October 23: Update on Jonatán

Jona attended school for two class periods before his regular Friday appointment at 10:30 this morning. After the routine tests (blood work, kidney check, etc.) he was admitted to the hospital for the fifth round of chemo which is scheduled to start this evening. This is the 4-hour type that can cause sores in the mouth and entire digestive tract. With the help of IV administered fluids, it's supposed to "wash out" of his system in three days. Please pray that it will do so – and not take longer, as it has twice previously for him.

Jona seems to be encouraged, catching up slowly but surely on school work and trying to keep up with new material presented in class. He's been going to school every day – and has also been out jogging in the evenings! We're also praising the Lord that Jona's blood levels have been acceptable throughout these chemo treatments and that he has not yet needed a transfusion.

If all continues to go as planned, Jona is scheduled next week to have the last chemo before surgery. The doctors will then run a battery of tests to check the status of the tumor in order to know just what needs to be done and how extensive the surgery will need to be. They're hoping that the chemo will kill 90% of the cancer cells and greatly shrink the tumor before surgery. We know that all things are possible with God, and we are specifically asking Him for this! Please pray for wisdom for the doctors as they prepare for the surgery, and pray for the timing of the surgery.

Jona's missionary grandpa from Uruguay is scheduled to fly up on November 9, arriving in Jacksonville to meet little Charlie, the latest grandson, on November 10 – and then coming to Greenville the week of the surgery with Grandma Pat who is already in Florida with Charlie and his family. Please pray for safety for them as they travel. Pray also for extended family in Uruguay who would like to be here at this time but cannot...

Again, thank-you for praying! We are continually in need of our Savior's grace!