O'Neal’s Story

Site created on June 17, 2020

To our family and friends,

Like you, we've been navigating 2020 one day at a time and have had many highs and lows so far. These first couple weeks of June however, we've faced some health discoveries that have been hard, heartbreaking and have caught us short of breath. 

For about a year and a half O'Neal has had on again off again back pain. We have typically attributed it to his go-go-go grip on life.  A few months ago, around the time Kenya shut down due to COVID, we noticed a significant dip.  Where O'Neal was pretty bound to the couch throughout the day and nothing much extra.  He had gotten an MRI done a while back which had told us that a bulged disk was pinching his nerve.  With that knowledge and with all offices (like physical therapy) shutting down, we took the 'wait and rest' as our only option.  As the pain grew we knew it was time to find some help.  We were blessed to finally find an orthopedic surgeon who asked to admit O'Neal for the weekend to run a bunch of tests and exams.  The second MRI now done, came back with multiple fractures in the spine, ribs and hips. Hinting strongly to Multiple Myeloma. Cancer.  

A Bone Marrow biopsy confirmed what we couldn't and don't want to imagine...  O'Neal has been diagnoses with Multiple Myeloma.  A cancer attacking his bones.

Speaking as his wife, I can personally testify to watching O'Neal standing in full knowledge that God is good regardless of unimaginable pain around him.  I can count some of his life events that would knock down most.   O'Neal knows a God that doesn't leave when life has felt, as it does now, too hard.  And if I know my husband, that is what he will spend the majority of his treatment speaking to others about.  If only they could know the God he loves who has kept his feet firm though countless hardships.  Including this one. 

O'Neal will begin an agressive 8 weekly sessions (minimum) of Chemotherapy on Tuesday, June 23rd.  We don't know how his body will respond - everyone is different. 

Now is the time to gather the saints and pray. Pray hard. 

We will do our best to update along the way, but please be patient with us as we learn.

                                                                                                                          We deeply thank you for your prayers and support!

Newest Update

January 09, 2021

Journal entry by Abbey Roberts —

A note from Jenna...

Hello everyone - I hope you are all doing well. 
We’ve meet with our doctors here in India and had our last appointment regarding all the follow through of O’Neals treatment!

He has responded so well - and his counts are exactly where they should be!  Even for a *normal* person. Isn't that great?  We are praising God for this!

We’ve been given a lot of space to ask questions to understand the check ups and meds we’ll need for the next two years.  All in all - we get to refocus our lives again.  Multiple Myeloma will be in the background for the rest of our lives.  It can’t ever be fully taken away...  but it sure is a large and mighty praise to say, that right now - it’s in the *background*.  It’s not in front of us.  It’s not the center anymore.  Only healing and understanding is whats next for our family is before us.  There’s a new hope I don’t even know how to process. 

So...
Our flights are booked for Monday!  January 11th.  In just a couple of days we are headed back home!!  We’ll arrive in NRB, stay for a few days to sort out some things and then back to mombasa.  All God willing!

We love you all deeply and appreciate that you have stayed and prayed with us through it all!
Read More of the journal titled "January 09, 2021"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help O'Neal Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like O'Neal's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for O'Neal

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top