Jared started his first round of chemo on the 14th and it has been a battle for him.  Aside from the tough side effects he now has pneumonia and is taking antibiotics for them.  This is really tough considering he is only working with one lung right now.  After this round of chemo he has another to do and then will head back to Houston for the next plan of action, which will most likely be a round of proton radiation therapy.  Despite the difficulties he remains strong, optimistic, and most importantly his faith is impenetrable.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Last week after a couple of scans, Jared’s doctors found another tumor.  Below is his update from his CaringBridge site, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaredtwildenborg.  He is back in Houston tonight for more tests to start tomorrow morning.  He is still upbeat and extremely appreciate for the prayers coming from around the world, so please keep them coming.

“They found another tumor. This changes everything I was expecting to hear today. Here is what I found out;

1-The PET Scan from last night revealed another tumor about half the size of the original tumor (removed last month) near the same location by my heart.

2-My vocal cords on the left side of my larynx are NOT functioning. My vocal cords on the right side of my larynx are making up the difference resulting in my voice sounding higher. Not great considering my already crazy-high voice.

3-My left lung is posing a big problem. My left lung is NOT expanding properly since the tumor (removed in December) paralyzed the diaphragmatic nerve that “manages” my diaphragm and breathing. This is making me short of breath … even sitting still. I also run short of breath when I talk for more than a minute or two. The big problem involves treatment. The doctors hope to operate to remove this next tumor. However, if my lungs are not functioning properly then recovering from surgery may NOT be an option.

4-Surgery to remove the tumor (gross mass) is the most desirable treatment for this second tumor. Doc said this is the best coarse of action to help prevent future recurrence of my cancer.

5-Next Tuesday (January 24th) my doctors will convene to discuss all results and determine my treatment plan.

6-My next Appointment is with my surgeon next week Wednesday, January 25th, 2012.

This is all so frustrating for me. What an emotional roller coaster. Plus the long waiting between appointments and the uncertainty in the air on top of being out of my element … waaay out of my element. It gives me comfort knowing that everybody cares so much for me and that I am God’s hands AND I am reaping the rewards of all of His gifted creations in the skilled doctors and staff at MD Anderson.

So, that’s it for now. I have decided to drive back home today. I look forward to seeing my son and my girlfriend and other friends. I need to take care of “normal life” stuff for the next several days.”

There is a charity out there named St. Baldricks where people raise money in support of them shaving their head and the proceeds go to the fight against children’s cancer.  Our very good friends, The Hobbs, have an incredibly big hearted son who when he learned of this charity decided he wanted to do it and now has his younger brother joining in on the effort.  Below is an email that Brian sent out.  Their goal is $1000, but I have volunteered my hair as well if they get to $5000.  Either way, I will post pictures of their hair cut, and hopefully mine, after it occurs on March 31st.

“Sorry for the mass email as I normally dont send something like that but for me this one is worth it!  My wife was telling my sons about The St Baldrick’s Foundation and an event they do at Trinity Hall where people shave their heads and raise money for kids with cancer.  We have been personally touched by cancer in our family, with close friends, and unfortunately have a very close friend who’s newborn had to fight cancer(and won!) near birth as well.  This hit home with McAllister and as you know he is a VERY driven kid once he gets an idea in his head.  He told us he wanted to do this and was willing to shave his head!! Brodie claims he will shave as well but I wouldn’t count on that :). Really seems brave to me for a 7 year old but not near as brave as the ones that fight/survive cancer, especially kids!!  So, here is his site if you have any interest in the event or even a small donation.  He set the goal of a $1,000.  Thanks for your time this morning!!  Happy New Year to everyone!!”

Jared is at MD Anderson in Houston this morning undergoing a series of tests to help the doctors develop their game plan.  This is his first meeting with an oncologist and is, understandably, very nervous.  He is ready to begin the fight and start the recovery process. 

He now has a CaringBridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jaredtwildenborg

First of all, Happy New Year to everyone.  I hate to start the year off like this, but I need to ask for a couple of prayer requests for two people very close to me.

My grandmother Lewis, from my mother’s side, recently went through ankle and knee surgery and is not recovering and is losing strength by the moment.  Hospice is being brought in to help keep her as comfortable as possible.  I was fortunate enough to see her while I was home for the holidays and while I realize this is the best thing for her now it is still tough for all of us.  We don’t know how long it will take, but I ask for everyone to pray for her comfort and for our family during this time.

My other request is for my good friend, Jared Wildenborg.  In December he went to the emergency room with symptoms of a heart attack and everything checked out fine, but they found a tumor on/near his heart which the doctors were able to remove.  Right before Christmas Jared was notified that the tumor was benign and has since been diagnosed with Thymic Carcinoma.  He has an appointment scheduled for the 11th in Houston at MD Anderson where he will have several tests run and will then meet with the doctors to learn of the game plan going forward.  Jared is in great spirits, but I ask that you all please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Just wanted to warn everyone that I have now discovered that reindeer are evil. I realize this is an over generalization, but late last night as I was tidying up around the fire place I was attacked and gored by one of the “helpful” reindeer helping hold up Mason’s stocking.  It is amazing how much a toe bleeds, but I am happy to report that so far it looks like I will be able to keep the toe, provided there was no bacteria from the antlers.  Perhaps this was retaliation for eating some of their brethren when visiting Alaska, but in my mind it was unjustified and not very much in the Christmas spirit.

I am biased, but in my opinion it is hard to watch this and not feel the cheer.