The Magical World of MD Anderson

So far we've learned three things about MD Anderson: 

1. US NEWS magazine ranked MD Anderson number one in cancer care in the United States. 

2. The MD Anderson complex is INCREDIBLY huge, consisting of more than 25 buildings.  

And...perhaps most importantly...

3. For breakfast they serve waffles with the state of Texas molded into them!!

Photos from Lindsey Dotson!

Update on Visiting Jonathan

I was asked by Ila Mae tonight to thank everyone who stopped by and visited Jonathan today. The number of friends he has who want to visit are a testament to the depth of his friendships. However, the early effects of his treatment coupled with a late night chemo schedule have left Jonathan more tired than expected. At this time we are asking everyone to refrain from visiting him at least for the immediate future. Prayers and notes of course are always welcomed! I will post on here when he is feeling rested enough to receive visitors again.

As always thanks for your concern!

Saturday Afternoon Update

I just received word that Jonathan navigated his first round of chemo successfully this morning around 2 am! The doctors at MD Anderson wasted no time in confronting head on this unwelcome visitor in Jonathan's body and life. Tentatively, Jonathan is planning on staying in Houston for the near future to see how his body takes to the treatments. Of course, this information can change quickly so keep tuning in here for updates.

As I side note, I know many of you would like to visit Jonathan and his family in Houston. I highly encourage this, however please keep in mind Jonathan will more than likely be tired/exhausted so we should try to keep the visits relatively brief. (Jonathan's chemo sessions will often take place in the middle of the night and any of you who have spent time in a hospital know its practically impossible to get good sleep while you're there!) If for some reason you are unable to visit with Jonathan, remember that his family is there as well and needs just as much encouragement. I'm not sure of his specific location at this moment, but should know more soon.

I will be personally traveling there early Sunday morning issuing these posts from MD Anderson. If urgent information is needed (like if you're lost) feel free to call me at 325.212.5234. However, if it's not urgent, emails or text messages are better. You can email me at winstonian24@hotmail.com.

~Winston

Messages from Wind River

As many of you know, Jonathan worked many years at Wind River Ranch in Colorado. Not surprisingly the messages are pouring in from the Wind River Nation. This morning I received these pictures from Randy Wolff and Lynn Kaminski. The incredible sunset pictures were taken at Wind River Ranch in Estes Park, Colordao. The dog in the picture is her dog Kobi demonstrating how to "hand it to Jesus!" 

We're holding you up in prayer, Jonathan!

~Lynn

These pictures are a couple of staff photos from Wind River. If you look closely in the first two pictures you can find Waldo..errr...I mean Jonathan. 

Comment reminder

Just a reminder, if you'd like to leave a comment for Jonathan on any of these posts just click on the word "comment" below each post. A box should open where you can type your comment. Remember though, if you close the page and come back later, you will have to click on the "comment" link again so the comments will display on the page. And as always, if you have a picture, link, or story you'd like me to post, just email it to me at winstonian24@hotmail.com and I will try to get it up in a timely manner. Every word of encouragement and every resource helps!

Updates from Ila Mae

Hello friends ~ Jonathan has wrapped up an incredibly busy day. It included a 6 am flight out of New Orleans, a full day of testing at MD Anderson in Houston and a round of chemo these evening. Ila Mae is there with him and has been posting the most accurate up to date information on her Facebook page (which she said she didn't mind me sharing here.) These are chronological starting with earlier today.


"Family and Friends we are here today in Houston Texas at the MD Anderson Cancer Care Center. Today, Bubba will be getting tests done, a 2nd opinion , and possible treatment options. From yesterday, all I know, is the Dr. Described his cancer as stage 4, incurable. We'll just see about that! Stay strong family and friends, we need your prayers to keep coming. Thank you so much. I will keep you updated. Love Ila Mae"

"Sweet Family and friends:
This will be short and sweet considering we will be meeting with Dr.Tu again shortly--i will update more in depth later. Basically--we are going to fight this!!!! Get your prayers ready-- Dr.Tu wants to start chemo for Bubba right away. He will be admitted tonight and his first round will begin, lasting for 5 consecutive days. The tumor in Bubba's chest makes his cancer more difficult to fight greatly because of the location. Dr.Tu also states he believes the tumor is a growth of various identities, not just one, basically a mixture of cancer cells. Dr.Tu stated the tumor is extremely aggressive, with the ability to double its strength daily..this is why we are beginning our battle TONIGHT!! I promise to update in depth later. But, for now, send your prayers for Bubbas body to respond beautifully to his first dose of chemo in his first battle with this cancer. Thank you so much. Your prayers mean everything to our family. Love Ila Mae"

"Bubbas checked in-- 9th Floor Room 12 MD Anderson Center---send your prayers here! He will be taking a shower, grabbing a bite to eat and then he will be hooked up to his first round....9th floor, room 12...send your prayers. Thank you! Love Ila"

"Sweet family and friends:
IV for first chemotherapy has been placed. My Bubba looks STRONG!!! Still waiting for the first dose. The first trial of chemotherapy will be Cisplatin and Etoposide. I have faith in these chemotherapy drugs, I have faith. We've been right here beside him! I've been keeping him updated with all the love and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for lifting my brother's name in prayer. This may be my last post for tonight.......just pray his body responds beautifully and the tumors don't stand a chance.....Love Ila Mae"

Great pics!

 Tanis Jamar just sent these great pictures of her and Jonathan!

An Inconvenient Tumor!

Thanks to Lauren Fincher Dreyer for sharing the link this morning to a great blog called www.aninconvenienttumor.com. This blog chronicles the story of a young man named Brian who received a cancer diagnosis from someone they call "Dr. Doom." A year later, Brian is healing and steadily growing stronger. "Dr. Doom" is a thing of the past. It is a reminder that no man's story is written for him. More importantly, it reminds us that an inordinate amount of love, encouragement, and positive thinking creates the most solid platform from which to start fighting cancer.

If you have any links, stories, anecdotes, or even humor, that would affirm and encourage Jonathan, please feel free to share them here.  Or email me at winstonian24@hotmail.com and I will post them! Remember, he is reading this blog daily!!

http://www.aninconvenienttumor.com

MD Anderson

Today, MD Anderson joins the fight. Jonathan is in Houston, Texas, at MD Anderson having his first meeting with Dr. Shi-Ming Tu at 10 am. He is there with his family and several friends. Jonathan has an incredible support group of friends willing to assist in any way. It's important to keep the people around Jonathan lifted up as well because often the stress and physical toll of traveling and assisting with the day to day needs can be overwhelming.  The selflessness already displayed by their actions is a testament to the depth and strength of his friendships. I just spoke with Jonathan on the phone and he assured me he was reading all of your comments on this page. Please even if its a short message, share a few words of encouragement.

I wanted to share with you this morning a prayer written on prayer cards in the MD Anderson chapel:


What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited....
It cannot cripple Love.
It cannot shatter Hope.
It cannot corrode Faith.
It cannot destroy Peace.
It cannot kill Friendship.
It cannot suppress Memories.
It cannot silence Courage.
It cannot invade the Soul.
It cannot steal Eternal Life.
It cannot conquer the Spirit.

Cancer is so limited!

“We believe in God.” You can believe in God or you can believe in chance but you can’t believe in both.

This photo was taken by Randy Wolff of Winston and Jonathan and he wanted me to post it. It is one of my favorites.  They kind of remind me of Capt. Call and Gus McCrae and I feel sure they were "postulizing" on their next adventure!!  Thanks for the photo Randy!  Love, Donna


                 "We believe in God." You can believe in God or you can believe in chance
                                                         but you can't believe in both.

First update on Jonathan

Last Thursday, Jonathan went to the doctor in New Orleans with a pain in his chest. What he thought would be minor turned into a six hour hospital stay where doctors told him he might have a tumor. A biopsy on Monday revealed that the tumor, located under his sternum, was in fact malignant. And today around noon, Jonathan's doctors in New Orleans referred him to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, one of the most advanced cancer treatment centers in the world, to begin aggressive treatment. During this trying time, the best way to combat the storm clouds that life affords us are with rays of love, light, encouragement, and hope from those around you. From the Rocky Mountains to Gatesville, and everywhere in between, this blog is designed to keep everyone updated on his progress, any needs he or his family might have, and an overall cohesiveness in the collective thoughts and prayers of all those who love Jonathan. Feel free to check back here anytime and leave comments of support underneath each post. Assuredly Jonathan will see your comments, and though he may not be able to respond to each one personally, please know that your notes will be seen. Perhaps most importantly your love will be felt.
Grace and peace,
Winston

Prayers and love coming your way!

We are praying for you Jonathan.  I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and I know you have a lot of people all over the world praying for you right now for a speedy healing process!!

Love, Donna