San Francisco

From Justin:

Later on today, after quite a bit of driving, we're going to unboard ship in San Francisco. We will start by going across the Golden Gate Bridge. And then we're going to meet up with Jessi Misslin and possibly Billy Kasper's wife. Bob knows Billy. We just went through Napa Valley, so we're able to look at quite a few vineyards. They were pretty neat … well, if you like grapes. After San Francisco, we're going to look at some sequoia trees. Then we're going to head down to Las Vegas. Before all that, we're going to attempt to take a tour of Alcatraz, which obviously Andrew could have broken out of in no time flat with his eyes closed! I'm not sure if we're going to do anything else in San Francisco. Well, that's all, folks!

Vicky's B-Day

From Justin:

This morning we set out of Washington. As we arrived in Oregon, we met up with my cousin, Bria, who happens to be a track star at the University of Oregon. We did a quick tour of the University of Oregon and looked at all the stadiums.

Next, we went to the ocean. We spent a good little while there. None of us had been to the ocean in quite some time. It was very beautiful. One spot even looked a lot like the end of Goonies, except no giant octopus or pirate ship. But there was a very cool-looking house and lighthouse. All in all, it was a lot of fun ... and we headed out of Oregon by late morning. We have just been driving around the coastal highway. The ocean is right there, so we can always look out and peek at the ocean. Well, that's all, folks! We're 150 miles from California right now. I hope everyone is having a happy Sunday!

Seattle

From Justin:

The temperature today was 61 degrees here. First, we saw Mount Baker. It was from afar, but it was very beautiful. Then we went down to Seattle from Bellingham and met Britt and Nat … and went to the Space Needle, courtesy of Bob's friend, Ron Maderious. The Space Needle was awesome! We got really expensive meals in there. The food was great! Ron didn't even know me, but still bought me dessert, so that was really nice. And then we took a tour of Seattle with Britt and Nat. They were excellent tour guides!

Now we're heading south again, so all of our stays are pretty short. We're heading south to see Bob's nephew, Alex. We're about 10 minutes away from visiting him. So we're approximately an hour south of Seattle. I'm not sure if we're going to get another hotel after that ... or drive a little while and get one. But it's in the cards to get another hotel tonight. It has been a great trip so far. Everything seems to be working out in our favor because God is with us. Well, that's all, folks! Have a great night!

Vancouver

From Justin:

Vancouver was unreal! I did not realize how big and clean that city would be, but it was both. We went to this aquarium and spent most of the day there. It was in Stanley Park. The aquarium had all kinds of fish from the ocean, including sharks (even great whites), whales, sea otters, and many more. We saw some weird fish. There was this one called a sand eel. It would just sit there and look at you. It was weird. But it was really neat to see all of them. They did a lot of wheeling me around. Afterwards, we went over this huge bridge and looked at the river/ocean. And we were extremely high up as we were leaving Vancouver. This was the first time I've ever been in Canada. It was well worth it. We also had ice cream where they make everything homemade, including milking their own cows. We saw the Alaska Ferry, even from Bellingham. Uncle Rick makes great salmon, too.

My hair is coming back a little! I look like a balding, middle-aged guy. My uncle says that he takes offense to that. So far the trip has been a real peach. It's supposed to be 56 degrees tomorrow in Washington. We're heading down to Seattle tomorrow. Well, that's all, folks!

Thursday (Part 2)

From Justin:

Hello everybody. Phase 1 is completed. We made it all the way to Bellingham, but we have not yet begun our journey with Uncle Rick. We are heading to Vancouver tomorrow to spend the day. I can't wait to get up there. I hope it's everything it's cracked up to be. There has been a lot of driving so far, but we're going to be darn skippy to put it behind us. Obviously, there is a lot more, though. We're in to have a good night with Uncle Rick. Well, that's all, folks!

Thursday

From Justin:

We're 240 miles from Bellingham, so we should be there in about three hours. I'm going to take a nap now.

Wednesday (Part 3)

From Justin:

We have made it all the way to Washington State after 27 hours straight of driving. It wears you out big time, even if you're just riding. We're staying tonight in Spokane. We're going to leave tomorrow morning, but we're darn happy to make it to Washington tonight. I hope everybody has a great night. Well, that's all, folks!

Wednesday (Part 2)

From Justin:

We were heading through North Dakota, but now we're making our way through Montana. We just passed through Billings. There has been a little bit of snow, but not too bad. Happy Valentines Day to everyone from your traveling crew!

Wednesday

From Justin:

We're off like a herd of turtles on our trip. We're in North Dakota right now -- in the middle of nowhere. We're heading out to the Great Northwest. We have no projected arrival time, but we're making our way to Washington. We already got in four games of Skip-Bo. I lost three of them, but it was still fun. The ride has been a little bumpy so far, which is difficult for me because of my balance. But I'm figuring that out, so it is what it is. It was great to hear from my cousins in Iraq on Sunday, even though I may have been short and sweet, but I love talking to them. Nothing new happened today. Brent, Kim, Jon, and I had a great talk last night. That was very beneficial. They helped me cope with the subject of everlasting life. I hope everybody has a great night. Thank you all for your support and positive energy! Well, that's all, folks!

TODAY WAS GOOD DAY...

TOMORROW WE LEAVE ON OUR TRIP. SO THAT'LL BE NICE. I HAD ABOUT 2 BILLION PEOPLE STOP BY TONIGHT. IT WAS NICE TO SEE EVERYONE. HOWEVER, I GOT REALLY WORN OUT. WELL THAT'S ALL FOLKS!

AN INVASION...

IN THE BEST WAY. TONIGHT THE CRAVE GROUP STOPPED BY TO SEE US OFF ON OUR TRIP, THEY ALSO CAME BEARING GIFTS. IT WAS VERY NICE OF THEM. THE PLAN IS TO GO SEATTLE FIRST, AND SPEND SOMETIME WITH BRIT. THE HEAD TO BELLINGHAM YO SPEND TIME WITH UNCLE RICKY. NEXT WE ARE PLANNINGS ON GOING TO GO TO VANCOUVER. RUMOR HAS IT IT'S BEAUTIFUL CITY. THEN WE ARE OFF TO SAN FRAN NEXT TO SEE THE SIGHTS THERE. THEN WITH WITH QUICK STOP THROUGH VEGAS, WE'LL BE OFF TO THE GRAND CANYON. THEN BACK UP THROUGH CO ABD OVER KA TO SEE THE FAM. SO, THAT'LL BE VERY NICE. EARLIER TODAY NY COUSINS CALLED FROM IRAQ. IT WAS GOOD TO HEAR FROM THEM AS WELL. WE PRAY FOR THEM NIGHTLY. I LOVE THEM A LOT. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

IT'S BEEN A GREAT WEEKEND...

MY PEOPS FROM CO ARE IN TOWN. IT'S BEEN GREAT HAVING THEM ALL HERE. IT IS NICE TO SEE TOM AND TO MEET HIS LADY. I SAW A HOLE BUNCH OF FRIENDS TODAY AND THAT WAS FUN AS WELL. ON TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY WE LEAVE FOR OUR ROAD TRIP. TOM WILL BE IN TOWN UNTIL TOMORROW, THEN THEY'LL BE BACK IN CO. WELL THAT'S ALL FOLKS.

Update (Friday)

I just wanted to post a message and let everyone know that Justin is now back home and resting. He left the hospital this morning. The doctors said that it would be OK if he left for his trip on Wednesday, so that's the plan right now. Hopefully Justin will be posting soon. Keep the positive energy and prayers flowing for Team Justin!

LATELY...

NOTHING NEW IS GOING ON. TONIGHT I BELIEVE THE GOPHERS WILL PLAY IN BASKETBALL AND WE ARE 1 WEEK FROM OUR TRIP. MY BLOOD COUNTS HAVE BEEN REALLY GOOD AND I HAVE BEEN FEELING GREAT. I AM SUPPOSE TO GET OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ON FRIDAY. HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

JJ

BIG P ACK NEWS...

I FORGOT TO MENTION IT IS HUGE FOR THE PACKERS TO HAVE BRETT FAVRE BACK FOR 2007!! GO PACK!!

I found out that we'll still be able to go on our vacation; however, now we are backing it up a step and I'm worried about getting better. My trip depends on how healthy I stay. Hopefully I'll be 100% healthly the whole trip and return the same.

Superbowl

It was actually a closer game than the score really indicated although the Bears were never really in it. Today was a good day all around. Yesterday I felt like junk and just wanted to sit here and try to feel better. I was on the breathing machine all night, and although it was very loud today my breathing is better so it was beneficial. Today I have felt normal and my breathing is good but we are going to do one more night on the breathing machine to ensure I am better. I feel a lot better - I even look better according to individuals that have seen me, i.e., my parents. My voice is even getting better since I am not short of breath. Now when I cough my whole chest doesn't hurt. Our trip will be postponed slightly since I am not sure how long I will be in these walls. Grandpa Bernie is helping us find a wonderful motor home to use for our trip. Please pray for a safe trip for us with great weather. Hope you all have fantastic plans coming up, and have a great night.

Update (Sunday)

Justin is still resting comfortably. It looks like he'll be in the hospital until midweek, so his trip out West has been delayed until the following week. Justin can't take calls yet, but I will post a message when he can. Thanks to everyone for the continued support! Keep the positive energy and prayers flowing for Team Justin!

Another Update (Late Saturday)

I just wanted to give another quick update. Justin is resting more comfortably. His oxygen levels are coming up. It appears that the antibiotics (that he's taking to help his lungs) are working. He's also eating a little bit. Hopefully the 'team captain' will be back posting soon! Keep the positive energy and prayers flowing for Team Justin!

Update (Saturday)

I just wanted to update everyone on Justin's condition. I just spoke with Justin's father, Don. Justin had shortness of breath early this morning, so he was rushed to the emergency room at the hospital (Fairview University). He has fluid buildup in his lungs, so he's taking antibiotics. It is suspected that he has pneumonia. Justin's phone has been ringing nonstop today, so thanks so much to everyone for all the support! The support from family and friends has been amazing. Justin can't take calls right now, unfortunately, but I will try to post to let everyone know when he can. Please keep praying! Thanks!

Friday

One day after I got the bad news I have had a great day. Not sure why but happy about it. We are starting to plan our trip out west. It should be a lot of fun. I'll try to keep up with the blog on the trip. Well nothing so if there is I'll post if not I won't post.

MEETING WITH DOCTORS ON THURSDAY

Today I met with the doctors and things went as well as I expected. Not good. As I had already known the radiation and oral chemo shrunk my cancer in parts of the spine and maintained everything in the brain and lower spine. However, although this sounds pretty good it is not. My cancer is not going away. They can maintain where it is at for a while, however, it is going to eventually get worse and ultimately lead to my demise. We do not know how long this will be. This is not good. Next week my mom, bob, dad, vicky and me are all setting out in the motor home (a rental) and heading to the great northwest in the form of Vancouver, Seattle, Washington, San Franciscco, The Grand Canyon. I know some of these aren't in the great northwest, but deal with it. All these are major cities that I have never been too, and they are cities with friends and family located in them. Thus, we will be making many stops on this road trip to say hi to many of my friends. So watch out if you are on the way. I am really looking forward to this roadtrip, however, it is weird not knowing how much time I have left, and not knowing how much time I have here on God's green earth. Make sure if you have any questions, post them here, and I hope you are all having a great day.

That's all folks!!

MEETING TODAY

TODAY IS A BIG DAY FOR US. AT 10 TODAY WE MEET WITH THE DOCTORS TO GET THEIR OPINIONS ON WHAT THEY RECOMMEND NEXT, AND WHAT AND WHY THEY RECOMMEND WHAT THEY DO. FURTHERMORE, WE ARE GOING TO GET TOUGH ON THIS CHEMO AND DO SOME DAMAGE. OUR HOPE IS THAT NO MATTER WHAT IS RECOMMENDED, IT'LL BE HELPFUL IN THE END. WE KNOW THE ODDS HAVEN'T MOVED MUCH, BUT WE NEED TO BEAT THEM. SO LET'S GO TEAM JUSTIN. HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

Jim Valvano ESPY Awards Speech 1993

Jimmy was a big figure in the sports world as an announcer, coach and player. Here is an amazing speech he gave shortly before his death. Due to copyright laws, YouTube has removed this video. I apologize that it's no longer available.

TUESDAY = GOOD, WHERE TO NOW...

I FOUND OUT YESTERDAY THAT THERE IS NOT A NEED TO CONTINUE RADIATION AS IT HAS CAUSED ME DIARRHEA AND PUT ME IN DISCOMFORT FOR A WEEK. SO WHEN THEY CONSIDERED WHAT I WAS GOING THROUGH THEY KNEW THE RADIATION WASN'T SHRINKING THE CANCER ENOUGH TO KEEP GOING. THAT'S WHY ITS BEEN DISCONTINUED. EVERYTHING ELSE SO FAR HAS THIS WEEK BEEN GREAT. THE SUPER BOWL IS COMING SUNDAY, UFC SATURDAY AND I HAVE VISITORS NONSTOP ALL WEEK. MY LOVING AUNTIE IS IN TOWN FROM WINONA STAYING WITH US, THEN OTHERS HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE IN AND OUT ALL WEEK. NOT TOO MUCH ACTION BUT JUST ENOUGH. TOMORROW THE STATE APPOINTS A PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT TO ME, SHE'LL BE CALLED, "WANNA BE ANDY." SHE IS AN INTERN STILL A STUDENT. NOT THE EXPERIENCE LEVEL OF ANDY, BUT WHAT CAN YA DO. OH YA SO ON THURSDAY WE'LL KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT FOR ME. JUST TO LET EVERYONE KNOW IF THIS CHEMO DOES NOT WORK OUT I AM OUT OF OPTIONS. THAT'S ALL. THIS TIME THEY DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER DOOR TO OPEN. SO LETS KEEP THE POSITIVE ENERGY FLOWING AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

Monday, T-Wolves win!! Wow!!

There ended up being no decision to make as my medical staff discontinued the radiation. This decision was really weighing on me. It was nice to have my mind made for me. Now I have a similar to make with the chemo. Can my body handle it? Anyhow, my bro and the fam left today. I miss him greatly. He's great guy. My auntie is staying with me tonight. The rest of the day I just got caught up on rest. I needed it too. Man I was tired. Well have a great day.

TODAY MY FRIENDS F/CO DEPARTED MN, TOMORROW MY BRO, WIFE AND BOYS ARE LEAVING AS WELL ....

EVERYONE IS HEADING HOME TO EVENTUALLY GET BACK IN THEIR ROUTINES. I'LL BE LEFT WITH A DIFFERENT DECISION. I FOUND OUT I COULD CONTINUE RADIATION HOWEVER, MY BLOOD COUNTS STRUGGLING TO RECOVER SO I AM NOT SURE THIS IS THE BEST DECISION. FOR ME THE QUESTION WOULD BE WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE? ULTIMATELY, I'LL HAVE A LOT WEIGH, BUT I'LL TAKE MY TIME AND HOPEFULLY MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION. I AM PRETTY DARN CONFIDENT WITH THE LORD ON AND ALL OF YOU ON MY TEAM.

Things could be on the up and up!

I had a brain and spinal MRI on Thursday. Things went well, but we did not have the results for the brain portion of the MRI when we left the hospital on Friday. The cancer has been reduced in the upper part of the spine, which was encouraging to us all! After so many disappointments this was great news! It does not appear to be affecting the lower part of the spine, which would have been great, but kinda unrealistic.....which the Dr. told us. Sorry I haven't blogged in the last couple of days, I have had a lot of company in town the last couple of days. Once things slow down around here I'll put a few more posts up.......Until then they will be kinda sparatic. Have a great day and I'll talk to you soon.

Working with others

I hope you all consider us a team, because right now I depend on each and every one of you. First I want to thank everyone for the support you offer when you are with me, and the support you offer when you are not around. I hope you all have fun when you come to visit me. I love seeing all of you but sometimes I need my rest. The treatments and meds really wear me out and sometimes I just need to sleep. It's taking a lot for me to let people know that they don't need to stay with me. I will let you know if I am too tired. With what I am going through I often become too tired and need to take a little nap. I hope none of you take offense to this. Thanks again for all of your support and keep the positive energy in the room.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

The Doctors wanted to start my chemo yesterday but my blood counts have been really low lately. The second straight day my blood counts dropped. Also some key counts of mine are not getting better. They are thinking about postponing chemotherapy until at least Monday and see where my blood counts are at that time. As for I - I would like to get started on the chemo asap, but it won't be that bad because my brother and his family, and some friends of mine from Colorado will be coming in on Thursday and staying for the weekend. This should be a very busy weekend and I can't wait to see all you guys. I am still doing my radiation, but they may postpone it after tomorrow because they would like to see some advancements in my blood counts. Tomorrow after radiation I am having a full spine and head MRI to see how the cancer in my brain and spine are responding to radiation. They are hoping that my spine has been improving through the radiation and again that the cancer in my brain is not getting worse. The MRI should show this. If the spine is getting better and the brain looks good (ideal) they will keep the same treatment in place. If things are looking better, but I am still having issues with balance, strength, and vision then they are going to postpone radiation and go with chemotherapy. If the spine is showing advancement but the brain is not they are going to switch from radiation to chemotherapy. If both the spine and the brain are regressing, then all the doctors will get together and decide what the next step will be. Thus, I may or may not be in the hospital tomorrow night. We'll see what the day brings. If you are planning on visiting me be sure to call first. Andrew, thanks again for your terrific blog - I can't wait to be able to view it - but it must be terrific by the feedback. Hope you all have a great night and thank you for your support.

More waiting around...

As most of you know the hospital really wears your patience. That was no more evident then today. I got in for radiation right away. So that went well. Then I got into my room right away. Still no waiting yet. Then they took me out of the room I was in, because I had my room ready. However, the kid who was in the room didn't come back to get him. So he sat in the room for almost 4 hours, which meant I sat in the waiting room for almost 4 hours. I had 3 visitors in the waiting room. My Ma and I played a bunch a Skip-Bo while we waited. At this point I got diarrhea and my bathroom wasn't available to me. Moreover, the bathroom wasn't right in the corner it was a ways down the hall. Have a great day.

Friday's results...

We've got the results from Friday back today, and they're indifferent. There are a few new spots in my brain (we were hoping for nothing too harsh). But the Doc does not feel that these (because of location) will have anything to do with balance, vision or strength issues. Tentatively I am going to begin chemotherapy soon, and I am that not sure when that will be. They are thinking possibly tomorrow. I believe that's what they are going to try next, because the sooner we get some results from chemo. Keep on praying, love yall. Hace a great night.

Testimonial....

Hey all,

Just so everyone knows after I woke up a long nap and I felt alright, earlier my back was hurting severely, my tummy not feeling well eithet. Sorry I had to cancel tonight, I just want to feel better when I do this. I was really looking forward to it, so I can do it any other night. Just so everyone knows I did not give my testimonial today as I didn't feel well. It is tentatively rescheduled for next Sunday. Well have a great night.

JJ

Friday and Saturday

Sorry I haven't gotten this out to you sooner. I have had some computer problems the last few days. I did the MRI on Friday and it will probably be Monday before we find out the results. They probably had them Friday night but none of my doctors are around on the weekend. My vision continues to get worse, wheras I think my strength is getting better.

All in all the MRI went really fast and really well, but every time I crawl up in that little tube it seems to be getting smaller and smaller. Tomorrow night I give my testimonial and I am filled with excitement along with nervous energy even though I am sure it will go really well and I have done this before, I am still really nervous. I wish you all could be here to see my testimonial tomorrow. Have a great night.

Friday and beyond ...

Tomorrow I am doing another MRI in hopes that they'll uncover something leading to my weakness, balance, and most of all sight issues. I hope they have a plan soon because my vision has been getting poor (this is very difficult to explain, I cannot explain this, so please don't ask). On Sunday I am giving my faith testimonial. I have done this before; however, many things have changed with my faith since. This will be a lot of fun on Sunday. The radiations have gone well and that's all folks.

Sorry I haven't gotten around to posting lately ...

I've been busy with friends and relatives visiting. Also, my uncle Rick just left town yesterday ... and my brother was in town the weekend before, so I've been exhausted. It was great to see everybody. I can't wait until we can all do it again. Radiation has gone as planned. My vision is still poor, as is my strength. However, I've been feeling really well and have no explanation for this, nor do the doctors. Rick left town yesterday just after five in the afternoon ... and I got a chance to see a lot of relatives that I hadn't seen in a while or that I just wanted to see this weekend. So thank you all for coming out. My brother and his family are supposed to be back in a couple of weeks, so that should be a nice treat as well. And as you can all see, I should have some friends coming in from Colorado as well, and that too should be a treat. Hope you all have a great day. I'll do my best to get back on here as soon as anything cool happens.

Yesterday and today....

Things are going really well physically. I've been feeling great, however, my strength, vision and balance have been getting worse since this last August. They are not as bad as they were after the August 1, 2005 surgery. However, just this week in the house I have started using the wheelchair and a hospital bed.
Hopefully with the 16 sessions of radiation I'm going to build my strength, balance and vision back up to not needing the wheelchair or hospital bed.
I've never talked about my emotional side. The main thing that gets on my nerves from time to time is simply when I make a suggestion and individuals take offense to it. Please don't take offense to this. I'm only making a suggestion to protect myself from harm.
If you have any questions on anything don't be afraid to ask. I will do my best to answer them. None of us have ever been through this so we are blind.
Have a great night.

Good info, some worthless...

I hope we'll all pray for the military. I guess I have a lot at stake over there, so the extended stay of many troops makes me sad cause it just means it'll be a little longer before I can see them. Love you gals. By the way I try not impose my opinion to others. My uncle is going back in April, but we should all be praying for our troops safety. I feel its best to always pray for our troops, safe return, liberating Iraq, and protecting us. Thank you. On a lighter side the Kyle, my bro, and my uncle Tim went out to spread manure on the field. However, Tim hooked the hydro's up backwards and they both got doused in cow manure. Tim was really pissed off; however, Kyle was just too young. A lot more family this with weekend. I don't have any radiation until Monday and fam here this weekend I may not have time to post.

More radiation...

I had my 3rd radiation treatment. It has been going pretty well. I have been getting tired lately, but that could be caused by me staying up at night dinking around on the laptop. Last night a bunch friends came over. It was a lot of fun. I was planning on having them all over, but I had ask them all to leave. Then, today I had six relatives over to see me. So again I was really blessed. The treatment yesterday went well and so did today. Last time radiation seemed pretty tiring toward the end. Stay in touch. Keep those positive vibes migrating this way, have a great night.

Start of radiation... take two.

Well today I started radiation, again. I haven't been back visit other then the to see Tony in a year and a few months. I have been staying up late lately, so I have slept right thru everything. However, the first real day went well. Then and I am not sure how beneficial this is because I forgot to ask, but they looked at my old chart incorrectly, so instead of having 10 days of radiation I have 16 days. They did more before in other places. So I did that and you'll never believe it, but I like shopping at Target and Walmart. So Mas and I shopped the clearances pretty hard. We won!! Then we went home and crashed. Well everyone have a great night and syanara everyone!!

Tuesday...

I got all set up for radiation, but I'll start it tomorrow at 8:30am. They do a simulation first which just sets up the treatment. My doc decided we didn't need to start today. In case we have confusion, with the last blog I was given 2 options, basically they are one in the same. 1 we do chemo then radiation, or radiation first with chemo the latter. The smaller we get the cancer before we start the radiation the better. However, this wasn't really an option to wait as my neurological functions are worsening rapidly. Although the radiation is riskier with more cancer there, we figured it may further down the road that I'll see the effects. We are hoping that first some of my functions start coming back soon. We are hoping for a lot of things, but that is the first thing. If I took chemo first, the risk of nerve damage would go way down, however, my neurological functions will take a lot longer to improve with the chemo. So that is the trade off. Please keep for us in in our corner. Take care JJ.

Today...

I got my options today and I would say things are about as I expected, not good. Basically, I went from an 80% chance, which the BBBD provided which was affective in the brain, however not in my spine.it couldn't get low enough for me and thhe cancer built up in my spine. So my options would be starting chemo now, and radiation later or radiation now and chemo later. My chances are at 10% now, which means there is a 10% of ridding myself of the cancer itself now. Ultimately, if we do not kill the cancer at some point it will kill me. Scary huh? So that stinks. Hopefully if I can even buy a little time good things may happen. The good news is Jesus called and he is waiting for JJ's arrival at some point. Don't worry we're not giving, its like a man smarter than myself once said "if there's fight left in the dog let'em fight." Myself, my family, my friends, God and the medical staff we're ready for a war. The longer we wait on the radiation the less risky things are. However, the radiation could kill s Or the option I think I am going to go with is radiation now and chemo later. This is a little riskier, because eventual there could be spinal nerve damage. However that may be years away, or never... hopefully. The prob with the chemo now is it may take longer for my neurological functions to come back, which are a problem now. So the sooner they come back will matter. The radiation should take affect now, it just has potential problems down the road. I think I'll worry about the here and now for a while through. Thoughts and prayers appreciated. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have. Have a great night.

Big Day...

Nothing really happened today, but tomorrow is a big day in that we learn our next options. I am nervous. Today I did see grandpa and grandma, Tim and Kay, Brendan, Cheryl and Cole all relatives, yesterday a bunch of friends stopped by. The list there is long. My bro is still in town and I couldn't be happier if I was a puppy with 2 peters. He's coming with tomorrow to hear what could be scary stuff. It'll be a lot easier with him there. Keep those prayers rolling in and I'll keep yall posted.

One day...

One day removed things seemed a lot better, Thursday night we had our playoff fantasy football draft, then the big news my bro flew in town tonight. I found out he was on his way and I got really excited. Couldn't even concentrate. Which right now is a good thing. The start tomorrow, so tonight went really well, no tears. Kyle is in until Tuesday, so I'll have a lot of time to spend with him. Thanks Lord, it's great to see him. Right the more I keep my mind off the bad news the better or easier it is for me. It ain't easy to keep this ole bird down. Ally leave Randy alone, he's not a nut bird, oh what ya he is too, a big one too. Sorry Randy, but we all know it. Well everyone lets keep the prayer and positive energy keep flowing and God'll send that stupid chemo packing love yall!

Bad News...

As if things couldn't get worse, I found out the cancer is getting worse in my spine, but mostly gone in my brain. Anyhow, we are not going to do the BBBD anymore, it's not getting the spine. So on Monday they'll try to figure out a new plan, it's back to the drawing board. Hopefully the next plan works better. This afternoon has been full of tears, not the news I wanted. Life goes on. I'll have more on Monday, til then lots of prayer appreciated.

Good Day for Minnesota basketball...

First the Gophers won their Big Ten opener then the T-Wolves upset the Spurs. Wow! My MRI went well but we won't hear results until tomorrow. So wish me luck. Keep praying. All God's accepted. I'll post as soon as I hear anything. Good night.

Today was one bad day...

My weakness has been going downhill for some time now and today it hit a low. Tomorrow I got an MRI to try to figure out what's going on. Hopefully they find something. I'll know late tomorrow. Today was the first time Andy couldn't hold me up. I mean my strength has gotten really bad. So pray please, I'll need it.

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!! Hope you all brought it in with a bang! I am looking forward to a great 2007. Nothing new here. I am feeling great, but my balance and strength have been diminishing. So hopefully we get that figured out. All in all though the Pack finished strong, the Twins are right around the corner and the Gophs start Big Ten B- Ball soon. So Happy New Year!! Oh ya, and UFC was good last night with another good one coming up. Later.

Derek Redmond and Dad...

No one has probably heard of Derek Redmond of Great Britain, nor had I, is in agony as he is helped to the finish line by his father, Jim, after tearing his hamstring muscle in the semi-finals of the men's 400 meter run.

Redmond collapsed about half way through the race with the injury, but got up, determined to finish despite the pain. His father came out of the stands and onto the track to help his son. Redmond initially tried to push him away, not realizing who he was, but then heard a familiar voice. "Derek, it's me" his father said.

Redmond told his father "I've got to finish this race." His father said "If you're gonna finish the race, we'll finish it together."

With his father's help, Redmond made it to the finish line.

Redmond, a brilliant runner whose career was plagued by injuries, had previously suffered a similar fate during qualifying for the 400 meter race in the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. In a qualifying heat for the 400 meter race, he pulled an Achilles tendon, an injury that led to five surgeries.

Later, watching a video of that 1992 Olympic race, Redmond said "I don't think I've ever cried so much in my life. It's more embarrassing than anything else--men don't cry."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDsigCRtoyg

The World's Strongest Dad

The following is a great story written by Rick Reilly of Sports Illustrated. It appeared in the June 20, 2005 issue of Sports Illustrated.

I try to be a good father. Give my kids mulligans. Work nights to pay for their text messaging. Take them to swimsuit shoots.

But compared with Dick Hoyt, I suck.

Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars -- all in the same day.

Dick's also pulled him cross-country skiing, taken him on his back mountain climbing and once hauled him across the U.S. on a bike. Makes taking your son bowling look a little lame, right?

And what has Rick done for his father? Not much -- except save his life.

This love story began in Winchester, Mass., 43 years ago, when Rick was strangled by the umbilical cord during birth, leaving him brain-damaged and unable to control his limbs.

"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life," Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an institution."

But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain."

"Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain.

Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!" And after a high school classmate was paralyzed in an accident and the school organized a charity run for him, Rick pecked out, "Dad, I want to do that."

Yeah, right. How was Dick, a self-described "porker" who never ran more than a mile at a time, going to push his son five miles? Still, he tried. "Then it was me who was handicapped," Dick says. "I was sore for two weeks."

That day changed Rick's life. "Dad," he typed, "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!"

And that sentence changed Dick's life. He became obsessed with giving Rick that feeling as often as he could. He got into such hard-belly shape that he and Rick were ready to try the 1979 Boston Marathon.

"No way," Dick was told by a race official. The Hoyts weren't quite a single runner, and they weren't quite a wheelchair competitor. For a few years Dick and Rick just joined the massive field and ran anyway, then they found a way to get into the race officially: In 1983 they ran another marathon so fast they made the qualifying time for Boston the following year.

Then somebody said, "Hey, Dick, why not a triathlon?"

How's a guy who never learned to swim and hadn't ridden a bike since he was six going to haul his 110-pound kid through a triathlon? Still, Dick tried.

Now they've done 212 triathlons, including four grueling 15-hour Ironmans in Hawaii. It must be a buzzkill to be a 25-year-old stud getting passed by an old guy towing a grown man in a dinghy, don't you think?

Hey, Dick, why not see how you'd do on your own? "No way," he says. Dick does it purely for "the awesome feeling" he gets seeing Rick with a cantaloupe smile as they run, swim and ride together.

This year, at ages 65 and 43, Dick and Rick finished their 24th Boston Marathon, in 5,083rd place out of more than 20,000 starters. Their best time? Two hours, 40 minutes in 1992 -- only 35 minutes off the world record, which, in case you don't keep track of these things, happens to be held by a guy who was not pushing another man in a wheelchair at the time.

"No question about it," Rick types. "My dad is the Father of the Century."

And Dick got something else out of all this too. Two years ago he had a mild heart attack during a race. Doctors found that one of his arteries was 95% clogged. "If you hadn't been in such great shape," one doctor told him, "you probably would've died 15 years ago."

So, in a way, Dick and Rick saved each other's life.

Rick, who has his own apartment (he gets home care) and works in Boston, and Dick, retired from the military and living in Holland, Mass., always find ways to be together. They give speeches around the country and compete in some backbreaking race every weekend, including this Father's Day.

That night, Rick will buy his dad dinner, but the thing he really wants to give him is a gift he can never buy.

"The thing I'd most like," Rick types, "is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

12-27-2006 Courage Center...

I am talking about doing an extended rehab at the Courage Center. This may be the best thing for me as we don't know where to go or what to do next. So prayers are invited please God help me make the right decision.

12-27-2006 Merry Christmas

Everything is going great. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!! Hope all your holiday wishes come true.

12-21-2006 Great News

I got some great news today. 5 cancer spots appeared last time they did an MRI, only 1 is there now. We'll learn more next month on the 20th. I have a full MRI schedule, but 4 spots gone after 1 treatment. I just finished #2 and I am TIRED. It went really well though. Tonight we celebrated Christmas at Ma's and Bub's. The food was to die for. It was fun. Sang songs and opened presents. I got my two front teeth. j/k Ryan. So, everything is going well for me. Go Grandpa Go!!

Here two great examples of perspectives:

#1:

I'll start out by saying that many times it is hard to know if I should be asking you the difficult questions, or without seeing or talking to you everyday, not knowing maybe if you'd gotten some bad news or something that day, if even asking how are you doing, how have you been, is appropriate. Going back to the beginning, when I first heard you had a tumor, I wasn't overly concerned. Maybe it was being naive, maybe it was what I'd heard from you, your dad, Tim and Kay, that the doctors assuring that everything was going to be fine, and that you'd be back on your feet in no time. Plus you get a false sense of security sometimes that, our family is a good, Christian family, and God wouldn't let bad things happen to anyone in our family.

Even after the surgery, when they found out the tumor was cancerous, it was like, ok, they are confident they've removed everything, and the chemo is just a matter of making sure everything gets cleaned up. It's been hard to watch the physical aspect. It's hard watching someone you grew up with, and hung out with, and played on the tractors with at grandpa and grandma's, and took shortcuts with on the bike ride, all of a sudden struggle to walk to the bathroom, and really have to concentrate to speak clearly enough to understand. Again without knowing what to expect, maybe my expectations of seeing progress were unrealistic. I realize the side effects in your case are in the very small percentile of those that have had this surgery, but sometimes it has been discouraging to see. I'm sure at times it's been 10 times as hard for you. I guess I've been too scared to ask questions like, have the doctors given you a chances of survival percentage? Like are they 90% sure you'll survive this, or is it more like 70/30, 50/50?? If this new procedure doesn't work, are there still other alternatives or options to try? What's the likelihood that you will get back to being able to walk without assistance, or play ball again, driving, running, etc.? And is there a timeframe on that?

It's also been hard because it seem like there's just been so many setbacks that it seems like every time it looks as if the situation is or has improved, something else comes up that knocks you back. It's hard sometimes not to wonder if this is ever going to get better. I think your outlook and attitude through this whole situation has been amazing. I don't think I would be as positive about life as you are if our situations were reversed. No matter what kind of curves are thrown at you, you just seem to get up, dust yourself off, and move forward. I also admire you for continuing to do the things that make you happy, traveling, continuing your education, visiting family and friends whenever possible, fantasy football and baseball, etc. etc. etc. You seem very determined that no matter what, you letting this get you down. Maybe doing these other things helps you take your mind off of it too. I mean, you have to deal with it every second of every day. You need to try to do these other things probably to keep you from going crazy. I know that me growing up in Lewiston and you growing up in Chaska, that we aren’t best friends like maybe Kels and Tor, and you probably have friends that you confide in more than you would be, but I'll just say that anytime you need anything, a ride somewhere, someone to go get something to eat with, go to a movie, watch a ballgame, whatever, just let me know, I'd be more than happy to do it. Not a lot else to say I guess. Kind of rambling here. Just wanted to say that there isn't a day goes by that I don't think about you and pray for you and hope like hell that you get through this. Hang in there and keep on fighting. Take care buddy.

#2:

An e-mail obviously wouldn't do justice to this subject for me. You have always been my BEST friend. I could probably write over a thousand pages about how much you have inspired me and changed the way I look at so many things in life from August 1, 2005 to present. I could probably write over a million pages chronicling our lives together from about 1985 to present. Just about every single memory I have growing up involves you. My three brothers, Jeremy, Jon, and Justin, have made me who I am today.

I really believe it was God's plan for me start my business (RevWrestling.com) if for no other reason than because it allowed me the flexibility to spend just about every day with my BEST friend. Honestly, I couldn't ask for a greater gift.

We are going to beat this cancer like Mike Tyson used to beat his opponents before Buster Douglas. Or like Johan Santana, Ben Askren, and Georges St. Pierre dominate their opponents now. Or like the Eden Prairie Apples are going to whoop Go Twins in our next SimLeague!

Thanks for being my BEST friend, JJ. Talk to you soon, buddy!

Believe me, there is no hurry placed here. Instead can I get your questions, place your feelings at different points, from being diagnosed, to surgery, to radiation, to chemo, cancer coming back, etc. All of these have been great obstacles in my life. If you cannot remember that far back, don't worry. Love yall. Thanks.

12-19-2006 Everything is great, just ask TCU.

All is good here, nothing too new going on. I start my second Blood Brain Barrier Disruption in a few hours. The first one went well, so let us hope for this to do the same. I had a Ct Scan that went well earlier then I have been in hospital the rest of the day. Nothing exciting, I'll let yall know how the BBBD goes. Grandpa we are all in your corner love you.

12-17-2006 Great day

Today was a great day. This morning Vicky sang in the church choir's Christmas program. It was great. Then we got some coffee. Obviously the Packers won cause there sweet. Then tonight at our crave meeting we had a former Muslim turned Christian give a talk. It was very insightful. If you leave Islam, you put your life in danger, plus your family disowns you. It was a huge deal. Anyhow, that's all folks Go Twins!!

12-16-2006 It's a Wonderful Life.

Last night I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Annette Hartmen's (a good friend of mine) art show. It was a blast. Former Gopher John Thomas was there. I wonder what his momma fed him growing up? Cause he is a big boy. Then today we did photo's with the fam, and watched It's a Wonderful Life. That's a great movie and it is. Tomorrow should be great too. Our church has its Christmas show and Vicky is going to be singing. So it should be fun. Well all for now, Go Twins!

12-14-2006

Nothing new happened today. Andy was sick today so T-Boggs filled in. Andy felt better at night. I took a break from occupational and physical therapy, but I went back yesterday. I took about month My Doc thought it was a good idea so I wouldn't get burned out. Let's Go Twins!!

12-13-2006 Mr. CHS....

At Chaska High every year now they have a thing called Mr. CHS where the men compete in four competitions: orange wear, swim wear, formal wear and a talent competition. Although this year was good as always, last years was a little crazier and funnier. This event is set off by a non-profit organization called Miracles for Mitch. Mitch was a 9 1/2 year old boy who lost his life to cancer. Incidentally, his favorite color was orange. The Miracles for Mitch organization is amazing. In just less than 4 years it has really given his parents a new focus in life and its growth is just outstanding. So every year a new student wins the contest, but beating cancer is always the true victor.

JJ 12/12/06

Well, instead of sending out emails to update everyone, I am going to try and blog every day. If there's no blog, nothing happened that day.

I have been in the hospital a lot lately, but I have been feeling great. I got out on Sunday and Mya was baptized, I am her Godfather, so you could call me the Godfather, I'll answer. Today we went to Lion's Tap. Good food, then came home. Lame. Email questions and I'll answer here.

Picture: Me, Dana White, and Andy

We met UFC President Dana White in Las Vegas.