly amazing! Special thanks to Carlos Flores, River Creek Golf Course &; the many wonderful volunteers that helped to make this day the success that it was! From start, to finish, everything was executed amazingly! The entire Johnson Family is so thankful and humbled by the support of everyone involved. Thank you to each and every one of you, you are WONDERFUL!!!
There were 3 teams too many!! What a success!!
Uncle Jason and Cousin Luke even came in for the tournament!
July 29 - Today, we had a little set back. Every Monday after chemo, during his two week break, he has to go back to Texas Oncology and have his blood drawn to check his levels. Today, we got word that his white blood count was very low. He has been asked to wear a mask, take antibiotics to fight off any infection/virus, and he has been directed to not eat any fruits and vegetables for the time being.
Later on that night...
Dine at El Gordos and McBrides Benefit
Robert and Stacy Wright graciously offered up their restaurants to hold a benefit for Jeremy! How nice!
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) ~ Team Jeremy -Take a break from the kitchen tonight & head to either El Gordo's or McBride's in downtown Wichita Falls for dinner tonight! Get a delicious steak or some mouthwatering Mexican food! Dine in or carry out to support Jeremy &; his family! 10% of all guest checks will go directly to Jeremy to help with his medical bills while he fights this cancer. Please share this on your FB page and with your co workers, friends & family. We would love to see you all there so come say hi & enjoy a great meal with us for a greater cause!
July 31 - Over the past couple of days, Jeremy has been noticing that his hair has been starting to fall out at night on his pillow. I started getting text message after text message the next morning at work letting me know that "I am going bald at 33, I should live in Baldy, Idaho, etc." I could tell that this was really bothering him, so I made it my goal to let him know that Savannah and I love him hair or no hair.
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) ~Update on Jeremy- His hair has been falling out so today he decided to go ahead and get it shaven off. Naturally he was very sad and worried during the process. Because he is so handsome and has a nice shaped noggin, we kept reassuring him that he was still the same Jeremy we all love & adore now just more of a distinguished gentleman! He has really been struggling with this and the other adverse side effects of his chemo. He has not felt well and is in need of some serious prayers! He starts another 5 straight days of chemo on Monday! Pray for peace of mind and comfort for him & his sweet family! Pray that his confidence and fighting spirit will not be shaken, only strengthened! His Birthday is tomorrow! I have a MAJOR call to arms for all of his friends and fellow Wichitans! PLEASE join Jeremy, his amazing brother Jason (who immediately jumped behind the barber shears for a near shave of his own to support his brother, and Deric Gentry (who has already made the commitment) in joining the distinguished gentlemen club and shave your head to show your love and support for Jeremy! Such a small, simple, selfless act that would mean the world to him! Let's give our AMAZING Jeremy a Birthday he will never forget! Please private message me on this page your shaved head pictures so that I can compile them for Jeremy. If you really want to go the extra mile, make your shaved head picture your profile picture & tag Jeremy Johnson. Team Jeremy! LET'S DO THIS FOR JEREMY!!!!
Just buzzing the hair.
Pile of hair from Jason and Jeremy.
I know I have said this multiple times, but this is becoming really real to me. The no hair thing is really throwing me off. Dang hormones from pregnancy are killing me!
The hair finally fell out on its own by this point.
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) ~Team Jeremy- Jeremy has had the past 2 weeks off from Chemo. He has had a pretty rough time. His mind has been in "go to work" and "daily grind" mode but his body just is not allowing that. After having his hair falling out in clumps he went ahead and bravely had it shaved off. Despite all of this, he still smiles, tries to make everyone laugh and is the same AMAZING Jeremy we all love! On the upside, he celebrated his 33rd Birthday this week, got good news about the twin's progress and had some good father/daughter bonding time with his beautiful Savannah last night! Tomorrow starts another week of 5 back to back days of chemotherapy. Crystal told me he is in good spirits tonight (she attributes some to the fact that the Cowboys are playing)! Please pray for Jeremy that his spirits will remain good as he begins another tough week of treatment tomorrow. Please pray that he will have strength of mind, strength of heart and strength of body to knock tomorrow's chemo out without any hesitation. Please pray that this chemo is doing the job of killing all of the bad cancer cells and ridding his body once and for all of this disease! We love you Jeremy, you are an inspiration & you CAN DO THIS!
August 1 - I got a call from the Times Record News on July 31st asking me to answer some questions so that they could have a story printed in the paper for Jeremy's birthday. How cool! Here is the story!
"Rallies, prayer bolster dad fighting cancer" - Times Record News
John Ingle/Times Record News Hoping to garner as many prayers as uttered for rain, the friends and family of Jeremy Johnson, a young Wichita Falls father battling advanced testicular cancer, organized a “Supporting Jeremy Johnson” campaign that has incorporated Pray for Jeremy signs and several fundraisers, including one at Atlanta Bread Co., 2801 Midwestern Parkway.
Jeremy Johnson’s friends and family saw a community “Pray for Rain” and rejoice with every drop.
Now they need this spiritual community to “Pray for Jeremy,” a young Wichita Falls father recently diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer.
Several fundraisers have been planned for Jeremy, including one at lunch today at Atlanta Bread Co., 2801 Midwestern Parkway. His wife’s family and good friend, Jenny Wright, created signs. T-shirts were provided by Aaron Galloway, Jody Morris and Deric Gentry of Gentry Specialty Advertising, and purple bracelets were the idea of Amber Reed and Jodi Camp.
More than 4,000 people have “liked” the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page, where supporters can order the signs, T-shirts and bracelets.
“Most of these people I don’t even know,” said his wife, Crystal, adding that support has come from strangers as far away as Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.
Today, Jeremy, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, turns 33, and his family prays for more birthdays.
In an increasing number of yards across town, the popular blue signs praying for rain have been joined by or replace with a striking purple version — this one quoting Jeremiah 29:11, a passage of Scripture that Jeremy’s wife believes is their mantra.
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ”
Just exactly what that plan is, Crystal said she hasn’t a clue. “But God knows.”
She said God knows how successful Jeremy’s cancer treatment will be, a regimen only 25 percent completed. He knows just how many hairs Jeremy has on his head, and how many he’ll lose in chemotherapy. God knows what he’s doing, Crystal said.
“I really feel like God has placed something in our road, a stumbling block in our path,” Crystal said Wednesday, “so that maybe we can help reach people and show that even though there is a bump in the road, there is a bigger plan.”
Jeremy and Crystal, who have been together 13 years and lost a baby at 16 weeks last year, had been planning for the birth of their twins, a pregnancy that required numerous trips to the doctor, as Crystal underwent in vitro fertilization treatments. Four weeks after learning she was carrying a girl and a boy, Jeremy received his diagnosis.
“The weird thing is, back in May, Jeremy said to me, ‘Do you think my neck is swollen a bit?’ I didn’t see it then,” she said, “but he decided to make a doctor’s appointment, which is weird for him, since we had been going to so many appointments to get pregnant.”
By the time Jeremy’s appointment arrived, about a month later, Crystal could see the knot on Jeremy’s neck. a swollen lymph node that signaled a body in crisis. The cancer had spread. There are three stages to testicular cancer, with three levels each: 1, 2, 3; A, B and C. Jeremy’s cancer is stage 3C.
“That was the beginning,” she said, “If his neck hadn’t been thinner to begin with, we would not have seen that lump when we did.”
The Johnson family, owners of Johnson’s Furniture and Mattress, lost Jeremy’s brother, Tres Hood, to colon cancer in 1998.
The Tres Hood Memorial Cancer Resource Center resides on the fifth floor of United Regional Health System as a source of cancer information for families after a diagnosis.
A trip to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center revealed that Jeremy could undergo treatment in Wichita Falls, under the care of Dr. Jagathi Challagalla. In total, Jeremy will endure 20 rounds of chemotherapy, each one taking 5 ½hours.
“He’s done five, will rest for two weeks, and then go again,” Crystal said.
This week has not been the greatest — “everything seemed to hit him at once,” she said, speaking for Jeremy, whose white blood cell count dropped in recent days, forcing him to wear a mask and take antibiotics to ward off infections. The first clumps of hair started to come out, an outward sign that his body and the chemo are at odds. A buzz cut Wednesday afternoon finished the job.
Their daughter, Savannah, knows Daddy is quite ill, but has been told he’s suffering from a virus that will make him “very tired, very sick, and lose his hair.” No problem, Savannah said, “I don’t care if you lose your hair, Daddy.”
The twins are due around Christmas, when the world celebrates the birth of another 33-year-old man whose path God chose. The twins might never have come, Crystal said, had the cancer diagnosis come before in vitro fertilization.
“I wouldn’t have continued the treatments,” she said, “because this is just horrible timing.”
As if Jeremiah 29:11 weighed heavily on her mind, Crystal added, “It is bad timing, but it’s all going to be OK in the end.”
August 5 -Day #6 Chemotherapy
Jeremy said, "Day 6 is a go!"
We started off the week awesome! His spirits were up and things were going great! He would actually come home from the treatments and go to work? That is way different from the first week of chemo.
August 6 - Day #7 Chemotherapy
Thanks Judy Cookingham for the awesome shirt and for the new "motto" of this whole ordeal!
Our good friends, Jennifer and Leila Galloway brought Jeremy her "Mr. Sparky" friend to help him get through chemo! How nice!!!!
August 7 - Day #8 Chemotherapy
Starting this afternoon, Jeremy started wheezing and coughing.
August 8 - Day #9 Chemotherapy
"Day 9 was hard but it's history"
Today was a very hard day for Jeremy. He showed up at 8:00 to start his chemo and they immediately saw that he was struggling to breath and they had him do a breathing treatment and then do some XRays to make sure he was ok to even start his chemo for the day. After he did the XRays on his lungs, he had to go to Dr. Hull, his family doctor and find out if he was released to start the chemo. Thank the Lord, he got released! They let us know that the cancer is too aggressive to miss any days. We don't want to prolong this chemo process! He had to do breathing treatments during the chemo and be put on even more antibiotics.
August 9 - Day #10 Chemotherapy
Today was hard. At this point, he doesn't want to give up, but he sure doesn't want to go anymore. I can't imagine what he is going through.
Day 10 is over, halfway done, Praise the Lord!
Grace, Kenni & Teagan Wiggins made these signs for Jeremy! You girls are sweathearts! Thank you so much!
Friday, Jeremy actually got released from Texas Oncology at 12:30. He was not feeling well and something happened to where he was given a bone marrow shot. The shot, the chemo, and the sickness made him feel lousy for days.
August 10 - Today, Jeremy didn't get up and go to work like usual. Good thing he didn't because he had a special visitor come to check on him!
August 11 - Jeremy has not had just the greatest weekend. You can always tell if Jeremy is not doing good because he won't go to work. Normally, I am trying to pin him down and make him rest. When he actually stays in the bed himself, you know he doesn't feel well.
August 11 - 25 - This two week "rest" period has not been the greatest for Jeremy. He seemed as if his body was getting weaker and weaker every day. I was actually beginning to wonder if we would even be able to continue on with the chemo starting August 26th. He was not only weak, but he was nauseous and has lost quite a bit of weight.
August 22 - Online Auction benefiting Jeremy Johnson.
Jeremy Curry and Candace Steider, two wonderful people, created an online auction to help raise money for doctor bills and medical expenses. In a matter of a days, 860 people were a part of the auction and more items than I can count were donated. Watching the auction play our day by day truly was one of the funnest things and made Jeremy and I feel more blessed than we already do, if that is even possible. Candace made the comment that she doesn't know us, but God led her to start the auction. Wow!
I heard so many people say that the auction was the highlight of their day! I hope that one day when all is said and done, that I can follow in Jeremy and Candace's footsteps and use the social media / auction to help another family out that might be in need!
Thank you guys for truly being our angels and helping us out!!!!
August 26 - Day #11 Chemotherapy
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) - Jeremy started round #11 of his 20 chemotherapy treatments today. I teased him this morning about how I couldn't wait to see how he would pull off a #11 picture given he only has 10 fingers! That smart boy pulled it off as you can see pictured here! His mom had good news to report from today's experience......."Prayers worked, he's feeling positive today, got through his dr. appointments, ate 4 ribs for lunch (thanks Phoobie) and was able to get some rest during chemo". Thank you so much each of you for your united prayers for Jeremy (and his family)! PLEASE say those same, specific prayers for an equally good day tomorrow! The picture says more than words could....Jeremy is such an AMAZING man & truly an inspiration! We love you Jeremy!
August 27 - Day 12 Chemotherapy
What a trooper he is! To be going through as much as he is going through and still manage to have that smile on his face is amazing!!
August 28 - Day 13 Chemotherapy
Today wasn't as easy, that's for sure. Not that the other days were easy, my no means, but this day started the beginning of a hard 3 days. This particular day, they upped his chemo drug. I had no idea that this was going to take place. The nurse made the comment to Jeremy that "they would be hitting it hard the next 3 days". Breaks my heart for him.
August 29 - Day 14 Chemotherapy
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) -
Yesterday was a REALLY hard day for Jeremy and today is already off to a hard start! He, of course, won't vocalize that but it is the sad reality. Please take an extra minute and say a special prayer for this amazing man. Pray that he has increased courage, comfort, and fight. Pray that he can just rest comfortably through his chemo today. He is strengthened by your words of encouragement & a prayers. They are needed now more than ever. Thank you all so much for your priceless love & support!
You can tell by the look on his face that he doesn't feel well. Thank you Judy Cookingham and Tanya Choate for the visor hair pieces!
August 30 - Day 15 Chemotherapy
Thank God it's Friday! I don't know how much more he can take. He needs some rest!
August 31 - Day one of our two week rest. He hasn't left the bed all day. The past 3 weeks have kicked his butt and he is having a hard rough time.
Not even a rough day of doubled up chemo can stop a Daddy from telling his baby girl no when asked if he will have a tea party with her. Such a trooper he is!
September 9 - Today, the sweetest Team Jeremy member dropped by to give Jeremy the nicest Candy gram! Katie Warnock Morphew, what would be have ever done without you?!?
September 14 - Team Jeremy~ Please mark your calendars for the big "All You Can Eat Flapjack Fundraiser for Jeremy"...THIS SATURDAY! Bring the whole family and come enjoy delicious pancakes for a sweet cause! Please share this on your page & with your friends & co workers. Your help is critical to this fundraiser's success! Get your tickets now to secure your spot or they will also be available at the door!
Big thank you to Aaron Galloway and the Sigma Nu's for putting this on!
September 15 - I really do think that Jeremy knows how to psych himself out. He started dreading this last week of chemo so much that I think he made himself sick. He pretty much slept the whole entire day and I really think that that is his way of blocking "life" out!
September 16 - Day 16 of Chemotherapy
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) -
Update on Jeremy~ Today marks day one of the last 5 days of chemo! Although Jeremy has come so far and celebration is definitely on the horizon, he is still in need of your prayers! This was the update this morning from his wife, Crystal......"Lots of prayers going up for Jeremy Johnson today. Even though this is the last week of chemo, the anticipation of another week of chemotherapy, 5 1/2 hours a day and what it puts your body through, can really work on you mentally! Also...big prayers going up that after this week is over, the tests show that the cancer is completely gone out of his body. If not, from what I understand, we have to start radiation and that would possibly run into the birth of the twins. Just really wish this would all go away! Thanks to our wonderful family and friends for your unending support!!!......Please pray for a good day, a good week and for the cancer to be gone from his body. This guy has fought so hard and is so AMAZING!
September 17 - Day 17 of Chemotherapy
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) -
Day 4....Please pray this is a good day for Jeremy & that the time flies. Continued prayers that the chemo does its job killing ALL of the cancer!
Quote from Jeremy "Thank you to everybody that had a part of in the Auction. I really appreciate all the hard work and all the donations. Thank all of you so much. It will help so much."
This is actually a signed shirt from everyone that purchased/helped out with the auction. Wow!
September 18 - Day 18 Chemotherapy
Jeremy is feeling very sick on this day.
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) -
Counting Down...Day 3! Jeremy is so close to the finish line! 20 chemo treatments is such a huge, almost unimaginable undertaking for the average person. Jeremy has endured it faithfully & amazingly! Please pray that this fighter gets the sweetest reward.....Cancer free after he finishes on Friday! We love you Jeremy & admire you more than you could ever know!
September 19 - Day 19 Chemotherapy
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) -
Counting Down.......Day 2! Even though he is steps from the chemotherapy finish line he still has 2 hard days ahead of him. Please say a special prayer for Jeremy today that he will have the final push of strength he needs, emotionally & physically, to power through these last 2 treatments. Please also pray that he can rest comfortably and the side effects will be as minimal as possible. And as always, continue to pray that all of the chemotherapy has killed all of the cancer. We love you Jeremy, you are our inspiration & our hero!
Quote from Jeremy "Day 2 is complete! 1 day left! 1 day left! 1 day left!!!! Thank you for all the amazing support. I love you all. I am blessed beyond belief!"
September 20 - Day 20 Chemotherapy
(Update from Katie Morphew on the Supporting Jeremy Johnson Facebook page) -
This is it, last day to go! Can you see just how happy he is?
Today was as amazing a day as could be (considering the circumstances)! Many happy tears were shed! I have been blessed to be able to be one of Jeremy's chemo buddies on several occasions. Let me assure you all, this man lights up the room, the oncology center & the life of anyone fortunate enough to care for him during his chemotherapy. His presence there will surely be missed! I marvel at his attitude every time. It truly is something to witness! I can't express how grateful I am to have been there today and shared in this part of his journey. My faith has been strengthened, I'm not as quick to complain, my perspective has been shifted for the better and I have literally gotten to see God's hands at work through this most amazing man! Love you Jeremy! Thank you for inspiring us all & being a living example of a true superhero!
Compliments of Vicki Tucker!
Jeremy accepting his purple heart award that the Cancer Center hands out to the cancer patients on the last day of their chemotherapy treatments! What a nice way of telling these cancer victims that they have done a great job!
Jeremy quoted this on his facebook page "Best chemo nurse I could ask for! I am done. Thank you everybody that has been a part of this! I love each and everyone of you."
So many cool new shirts for his wardrobe!
Compliments of Craz E Cat!
Compliments of Judy Cookingham
Jeremy and his chemo supporters! Gayle went every single day to the cancer center with Jeremy. He is VERY blessed to have such a wonderful Mom to support him!!
Leaving the Chemotherapy room for the LAST time! Praise the LORD!
After coming home from his last chemo treatment today, Jeremy was surprised with 20 balloons all attached to 20 sweet tarts and special notes from friends and family!!! Lots of tears were shed! Thanks to the friends and family members that took time to write these words of encouragement to Jeremy as he finishes off 20 rounds of chemo. Really means a lot!
September 21 - September 29 - The past two weeks have had a lot of ups and downs. Jeremy has either felt REALLY good and then overdone it and felt REALLY bad. Towards the end of the two week period, he has started worrying A LOT about what the test results are going to be. Is the cancer gone? Did the cancer actually spread? What is next?
September 30 - Today, Jeremy went to Texas Oncology to do the first part of the testing period. He had blood work done.
October 1 - Today, Jeremy woke up and had to drink some barium to prepare his body for testing today.
We met up at Texas Oncology at 10:00 for his scans. Now, the waiting process begins...
October 7 - We had our appointment with Dr. Chalagalla today. They first took Jeremy's blood pressure and it was through the roof! Needless to say, he is ready for the final word! We were patiently waiting on her to give us the good news that the cancer was GONE! BUT....she informed us that Jeremy has done a cat scan which only shows them 70% of the big picture. Just by going off of the cat scan, it shows them the lymph nodes have shrunk to normal size. They need a pet scan (which shows them 90% of the big picture), which is going to be done this Saturday, to fully confirm that the cancer is gone. We will have final confirmation next Tuesday. This was a BUMMER because we wanted to be able to walk out of that place and say, "See ya again, never!"
October 12 - Today, Jeremy arrived at Kell West hospital to have his PET Scan done. The test normally takes about an hour, but this particular test took 2 1/2 hours!! Halfway through, they noticed iodine (??) on the bed and had to start all over. Bummer!
Now just patiently awaiting Tuesday when we can find out the results...!
October 15 - Today is the day! We officially find out if Jeremy can move on from this nightmare and get his life back or start radiation, or worse, chemotherapy again.
We sat in the room waiting on Dr. Chalagalla to come in. As soon as she walked in, she quickly said, "Jeremy, your PET Scan's looked great! You are in complete remission" She went on to say that she had already forwarded the scans on to Dr. Tu, his doctor at MD Anderson, and Dr. Tu confirmed that the cancer was gone. She did say that his stomach and some other areas, the Lymph nodes were still really swollen. If the inflammation is over a 5, then there is still cancer in your body. If the inflammation is under a 4, then it means that there is still chemotherapy in your body. His is at a 3.5, so this means that he still has quite a bit of chemotherapy left in his body. We can handle that!
Then, Dr. Chalagalla went on to explain how big of a deal this really is that the cancer is gone. I hate the way she described it, but she said quote, "Jeremy, you had a LOT of cancer disease in your body when you came in here and it is all gone". I'm assuming in "Christian terms" that this means that this is a complete miracle and tons of prayers were answered if all of the chemo is gone. Wow....
So, where do we go from here? Dr. Chalagalla informed us that Jeremy's levels from the blood work were still pretty low. We were told that we needed to come back in 4 weeks to do some blood work to make sure that his levels are where they need to be and she educated him on the type of diet he needs to be on to build his body back up again after 110 hours of chemotherapy. Can you believe that? 110 hours of chemotherapy! What a champ! We were told that with testicular cancer, you have to come back every 6 months (just like any other cancer) but the difference is, he will have to do all of the scans again every time to make sure the cancer has not returned. For some reason, testicular cancer is the only cancer that you have to redo the scans to make sure the cancer has not returned.
Jeremy, then, wanted to know the exact definition of the word remission. She went on to explain that remission meant that the lymph nodes are down to normal size but they can not label him "cancer free" until 5 years from now. We can handle that. With all of the prayer warriors that we have in our corner, we can handle the 5 years!!
That's the smile of beating cancer! Now on to take care of my family! Quote from Jeremy on facebook.
As Jeremy's cancer journey draws to a close, I would like to personally thank everyone for your continuous support, your friendships, your love, and most importantly your prayers. When you start off on this journey, you feel helpless and you feel like this is the never ending problem. With everyone's help, Jeremy made it through this storm with flying colors!
On another note, I want to personally document how proud I am to say that I am Jeremy Johnson's wife. I must say, before this all began, Jeremy could stump his toe and I would think, judging by the performance, I could easily send his tape to Broadway and he would easily be accepted. Man, did he step up and show cancer who is boss?!? Watching him go through this has been such an inspiration to me! His faith, his endurance, and his want to to fight this thing was such a blessing to watch. Thank you Jeremy for teaching me how to love God no matter what. Thank you for never letting cancer get you down. Thank you for proving to us that a good attitude is the key to kicking anything! Thank you for showing Savannah that God can handle anything and most importantly...
Thank you for clarifying to me that GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!
