GOD is SO Good!

Today we received GREAT news from J's oncologist. As most of you know, Justin receives an MRI every other month to check for any new growth in his brain. Well, today's MRI showed that not only had J's tumor not grown(it has shrunk to the size on an ink speck since surgery, radiation and two years of chemo) but it wasn't even visible! No visible tumor on his brain scan. Did you hear that? NO VISIBLE TUMOR!

For those of you who continue to pray for J, my Sis, and the boys, THANK YOU. Please continue to keep them in your hearts and prayers as J continues to fight and BEAT this disease. He has a long journey ahead, but I know with continued prayer and support, anything is possible!

I love you J! More than you possibly know.

Prayer Request

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner today and I'm so excited to share Justin's story. Thanks for stopping by and for praying for my brother in law. It really means a lot.

On December 21, 2010, I had a seizure at 3:24am. After the hospital’s MRI, a tumor was found on the left temporal side of my brain. I had the brain tumor removed on February 23, 2011 and was diagnosed with  Anaplastic Astrocytoma brain cancer.

On March 28, 2011, I started radiation and chemotherapy pills for a 6 week course. At the end of this treatment, the tumor had not shrunk but no new growth was visualized.

In the beginning of May 2011, I continued my pill chemotherapy once a month for five days.  After four cycles of chemotherapy my tumor started to show signs of regrowth and at this time my treatment plan was changed to intravenous chemotherapy twice a month to include two medications: carboplast and avastin. I received an MRI four weeks after the start of IV chemotherapy which was reassuring. The result was that the tumor had stopped growing and the following month showed signs of shrinkage. 

I continue to get MRI’s every other month and receive chemotherapy intravenously twice a month. This treatment plan will continue until November 2012 and at that point I can stop chemotherapy and continue getting MRI’s every other month for one year.

At the time my tumor started to regrow, our family was very scared at what the future may hold. My Neuro/Oncologist, Dr. Spier and Karen, RN at Kaiser have been the rocks that hold Brooke and I together every month we meet. I will never forget when Dr. Spier stated,” The ones who will respond the best respond the fastest”.  The intravenous chemotherapy proved to be an success and my tumor has continued to be stable with no growth.

Over the course of the year, Brooke, the Boys and I have made many changes in our lives. Brooke switch my diet to inlcude, healthy shakes with protein, kale and tumeric.  We returned to church and prayer to help us in our journey to recovery and we continue to strive to keep family days alive.

However, this past year has been difficult. I am very tired and have not returned to work. I continue to manage and coach soccer and I am currently managing Grayson’s Shetland Team and Coaching Garin’s Pinto Team. This summer was definetly different in the Sturgeon house. We did several small trips to Palm Springs, Camping at South Carslbad and Camping at Santee Lakes with the Jordon’s. 

I would like to thank all my family and friends for the love and support that they have given to me over the last year. I want you all to know that I could not have done it without Brooke pushing me to be positive, the boys keeping me young, my family always helping at my side and my fans. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.

God Bless!

Justin, Brooke and Boys

http://www.justinsturgeon.com/

So thankful for . . . . .

OUR SWEET BABY GIRL

 Jose and I were blessed with the greatest gift of all when Ella Catherine came into our lives. I love her more than I ever thought I could love anyone. She is the light of my life and I know it's only going to get better.

THE GREATEST FAMILY AND FRIENDS who encourage, love, and support me everyday.

MY WONDERFULLY REWARDING JOB where I get to make a difference in so many children lives.

THE STRONGEST MAN I'VE EVER MET

Brain cancer has nothing on my brother (in law) Justin. I am in awe of his strength, determination, and courage as he continues to fight this ugly disease. This is one battle he is definetly going to win! I love you so much and I am so inspired by you.

and MY LOVING HUSBAND

I'm not always the easiest person to live with, especially with the sleep deprivation of late, and Jose always stands by my side. I love him more and more. I am so grateful to have him in my life. 

 Happy Thanksgiving to all!