Joe B

Awesome news Jamie! I am tracking towards 7 years survival myself ....early October 2010. Keep the faith !!

Congratulations Carol ! God bless!

Congrats Jamie...I just passed 6 years in October -- life is good!

He has a huge opportunity to advance this cause. Sadly, he also stated he was going to keep it a secret. The Stigm acontinues as he clearly doesnt like the association and probably feels some unwarranted "shame". I wish I knew a way for this group to contact him, as he needs education about the disease, hope regarding long term survivors here, and options for treatment that extend beyond " standard of care"

Madison Grace (5 lbs 8 oz, Sydney Faith (4 lbs 5 oz, and Caelyn Joy (4 lbs 5 oz) Born on 7/10/09 at 10:40, 10:41, and 10:42 Am respectively. All doing excellent and were discharged home on 7/14/09 at the same time Gina went home. That was one nervous drive home for me We celebrated Gina's birthday 2 days later on 7/16 with everyone home and healthy...Praise God! The most awesome birthday Gina could have wished for. Check out the details at out blog http://www.bonotriplets.blogspot.com I am feeling great and had a stable report on 6/22. I go back to the NIH in late August. We have an awesome God.....God Bless, Joe B

here's the link http://www.tctimes.com/articles/2009/06/21/living/features/doc4a3bec3c8bbf6385059653.txt Lung cancer survivor — one year later Gina and Joe Bono of Tyrone Township will deliver triplets in July. Joe was diagnosed with lung cancer nearly six years ago, and continues regular treatments. Couple now expecting triplets By John McKay Published: Sunday, June 21, 2009 6:16 AM EDT Tyrone Twp. — Nearly one year ago, Joe and Gina Bono were researching treatment options for Joe's progressing lung cancer, as the couple was profiled in the Tri-County Times. Now, the couple is researching baby clothes and nanny services as they prepare to deliver triplets — all girls — on July 10.  Joe, who says he never smoked, was diagnosed with lung cancer on Oct. 2, 2003 after a tumor was found on his right lung. This was followed by a brain tumor about the size of an egg, which limited his peripheral vision, contributing to two minor automobile accidents on consecutive days in 2006.  Since last year's story, Joe has changed his course of treatment.   "We did some research and I found a clinical trial in Bethesda, Md. at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and weighed my options, and decided to do something less toxic," he said.  The treatment, an experimental vaccine, consists of radiated, genetically altered lung cancer cells that are re-introduced into the body just under the skin in a series of vaccines.  "The way in which they genetically alter the cancer cells allows your immune system to recognize and attack them," he said.   He began the treatments in July, concluding in November. Now he goes back every several months for a CT scan. He said the vaccine has helped achieve a level of stability. While the cancer has not receded, it has not grown, either.  "So far things have been stable, and I feel great," he said. "I can feel the difference myself in terms of my physical health."   The triplets came as a surprise for the couple, who knew they were pregnant in December, but did not anticipate a multiple birth.   "Gina and I, we were trying for a child, and we were surprised to learn that we had three on the way," Joe said.  He credits his family's faith for the surprise.   "Being Christians, we consider this a blessing," he said. "It's what God provided us, and so we're just trying to prepare for these babies and we're excited."  The Bonos' three older daughters, Miranda, 17, Hannah, 19, and Alyson, 21, look forward to helping care for their younger sisters. Joe and Gina say they will also hire a nanny to help care for the triplets, due to the couple's work schedule, and Joe's cancer treatments. In the meantime, they will rely on family help.  "You try to prepare as much as you can but part of it is just figuring it out as you go," Joe said of raising the triplets.   Joe said he wishes he could be more active in local organizations and fundraisers that raise awareness and funds for combating lung cancer, which accounts for almost one-third of all cancer deaths.  About half of those afflicted with lung cancer have never smoked nor are former smokers, according to statistics furnished by the LUNGevity Foundation, which will hold a fundraiser at 6 p.m. Monday at Joe and Lewie's Penalty Box in Fenton.  Joe still is not sure what caused his cancer, but he says one possibility may have been a summer job he had while in college, spraying chemical pesticides. He said it also may have stemmed from something viral.  "The doctors have encouraged me to stop trying to figure it out," he said.  "What would you do with the answer, anyway?" Gina said.    He said he still does not know what the future holds. He will reach six years as a survivor in October. He hopes to be a long-term survivor.   "We take it day by day, and we trust God," he said. "We don't know what the future holds, but we're just very grateful for every day that we have and it's really drawn this family a lot closer together."  He said the experience has had its positive effects.  "It can actually make you appreciate your life a lot more, and your family and those around you." www.bonotriplets.blogspot.com

What a great step forward Jamie. I am certain that you are one of the lucky few to be cured of this disease. What a wonderful gift you have been given. Praise God! Good luck with the interview....Joe B

that is great news !!

Great to have you back Jamie.

Awesome Rich! Congratulations....God is good....Jb

Hi Berisa! Welcome back....

That is great news !! Keep on keeping on !

Thanks All ! While we do honestly experience moments of panic, we are certain that God is blessing us, and that this is going to be a crazy, fun, tring , exhilirating, joyful adventure.

Why It Was a 'Good' Friday April 10, 2009 "And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council." (Luke 22:66) The origin of "Good Friday" ceremonies are somewhat muddled in history. Some suggest that the earlier roots go back as far as 100 A.D., but others insist that it was well into the fourth century before anything like the "passion week" observances became established. Beyond that, there is a good bit of controversy about the title itself. Everyone now agrees that the focus of the dedication is on the crucifixion of our Lord. So why "Good" Friday? Why not "Sad" Friday, or "Awful" Friday? Although historians and theologians tend to focus on the etymology of the term and debate the circumstances by which the ceremony became identified, the truth may well lie in the sovereignty of God Himself. On that day in history, the sins of the world were paid for! This was the day that "it pleased the Lord to . . . make his soul an offering for sin" (Isaiah 53:10). That day, "the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). Yes, there was great sorrow and travail that day. During the awful physical darkness from noon to 3:00 p.m. (Matthew 27:45), Jesus had cried out in utter anguish: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). The earth itself shook and rumbled as the creation was torn asunder in reaction to the horrific judgment of the Creator for sin (Matthew 27:51). But then came the victory cry, "It is finished" (John 19:30), and, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46). His suffering ended, the payment completed, eternal propitiation accomplished, Jesus laid down His human life to await the great resurrection that God might give "assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). HMM III Print this article | More Days of Praise articles

If your interested in following along, I am posting updates on our triplets baby adventure at http://www.bonotriplets.blogspot.com make sure to post a comment or add yourself as a follower so i know who here is tagging along Joe B