FINISHED WITH CHEMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WAHOOOO!

Thank you everyone for your faith and support!  Jon had his last chemotherapy on Nov. 6.  He is starting to feel better.  This last round was probably the worst for him,  but he is looking much better!!!!  They have scheduled surgery for his port removal on Friday he 30th of this month.  He can’t wait!  He would have had it out immediately after his last iv push of chemo.  Jon has been lifting weights at the gym and not been able to bench the whole way to his chest because the port is raised about an inch and a half. 

Last week  Jon visited an otolarynology doctor (ear, nose and throat) at Hershey.  He suggested a  procedure called  the 7th and 12th nerve.  As many of you know Jon has palsy on the right side of his face.  Previously he had an awesome smile and would like to have his smile back!  He and all of us miss it!!!!  He still looks extremely handsome now but the doctor has had great success with this surgery.  The 12th nerve is the tongue nerve which would be removed and replace the 7th nerve.  It is amazing what the doc’s can do!  He is scheduled for an emg on Dec. 11, to measure his muscle movement of his face.

Jon has been working at Banana Republic and enjoying the social aspect of seeing many faces!!!!  He amazes me, even though he doesn’t always feel so great he goes to work!  He has started his class at HACC and enjoying it very much.

Last evening (Sunday) Jon and a few friends went bowling in Harrisburg with others from THON.  Jenna, a chair person from THON of Penn State, put together a fun evening with other teens and captains.  A fun time was had by all and it was great to meet everyone!  Many of the Penn State students involved with THON will be “canning” at the mall and other stores and locations.  Before last year I was unsure of who these college students were with there cans outside in the bitter cold asking for donations.  They are the ones working hard to raise money for The Four Diamonds Fund.  The Four DiamondsFund helps with many expenses for those treated with cancer at the pediatric oncology clinic at Hershey Medical Center and to help find a cure for cancer. We are THANKFUL to those who work So hard!  It amazes me how they find the time and energy to go to class, plan activities, raise money and meet with families.  So if you see students with cans on the corner or at the store they are helping so many, help them raise money to meet their goal for THON ‘08 in February.

Congratulations to the Hempfield Midget Football teams, what a great season!

Last Thursday we shared a bit of Jon’s story with the students who attended The Good News club at LPC.  I was quite touched by the young children who pray to God for Jon’s health and wellbeing.  They had so many great questions and comments I could see why Jon has enjoyed working with them!

Jon and all of his family are looking forward to EATING a huge Thanksgiving dinner!  We wish all of you a blessed Thanksgiving.  Stop in and say hi!