Leukemia.

by Brooke on February 23, 2011

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”!!!!!

{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }

emily February 23, 2011 at 2:37 pm

oh dear, i’m so sorry! that’s just rotten, really. but it sounds like he’ll do terrific and that he has a wonderful support system – which, as you know, can make a world of difference.

i wish Judd the very, very best.

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emily February 23, 2011 at 2:39 pm

oh, that last comment is from me, emily maxwell. your “old” byu nursing comrade. :)

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megan sollis February 23, 2011 at 3:06 pm

brooke ryan told me about him the other day and i’m so sorry. it is really emotional and scary to hear that your dad has cancer. when i found out about my dad i felt like someone punched me in the stomach and it seemed like one of those things that happen to everyone else but shouldn’t happen to you..and it shouldn’t. but it does, and i feel for you and your family. life is precious. love you!

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Emilee February 23, 2011 at 3:20 pm

Wow! That is pretty shocking news! I’ve been feeling like cancer is all around us lately and am furiously trying to figure out how to prevent it (HA!)… or be prepared to handle it if it comes my way. Your family is amazingly strong… and you’ll survive. Love to you all!!

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Emily February 23, 2011 at 3:43 pm

What crappy news to hear while so far apart from family. I am so sorry! But he DOES look like a fighter, so fight, Judd, fight! :)

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Brooke February 23, 2011 at 4:21 pm

THANK YOU everyone for your sweet comments!! I really appreciate it. xoxoxo

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Celeste February 23, 2011 at 5:03 pm

Booooo leukemia! So sorry that you guys are having to go through this. I’m certain you all will come out stronger & closer on the other side. Hopefully soon. Love your guts.

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kecia February 23, 2011 at 6:24 pm

not the title I want to see on my sidebar you know?!
I am glad to hear an update though….I have been worried about all of you with this! He looks like he is having an awesome attitude. I pray that things will continue to go well and he will beat this…he couldn’t have a better support team! Send Jayden our love too! Let us know if there is anything else we can do!

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Monica February 23, 2011 at 6:38 pm

I wish your family the best and will think of you and pray for you often.

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Lindsay February 23, 2011 at 8:51 pm

I’m so sorry to hear this news, Brooke! I will keep Judd and the rest of the fam in my prayers. He looks like he is such a sweet man, just like his son!

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Brooke Jones February 23, 2011 at 9:00 pm

I’m thinking of you guys – please let me babysit anytime you want to head down for a visit.

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Katherine February 23, 2011 at 9:12 pm

I am so sorry for the rotten news. I actually heard about it from Ryan’s dad who had talked to Judd. We all felt sick about this, but from what I hear from Gary he is an amazing person with an amazing attitude!

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Cousin February 23, 2011 at 9:47 pm

I am so sorry to hear the news. He is such an amazing man with an amazing woman by his side! If anyone can pull through this it is Judd! I love them both to pieces! Lots of love, thoughts and prayers sent your way! Give Jaden a hug from Cousin. Love you Brookie!

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Heidi February 24, 2011 at 4:16 pm

Brooke-
We were so sorry to hear about Judd! It is so devastating to hear news you are least expecting. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers!
Heidi

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Katie February 24, 2011 at 5:07 pm

dearest brookie & jaden. i am relieved to see pictures of judd & your family. of course you are champions through this trial. you are just some of the greatest people there are and i wish there was a way i could help. just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and please keep us updated. give jaden & his family a hug from us and consider you hugged from me, too, ok? sure love you.

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