Jim Johnston Jim's Journey

It was our 5 year final cancer Dr appointment that we had looked forward to after being cancer free.  So when the Dr said the lymphoma was back you can imagine our shock.  We had retired a year before, we were spending winters in Sarasota Florida 15 minutes to our favorite beach.  Jim was growing orchids and painting coconut fronds.  We had plans to go to NorthCarolina to see our kids and grandkids new house. We would be spending the summer at Table Rock lake. We were finally relaxing for the first time.  So when the Dr said “oh along with chemo we will have to do a stem cell transplant. Oh and plan on at least 6 months till you feel better.”  What? Really? He said we are not going for remission, we are going for eradication.  So now after 2 rounds of RICE chemo and a battery of tests, we are about to start the stem cell transplant at KU Med Center in Kansas City.  We started this site to keep you, our family and friends, in the loop about what was happening.  It has been a busy Dr and treatment filled 3 months.  Our awesome grand daughter, Megan, put together a beautiful video featuring family and friends that Jim and I loved.  Our son Jeff has been our “hotel” for all the Dr visits.  My mom made Jim a new batch of doorags since we donated the ones she made 5 years ago to the cancer center. Everyone has been so supportive with calls, texts and emails.  Hopefully this site will keep you up to date with our journey and I will add some photos.