August 30, 2011 10am

Well, we were moved back down to the oncology floor last night and oddly enough we are back in the same room as before. The new room number is 325 and it's at the front of the hospital again, so no more taking the ICU elevators. Before we left the other room last night they took the wound vacuum off because no one was available to come fix it. He just had a regular dressing all night that had to be changed a few times. The oncologist came in this morning with the intention of starting chemotherapy today but informed us that he has a lot of fluid in his abdomen, apparently it is down around his pelvis and bladder. She sent him down to radiology just a minute ago to have it drained. He will be unconscious and they are going to drain the fluid with a needle to see if it is infected. The plan after that is to bring him back and have the surgeons come back by to put the wound vacuum back on. Chemotherapy could possibly start later today but more than likely tomorrow. Will update more later!

Let's pray there is no infection and that he gets through this chemo easily...
Kalyn

August 29, 2011

Josh is about to get up and go walking today, he had his wound vac worked on this morning and is just now getting a chance to get out of the room. We talked to the oncologist this morning and found out that he will be moved back down to the oncology floor to get chemotherapy tomorrow. We don't know when they will move him, maybe this afternoon. He has had so many antibiotics that he developed thrush in his mouth, they started him on a mouth rinse for it. He does NOT like it! His protein levels are still low and they are expecting them to stay that way. He does not have enough transit time after eating before it comes out of the ostomy bag. They are giving him immodium to help slow things down a little. The oncologist also said that after this treatment they are going to give him 8 weeks off so he has time to heal and possibly get his ostomy reversed. We need prayers now to help him get through the chemotherapy and his numbers dropping again. They are going to keep him here through all of that so we are looking at a week to two weeks before he will get to go home and recoup. We need strength for the next couple of weeks and lots of prayers still! Thanks so much!

Love to everyone!
Josh and Kalyn

Sunday August 28, 2011

Today Josh walked further down the hall of the hospital than he ever has!  He's completely exhausted now and needs a nap but he did great.  Yesterday was kind of a long day with a few visitors so I didn't feel like updating.  Friday was Josh's birthday and he had a very long day, I think I let everyone know that they worked on his wound vacuum most of the morning on Friday.  They also came back in the afternoon for a total of four and a half hours.  He was a trooper though and toughed it out.  Later that evening when the nurses were getting him ready to go to his party his chest tube accidentally got pulled out.  They had to get an x-ray and wait for dr's orders saying he was okay to go.  It took until Saturday for them to decided he didn't need the chest tube any longer.  Josh decided he would just stay in his room and we let all the party guests filter in and wish him a happy birthday.  He had a gluten-free cupcake and we all sang happy birthday, although he had a long day he ended it in a very special way.  I spent the night Friday night and had to listen to the alarm on his wound vacuum all night.  It was seriously a long torture, then the surgeon came in first thing on Saturday morning and re-adjusted all the wound vacuum dressings and it lasted for a while.  He did have to come back though, around 12pm last night fix it all over again.  There's something going on either with the kind of wound he has or the actually machine, they just can't figure it out.  Yesterday I picked up Josh's iPad for his birthday and he has been playing Angry Birds and loving his new toy!  Thanks to everyone for pitching in, I'm kind of addicted to the game too!  He has been loving all the visitors and knowing how much you all care about him really overwhelms him sometimes.  Thanks again to all of you who made his birthday so special!

We love you all,
Josh and Kalyn

August 26, 2011 3pm

IT'S JOSH'S BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!  That being said, he is not really had a chance to enjoy any of the festivities so far.  He got up this morning and immediately after breakfast the ostomy nurse came in to change the the bag and the dressing.  Just as soon as she started, the physical therapy team came in to change out the foam and wound vaccum.  They both worked on him for about 2 hours and his wound is still leaking...they gave him about an hour and half to rest and they just got back in the room to try it all over again.  His wound is just leaking heavily and they can't get a good seal for the wound vac.  We tried to bring a bday lunch around 12:30pm and he didn't even get to eat until about 2pm.  He is so tired but is toughing it out like a trooper.  Our wonderful, amazing friends Misti and Raul Vara had a great idea yesterday to bring up a record player and so now as we speak he is trying to meditate while listening to Jimi Hendrix.  For those of you who know Josh you know that records and music are a major thing in his life.  He was so excited and grateful they did such a small and sweet thing for him.  It means so much.  We are hoping he can rest up and be ready for his party tonight.  Let's all cross our fingers that it will go off without a hitch and he will have an uplifting time!  Happy Birthday to Joshua, the strongest man I know...I love you sweetie with all my heart. Hang in there, you're doing good!

Kalyn

August 25, 2011 5:30pm

I'm sitting with Josh right now and just watching him relax, he has had a GOOD day.  Embyr has been by to see him which always brings his spirits up and he has been out of bed more than in bed today.  He actually walked out of his room and into the hallway today...3 times!  So proud of him for trying so hard, I guess he's making up for the bad day he had yesterday.  Yesterday a surgeon came in and put a wound vacuum on his incision.  It is still wide open from when they removed the staples and it started oozing a lot yesterday. They say that the wound vac will help with the healing process until his protein levels come up and his body starts doing it on his own.  We are getting ready to shave his head in a minute because it is really starting to fall out and I think it's better that he's in control of losing it.  Embyr and Grandma are bringing up a home cooked meal in a little while and we are going to have a hospital picnic!

Much Love to everyone!
Kalyn

August 24, 2011 1pm

Okay so we've had a couple of tough days but I think things may be looking up.  Although I want to ask a little later for specific prayer requests.  I didn't update yesterday because I wasn't feeling well, I have been really really nauseous.  I went home yesterday for about 4 hours and tried to eat and rest and then I came back for as long as I could.  I felt like he was ready to stay the night by himself last night so I stayed home and got some good sleep.  Although, this morning he seemed very defeated, tired, and depressed.  I think he is realizing how hard things are going to be and how slow this process is.  He is just really ready to be out of here and knowing that he probably has another week along with chemo is kind of depressing him.  Not much has changed in the way of his progress, they've been getting him up as much as possible and he still has the chest tube.  He is unable to get out in the hallway and walk because of the chest tube.  They started him on an appetite stimulant today because he has not been eating very much.  They weighed him on Monday and he has about 20 extra pounds of fluid that is really dragging him down.  It's all around his abdomen and down his legs to his ankles.  He has had Lasik a couple of times but it's a fine line for him because they do not want to dehydrate him.  With all that being said we are trying to keep his spirits up and pray that he can continue to get through this.  Thanks again to all of you for your continued prayers, we're going to need them for some time.

Specific Prayer Requests:
1) That Josh's fluid will start to leave his body.
2) That he can come out of the darkness of depression soon.
3) That his appetite will come back and his nutrition will get better.

Thanks again,
Kalyn

August 22, 2011 1:30pm

Well today is shaping up pretty nicely.  Josh was moved from ICU to a regular room today, for those of you who are visiting, he is in room 367.  We still have to take the elevators like we're going up to ICU but just take it on up to the third floor.  Last night he also got a really great surprise, the Dr. allowed Embyr to come and visit him in ICU.  She stayed for about 10 minutes and they were both just so happy to finally see each other.  The doctors did start him back on the nutrition through the IV last night, just to help supplement.  He is eating as much as he can and drinking things like Ensure and Protein drinks.  Josh met his goal of getting out of ICU before his birthday, it's this Friday and he will be turning 33!  We migth have a little get together...more info on that later if it is to happen.  The oncologist told him this morning that he will definitely be in the hopsital for another week.  They want to get him his next dose of chemo a week from tomorrow.  He still has his chest tube in and was taken off the morphine pump this morning.  He is only getting pain meds through the mouth now, that's a really big step and we are so proud of him for all the progress he's made.  Love, love, love him...please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Kalyn

August 21, 2011 2pm

Quick Update:  Not much has changed since yesterday, he got his staples out so that his incision could breath and heal.  They have given him some diuretics to try and pull  some of the fluid off but not much is really happening.  His numbers continue to come up, which is a very good thing.  He is trying to eat as much as he can but he isn't getting as much protein as they would like him to.  They told us today that if his protein doesn't come up soon they will have to put him back on the nutrition through the IV.  He is still getting up and walking across the room and sitting in a chair to eat his meals.  Please keep us in your prayers, it seems like we are in a holding pattern and could really use more help.

Thanks for all the love and support,
Kalyn and Josh

A Little Side Note:

I fogot to ask for everyone to pray specifically for the fluid to leave his body and for his energy to come up!

August 20, 2011 10am

I just want to start today by saying that my husband is amazing and such a fighter, we all love him so much and are so proud of him.  I also want everyone to know that he is reading all the comments here and is so touched by all that has been said.  Today he heard from the oncologist that his numbers are still coming up.  He is retaining a lot of fluid and they are trying to work with his body to get as much off as they can.  He got up today and walked to the window and sat in the chair again.  They removed the nutrition from his IV yesterday since he is now cleared to eat anyything he wants.  Since doing that though his blood sugar levels have been dropping.  This morning they were at 48 when they checked him and he had to drink a huge glass of orange juice to bring them up.  The docs say this is normal after you come off of that stuff because it has so much sugar in it.  When he started eating again his body had a hard time figuring out how much insulin to put out.  He has had another good breakfast and is still sitting up in the chair.  I hope to get another post in later today, thank you all so much for your constant prayers.

Love,
Kalyn and Josh

August 19, 2011 2pm

Today is Friday and one week since his surgery!  So many good things have happened and he is getting so much better.  Prayer is amazing and we really appreciate all the ones being said for us.  It's incredible to see how many good things have happened in a week.  We have seen and talked to the oncologist and the surgeon today and they both were happy he is doing so well.  His white count is still going up and his blood cultures for infection came back negative.  That means his body fought off the bacteria and infection.  He was cleared to eat whatever he wants, for lunch today he had chicken, rice, fruit, and some chocolate pudding!  He was so excited and ate about 40% of everything.  Josh was able to get up from the bed again and walk to the chair where he sat and ate his breakfast.  Occupational therapy is in here now and they are working with him just sitting on the side of the bed and balancing for a while.  I really hope that I have been able to express how thankful we are for all of you praying, loving, and supporting us.  We love each and every one of you, even if we do not know you.  I'll say it again...God is Good!!!

Much Love,
Kalyn and Josh

August 18, 2011 9:30pm

Okay so it's getting late and I'm getting a little lazy so I am going to list all the positives today and then list all our prayer requests.  I'm sure you'll all understand.

Positives today:
1)  He got his catheter removed.
2)  He has been eating and drinking really well.
3)  He stood and walked across the room and sat in the chair again for an hour.
4)  His white count is still coming up.
5)  He may get to go to a regular room as soon as tomorrow.

As I type this he is getting schooled on his ostomy bag, and learning how to empty it and take care of it.  He seems pretty tired and has had another long but progressive day!

Specific Prayer Requests:
1)  Thank God for every milestone and hurdle we accomplish.
2)  That his white count will continue to rise.
3)  That we will move to a regular room soon so he can see Embyr.
4)  Continue to open his heart up to God and his goodness.

Thanks everyone!
Kalyn

August 18, 2011 10am

Good morning everyone, Josh got some really good sleep last night and he had a really good bath.  He is looking so much better!  The oncologist came in this morning and let us know that his white count is up higher today and will keep climbing.  He may need a blood transfusion today or tomorrow because they really want to up his red blood cells to give him some more energy.  Yesterday he met his goal of standing and sitting in a chair, today his goal will be to walk across his room.  He is trying to drink his ensure and eat jell-o, he's doing it but feeling full and bloated afterward.  I'm sure his stomach is just trying to stretch back out after not having anything for 10 days.  Will let everyone know more as the day goes on.  My goal is to update the blog at least twice a day, maybe more as things get easier.

Kalyn

August 17, 2011 10pm

Okay so we have had a pretty good day today.  He did a lot in terms of physical therapy, he sat, stood, walked and then sat in the chair for about an hour total.  It really made him tired though.  Josh also got to start drinking water and ensure (not the best diet but, it will do!), he also gets to do clear liquids, jell-o, popsicles, and things of that nature.  He had some visitors and seemed very cheerful this afternoon.  They'll keep him on this diet for a while and slowly move to more solids.  The doctor this evening said his white blood count is starting to come up!  Our prayers are working, God is definitely at work here!

Lots of Love,
Kalyn

August 17, 2011 12pm

Quick update: Josh got one chest tube out today and has had physical therapy.  He sat on the edge of the bed and then took a few steps to the chair and sat for about an hour.  Last night the nurse told him he could have some hard candy, he was in HEAVEN when I gave him a mango tango hard candy.  He was also cleared to drink water today and have some ensure.  We have also been praying together which has truly touched my heart and definitely reassured my faith!  Will give more details later!

Lots of Love and Thanks!
Kalyn

August 16, 2011 3pm

Josh is napping finally, he's had a very long morning.  He got physical therapy twice which was kind of grueling, but he sat on the side of the bed and worked his arms and legs really well.  They took his nasal gastric tube out today (Embyr and all of us have been calling it his "trunk").  He felt so much relief with that thing out.  He has gotten a dose of lasiks today to help take all the extra fluid off his body.  He is such an amazing man and has been so sweet and thankful to everyone he encounters.  It looks like his temp has come down a little, and he is out of pain at this moment.

Specific prayer requests:
1) That his immune system will kick in soon.
2) That infection will be totally wiped away.
3) And that his heart will stay touched by God!

Many Thanks for all your love and prayers,
Kalyn

August 16, 2011 9am

Good morning everyone, Josh has had a sleepless night and was in quite a bit of pain. I didn't get much sleep either but am going to have my mom sit with him in a little while so that I can try to get more rest.  Things may not be progressing as quickly as we thought they would.  His chest tubes will have to stay in another day or two and his heart rate is elevated.  He also has a low grade fever, they are most likely going to keep him here another day or two.  We just got finished praying together, he asked me to say the words while he repeated them.  God is amazing and we have all the faith in the world that all the prayers and love are working in his favor.  We see a full healing in progress no matter how bad things look.

Thanks again for all the prayers and may you all be blessed!
Kalyn

Baby Update!

I have been feeling really stressed and have not been taking care of myself lately.  I went to my OB and got to hear the baby's heartbeat, 155 bpm, and everything looks great!

Kalyn

August 15, 2011 11:45am

        Boy have we had a good morning! Good news all around...he had a good night and got some good rest with some bouts of pain. I stayed the night and actually got a bit of sleep as well.  This morning before I left the oncologist came in and seemed very optimistic, he was very happy the tumors have shrunk from the chemo and informed us that Josh is still trying to fight infection but is actually doing well considering they didn't know if he would even make it through the surgery Friday.  I then went home to clean and shower and my best friend Shauna came and sat with him for me.  One of the surgeons came in while she was here and told her that they may move him out of ICU as early as tomorrow if everything still looks this good. They will also try to take the chest tubes out tomorrow as well! So excited

         On an even bigger note, Shauna and Josh had a great visit this morning which included the two of them praying together and Josh whole heartedly accepting Jesus into his heart. Amen!  If anyone knows Josh they know that he has struggled with his faith sometimes and we are just so ecstatic to know that he has made such a wonderful step in this journey! The peace that has come with this news is just so powerful, God is amazing and showing us miracles everyday!!

         He is going to be getting physical therapy starting at noon today to try and increase his strength, he's not too excited about it but he knows he needs it.  That being said, he is stubborn but we have seen such a change in him since last Monday!

Specific Prayer Requests at this time:
1) That the infection is complete removed fom his body.
2) His white blood cell and platelets count come up soon.
3) That he will get into a regular room tomorrow!

Thank you again for all of your prayers.  They mean so much to our family at this time!

Love,
Kalyn

August 14, 2011 5pm

I am sitting in Josh's room and finally watching him nap. He has had a very long day, he is seriously fighting and is looking good.  He is able to talk and communicate and let me know what he needs.  He is on a little oxygen and his lungs look good, they're saying they might take the drains from his lungs out tomorrow.  The doctors are all glad that he woke up and is doing so well...we are NOT out of the woods yet but I have faith that his stubborn, strong will will keep him fighting; along with all the prayers and Gods wonderful healing powers!  They have told us that he is still at high risk for infection and blood clots, they started him on antibiotics and something else to help with clots.  I am so thankful and amazed at all the outpouring of love, support, and prayers. I wish I could call each one of you personally and tell you how grateful we are. We are praying that infection and blood clots stay away, that his bowels will wake up, and for a full body healing. Please continue all your prayers!

Much, Much LOVE,
Kalyn

Update Aug 14, 11:40am

Our prayers have been answered. Josh opened his eyes this morning. The doctor has removed the breathing tube and Josh is breathing on his own. He is awake and is talking a little, but the doctor is trying to limit his talking because he is very sore. He's groggy and confused, but we are blessed he has made such great progress. Thank you to everyone for the prayers and kind words. And thanks to all of those who have visited Josh and his family while in the hospital. I firmly believe it is the outpouring of love and prayers from friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers that has gotten Josh this far.

He is still recovering from the surgery and fighting the infection in his abdomen, and he still has a long road to a full recovery, but his current condition is a miracle for this family. Today is a great day!!! Please continue to pray.

Kelsey

August 13, 2011 9:45pm

Josh is doing pretty well, he made the first 29 hours and is stable.  He still has his intubation tube in but is thankfully breathing on his own.  They will try to take the tube out tomorrow and start trying to wake him up to see how he is feeling.  I know all our prayers are being heard and have been put into effect, what an amazing thing to watch.  It is still very critical but we have every hope that he will fight and we have faith that God will back him up.  Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts and please continue sending prayers his way. 

Thanks so much,
Kalyn

Update 9:45am

Thanks to everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers. We are so blessed and thankful that Josh made it through the night. News from the doctor this morning....his condition is now considered stable. The fluid is clearing from his lungs and that news is very promising, but he is still on the ventilator. The doctors have decided to leave him sedated today so he can rest and heal. More news will follow as we are updated by the doctors. Please continue to pray for small miracles. We are hopeful and confident that this battle is not over. Thank you all so much for your love and kindness. Kalyn and Josh are so blessed to have such a strong support in their family and friends. Keep praying!

Kelsey

August 13, 2011 9:08am

There have been no changes in Josh's condition at this time.

Specific Prayers...
1. White blood cells and platelet counts come up.
2. His lungs remain clear as fluid is being drained.
3. Body temperature and heart rate improve.
4. The infection to go away.

Thank you all for your prayers.

For inquiries on how to donate to Josh & Kalyn,
arrangements will be made...details will follow.

Posted by Chad

August 12, 2011 10:27 p.m.

Here is an update that someone shared on Kalyn's facebook page:

Updating for Kalyn: Josh had emergency surgery today, as he had what was thought to be an obstructed bowel. He has made it through surgery, but is currently on life support. Things are looking dire, and all thoughts and prayers are needed and appreciated. He had his first round of chemotherapy a few days ago, and his body will start responding to the treatment soon, compromising his immune system even more. Please pray for him, Kalyn, Embyr and their little baby on it's way.

Update from surgeon

Josh had a perforation in his intestine. He has a lot of infection and he has fluid on his lungs. Because of the infection the next 24 hours are critical. Josh is on full life support at this time.

Tessa

August 12, 2011 5:53 p.m.

Text from Jenna Josh's sister:

The doc just came and he will be out in fifteen minutes and is on full life support.  They said not much hope...

Continue to pray please.

August 12, 2011 2:33 pm

Text from Kalyn:

He's about to go in for surgery, they think he will survive it but maybe not the complications after.

I think it goes without saying PLEASE PRAY!

August 12, 2011 12:30 pm

I just talked with Kalyn.  Josh had an x-ray of his chest and abdominal area this morning.  The doctors are concerned that his small intestine is not working.  He will have an x-ray of his small intestine later today.  Josh is currently receiving nutritional supplements through his IV and the doctors have started him on antibiotics because his temperature has dropped and his heart rate is up.
The doctors think that the chemo and his lack of eating is partly to blame for his current condition.  He has a morphine pump to help with his pain and has been sedated for the majority of the day.  After the results from the x-rays and testing come back the doctors will determine a course of action.

Specific Prayer Requests:
1) That Josh's heart rate slows down and his temperature requlates.
2) That the doctors will find out what is causing the problems with his small intestine and determine treatment soon
3) Strength for Kalyn and Embyr and Wendy and Jenna (Josh's mom and sister)

Thank you for your prayers,
Tessa

Timeline in texts.

While this is not a complete timeline of all of the events that have occurred over the past month, it is all of the texts that I have received from Kalyn as things were being discovered and diagnosed.

Tessa

July 8, 2011
Josh is going in for a biopsy later today, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Will let everyone know how it went later.

Nevermind, everyone, he actually won't be getting the biopsy until Monday morning.

July 11, 2011
Josh had his biopsy this morning and is doing good.  We should know someting in the next couple of days.  Please keep up in your prayers.

July 12, 2011
I just wanted to let ya'll know that we got the test results a little bit ago and found out that Josh has Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.  The doctoer says it's the non agressive kind and Josh is eager to get healthy and fight it.  We still need lots of prayers and love and we appreciate all of the ones you've sent up already.

July 28, 2011
Josh had his bone marrow biopsy today and a CT scan and he did just fine.  We don't have any of the results yet but will let everyone know when we do.  Thanks for thinking and praying for Joshie!

August 2, 2011
Just wanted to give everyone an apdate, we heard back from the doctor today.  They told us that it (the cancer) has not spread to his lungs but is indeed in his bone marrow.  They also said that it looks like the tumors have not gotten any bigger and may have shrunk some.  They are keep him on a high dose of steroids for now and we have another appointment on the 16th of this month and hope to get chemo soon after the appointment.  I know our prayers are being heard, please continue to pray for Josh and a full recovery!

August 8, 2011
Hey everyone, I just wanted to give you all an update on Josh.  Last night he started having severe abdominal pains, I took him to St. Davids and the admitted us at 2:30 this morning.  They think he has a small bowel obstruction.  They are about to run more tests and try to keep his pain at bay.  Then we will have a surgical consult.  I will keep you posted as we find out more about what is going on.

Where to begin?

Good Morning All ~
It's Tessa, Kalyn's sister in law, I'm attempting to get this blog off the ground so that everyone can get updates on Josh as they come in.  Kalyn is exhausted as I'm sure Wendy and Jenna are also.  It's difficult to remember who has been updated, called, texted etc.  So in an effort to help keep family and friends as up to the minute as possible we will be adding posts to this blog for everyone to check.

Feel free to leave any comments, words of encouragment and prayers in the comments section.  We will leave this blog open to the public, rather than making it private, in an effort to make it acessible to everyone.

Thanks for supporting Josh and Kalyn and the family during this difficult time.

Tessa