Josiah's Appointment Today

Josiah had an appointment at the children's hospital at 8:30am this morning. When he arrived he was a little irritable with both the nurses and doctors. He seems to be able to tell that they are up to things that will be painful. However after a while he became more comfortable with everyone. They gave him another dose of Chemotherapy today, and also they gave him another blood transfusion, because both his hemoglobin and white blood counts were lower than they need to be.   Due to the steroids that he is taking, he has strong cravings for certain foods. So today he began asking for pizza at 9:30 am. His wish was granted him by supper time :).  He goes in for another treatment next Friday.

Thank-you for your prayers.

James &Nelly

Update

Yesterday (Friday) Josiah had another chemo treatment, along with a spinal tap.  They weren't able to see the dr after the test, but Josiah's case nurse said there wasn't anything alarming in the results, and that they were allowed to go home! They have to go in next Friday, and for the next few Fridays, for another round of chemo, but in the meantime they are back with the rest of the family at James' parents. :)

Update from James

 Josiah was discharged from the hospital today around noon, and we have been admitted across the street at the (RMH) Ronald McDonald House. Tomorrow (Friday) Josiah has to be at the hospital for 8am to get ready for some more chemo treatment. He will be under supervision until about 2:30pm and then if all goes as desired he will be allowed to come back to the RMH. He will need to be at the RMH for the first 30 days of treatment, and if all goes well he will be allowed to return home (Innerkip, Ontario), where he will be considered as an out patient. Josiah is happy and had a lot of fun playing with his Uncle Albert last evening before leaving the hospital! He also ate much better today and has increased his own desire for liquids, the doctors say that he should be drinking about one litre per day. 






Lunch time for Joe today



All smiles at hospital when he heard (let's go!)



At RMH watching a squirrel in the tree

Josiah had a visit from two of his cousins yesterday:) They thought his toys were great, and they had fun playing with him and watching "Curious George." The doctors are hopeful that Josiah will be able to be released today, and moved to the Ronald McDonald house across the street. They are very happy with how he is doing! Praise be to God!

How You Can Help

James and Nelly have been serving the Lord for the past 9 years in Mexico, and are currently here in Ontario visiting family. Since they have been out of the country for so long, they are no longer covered by OHIP; coverage will begin at the end of March, so they will be facing some significant medical bills for Josiah's care.  Many of you have asked how you can help.

There are three ways you can donate:

For those wanting a charitable receipt: you can donate by clicking on the following link:
http://www.gospeltrust.ca/UserProfile/tabid/61/userId/322/Default.aspx

For those not needing a receipt: cheques can be dropped off at any BMO branch. 
Cheques must be written out to "James Dyck" and the following info must be included on the memo line: Acct #8998-682 Transit #:0472

Cheques can also be mailed to:
James Dyck
775512 Blandford Rd.
Innerkip, ON
N0J 1M0

More than anything James and Nelly appreciate your prayers at this time.

Josiah's Story

Josiah is the little guy on James' lap

       We have created this blog to keep everyone updated on Josiah's condition.  Josiah is 2.5 years old, and the youngest of six siblings.  He has spent the majority of his little life in Mexico, where his parents James and Nelly Dyck have served as missionaries for the past 9 years.  During a visit to their hometown in Ontario this winter, James and Nelly noticed that Josiah had developed a limp.  They took him to the ER to investigate the cause. X-rays were done, and when there was no noticeable reason for the limp found, the Drs decided to do some blood work.  The results of the blood work were alarming, and James and Nelly were immediately sent to see a specialist at the children's hospital in London. After a long night and more blood work, they were given the results; Josiah had Leukaemia.
      Josiah was given a blood transfusion that night. During the next few days, a bone marrow aspiration, and spinal tap were done to confirm the type of Leukaemia, and to find out if it had travelled to his brain. The results were good.  The cancer had not travelled to his brain, and the type was ALL - acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.  The next step was to have a port placed in his chest to receive blood and medications. Josiah will be staying at Children's in London for the next few weeks to receive his chemo treatments.  The length of his treatment plan is 2-3 years.  James and Nelly would appreciate your prayers for Josiah and for their family, as this will be a big adjustment for everyone.