Leukemia.

Sorry about the teaser. Forgive me?

Before I post all about our fun vacation I wanted to write about the difficult phone call we received while in Florida. It was late Thursday night, February 10. We had finished our time in Orlando and Disneyworld and had arrived to stay in Vero Beach with Jaden’s aunt and uncle. Jaden’s phone rang and as he spoke with his dad the color drained out of his face. I knew something bad had happened.

Jaden’s parents were in Hawaii with their close friends, when his dad (Judd) collapsed and passed out at breakfast. He hadn’t been feeling well for awhile and ended up in the ER in Maui. While at the hospital they ran some tests and told Judd that they suspected he had leukemia. This was a huge shock to all of us!! Judd has always been very healthy and strong so this was truly unexpected and obviously extremely upsetting news. We were frustrated that we were all so far away from each other at this time, scattered across the country! Jaden was sick with worry about his dad, and there were many unknowns and unanswered questions at that point.

There have been so many tender mercies though. We are so thankful that their good friends were by their side when this happened, for the support they were able to give and continue to provide.

Once we all were able to get back home from our trips, Judd was admitted at the Huntsman Cancer Institute on Monday, February 14. He had a bone marrow biopsy which confirmed the diagnoses of AML: Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Chemo was started Tuesday night, and after 2 more biopsies over the next few weeks (Day 14 and Day 28) there is a 70% chance that he could go into remission.

Judd is a fighter and has an amazing attitude about everything. He has been doing remarkably well for being in the midst of chemotherapy and having zero immune system. He will be up at Huntsman for at least a month and the nurses and staff have already named him one of their favorite patients. He has had such an outpouring of love and support and visits from so many who know and love him. We all have been very blessed so far in this trial for our family and I know we will continue to be blessed throughout this journey.

My sweet mother-in-law, Judy, has been amazing as well. We are so proud of her and how strong she has been. They are quite the team and we love them both so much.

We have visited as often as we can and feel comfort knowing that he is in the best care and at an amazing facility. Judy jokingly refers to the hospital as their “all inclusive resort” that even includes delicious room service. They truly have taught me so much with their good attitudes about the whole thing.

Yesterday my cute sis-in-law Amy and I went to lunch with Judy and then went for a visit with Judd. We had a good time and took a few quick pictures. Yes, we are smiling because we are optimistic that Judd is going to beat this cancer.

I am so thankful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father is in charge and watching over our family, and that He doesn’t give us any challenge that we can’t handle with His help. Sometimes this still feels like a bad dream or pretend, though. But I am thankful for the example of strength and positive attitude that Judd (and Judy) is showing all of us. We love you, “Crampa Judd”!!!!!