Friday, July 13, 2007

My Story

James Gregory Ryan II is our precious blonde haired, blue eyed, tiny little man full of love, smiles and laughter. James was diagnosed with Leukemia on July 12, 2007 at the age of 13 months. Our journey with him through this trial begins here.

Everything is happening so fast, which is probably a blessing in disquise. James is a very active toddler. He, in hindsight, had grown a little more irritable and was bruising more easily. These things were not factors until that Thursday morning he woke up acting very lethargic and was found to have a low grade fever. A trip was planned for the next week, so as most of us parents would, Joy and Greg wavered a little before deciding to take James in to see the pediatrician. Dr. Elahee was in the office and noted that James looked pale. If you are reading at this site, you probably know that being "pale" is pretty normal in their sweet little family. She still decided to do a blood test there in the office. That led to more blood work at the local Woodlands hospital to confirm that James' counts were way off. They were then transferred to the medical center in Houston where they were briefly at a children's hospital just for the evening before they got word that James preliminary diagnosis was indeed Leukemia. A midnight transfer to MD Anderson would take place. James received a blood transfusion to try and raise his platelet counts and help him begin to feel better. After a long night and day there, the diagnosis of Leukemia was confirmed.

Now we await the next steps. The beginning of chemotherapy, more bone marrow testing, and keeping a close watch on those blast cells. (the bad white blood cells) A confirmation of the type of Leukemia is also forthcoming, though it is most likely ALL.
It is a expected to be a long road, but by faith we believe that James, Joy and Greg (and soon to be little Adrianne) will become a stronger family and God will be glorified as James turns into a once again healthy young boy.

15 comments:

paullooney said...

Dear Greg, Joy, little James and family-

I cannot imagine the swirl of emotions you must be feeling as you face this chapter in your family history. Know that you are loved and that we stand with you. May God wrap you in his love like a blanket and hold you close.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones." Prov. 3:5-8

Nourish those little bones, Lord! We trust in you!

Love to all-
Paul

Alan said...

Greg and Joy,

I was on my way to Mexico for the mission trip when I got the email. Please know we are praying for you. Our whole team joined me in prayer when I got there. My heart hurts for the pain and unknown you must feel and I pray His comfort and peace in your lives as well as for healing for James. Karen and I and the kids will continue to lift you up and trust God for complete recovery and a healthy delivery for your new baby. Wow, what mixed emotions. We love you guys,
Alan, Karen and family

Rachel said...

Precious Ryan family,
Tony and I were out of town when we heard the news. I broke into tears and Tony broke into prayer. Our heart goes out to you. As we look into precious little Tobin's 10 month old eyes, we cannot comprehend the level of hurt, worries, and fear. Please know that we are praying for your precious family.

Genesis 50:21 "Now therefore, do not be afraid. I will provide for and support you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke to their hearts. "

Keep the faith, perservere with hope, and allow God to work his miracles. If there is anything we can do, let us know.

We love you! Tony, Rachel, and Tobin

Jon and Karen said...

Ryan Family
We love you and promise to pray continuously for you all.
Jon, Karen, Elli, Dax, and Charly

lwarren said...

Greg, Joy and Little James,

My heart goes out to all of you. I'm praying for you, your family and your little boy. Know that you are loved, supported and being prayed for daily.
May God pour out His strength, mercy, provision and faithfulness on your lives.
Love you so much!

Lori Warren

Kim Eckert said...

Greg, Joy and James-
we love you so much and are continuously praying for all of you.
all our love,
Kim, Jeff and Tommy

Anonymous said...

Dear Joy,
My Mom and Dad told me of James diagnosis on Saturday. My wife and I said a special prayer for you all this morning. May God lay his healing hands on James and make him whole. God bless and know that many are out here praying!!

Terry Hasting

The White Family said...

Dear Ryan Family
I can't begin to imagine what all of you (especially Baby James, Greg and Joy) are going through. Please know that our prayers and love are with you and are also coming from Midland and Las Vegas.
We know that GOD will be with you through this journey and will work his wonder with Baby James.
Much love to all of you,
The White Family
(cheri)

THSM said...

Greg, Joy, and James,

We love you guys so much and wish we were there to hug your necks. We can't even imagine how heavy your hearts are right now. As we finished praying for baby James last night, Braxton asked "What's 'healed' mean, Mommy?" After a brief explanation, Braxton prayed for baby James to be healed...We will pray without ceasing for James. Joy, we will also be praying for a healthy pregnancy. Know that the four of you are loved, supported, and prayed for daily.

We love you!
Steve, Kathryn, Braxton, and Nash

Anonymous said...

Joy, Greg, and James,

Please know that our prayers are with you. We love you all so much. I can not begin to imagine what you are going through however I am here and praying for your entire family.


I find this verse inspirational and I feel that it fits all situations. I hope that it gives you comfort knowing that the Lord our God is with you ALWAYS and WHEREVER!!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

I pray for your strength and when your strengh is weary I pray that the Lord intercedes and gives you His strengh. I pray for James' quick and permanent recovery with a long a healthy abundant life ahead of him.

With Love and Prayer,
Jessica and Brax Chambers

Anonymous said...

Bless you and your family, Joy. I will pray for you all to have the strength you will need as you face this part of life's journey.
Love to you all,

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry to hear about your precious, little James. We were at Reid's first birthday party on Saturday, and I must tell you, you all were greatly missed. Your dad said the blessing and asked that the Lord watch over James. It was very moving. You could have heard a pin drop.

The people in your hometown of Lewisburg are praying diligently. We do not go anywhere that someone isn't speaking of James. You are greatly loved and remembered during this trying time in your lives.

Joy, I just have to say, James reminds me so much of you when you were a baby. He's gorgeous!!! You have been a loyal and faithful follower and the Lord will certainly stay by you as well.

Take care and much love,

Lori Hamilton Osborne

Anonymous said...

Dear Greg & family,
I just received notice about your baby and I want you to know that I have immediately begun to pray for him and for y'all. Having gone through the testing and diagnostic process for our daughter with severe disabilities when she was 16 months old gives me a good idea of what y'all are going through.
I know it seems overwhelming and somewhat a blur, but know that this is because Jesus is NOT just walking beside you right now, HE IS LITERALLY CARRYING YOU because He knows you don't have the strength. That's how awesome our Father is. HE WILL CARRY YOU FOR AS LONG AS IT TAKES FOR YOU TO GET TO THE OTHER SIDE.
Continue to cry out to Him. Be honest with Him and tell Him exactly how you feel. He loves us enough to hear all of it and when you are done, leave it with Him. You will discover that your relationship with Jesus is stronger than before because you will be operating not on your power, but only His.
This will be a "long haul." You will be fine and then you won't be, and on and on, but if you continue to let Christ literally take over and carry all of your burdens, you will definitely discover that in the place of agony, He has given you the peace that LITERALLY passes all understanding. People will ask you "how in the world" you do it and you will have an extraordinary opportunity to share His love.
I realize that I don't know you well at all, but I want you to know that if you need ANYTHING AT ALL, please call, email, whatever.

Praying diligently for Baby James,
Robyn Thrower
2nd grade Rosehill Elementary School Tomball ISD

Anonymous said...

Dear Greg, Joy, James and Family,

Just a note to let you know I am praying for you and hve added you to our Metropolitan Baptist Church Intercessory Prayer List.I have been getting updates from Wes and Betty and visited with Uncle Don today. I also love this website. Even an old Aggie like me can use it.

You guys are demonsrtating the reality of Christ in your life and you are a Blessing to my life and many others!

Love,
DON Lee

Cheryl Smith said...

My sweet James, Joy and Greg,

I left a few messages for you Joy but wanted to pass on my continuous prayers for ALL of you. I am so glad you have such a strong family unit and a mighty God watching over ALL of you as you walk this journey. What peace knowing our God is a God of miracles and the Smiths along with many more are praying for a miracle in James complete and total healing of this cancer. Joy and Greg hold onto that hope for our God is a BIG God nothing is too big for him. I sit here typing and can't stop the tears cause I hurt sooo badly for you all and wish I could take away your pain. Joy you know I am here for whatever you need...you know how I love those newborns! hint, hint! I just wanted to remind you and Greg that the Smith clan are praying persistantly for total healing for James and we know God is able, and for a great delivery, healthy baby, strength and peace as you pass thru.
We Love and keep you close in our prayers- Randy, Cheryl, and kids