They're going to do what now?

 We've all heard words like "stem cell treatment", "spinal cord injury", and "bone marrow" thrown around a lot, but I think a little explanation may help us all understand what JoJo will be experiencing in the next few days in Panama. 

In the United States, the typical treatment for spinal cord injury is rehabilitation and extensive physical therapy.  As we have seen with JoJo, here in the States, the course of treatment is basically to teach the patient and their families to deal with the disabilities caused by the injury with no major recovery.  With stem cell treatment, patients internationally have experienced regained muscle control, increased mobility, and much improved quality of life.  Basically, through advances in medicine, God allows these doctors to change the course of the lives of patients with spinal cord injuries.  We are praying and believing for the maximum results from JoJo's treatment! 

JoJo had his stem cells harvested yesterday, I believe.  According to Jessica everything went perfectly!  They will begin to readminister his stem cells on Friday.

 

 

This is an example of how JoJo's schedule might look over the next few weeks.

 



• The first two days: medical evaluation, blood testing, and bone marrow collection

• 8 intrathecal (spinal canal) injections of expanded/non-expanded cord blood-derived stem cell

 (2 per week)

• 4 intravenous injections (IV) expanded cord blood-derived stem cells (1 per week)

• 2 intrathecal (lumbar puncture) injections of bone marrow-derived stem cells (during final week)

• 2 intravenous injections (IV) bone marrow-derived stem cells (during final week)

• 19 physical therapy sessions (throughout stay)

 

Still lots of communication mishaps. They finally broke down and asked for help with the microwave:

 

It's  working now, and they've already burnt atleast one bag of popcorn!

 

 

Now, back to business.  Let's pray that the stem cell treatments and physical therapy sessions are 100% successful, and that he will receive the MAXIMUM benefit!

Pray for the Ashlynn, Calli, and Cannon, and for Jessica and Jojo's parents as the distance may start to wear on them in the days ahead.

Pray that God will give Jessica and Jojo reassurance that their steps are ordered by Him.  This, too, is part of His master plan!

 

Also, don't feel 100% bad for Jessica, from what I hear, she spent the day by the pool in their year round 80 degree weather :-)