Jon Martinson Jon Martinson

In one week, our lives have taken an incredible turn down a road we prayed we would never have to travel.   In the last week, we've felt distraught, but not in despair......we've felt devastated, but not defeated.  We have also felt humbled, blessed and deeply loved by our friends and family! God has shown himself to us in many ways and we are trusting him through this journey.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND  - Jon had not been feeling well since early November. He had a bad cold and was pretty tired. Various tests and blood work did not show anything out of the ordinary, but we couldn't let it go. He just wasn't himself! While his cold dissipated, he continued to fight fatigue, dizziness and the occasional headache throughout the month of December and into January. Another appointment, full blood work-up and thyroid check and everything came back without concern. I (Tessa) was still concerned and we opted to shift into the internal medicine department and got an appointment January 11. Additional tests of his organs noted higher levels of enzymes in his liver, so additional tests were ordered for the following week.

DIFFICULT DAYS TO A DIAGNOSIS - On Tuesday , Jan. 16 we went in for an ultrasound  (followed by a CT scan) on his abdomen and Jon has extensive liver metastasis (numerous masses on his liver) and "multiple metastatic nodules"  in  the lower portion of both lungs, as well. Wednesday, Jan. 17 he had a liver biopsy, Thursday, Jan. 18 a brain MRI followed by an immediate appointment with the oncologist.  I had been praying  ever since the ultrasound and CT scan that we would start receiving some positive news, but unfortunately we didn't.


Jon has melanoma cancer in his liver, lungs, and brain.  At this point we don't know the full extent of how far this cancer has spread, but I will share updates of our journey as we take one day at a time.



I cannot imagine walking this journey without the hope of our Savior and the support of family and friends! I know there will be things that we'll probably need in the future, but my first request is your fervent prayer as God brings Jon and our family to your mind. We're a family that doesn't really ask for much too often and we like to think we're self-sufficient, but the first thing we cling to is the hope, peace, and presence of the Lord. Jon and I cried and prayed in the exam room that first morning earlier this week before moving on to the rest of our day Tuesday - kind of surreal but all in His plans.




To say that we're still trying to process this all is an extreme understatement, but we're trying.  The following journal entries will help chronicle Jon's journey.  Jon and I (along with Gentry and AJ) covet your prayers and we thank you from the bottom of our heart for the outpouring of love and support.