Monday, May 14, 2012

St. Jude- 2012

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This past week we flew to Memphis for my son’s first annual check up at St. Jude. Prior to this visit he was on a six month check up.

 

 

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For those of you who don’t know, Jordan was treated at St. Jude for a brain tumor 6 1/2 years ago! Since that time we have been returning at least twice a year to monitor his progress.

 

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(Jordan and his buddy Kody at the Grizzly House!)

It only seems like yesterday when we first walked through those doors quite afraid and not knowing what our future would be.

 

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However, during the time we were there our fears turned to faith as we met some of the most amazing families all going through the same journey.  Praise God…Jordan responded well to his radiation treatments.

 

 

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Prior to this visit Jordan’s tumor had continued to shrink or at least remain stable.

 

 

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While we were there for this visit we attended a special dinner hosted by Benihana for the St. Jude Families. 

 

 

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The restaurant chain presented a check for $55,412.00 dollars to St. Jude.  Thanks Benihana!  The meal was just incredible and we had so much fun.

 

 

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While we didn’t get the report that we expected or wanted to hear this time, we are still so grateful that God has kept Jordan safe through this long journey!

 

 

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So, we flew home to a beautiful sunset, but will be flying back in only 3 months time for another set of scans.  The Lord is teaching us how to trust in Him more and more as we wait.

 

 

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Finally, after all that traveling I ended my week with a wonderful celebration for Mother’s Day. Thanks sweetie for these gorgeous yellow roses.  My favorite.

 

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41 comments:

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Your hope and peace speak wonderfully through your post. Hope you do have an excellent report next time. The roses are gorgeous!

deb duty said...

These are such wonderful photos of Jordan! I'm sorry you didn't get a good report. I will be praying that next time's visit will bring better news.

Desirae R said...

This is a wonderful photo set. I'm sorry you did not get the news you would have liked, but I find it inspiring that you are able to keep such a positive tone about it.

Southern Gal said...

Your photos are always so wonderful. I'm sorry the report wasn't what you wanted to hear this time. Praying Jordan's next report will be much better.

Linda Kittmer said...

Love the shot of Jordan sitting on the wagon. Hope all goes well with the next set of scans. All the best to you and your family!

Candace Chitwood said...

How scary! I hope he continues to heal and make good progress! I can't even imagine how hard it is for you<3

ana.gr said...

So glad to see him so healthy and happy!
All the best!
Seen at Ken's Sweet Shot Tuesday: http://kentweakley.com/blog/

Unknown said...

A wonderful post - beautiful photos and full of hope and love. I pray that next time you get the news you want.

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan - What an awesome way to update Jordan's story..with your beautiful pictures and Jordan's smile shining (nice to see Rick with you on this trip especially as well too)!
NO DOUBT - Jordan's "team" at St. Jude is sure doing their best to have Jordan's "inside pictures" tell the same story that your "outside pictures" do! In addition to the strength that your faith & prayer bring to your heart - the well deserved confidence you have in your St. Jude support will surely empower you & Jordan to keep on... keeping on & inspiring, dazzling & POSITIVELY skewing all "worry":=)!!! Hug Jordan just a little tighter for now & and tell him he has to let you!! XXO-Love, Randy

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

I hope that Jordan's tumor is already shrinking since you were there last week!! What a blessing that as Christians we don't have to face these issues alone and with no hope as non-Christians do!

Was just wondering if you have ever had anyone at St. Jude ask if you are related to the Thomas family since you SO very much favor Marlo Thomas? :)

There's been a lot of chatter today on my facebook newsfeed about the St. Jude marathon and half-marathon. Heard the 1/2 is already 96% filled at this early date! (It's in Dec.) Sent a text to my daughter in case she wanted to sign up before it was too late but she responded that she wants to do the FULL marathon again this year!

God bless you and your family!

Marilyn

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear you didn't get the news you wanted to hear. Your faith and gratitude are so amazing! You and your family will be in my prayers. :)

A Creative Grace said...

Yes, beautiful post, I love your colours and texture in that rose image :)

Gina Kleinworth said...

So many blessings to be thankful for. Beautiful roses too. Hugs!

Lisa said...

I will be praying for you. God is good. all the time.

Kristal said...

I will be praying for better news from the next scans and for you as you await the results. God is good...

LOVE the roses shot.

Buckeroomama said...

Beautiful yellow roses --they are my favorite color in roses, too. :)

I'm praying that you will get much better news in the next visit's report.

Sharon said...

Lifting you up in prayer -- praying Jordan will get a good report next time, too. My, he is a handsome young man! The roses are beautiful!

Erika B said...

So many great shots of your son! Hope the next visit brings you the news you want to hear.

Erika B

Nancy said...

I'm sorry that the report was not what you had wanted, Susan. I admire your presence of mind and being strong for your son. I'll keep you all in my thoughts.

Diana Taylor said...

What a handsome young man - I'm so sorry that you didn't get the report you wanted. I pray that the next one will be what you want.
Love what you did with the roses by the way.

Kristin said...

oh i just love this wonderful post! so happy to hear that your son is doing well and progressing so well! it's amazing the truly wonderful blessing He will provide for us! keeping your family in our prayers!! great photos too!! :)

Serendipityissweet said...

I'm sorry to hear you didn't receive better news. I will keep your family in my prayers that the coming months bring more positive progress.

I went to a Benihana years ago and remember how much fun it was. How wonderful that they support St. Jude families! And your photos are gorgeous, as always. ;)

Connie Smiley said...

"... and the peace of God, which is greater than knowledge, will guard you hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Praying for Jordan, and grateful that you are exhibiting that kind of peace.

Kara @ June & Bear said...

so sorry that you didn't get the news you had hoped for. so glad that you have a place for him to receive wonderful treatment and i hope your next visit brings what you need and hope for.

Kat said...

So wonderful to see him back but for a really positive reason!

Lynn said...

Praying so very hard right now!
1 Peter 1:18-19, 20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (21) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
My email address

4 Lettre Words said...

We have some good friends that know St. Jude for a very similar reason. Things didn't turn out as well for them, but they have always praised everything about the hospital.

So glad Jordan is doing well!

Karah @ thespacebetweenblog said...

Wow! I have heard how supportive the family support can be. So glad to hear your son is now happy and healthy!!

Raymonde said...

Hello, visiting from TATT. I am touched by your story and your courage as a family and so pleased to hear your good news. Our God is indeed our Father.

Have a great week!

www.everydayiwalkwithyou.blogspot.com

The Artful Diva said...

St. Jude's is one of our favorite charities.

LeAnne said...

Will be praying for your son, you and your whole family. In the time I've "known" you, you've demonstrated your faith is strong. It may not always be easy to remain that way when we are tested in this way, but remember God is faithful always even if we are not feeling that way ourselves. Beautiful flowers to a deserving lady. :)

Vision By Mila said...

All the best to Jordan! Beautiful shot in the air and the roses are gorgeous!

Vision By Mila said...

All the best to Jordan! Beautiful shot in the air and the roses are gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I'm keeping Jordan in my prayers. Your roses are gorgeous! Happy belated Mother's Day to you.

Jennifer said...

The roses are gorgeous. I hope Jordan continues to enjoy good health. He is quite handsome. You must be very proud.

LOVE MELISSA:) said...

I will pray for your son. I hope the next visit brings better news for you! Many prayers!

Ellie said...

Lovely pictures of your son. I didn't know you had all gone through this and I'm really sorry you didn't get the news you were looking for.
I hope your next trip gives you more positive news. Take care. :)

Lynn said...

Such words of comfort! Praying hard!
Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
My email address

Lauren said...

I absolutley love your blog and your style. My prayers will be with your family as you continue this next phase in your journey. I hope things are ok. You have a beautiful family and are an amazing photographer. God Bless!

Unknown said...

These roses are just beautiful! Great photo; I love what you did with it! That is a very cool texture!

Unknown said...

Susan, I'm so sorry to hear this - and will add you to my prayers. God bless you all!!