Josie's First Treatment

Josie had her first chemo treatment on September 31, 2010. She will receive a treatment every week for approximately one year. We opted for the lower risk drugs of Vincristine and Actinomycin.

Josie did well after her first treatment. We were surprised that each treatment will take approximately 3 hours between the blood tests, waiting on results and meds. It is time well spent if it will take us to "cured!" She experienced little side effects this time but we anticipate things getting worse as her little body is filled with these drugs. The reaction we did not expect was a lot of soreness in her jaws making it difficult for her to eat. She is coping well though. I am very proud of her! She is a trooper!!!

Our next treatment will be October 12 in Huntington, WV at the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center. We are able to transfer her closer to home for her treatments. We are bracing ourselves for the road ahead and can't thank you enough for keeping our family in your prayers!

Josie's Diagnosis

Josie was diagnosed with Embyonal Rhabdomyosarcoma on September 28, 2010.  We are very thankful to the doctors who helped us and who diagnosed her cancer. My sincerest thanks to Dr. Jessie Shields and Penny. They pushed to get Josie in to any ophthalmologist who would see her. Without them, we may still not have been  seen, let alone diagnosed. 

Josie has a good prognosis but she will have a long road ahead of her. Her treatment will include weekly chemotherapy for one year and radiation. We will know more about the radiation in the future. 

We ask that you not only pray for Josie, but also the doctors who are in charge of her care. 

Dr. Shields, Pediatrician - University Pediatrics

Dr. Gross, Ophthalmologist - Tri-State Ophthalmology

Dr. Cassady, Pediatric Ophthalmologist - Pediatric Eye Associates

Dr. Foster, Ocuplastic Surgeon - The Eye Center of Columbus

Dr. Kalwerisky, Ocuplastic Surgeon - The Eye Center of Columbus

Dr. O'Brien, Pediatric Hemotologist - Nationwide Children's Hospital

Dr. Yeager, Pediatric Oncologist - Nationwide Children's Hospital

Dr. Pendleton, Pediatric Oncologist - Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center

Thank you!

To all of our friends and family who have prayed for us, sent cards and even sent gifts... we are so appreciative of your thoughtfulness. We could not make it through this time without your support!


Love,
Brittany, Josie & Joseph