We have been asked over and over again what can people do to help. So we have set up this GoFundMe page if anyone would like to donate to Joshie. We can use to money for upcoming medical expenses in 2021, gas for our drives to Ann Arbor (hotel stays when winter weather is bad), food during our hospital trip, family expenses if we need to stay off work longer then we have planned, or any possible unexpected expense that will pop up during his treatment.

We have also discussed with Josh about donating items to Children’s Hospitals. Like blanket, stuff animal, movies, small toys, etc. Joshie has received so many comforting things so far from hospitals (Covenant, Hurley, and Mott) along his journey.

If you would like to donate to #fightlikejoshie please do, but donation are not our number one priority. Other ways that you can help are by just sending him a card, donating blood, or just giving back to the cancer community in some way.

This is Joshie’s journey so far:
His journey started on 9/4 with severe leg pain which caused lots of doctors visit and few trips to McLaren. On 11/4 we finally got a blood test done that found inflammation in his bones. On 11/9 he had a full bone scan that showed he had no arthritis or abnormal growth on his bones. On 11/10 we seen an Orthopedic surgeon at Mott’s Children’s hospital who confirmed the X-rays of his bones where all normal. Next step was an appointment with a rheumatologist.
His appointment was on Thursday 11/19 after looking at Josh’s condition (unable the walk and very pale) we where sent directly Covenant. After a few more labs Josh was taken by ambulance at 2am to Hurley.
He was diagnosed with Leukemia ALL on Friday. He started his treatment and Chemo on Monday 11/23. On Wednesday he got a severe head ache which lead to a CT which shown a very small bleed in his brain. He was sent to the ICU and then air lifted to Mott’s Children’s Hospital on Saturday 11/28.

Joshua is a very strong little boy but could use every good vibe and pray you can pass his way.

Joshie update 12/3:
He is still in the hospital (2 weeks/14days), he is really missing home. We moved out of the ICU on Tuesday 12/1. He is now a Member of 7east.

Neurology update: on Tuesday 12/1 they diagnosed his brain condition as (PRES) posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Come to find out his neurologist was not 100% convinced for this diagnosis so they took the images to a neurologist for adults. Yesterday 12/2 they changed his diagnosis to (RCVS) Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome. It is uncommon in adult (normal only seen in pregnancy women with hypertension) and very very uncommon in children. The treatment for both diagnosis are the same (just keep blood pressure low) and are both reversible. He will need to follow up with his neurologist.

Nephrology (Kidney/blood pressure) update: who know that a Kidney doctor controls blood pressure? This is also the doctor that is keeping us at the hospital. At this point it’s all trail and error. Just need to find the right dose and control for him.

Oncology update: he is on day 11 for his leukemia treatment. We did need to push back one for his treatments (a lumbar puncture), due his brain bleed. It will not effect his overall outcome due to him not having any cancer in his spine. This treatment is only a precautionary one, it will need to be treated just unsure how at this point.
He will get another Chemo treatment on Monday 12/7

Joshie update 12/10:
After 19 days in the hospital Joshie finally came home on Monday 12/7. He is way more comfortable and less anxious at home (medication time is still hard). Although he sleeps most the day and is exhausted just walking to get the mail he seem to be doing better. He is still not walking very well and needs the help of a cane. They think this is due to not being able to walk for almost a month and might need physical therapy to improve it.
He is hungry all the time but then only eats a few bites and is full.

Neurology update: had had a CT on Sunday before he left the hospital and everything looked good. He will have a follow up MRI in January.

Nephrology update: he is on a twice a day blood pressure medication which is working prefect. He has not had high blood pressure since we have been home.

Oncology update: today is day 17 of his induction treatment. He had labs today (we are going to a place in Bay City and they send it to Mott’s). His platelet levels are low (which is a normal thing) so he will be going to Mott’s for a transfusion tomorrow. His next Chemo treatment will be next Monday.

The cards are flowing in and he is really enjoying them. Thanks to everyone that has send one already.

Joshie update 12/18:

We have good days and bad. This past Wednesday was a bad day (sick and tired). His best time a day is 5am-7am he is like a different kid, then 7am bring medicine and an upset tummy.

Oncology update: He went down the Mott’s on 12/11 to get a platelet transfusion. They had a hard time accessing is port, so it required 2 pokes. Other then that the appointment went good.
On Monday 12/14 he went to his first clinic visit. It did not go as smooth as planned, platelet levels and another blood clotting agent was too low for them to conduct his lumber puncture. So it required some transfusions and a little more lab work. So our planned 3 hour day turned into a 8 hour day. Everything in the end came out just fine, it was just a long day for this little boy, and he could not eat or drink.
He had labs again on 12/17 and had to go down to Mott in 12/18 for a Cryo, Platelet, and blood transfusion. The transfusion all went good.
Next step/appointment will be on Monday 12/21 where they will do a lumbar puncture and a bone marrow obstruction. This is a very important appointment and he can use all the positive vibes and prays

wecanbeatthis
#fightlikejoshie
Lsing is not an option