John Holbrook John Holbrook III

By Yvonne Holbrook - 3 hours ago

This past Friday we received some devastating news about John's health. His white blood cell count was extremely high, and red blood cell count extremely low. Per his doctor's recommendation, we went to the ER here in Charleston.


After meeting with an ER doctor, an oncologist, and running several tests, the oncologist is fairly certain that John has some type of leukemia. They are running tests this weekend so that tomorrow (Monday) morning they can hit the ground running with the results and treatments. We will have a more definite diagnosis tomorrow or Tuesday. However, if this is what they are saying, then they will begin an aggressive form of chemo as soon as possible. They put in a PICC line for that yesterday. Most likely today he will have a blood transfusion as his red cell count is so low. Tomorrow they will do a bone marrow biopsy.


Due to the risk of infection and the side effects from the chemo, they want to keep him in the hospital for at least two weeks. He is at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, 2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, Charleston, SC 29414, Room 433.


The words "oncologist" and "chemo" have scared us both. But we know this is part of God's plan and He is in control.


We are blessed with a nice support network here even though we have lived here a short time. We are members of a Sunday School class, the handbell group I am part of is there for us, and my coworkers at the aquarium and have been great. John's company is also there for us.


I will keep you posted through this website. Please pray for strength and peace for both of us, and healing for John.