Update on Von

An update on Von is long overdue. But to be honest with you, I'd rather have the job of cutting my grandfather's toenails than to have to think about how to communicate about Von, how he is doing, and thinking about what comes next.

I've realized that for the past six months I've tried hard not to be defined as the family with cancer. (My very first ever blog entry on The Dead Guy's Yard is how I would like for people to think of our family.) Yet everything we think about, talk about, pray about, and blog about ends up revolving around Cancer. We asked for adventure, and brother, we're getting it!



Thanks to all of you who have asked about Von and how you can pray. I'll blog here to give you an update and you can pray as you feel led.

Von was admitted to the hospital last night after a fever. He is in his last week of the delayed intensification treatment stage which was is part of the first six months of a three year treatment process.

He currently has a 103 degree fever which isn't coming down which proves critically dangerous for a cancer patient who has no immune system and low blood counts. He received a blood transfusion today and his color and mood has improved. The doctors are vague about what this means and how concerned we should or should not be.

He isn't eating and processing fluids well but we bought nice gifts tonight to bribe him into eating and trying to use the boys room more often. He has a heart murmur due to his hemoglobin being 5 when normal is 15. Two days ago his white blood cells were zero which means his immunity was non existent.

He will be in the hospital until he improves. Lisa and I are taking turns being with him and still being with the girls and doing the normal stuff like going over spelling test homework and getting them off to school.

My in-laws have been amazing to live with and very supportive and helpful. The fine folks I work with have also been extra gracious and helpful as I've been trying to keep up.


The two photos here make me laugh. They reflect a little bit of the variety of emotions and information that we process as a family. Lots of ups and lots of downs. But I've got to tell you, compared to lots of the little kids we see on the 8th floor at Children's, we are very blessed.

I'll keep trying to blog and keep you updated. We really do need your prayers for Von right now.

Thank you for your love, support and prayers.