Is Spring Here?

Now that the weather is getting nicer Jon is ambitious to get out!  Even though he is tired he continues to move forward.  He is currently receiving chemotherapy which brings him down because it wipes him out physically and mentally.  He pushes himself hard to stay positive and is very thankful to the great friends he has!  His buds have recently taken him to the movies, breakfast, Ritas, basketball games, out to dinner, played some cards and stopped to visit.  It truly lifts his spirits to be able to get out or just hang out with friends!!!

Thank you to those who participated in the recent Lift a thon to benefit Jon!!!  He hopes to get back in the weight room. He misses lifting and his friends!

Jon continues to gain weight, he is up to 162 lbs.  Eating and swallowing have gotten much stronger.  During chemo treatments he looses his appetite but he tries to continue to eat!  Last week his therapist worked on swallowing pills (m&m’s, skittles and tic tacs).  Jon did great!!!   He continues to receive Vital Stim to regain his facial movements.  He has started to have some feeling on the right side of his face, YEAH!  He is able to drink several successful swallows consecutively!  He has come a long way! He is scheduled for a swallow study the beginning of April. 

Last week he met a few teens at clinic who were very inspiring!  It was good to be able to connect with others who are going through life in a different way! It is amazing to be around people who have a positive attitude about life given the trials that they endure every day.  Jon is a true inspiration to us all!!!  The nurses and staff at Hershey are all very caring and encouraging!

School work is going well.  He loves Shakespeare!  His English course will definitely prepare him for college!  Jon and his parents are looking forward to June 5th when he will graduate with his class!!!

Jon is anxious to start driving again and have some independence!  He successfully accomplished the tests in Occupational Therapy to drive!  His physical therapists continue to work on balance and strength.  They are all great at LGH rehabilitation!!!

The prom is in May and Jon is looking forward to attending with Amanda!

This month he is scheduled for an MRI.

Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts!!!  God hears!