Chemo Has Hit Hard

Jordan is not doing so well after his last chemo treatments. He has been sick vomiting and not eating since Tuesday afternoon. We were at the doctor's office yesterday trying to relieve him of these symptoms but it only took the edge off. We were lucky enough to come home in the evening, however he just stayed the same. We will give it some time to see if today will be the turn around day for him, if not the doctor wants to admit us and start the IV fluids and nauseous medicine once again.

They will also start TPN which is basically food that goes through his veins which consists all the nutrients and fat that he needs to carry him through a period of not eating. Regular food going straight to his stomach would naturally be the best. This will all be based on if he can keep down his fluids and food today. So far, having a bit of luck, lets keep our fingers crossed. Jordan does not want to go back in the hospital, but we will if this will get him better sooner.

His brother Tristen has been home sick since Tuesday with the stomach flu and fever. This is want we were afraid of. Needless to say, this had not been a easy week for our family. We have sent Tristen over to his aunt's house to avoid spreading any germs but have let him come home at night keeping him in different rooms from Jordan. It's very hard when you want to nurture your sick child back to health and comfort them, at the same time not trying to spread the germs to the other one battling cancer and being hit with chemo to where his immune system is so low.

Shawn and I are trying to stay strong as we always look back to the miracle that Jordan is here with us now and we are a family of four again. We've been asking ourselves why us...this is not fair that little Jordan has to endure this. It really hit me hard last night when I saw tears rolling out of Jordan's eyes after he had fallen asleep but than I realized there are many people out there battling this sick disease of cancer.

I know it's not fair...you just gotta hang in there, hold on to your faith and know that God is always holding us in the palm of His hand.

After having a week off of chemo, Jordan went in for some more yesterday. It is actually a repeat of what he had a couple weeks ago. It consisted of two yesterday (one that will be at a higher dose than last time) both by a push. In the doctors words, "This is an aggressive disease so we need to treat it aggressively."

Today will be two injections given in each thigh muscle. Thankfully, we did not have to be admitted into the hospital last time we received this. Jordan did get very sick with throwing up and not eating or drinking for a couple of days but we were able to control these symptoms by a doctors visit with IV fluids and nauseous medicine through his pic line. He did get very dehydrated and unfortunately lost a couple of pounds. This may very well happen this time around especially with the increased amount. I have to keep in mind that he is stronger now and can hopefully tolerate more.

Please keep the prayers coming, we are still in a battle everyday. As of today Jordan almost weighs 58 lbs.

**unless otherwise noted, these updates are coming directly from Melissa...

Jordan had chemo on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. On Tuesday we were in the hospital for another spinal tap along with three different chemo's. Thankfully, he did not get sick initially, so we were able to go home and not stay the night.

On Wednesday, Jordan had another dose of chemo, this time two injections in each thigh. He was such a trooper and didn't even shed a tear. (We had just heard a verse on the radio talking about being brave and having courage, I'd say Jordan definitely had these that day). These types of shots do normally hurt, that is why we have to apply a numbing cream to the area an hour before. On Wednesday evening Jordan started to feel the effects of chemo and began throwing up. It has continued and has not stopped. His appetite is gone and we're lucky if he keeps liquids down. Hopefully tomorrow he will start to feel better or a trip to the doctors office might be inevitable.

Jordan has continued to do his home school program with Mrs. Smith even though he does not feel the greatest. His teacher says she admires him for this. He really is hanging in there despite the way he feels. We are not due back for chemo until Monday the 21st. This will give him just enough time to recover and then they will hit him with some more.

The mass in his chest is still there and is the size of a lemon, so the surgeon feels its best to wait a couple more months to see if the chemo treatments can bring it down more. The surgeon seems pretty optimistic after seeing the initial CT scan when Jordan was first diagnosed, remember it was inside his entire chest cavity. So...the good news is that it is shrinking or it may just be dead cells that need to dissipate over time.

Please continue to pray as we don't need Jordan to stop eating and loose more weight. It's a very trying time for our family and we are so very thankful for the support of the community, family and friends.

God Bless you all in whatever struggle you may be facing. It's nice to know we can always lean on God no matter the circumstance.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers. They are obviously working because Jordan is doing much better!

We were under the impression that a brand new phase of chemo was to start this week but it should continue next week. This will allow Jordan to have a break and remain feeling well. This is great because this means no chemo this week allowing white blood counts to recover. Jordan welcomes this!!

Today we have an appointment with the surgeon to discuss putting in a port and removing the pic line in his arm. A port is really what was wanted from the beginning but with the mass so big in his chest it was too risky to be put under for surgery. Now that the mass appears to be smaller they are hoping that next week when he is put under anesthesia for a spinal tap, they can also surgically input the port and remove the pic line. A port is used for administering all of Jordan's chemo treatments and blood work. It is under the skin on the chest so this means shower's will be easier and he can swim. The main thing is there is less room for infection with the port and will be much easier to take care of. Whether or not Jordan is not ready for this surgery, chemo will start up again next week - continuing for 41 days with this particular phase. Prayers are very much needed to get him through this time, as you all know chemo is very hard on his little body.

Last week we had the opportunity to go to Big Bear for four days. Jordan held up pretty well. It was beautiful up there and we were able to go on the boat and enjoy the lake. We fished, ate, relaxed and just enjoyed the breath of fresh air that we all needed so badly. Jordan's cousin, Candace came up for one night. She really is the medicine that Jordan needs. He has become so close to her during this time and she can make him feel better and put a smile on his face no matter how sick or sad he may be feeling that day. Thank you Candace (Wally) for being there for your little cousin!!Legoland...a few weeks ago!

More updates to follow...