First I want to Thank You for reading our story......Know that our God is always in control. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.      Matthew 6:33 NIV

After about 5 years of searching for our new home (after losing everything we owned not too long ago). We found the place. We were both super happy and excited. We closed on our new home 11/30/2020.

We started moving and John thought he pulled a muscle in his neck and back the first day of the move.

He was hurting really bad and continued to get more lethargic throughout the month of December. We did not even get everything moved before he could not anymore.

After some blood test at his primary care we were admitted to our local hospital on  Wednesday 12/30/2020.

January 1, 2021

John is still in the hospital and they suspect that he has Multiple Myeloma based on his blood work, X-Rays, and symptoms.

When we got here he had elevated calcium levels in his blood which caused crazy side effects especially in heart rhythm. He was in the early stages of kidney failure, blood pressure was crazy high, blood sugar was low and they could not get it stable. He was dehydrated and just generally could not go anymore.

Here are some of the symptoms he has been experiencing over the last couple of weeks:
-Pain in his bones (neck, shoulder, and back)
-Weakness
-Fatigue
-Feeling very thirsty
-Changes in how often you need to pee
-Restlessness
-Confusion
-Nausea and vomiting
-Loss of appetite
-Weight loss (he has lost about 30 lbs in less than 2 weeks)

That is not a definite diagnoses but a most likely diagnosis based on what the Oncologists told us last night 12/31/2020. If it is not this then there is cancer somewhere and we have to find it. They will need to do a lot more testing to confirm.

Here is a pretty good description of what the doctors are saying:

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system and starts in specific white blood cells called plasma cells. These cells are found mostly in bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system because they produce a number of antibodies used by our bodies to fight infection.
If it is what they suspect they will have to do a bone marrow test to see what stage the cancer is in to make a treatment plan.

January 2, 2021

2:00 am We are moving to Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center.

Oncologist found that his 5th Cervical vertebrae has fractured and there is a piece of bone right at his spinal cord.

Found more bone lesions in his elbow. So now we have his left shoulder, right elbow and neck affected.

Ok.....so this has been really rough....

Had to cut the big mans beard off so that he can wear the C Spine Collar comfortably......and you know how he feels about his beard.

At this moment plan is surgery to stabilize his neck tomorrow. We still do not have a definite diagnosis as to what type of cancer. They still suspect Multiple Myleoma. Hopefully we will get more answers soon.

January 3, 2021

Surgery got bumped today. Got a visit from Orthopedic doctor. He has tumors is his shoulder, elbow, hips, and thighs. His left femur is the worst and most concerning at this moment.

January 4, 2021

Neck surgery is tomorrow at 2. They will biopsy the tumor in his neck during surgery. They said they will be able to get a diagnosis from that then we can talk about treatment and prognosis.

They want to do some ortho surgeries too before he leaves. One specifically is placing a rod in his femur so it doesn't break.

I had them put him on some anxiety and pain meds last night before I left so nothing is really bothering him today and he is sleeping some.

January 5, 2021

Just saw some of the X-Rays and Scans. He also has some bone lesion in T1 and T2 (Thoracic Vertebrae).

Plan is still surgery at 2 on his neck.

Update: 12:00 he just went down to preop.

Surgery started about 3:15

5:15 Nurse just called and said he is doing good. They are still working on the front part of the neck. Still have to get the back done.

John is out of surgery and back in a room. That said surgery went great.

I talked to him for a few minutes. He said they beat him up pretty good.
I will update everyone tomorrow.

January 6, 2021

The cancer doctor just left and it was the best conversation yet.
Without pathology report nothing is a diagnosis but based on his knowledge and best guesses this is what he said.....

It looks like it is cancer.

It is not leukemia and has not as of yet spread to his lymph nodes. It is not Myeloma. It looks to be a Sarcoma that possibly started in his GI tract area (esophagus, intestines, stomach). He said he would not speculate on a stage until pathology is done (could be 2 days to 2 weeks).

He is only weight bearing on his right arm at the moment. However, he does have to be careful (no lifting over 10 lbs) because there is a tumor on his Humorous.
He cannot stand, or push with his left at all right now.
He cannot push or pull with his left arm due due the fractured Scapula.
He cannot bend or twist his neck.
The reason for extended hospital stay is the Orthopedic issues.

I do believe he understands the need to fix his leg before going home now. He got to see the X-rays and scans today.

Not what we wanted to hear but at least we know what they are thinking now.
Sarcomas are DNA mutations and just one of those unlucky things that just happen.

January 7, 2021

Lunch - Met with Orthopedic. Released restrictions of weight bearing. Can be as tolerated. No surgeries unless pain is constant.

Oncology says we will be here until we get pathology report.

Anything is subject to change .

6 pm - Pathology Report shows that he has Stage 4 GE Junction Carcinoma that has Metastasized. They say it looks to have originated at the base of his Esophagus / top of his stomach. They found it throughout his GI Tract, Liver, Lungs, shoulder, Cervical and Thoracic spine, Ribs, both Humorous bones, hips, and both femurs. Without treatment a couple of months, with aggressive treatment 1 to 2 years if we are lucky

Fast Forward to Mid February.....We have had 5 days of Radiation in the shoulder and hips to ease the pain. Still having issues with keeping his Calcium levels under control. His Potassium is super low and white blood cells are showing possible infection.

We have been admitted back into the hospital to get this under control and have a port-a-cath placed.

John has now lost around 80 lbs since the first of December and continues due to his lack of appetite and nausea. He is not doing well. I married my husband to grow old with and now I am watching him slowly pass away at age 50. That is a hard pill to sallow. The only comfort I have is knowing that when he does leave this old rotten world I will see him again when my Lord comes for me.

Please say a prayer for John's peace and comfort!


We have had some amazing people help us so far but the bills keep coming. Please that is monetary donations are made they will be used so that John can get the best care possible in his remaining time and help pay the bills that are still owed.