Journal
JON'S MEDICAL UPDATE ON 8/25 FROM TAY: - It's now Day +28 from his stem cell transplant on 7/28 and we have yet to see signs of engraftment for the donated stem cells from my sister, Alex. He is still technically at 0 blood count, so we pray we can start to see something soon to help his immune system. We have been told that because this was a half-match it could take longer than usual transplants. There is still hope this particular action of treatment will kick in and work for him.
- Today he had his 4th bone marrow biopsy since diagnosis in March. You'd be amazed if you saw his charts, the man has done it all, with a gracious and loving attitude. That is inspiring to us.
- He is still battling blood and fungal infections, they felt it was necessary to do this bone marrow biopsy procedure to gain more insights into why we might not be seeing engraftment yet. My dad is tough as nails, but it's always hard on us mentally to watch his body fight him for recovery, when he's already dealing with so much. To treat the infections he is being given very intense antibiotics and medicines that we hope will knock out whatever is trying to mess with his system.
- His mentation is still "waxing and waning", but when he is up he is comforted to see a familiar face in my mom, sister, and me. We will continue to take shifts by his bedside because we know it helps and we know he'd do the same for us, no questions asked. The importance of advocating for your loved ones in the hospital can't be undervalued.
- At this point he has been seen by pretty much every medical professional on the floor, they all speak his praises and we are grateful they can also see what a good man he is. He is being treated with the utmost care, we find resolve in that as a family when we can't be by his bedside. One of the members of his team said today, "I've seen a lot of people in very poor conditions, but your dad is just different. He has the best character." Despite his situation, he always greets others with a pleasant disposition and courtesy. That is why we as a family will continue to believe in the "Stern Strong" mission. He can feel the love being sent his way.
JONNYBOY WISDOM OF THE DAY: - My dad was diagnosed with stage 0 CLL (a form of Leukemia) back in October of 2020. While his leukemia has gone to the bottom of the list of health concerns for him now, the news had originally shocked our family to its core. As I've mentioned before he joined my podcast to discuss this and it was interesting to learn how it impacted his overall perspective on life. He's worked hard for everything he's ever earned in his life, nothing has been handed to him. He and my mom have never been frivolous in spending. They are intentional and thoughtful with every penny they spend. After his cancer diagnosis, my parents were confronted with a harsh reality and instead of retreating, they took an inspiring approach to how they would move forward. My parents had always wanted an RV. Last year they made that dream a reality and prior to his HLH diagnosis in March they were planning to visit every National Park in the US. We're fortunate we've had many good memories camping together so far. We pray that he will heal and recover so my family can enjoy these trips in the future. This is a reminder of making time to enjoy what you work for. Often times we can talk ourselves out of what we really want, but everyone deserves joy, in whatever form that looks like for a person. The RV is a reminder of chasing happiness despite circumstances.
- Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life. - Wess Stafford
WAYS TO SUPPORT: - As mentioned earlier this week giving blood is a way to support my dad's fight and also give back to others who might need the help too. My dad wouldn't necessarily be receiving your blood, but he and my family find comfort in knowing others are being thought of. Prior to this year, we talked about the fact that you don't realize all the little things that others can do, that can make the biggest difference to someone else. If you're willing and able to donate blood, please do. It is a way to make an impact in the honor of my dad. Personally, I have a blood type that many people need and so I have made an appointment in the hospital to give more blood this weekend too.
- Prayers, well wishes, and positive thoughts - specific requests for dad currently: the stem cells engraft, heals from these infections, and the bone marrow biopsy comes back with positive news for his continued treatment. We will never give up on our family's optimistic outlook and hopeful hearts.
- Spread the "Jonnyboy Joy" and "Stern Strong" hope. If you can do a good deed or share a caring smile with someone you cross paths with, we know dad would be grateful you are doing so. The world needs all of the compassion we can muster, as we know everyone is fighting a battle you might not even know about. This site has been more of an aid for communication for my mom, sister, and me with my dad's family and friends, but if you have done something for someone else recently and care to share we'd love to read it in the comments.
- We are beyond grateful for those that have been so generous as to donate to our coffee and food fund since we are constantly on the go between the hospital and home. We wish we could send thank you notes to everyone, but please know it means a lot. If you'd like to do so you can send it to my Venmo @Tstern92 We are hopeful we'll be able to celebrate with you in person once my dad can fully recover and hopefully return home. If you've ever been fortunate enough to have any of his specialty meals, you know he'd do it up for all of us.
Sending love,
The Sterns
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