Ron Halvorson

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Ron has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This is the most aggressive, fastest growing leukemia. He has only had it 1-2 weeks. He was experiencing virus symptoms and he was not improving so went to the ER on Wed. Oct. 12th in the evening. A blood test was done and found his white blood cell count was 220,000. A normal range is 4,000-10,000. They sent him via ambulance to the University of Wisconsin hospital. Many blood tests and bone marrow tests were taken and the final diagnosis was given Friday afternoon, Oct. 14th. At this time, we were told the first stage "Induction Stage" would be 4 weeks in the hospital. The goal is to control the leukemia and push into remission.  Starting with 7 days of aggressive chemo. The next 2 weeks would be to monitor all the side effects, possible infection, and how the body reacts. The last week would be to recover. If Dad got through the Induction stage then it would be considered remission. Then move into Consolidation Therapy to maintain the remission. The first stage is so intense that we really didn't talk beyond that. 


Today, Oct. 15th we received news from the doctor that Dad's white blood count is decreasing with the help of some low dose chemo pills he started on Friday, but not at the rate he had hoped. Thus, Dr may be forced to start the aggressive chemo on Sunday even though Dad's white cell count is high. This is not ideal, since this will bring on more complications as he starts the aggressive chemo. Doctor Shechan said once we start the 7 day chemo anything could happen - we need to be prepared. I specifically asked if he meant life or death, and he said yes. The next 3-4 days are critical. 


We are asking for AN OUT OF THE BALLPARK MIRACLE! DAD IS THE STRONGEST MAN I KNOW AND THE DEVIL CAN'T HAVE HIM!
Please Pray for Dad to fight like hell to stay alive and believe he has a fighting chance. 
Please pray for my mom to stay strong and know that God is holding her in his arms tight bringing her peace, strength, and calm. 
Please pray for the doctors and whole medical team to take the best care of my dad possible. 
Please pray that those nasty leukemia cells get out of him and his body can take it. 
Please pray that Dad feels God's presence around him - His love, strength, faith, empowerment, peace, and knowledge that God 's got this.