Surgery and Statement of Faith

From Momma:
"So this is what we know for now Monday Juls will have surgery to remove 2 spots of the bottom of her left lung for biopsy and genome testing.
She will be in the hospital 3 days to recover.
By the end of the week we should have results back and they plan to move forward with clinical trial the following week.
She'd have another surgery to place her broviac and bone marrow biopsy.
Then start chemo.

So why the lung biopsy?
We have 1 doctor who wants to be 100% sure that it's nothing else. To rule out anything else before we go full force into treatment.

So how should you pray for us.

Right now we are going to claim victory over her and praise God for the healing he gave her.
We are praying with thanksgiving and without doubt.
We will have confidence that this is damage and not a relapse.
We pray knowing that the Lord has proved the doctors wrong before and know that this time will be the same.

Thank you for all the messages and texts I read all of them"

And some lyrics that bring the family comfort from MercyMe's song "Even If"

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

The reaccurance - Stupid post STUPID CANCER

Cancer can kiss it
#ourgodisbigger
#inthenameofjesus
#byebyecancer

 Here's the news in Rachel's words from earlier today:
"The reaccurance
Rate for Ewing sarcoma is 75%
If a child reaches remission they have 75% of getting it again.
Unfortunately Julia relapsed in her lungs
Her doctor is signing her up for several clinical trials.

She began this journey 4 years ago ended 3 years ago and now we have to fight all over again!!
She doesn't know yet.
I'm not sure how she'll handle it all.
How am I ...I'm pissed....I'm a mess ....I don't understand
I do believe it will all be OK and God will keep her in his arms."

I hoped this blog was an archive of a battle fought, won and OVER.
I'm angry. I'm sad but mostly I'm ANGRY.
This is Juls blog and out of respect for her and her family I won't use all the words I'm thinking, but they would be colorful to say the least.

Cancer is such a jerk. Cancer is STUPID. Having to make this post is STUPID.

Juls is in school, she can go swimming! Look at that gorgeous blue hair from earlier this year!

I don't even want to talk about what's fair because we're well past that. Let's talk about right for a second.
It's not RIGHT that cancer is taking children from this world. I would start a list right now right here but it's so heartbreaking.
It's not RIGHT that the treatment options are so limited for kids.
It's not OKAY or RIGHT or any other word you can think of that only 4% of cancer research funds are dedicated to childhood cancers.

4% is unacceptable. 75% is unacceptable.
And cancer still is and still will be after Juls kicks its rear again, STUPID.

3/2 - 3/8 - Calling Team Juls to change the world - PRAYER WARRIORS!

3/8-

From Momma:

-We finally had a date night. We had a good time at Immanuel dinner auction.
Thanks to Mary Stone for watching the kiddos.
Nice to sit and relax for a while


From Grandpa David:

-We had a good time at Immanuel dinner auction tonight and it was so nice to see Rachel and Richie getting to be able to relax and enjoy themselves for a evening. Thanks to Mary Ann for watching the kids so they could be there. I have been having a hard time seeing Miss Julia the last couple of days, each time I have stopped to see her she has been sleeping. So I just sat on the edge of her bed and looked at her and Thanked God for giving me this little moment with her and watch her sleep knowing the rest is helping her little body become stronger. Thank You Lord for taking her cancer away!! I would also like to Thank everyone that shaved their heads and all the people that helped with the St. Baldrick's fundraiser today to help the fight in childhood cancer with your help and dedication I pray that we can stop what this awful monster is doing to our kids.

3/6-

From Momma:

-Chillin at the farm while Dad works. She has new tattoos on her head today.

3/5 -

From Momma:

-Juls is doing good. Shes full of energy still (so is Ahna) her counts are dropping already. She is feeling good and is happy.

She had some issues with toxicity last night. So hoping they can get next dosage correct. They want to give her as much chemo as possible. Only 10 rounds left. 5 in clinic and 5 inpatient!


Also I wanted to share a family with you. A 15 year old girl named Odessa had been battling cancer since she was 12. She just came to Children's from St. Jude cause they couldn't help her. In the last 3
years since she's been fighting she lost her mother and exactly one year later her brother passed in a car accident. Leaving her dad to care for her and her 3 other siblings. They also just got lost their home cause her dad could no longer afford it as he can barely pay the copays for the dr. Odessa is fighting her cancer hard and is starting a new treatment plan at Children's. Please, please Team Juls let's pray for her and her family like you all pray for Juls. It is because all of the prayers that God has his hands on Juls and protects her.


There is so much bad in this world so much hurt. There are a lot of good people also. I learned  through this journey that there is so much good to be done. So much love to be shown. As love and kindness have been done to us. And we will pay it forward hopefully every day. There is so much good to be done that there is no reason we should be sitting down doing nothing. With that Team Juls is going to be trying to help Odessa. Some way some how. Ideas are welcome.
Every day we need to show one another love just as Christ commands us.
God has opened my eyes to so much this week.

There are so many ways to show love to one another. We can change the world if we can get people to take time and think about how they are gonna show love today(to a stranger, friend, spouse, or a child battling) Team Juls let's change the world!!!!!

Thank you Thank you for all your constant prayers for Juls.
May all the glory be to God

From Grandpa David:

-Juls is back home safe and sound tonight!! This round has been one of the harder treatments she has had in a while. It already brought her blood counts down and she had to have a transfusion before she could come home. They raised her levels of chemo twice these last few days and has made her very emotional right now. We are so thankful this round is behind her now and looking forward to seeing the end come soon. Praise God for curing Julia and asking him to help her body to continue to handle all the chemo they are putting her through. Thank You Lord!!!!

3/3-

From Momma:

-Juls sleeping.
We are submitting some videos of Juls to paramount for a video on child hood cancer awareness.
Juls is worth more then 3.8% of cancer funding.
She is worth more then a 15 year old protocol. She is worth more then this chemo made in the 50's

I have a gift.....The lord has healed my daughter completely. I asked
lord if you are willing heal my daughter. He said child I am willing.
God also uses medicine to heal. For that I pray for new advances. ..less poisoning for our children.
Child hood cancer is not rare if you think so come here on the 9th floor. These children are worth more then 3.8%

3/2-

From Grandpa David:

-Jennifer did amazing job with this video of pics. and the song she used
fits it so well. We put Julia in Gods hands and God is a Loving God and a
healing God, and has taken her Cancer away.. Praise Him!! With all the
prayers and support from each and everyone of you has made this
possible and We Thank You. Julia is still doing good and is still
receiving her chemo. Getting closer to the end!!!

- Remember Richie's Mom Grandma Mary Ann she has been sick since Wed. I called her today and she sounded pretty bad. she is coughing sounds like she may have Bronchitis and is hoping she can get in to see the Doctor tomorrow. So please keep her in your prayers as well.

2/23 - 3/1 - More chemo, countdown to June!

2/24-

From Momma:
- Juls and I played and played today. We played frozen.... I was Anna and she was Elsa and Ahna had to be the mom. We sang the songs and acted out the movie all day. Oh and Myah was Olaf the snowman.
Tomorrow she has a playdate with her very best friend Tara.
Juls counts are high!!
So she's all set for round 16 of chemo. Then only 10 left!!
Thank you Lord

- This is Juls' Papa Rich....he was losing his battle with cancer while juls was being consumed with it.
She comforted him. I believe hes watching over her from heaven. They had an amazing bond that will last a lifetime. Found this pic and had to share. We miss him every day.




From Grandpa David:
-Went and picked up the big kids at Rachel's and I couldn't find Julia. Then I saw a Duck Dynasty blanket on the couch start moving and giggling, so I slipped over and grabbed the cover and pulled it back. "Whattttt your hiding from me?" and she started laughing. So wonderful to see her big smile and laugh. Keep giving God all the praise for her miracle. She is such a example of God's Love!! 

Tiffy Jokes Representing Team Juls

 

2/26-

From Grandpa David:
-Julia has been doing good these last few days, she still not wanting to eat much but we keep trying. She had a wonderful play date with her best friend Tara yesterday they both enjoyed their time together. Richie received a call that her counts are all doing good. Thankful for this since she will be going in Friday for her 6 day chemo treatment. Praying that her strength and numbers stay up and that her body handles the increased meds. Praise to the Lord for looking after our little Julia and all the other little angels being treated.

2/27-

From Grandpa David:

-Julia is preparing for her journey back to Children's in the morning for another round of chemo this will be the long round and Andrew is going with her to help keep her company for a couple of days. She really enjoys it when some of the kids get to be with her. This will put us one step closer to the final goal. Praying that her numbers and counts continue to stay up, and for safe travel. Lord continue to lift Rachel and Richie up as they watch and hold Julia during this time of treatment. Keep in your prayers all the other children that are going through this fight Lord Bless each and every one of your children.

-Julia at the start of her journey Love you Baby Girl!!!!

 

2/28-

From Momma:
-Please pray for Juls. They haven't started her chemo yet but this round they are increasing it twice. The ifosmide is what made her neurotoxic. I'm nervous but I know god has kept his hands on her. I still ask that you pray for her. This round could really suck

 

3/1 -

From Momma:
-Juls is getting chemo and love from her fav. cousin

-Juls did very good with her increased dose of chemo. They will increase it again tomorrow.
She ate half a donut and a bag of chips for brunch.
Shes drinking well.

It's March yay!! That means we are closer to June 20th!! Her last chemo treatment.

Ahna found a baby in the bath. She thought it was so funny

2/16 - 2/22 - CANCER FREE!

2/17-

From Momma:

-She waiting for blood and platelet transfusion

-She's feeling good and we just got home. Long day but shes doing good.
Since she was feverish last 2 days we think that's when she bottomed out. So now its up from here.
Her ANC is 80. So praying its all up from here.
Next chemo is Feb 28th

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/18-

From Momma:

- Jennifer Hollandsworth shes doing your crazy eyes
Praising God for His blessing and going into scans tomorrow with confidence that they are still cancer free

From Grandpa David:
-Giving God the praise for healing our little angel!! Looking towards the results again showing that all her cancer is gone, I can't hear this enough She is cancer free. Thank you, Lord. Tomorrow will be Julia's scans again.

 

2/19-

From Momma:
-Busy day for Juls and boy is she crabby.
Her ANCis very low (25)
So hoping its on its way up. Praise the lord we are home and not admitted this time.
Juls had her ct scan MRI and bone scan but we haven't been told the results yet. Possibly tomorrow Friday .
I know that she is cancer free. I have prayed for this and god has heard and answered my prayers.
We aren't scared of scans!!!!
#teamjuls

2/20-

From Momma:

-Cancer free
Glory to God

-No EVIDENCE OF DISEASE

-Waiting in killing me

From Grandpa David:
-Cancer Free-- Cancer Free--Cancer Free-- Praise the Lord I just Love getting to say that the power of Our Lord being shown through our little angel.

 

 

 2/22-

From Momma:

Shes been asleep since 3

2/15 - Walmart Heart Convoy

From Momma:
-Juls had a good day. She started off rough and not feeling well but she perked up when she got in ken nelsons Walmart truck. She had a great time with the Walmart convoy and all the awesome people there.
Later in the day we saw the Lego movie. After that she was done and fell asleep and ever since shes been fighting a fever.... not high enough to make us go to Children's but its getting close.
Please pray that her fever goes away and she feels better. We would love to be in church tomorrow its been so long!!
Also pray for her appetite today she barely ate or drank. And please pray that she doesn't become neutropenic (low counts/high fever) that would keep us in the hospital all week.
11 more rounds to go
Praise Jesus during every round and every scan.

From Grandpa David:
-I just shared a bunch of pics. of today's events for those that couldn't be there. It was amazing having everyone turn out for this great event. The kids were excited to ride in the Wal-Mart trucks the parade turn out better then we could have imagined. A big Thank You to Ken Nelson and his team of drivers that go above and beyond to help all these kids. It is a great thing that you do to make the lives of these kids a little brighter. Ken and Wal-Mart gave God the praise for the blessing we share of Julia being Cancer Free and his almighty Hand at work with Zac and Harmony as well. For that we say Amen!!

From Kristy Nault (Zac's mom):
-We sit here together, looking through the hundreds of photos taken, sent and posted over the weekend. It's hard to describe the impact each person and memory has made without crying. We know and have met people with the some of the largest hearts in the world.
Ken Nelson, Ross, Carol and the Walmart Heart Drivers: A single act of kindness can change a person's perspective and their life. You teach this to others with who you are, what you say and your persistent desire to help each child. Your not deterred by numbers, people or life. You help share the Wal-Mart HEART Story because you believe in it. Thank you for your heart, dedication, and desire to lead your group to helping others. It was an honor to have met you and to call you friends. Thank you for doing this for our kids and so many more.

Moolah Shriners and Mason: Gregory Heins, Chad Humphreys, and to every one of you that attended, drove your trailers across the state, drove your open cars in single digit weather, escorted convoy, put on a costumes and make up and did whatever you could to make one of these kids smile, Thank you. Your kindness has changed so many this weekend. "We do it for these kids, for the strength they show when no one is watching " It is an honor to know you and to have been apart of this event with you, thank you for everything.

David Kamper, Dusti Elbert, and Shawn Kohrs, Rachael Jones, Jeanne Zelch: In life there are struggles, triumphs, there are heartbreaks and new beginnings. Its rare to meet people that remind you of the bigger picture, of the true reasons and to push yourself. Its about believing in God completely and praying and then praying again. You inspire people to reach inside of themselves and to want to be a better person. Dave, the transformation you made on your truck for these kids and all of the other kids fighting is truly amazing. People can no longer say they aren't aware. Thank you all for everything.

Mark Rice, Greg Scott, Theresa, Action Riders: It was 5 degrees, you still came on two wheels, bearing flags, smiles, love and support for these kids and their families. Thank you for putting your hearts out there, for being apart of this, or showing these kids how brave they have been and for never giving up, no matter the forecast.

FCSD, MOHP, St. Clair Union and Washington Fire departments and Police, Gasconade County Sheriff, First Responders, and off duty personnel: Thank you for being apart of everything. Thank you for your hearts and supporting these kids.

We will continue to share many thanks, photos and posts, for tonight, God Bless

A few places where you can find even more event photos!

Grandpa David's album
The event page!
Video of the convoy

2/8 - 2/14 - Super powers and preparing for the convoy!

February 8th

From Kristy [EVENT!]
-The Wal-Mart Heart Event on February 15th for Harmony, Julia and Zac is going to be awesome and big. You absolutely do not want to miss this!! If your not in the convoy, head over to Washington Wal-Mart at 9 am for the Rally for these kids!! The convoy pulls in at 10 am!! Thank you to all that have helped and see you there!!!

February 9th

From Momma:
-Juls is almost asleep
She had day 3 of round 14 today and is doing good.
I realize more and more how tough she really is.
It amazes me.
She'll be back at the hospital on Friday, Valentines Day for blood, antibody transfusion and round 15 of chemo. Praying she'll be well enough to party Saturday.
Praying when her counts go down she doesn't get fevers or mouth sores.
I didn't realize it at first and nobody told me but they increased her dose.
So praying extra hard for Princess
And I was wrong scans are February 19th.
She's gonna rock those scans!!

From Grandpa David:
- A big Thank You to Joshua Wagner for the use of his shop today so we could work on the truck out of the weather it work out great snow stopped just as we got done.

 

 February 10th

From Grandpa David:
-Today was a very special day Rachel came by the house this morning and Julia and Aly decided that they wanted to stay at our house. They hung out with Carol most of the day. Andrew , Breydan, and Mckenzie hung out with me we worked getting in some wood, then they played out in the snow it was a great day. Thanking God for all these blessing he has allowed us to have. Jul's was feeling good she was running around the house playing she kept wanting to play Duck Duck Goose she ran so much she had to stop and catch her breath a couple of time


-Special Thanks go out to Danny & Mona Diekmann Owners of Circle D Sports Locker in Owensville for all the time and hard work they did making all the lettering and pics for our signs. Also Big Thank You to Joyce and Clint Jose ( Lane Building Products) for donating all the sheet metal for the signs. Without all of you this couldn't have been possible.

 

Team Juls Spotting! 

Kenny Rosno representing Team Juls all the way at Winterslam over the weekend in Minnesota !!!!! Thanks Kenny so much 

February 12th

From Momma:
-Juls has had a busy day today running around town. She's feeling good but is wearing out easily.
The other night she turned completely gray and around her eyes turned black she got cold and clammy. She was ok but freaked us out a bit. I guess side effect from chemo. Drs couldn't figure it out.
She has round 15 on Friday and scans again next Wednesday. We will find out her blood counts tomorrow.
Praying she can still go Saturday. Big day planned!!
Praising God for this miracle every day

My beautiful distraction. God knew I needed you....
Ahna 18 months old

February 13th

From Momma:
-This is how princess gets auntie in the slide. ..by batting those eyes Jamie Estes [Click here to watch the video of Juls' persuasive powers!]


From Grandpa David:
- Julia got her blood work done today and her counts are still up. Tomorrow she goes in for antibody transfusion and another treatment. She will be coming home after it is done and will be home tomorrow night. Rachel told me it will be Monday when her numbers will start bottoming out again. Praying that they stay up she is so looking forward to Sat. We hope to see everyone either at the Wal-Mart in Union as we leave Sat morning at 9:00 or at Washington Wal-Mart at 10:00 it sounds like it will be a great event and a Big Thank You to Wal-Mart and Ken Nelson and all the Wal-Mart drivers for everything they do for the kids.

February 14th

From Momma:
-Juls spent Valentines in clinic getting antibodies and chemo. Shes doing good and excited about tomorrow.
Praying she has enough energy and stays fever free.
I really see gods protection over her. The drs are always amazed at how well she is doing. So please keep praying that God keeps her in his hands and keep her healthy and protects her body. She has endured so much.
As I was talking to a friend about how I hated that she's still has to go through chemo and other things that were getting me down. She said, "Rachel your letting Satan distract you from the miracle that God has already given you."
She told me not to focus on the negative but the glory of God.
Oh how I need this reality check. .....
I'm not gonna focus on the rest of the treatment but just continue to give God glory for the miracle He gave our family

2/2 - 2/7 - Baskets, buttered rolls and more treatments

February 2nd

From Momma:
-Juls had a good day at Grandma's house with Aly and Ahna. She's now home watching TMNT
Shes feeling good and eating a little. Please pray for her as she has round 14 on Friday. It will be in patient. Pray her body is protected from the chemo. That it doesn't effect her heart lungs or other organs. I hate chemo but I hate cancer more!!
Praising God he took it all away.

 

 

 

February 3rd

From Momma:
-Had a very nice day.
Juls, Ahna and I spent the day running errands. Everywhere we went someone told Juls they've been praying for her and told her how special she was. It was so sweet.
Then I made a phone call and dialed the wrong number and I accidentally called a very dear friend I haven't spoken to in a few years. 

February 4th

From Momma:
-Thank you to everyone who thought of us with Shawn Kohrs latest event with the valentine cards. It's sweet and truly kind just like Shawn himself.
But Id prefer to sit this one out. ..for rather selfish reasons. See when we aren't in the hospital or I'm not running to drs or giving her meds I like to pretend that we are a normal family. A family not being plagued by this awful disease. Just enjoying my family. I want to pretend for a moment this holiday that everything is normal and ok .....and not be reminded of my daughter's cancer
My second reason is my other kids understand why Juls gets special attention but they don't. ....they feel left out often. And that also breaks my heart.
So as great and awesome as this is....I think we will pass.
Some times reality hurts to bad.....

February 5th

From Grandpa David:
-Juls has been doing really good and we thank the Lord for all these good days. This morning she was having trouble deciding what to wear. She had me looking for a dress for her, but nothing seemed to be what she wanted I told her that it was really cold outside and she needed something warm so she decided on her Care Bear costume it was thick and fuzzy and nice and warm. Perfect. Jul's ANC counts soared this week which is good because she will go back in Friday for another 3 day treatment. We are praying for everyone to have safe travel during this winter storm and Thank all the Modot and other drivers working to make our roads safer.

February 6th

From Momma:
-Yes Juls is sleeping in a basket. Shes resting up for round 14 this weekend.
Praying god protects her body during her chemo. Praying her counts don't bottom out and she doesn't get fevers. Also praying for her appetite.
Cant wait until this is all over and we can relax in the sun with a healthy little girl. So ready for this to be over.

 February 7th

From Momma:
-Juls is almost done with her chemo today. She'll be rescanned on February 11th CT, MRI and bone scans.
Of course these scans are clear just like the last ones!!
Praising God....in this storm

1/31 - Back home again

From Momma:
-Back home and I was thinking a nice movie and a relaxing evening would be awesome......but then I realized I have 5 kids...I'm like 17 years away from that

-Juls counts today are 171
Yay finally outta there and guess where are going after we get home....Chinese
She told the nurses she was going to eat chinese tonight!!!

From Grandpa David:
-Our girls back home once again.Yaahhh already wanting to go for Chinese. At least she wanting to eat. Glad to have them all back home, but bad for Richie he's already been called into work for tonight. Hopefully the roads won't get to bad and he will have a easy night.

1/30 - Higher counts

From Momma:
-Praying Juls counts are at least 100. Shes so ready to see her family
She said she just wants to hug Bubbe, Kenzie, and Aly.
At night she always thanks God for letting us be a family. So sweet!!!

-Juls ANC is 28. If its 100 tomorrow we can leave !
Shes getting another blood transfusion. This is her 3rd since Friday. So please pray her counts go up and she starts eating.
I hate that she has 13 more rounds of this

From Grandpa David:
-Come on Juls this is no step for you girl after all that you have been through. Praying your ANC goes through the roof so you can get out of there. Special thanks to everyone that came out for the praise service it was a very moving service. The Gasconade County Republican photographer was there and took some great pictures and had a wonderful page in the paper!! We can't stop Thanking the Lord for all the blessing we have received. I am listening to the bigger girls laughing and playing downstairs.