JOSHUA'S JOURNEY

Welcome to Joshua's Web Page. It has been provided to keep people updated with Josh's progress.

On March 26th of 2003 Josh was diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. Approximately 250 children per year are diagnosed with this rare disease. It is a soft tissue malignant tumor of skeletal muscle origin. It is a curable disease in the majority of children who receive optimal therapy. We found Josh's tumor very early. It was located in the lower orbit of his right eye. I had noticed some swelling for a few days and within a week, we had him in the doctors office. Things went very rapidly from that point. Within 2 weeks of the initial swelling, he had already had surgery to remove the tumor and had received his first dose of chemotherapy. The biopsy showed he had a stage I group III malignancy. Since this time, he has had 5 weeks of radiation and 48 weeks of outpatient chemotherapy.

Things weren't easy in the beginning but he adjusted remarkably well. He rarely felt sick and he attended school every day. He has gained his weight back, his hair has filled in and he is back to his old self.

Josh's prognosis is very good. I know he will be fine. God has been with him every step of the way and I know he will stay close by.

Journal

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 5:50 PM CDT

A long time has passed since my last entry. Things are still going great. Josh is so healthy and strong. He's 14 now and taller than I am. He is finished with middle school too. He'll be starting high school in August. Tyler is out of school now. Ready for college.

Josh even has a part time job this summer. He is working at the office with me. He only works 2 days a week, but he likes having money of his own. He files mostly. But whatever they need done, he will take care of. He has a checking account with a debit card. He thinks he is cool! Actually, he kinda is.

We've gone camping already this summer and to the beach a few times. I am finished with school too.

Life goes on!

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

Home
Never Plan on Going Back

Links:

E-mail Author: www2b@earthlink.net

---

 

Your gift will help millions of people stay connected with friends and loved ones during challenging times.

---

 

This page has been viewed 15455 times.

Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.