Today we went for Mike’s follow up visit from last week’s bone marrow biopsy. The results came back favorable – at this point his body is in remission – YAY!! :-) Phase One accomplished all that we hoped and his labs all look good! On Tuesday he will start Phase Two which consists of weekly spinal taps and 4 chemo treatments each week. We will not know whether he will need infusions during this phase until he gets into it. The 2nd & 3rd weeks will be most intense (Sept 22nd – Oct 3rd), so please be praying that his body will respond well to the treatments and the side effects will not be too extreme. Mike also injured his Achilles tendon this past week while on a bike ride. The doctor wants to keep an eye on it so that the muscles do not bleed while undergoing treatment. If he does not start to feel better by next week, she is going to send him in for x-rays. Please also keep him in prayer this coming Tuesday, the 8th. It will be a very long day for Mike as he starts this next phase and will be at the hospital from 8am – 7pm.

I have been feeling really good. My back has not been bothering me. I still can not get full swing into my exercise routine, but that’s ok with me ;-). Just kidding. I am looking forward to getting full use of my muscles and getting in shape again. As far as work goes, I have decided to accept a salaried position with a client who has kept me busy for almost a year now. I strongly believe in her business and the compassion she has people. It is filled with purpose and unique perspectives. I am very excited to take this step with my career and have a strong faith that I will gain valuable experience.

The kids have been enjoying school and dance. It has really helped us to get into a good schedule. We have our family dinner everyday at 4:00, which is SO nice. It gives us quality time with the kids everyday and we are not eating too late or grabbing fast food in the midst of some of our crazy evenings.

Overall, it has been a fairly quiet month and all is well. We did receive notice from SSA that Mike qualifies for disability and his benefits will start in January 2010…a long way off, but still an answer to prayer. Thanks to everyone that has been lifting us up and supporting us in SO many ways! Much love to all!!

Here is the info for the Bull Roast & Silent Auction on October 17:
(I also have flyers in case anyone wants to print them out.)

Michael Johnson Leukemia Benefit Bull Roast & Silent Auction
Saturday, October 17, 2009
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
MaGerks Pub – Bel Air, MD

TICKETS: $40.00 *Cocktail Style

Menu: Open bar to include:
Chicken Fingers Domestic bottles
Pit Beef Drafts
Pit Ham Rail drinks
Crab dip House wines
Bruschetta Coffee
Franks in Tuxedo Soda
Cheese Tray Tea
Crudite Platter (veggies)

DJ, Money wheel, 50/50 raffle, Silent Auction, (door prize maybe)

Please contact Angie to reserve your tickets ~ anjers@comcast.net

*If you are not able to attend, but would like to make a donation, please contact Danielle ~ dmullhausen@yahoo.com. Thank you!!