***Please do not feel obligated to use the “tribute “ function on this website, they have received plenty of funding now from all of you….thanks!
## Link for Neil Patton's Album Holy Ground, see journal entry of October 22, 2021 for details:
http://www.neilpatton.net/holyground## Link for Dr Samir Shehab It Is Well With My Soul, see journal entry of December 11, 2021 for details
https://soundcloud.com/shehabsamir/it-is-well-with-my-soul (
https://soundcloud.com/shehabsamir/it-is-well-with-my-soul)
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September 2023 is the 2 year point in Joshua's journey with osteosarcoma and it's related complications. We had assumed that we would be watching Joshua gain strength and function with his right hip as we followed the spots in his lungs closely for any cancerous progression/relapse. Instead, shortly after the one year anniversary of his diagnosis, Joshua noticed a wound/scab over the former surgical site. The wound drained extensive fluid once released and started another grueling and frustrating set of events that ended up requiring 4 additional surgeries during this year of therapy. Sadly, the final of these 4 surgeries required the removal of the donor hip-bone fragment that had resulted in such good functioning and movement for Joshua. The recovery, frustration, and painfulness of his right hip continues onward as we press forward into this third year.
We praise God that depsite all these challenges, Joshua graduated high school at Cedar Tree and walked across that stage, cane and all, to receive his diploma. Furthermore, June marked over a year since his last chemotherapy, and still there have been no changes in each of his (approximately quarterly) chest CT scans. Joshua continues to live humbly before his maker, taking things one day at a time. As of September, he is a few weeks into his college career, currently taking courses in-person at the WSU satellite campus in Vancouver, and also taking online courses at LeTourneau University.
We continue to watch his hip and his lungs, anticipating the future needs as best we can. As always, we cherish the prayers and support from so many faithful servants of the Lord who walk alongside us all.
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September 2022 marks the 1 year point since Joshua's diagnosis and initiation of treatment for his osteosarcoma. His surgery of December 9, 2021 removed his hip tumor completely after 2 full cycles of chemotherapy (6 admissions for chemotherapy, plus one additional unscheduled admission for a fever during a point with his white blood cell counts bottomed-out). Joshua battled through many lows during the initial phases of this process, but continued each day with God's grace and provision. During the lowest points, his weight had dropped to a stunningly low 105 pounds, but even with feeling awful because of the chemotherapy admissions, he surged back over 120 pounds right before the surgery. We were extremely grateful for the plan of the surgery, including the use of part of a donor's hip, cemented and screwed in place with two small metal plates, one on the inner and one on the outer surfaces of his right hip. The surgery date was delayed long enough to get the custom 3D printed exact replica of Johsua's hip along with the necessary equipment for the surgery, so his 6th admission for chemotherapy was November 16th. The nearly 4 weeks after the surgery included progressive recovery from the removal and replacement, with Joshua gaining strength little by little.
The incredibly long and grueling stretch that included 4 more full cycles of chemotherapy admissions spanned the months from early January to Mid June....along the way, we were able to avoid another admission for fevers while his counts were low, although there was one additional admission for just one night during a time when Joshua's platelets were incredibly and dangerously low. Through these months, Joshua's grit saw him bottom out again at about 110 pounds, but push harder and harder with his fortitude and stamina. He was supported along the way by so many family, friends, and new acquaintances. He was bolstered and constantly raised up by the prayers of literally thousands of people around the world. This journey has been beyond grueling, but has affirmed our faith and shown us how much greater our Redeemer is than anything this world or the powers of darkness can ever mount against us.
Joshua's journey continues as we wait upon the Lord's plan for his and all of our lives---we wait for each new CT scan of his lungs to see if anything starts to change regarding the many spots of concern throughout both of his lungs, the ones we've already been watching carefully. We also continue to strive to understand what it is God has called us to do with each new day He gives us, and to do our best to honor Him and point to the glory that belongs only unto the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
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September 2021 started the long, long journey for the Bell family due to Joshua's diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
This website will serve as a central location to post updates about what's going on with his care and with our family as Joshua battles this disease, with all of us fighting like mad alongside him.
In June 2021, Joshua (16yr) complained of mild right hip discomfort. He later developed a slight limp and over time and evaluation we found out that he has an aggressive tumor (cancer) in his right hip that has spread to his lungs. This type of cancer is called osteogenic sarcoma (commonly called osteosarcoma). Sarcoma-type tumors are difficult to treat and require a very long and intense course of chemotherapy along with surgery/surgeries to take out the tumor, as well as reconstruct the hip/leg. Even if everything would go perfectly, the course of chemotherapy and surgery/surgeries will span possibly a full year of time, and will consist over at least 20 hospitalizations, each with a minimum stay of 2-5 nights. So given all this, we anticipate a grueling stretch where we will all be traveling constantly between home and Doernbecher Children's hospital in downtown Portland.
Due to covid restrictions, we are limited to one parent with him every 24 hours at the hospital. He and his brother, Matthew (12 yrs old) are very close so it will be hard for them to be apart for days at a time. This is one instance where I am grateful for technology and they can hopefully connect electronically.
We've begun this road, not being naive about what we face, but laying every moment of every day at the feet of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith and will sustain us through times both hard and times not as hard as we walk with Him.
As much as possible please send your messages to this site and we will respond when we can. If you do choose to text or call any of us directly, please remember we are on the Pacific coast (west coast time).
We are hoping this site will keep everyone up to date as well as serve for a place for us all to be lifted up into the arms of a God who wants us to fellowship with Him as we all care for each other. Your prayers as well as your perpetual kindnesses are cherished. If we ever forget a thanks or expression of gratitude, it's only because we've forgotten or something was lost in the shuffle, we truly understand how incredibly much we are blessed despite the trial that this situation brings.
We are a family of picky eaters so no need to send or make meals. We know so many are aching to help us in tangible ways, so if specific needs arise, we will try to let people know.
We surrender Joshua and our entire family to our Loving Savior who Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Our Boys. We cling to scriptures and hymns of praise to God who loved us so much that He gave His one and only Son to forgive us of our sins and call us His children.
Much Love to you and yours
The Family of Joshua Bell, who are all servants of the Everlasting King, Jesus Christ
Hoping for a Packer win in the playoffs
Cousin time
Mark's recent visit with siblings in WI
We rejoice in God's goodness
Our joyPatients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.Help Joshua Stay Connected to Family and Friends
