A Much Better Week!

Thankfully all is much better in the Macias home! Tristen is feeling well and back to school and Jordan is much much better since the last dose of chemo. No more throwing up and he's EATING!

Unfortunately he's back down to 54 lbs. Last week just really socked it to us. No chemo this week, although we did have to go to the doctors in Fontana twice for lab work and to change the dressing on his pic line. He seems to be having some sensitivity to the dressing, after all, his skin has not had a break from bandages and tape since June... so the nursers are trying some different techniques for some relief.

Jordan had the opportunity to go to an Angels game this week, he totally loved it and they won which makes it even better! Jordan indulged on a hot dog, pizza and tons of sunflower seeds. He had a great time with his Grandpa and Uncle Gary!

We are due for more chemo on Monday and Tuesday. We just try not to think about it until then, but believe me, my prayers have already started. The focus will be to enjoy the weekend only!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers. In our house, we seem to never get a break from this, it feels like Shawn and I are constantly carrying this burden on our shoulders. We welcome the day when we can look back on this and praise God for carrying us through.

If you find yourself struggling, the only thing I can say is tomorrow is a new day, don't give up, God won't give us anything we can't handle.

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...

This update comes from Melissa:

Jordan had chemo yesterday, it was a light dose so it should not effect the way he feels to much. His voice is getting stronger, but he still sounds horse and talks at a whisper level. Hopefully in a couple more months his voice should resume back to normal. This is common because he had the ventilator in for so long, not to mention the NG feeding tube - which by the way has been removed for the time being because it was clogged. Hopefully it will not have to be inserted again if Jordan continues to eat and gain weight. Jordan has gained four pounds since being home for the hospital which puts him now and 54 lbs. We'll take what we can get!

Legoland was a huge success! Jordan did great the whole day and used his wheelchair. The smile that I saw on Jordan's face will never go unnoticed again. That day is a day we will never forget. There are things in life that we look at differently now. I know life is way too precious to take it for granted. I counted my blessings through out the entire day, thanking God for the second chance at life he has given Jordan. I caught myself just staring at Jordan often, thinking what a miracle he is.

This whole experience makes us put a lot into perspective now...life is too precious, you never know what tomorrow will bring. So give those extra hugs and kisses to your kids, you can never give them enough or too many!

A Message from Melissa

After talking with family and friends lately, we've realized that people are under the assumption that Jordan is doing much better. While all the chemo treatments Jordan has received thus-far are working and putting the leukemia into remission, we are still facing another serious battle. That battle is his weight.

When Jordan was at Loma Linda, their focus was saving his life in which they succeeded. However, during that time he lost an extreme amount of weight. Weight that is usually lost during aggressive chemo treatments. Jordan does not have any type of reserve at this point not to mention muscle mass. That is why Jordan ended up in the hospital for a week recently because chemo knocked him over the edge and his body could not handle it. The doctors are referring to Jordan as being in a worst state than an anorexic. His body is so malnourished and depleted that any infection to his body or virus could result in the worst possible outcome regardless of the leukemia. So the doctors goal at this time is for Jordan to eat, eat, eat and gain as much weight as possible. The family is trying to remain optimistic at this time and trusting God has a plan. After all, his life was already spared and they are not giving up at this point. So please continue to keep little Jordan in your prayers while believing that the weight will come on quickly and stay on him.

On a much lighter note, today Jordan had a light dose of chemo by a quick push that should not make him feel sick to his stomach or knock him down too much. He will have the rest of the week off and return next Tuesday for the same dose. His doctor, Dr. Horvath was so excited to see a smile on his face today that she immediately was on the phone making arrangements for Jordan to receive Lego Land tickets. The doctor says at this time his counts are high enough to enjoy a day at a theme park (cautiously). Doctors orders! It's all about yielding to Jordan and putting a smile back on his face. According to the doctor, "Everything has been stripped away from his nine year old life. Baseball, school, swimming, summer vacations, friends etc..." So, the next two weeks should be very good for Jordan.

He started his 4th grade home school program this week. One hour of school will count as one school day for him. (One good thing out of this, right!) Jordan has the privilege to be home schooled by his 2nd grade teacher, Patti Smith, who by the way is wonderful with him. We thank you ahead time Patti for this, one less stress off of the family!

The family would also like to send out some "Thank You's":

Thank you to Courtney Taylor and Yucaipa Little Theater plus their cast and crew that came out on a special night to perform the play "Oliver" and raise funds for Jordan Cause! The family was touched that the YLT pulled together with such a large cast and crew and gave all proceeds to Jordan.

Also...thank you to Ann and Eric, owners of Reps4Life. On the One Year Anniversary of their fitness gym in Yucaipa they donated to us as well. The Independent All Stars Cheerleading Team was out washing cars all day for Jordan's Cause...Thank you to all! The community has been wonderful and so supportive!

Jordan came home from the hospital yesterday! He ended up staying in all of last week. He just finished a really rough week of chemo. The doctors had him on all sorts of medications to help him with sickness. They even flew some in from back east!

Jordan really turned around on Sunday...he started feeling better and eating a little more, however, he needed another spinal on Tuesday, so instead of going home and having to be readmitted, the doctors kept him. He is very happy to be home, to say the least!

He will be going in for chemo every day this week.

Thank you for your continued prayers for he and his family!!!

Last week at the Son Rock Kids Camp, the YCC Vacation Bible School, Jordan was the focus of attention! The camp raised money for Jordan's Cause. Along with those amazing efforts, the children attending were introduced to Leukemia and what it is. Candace and Jamie were able to go speak to them and tell them Jordan's story. The kids made signs and get well cards for Jordan. Friday night was the end of the week family night celebration. Shawn and Melissa were able to attend, as was Jordan! The family was so touched by the generosity of everyone involved! A huge Thank You to the Son Rock Kids Camp from the Macias Family!

The last few weeks Jordan's counts have been up so he has been able to get out a little more. He was able to go out to dinner and to attend the circus among other things! He is now repeating the same chemo cycle he had last month. He had a heavy dose of chemo on Tuesday. It made him so sick that he was admitted back into the hospital on Wednesday. They have him on meds for his nauseousness. They are also hydrating him. His chemo included a spinal, and chemo in pill form. Today he will be getting more chemo and a blood transfusion. He will be going home as soon as he is feeling better. The next two weeks will be very rough on Jordan, so please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

Quick Reminder...Oliver this Thursday!

The cast of Yucaipa Little Theatre’s “Oliver!” has scheduled an additional benefit performance for Thursday, August 6, 7:30 p.m., with all proceeds going to help Jordan Macias!To attend this special performance, please call 909-790-1884 for a reservation as the theatre has limited capacity seating. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for senior, students, and children. Family tickets are $25, and groups of eight or more may purchase tickets for $6 each.If you cannot attend the August 6th benefit performance, “Oliver!” is playing at 7:30 p.m. on July 31 and August 1, 7 and 8. Matinee performances are at 3:30 p.m. on July 26, and August 2 and 9. A donation jar will be available for Jordan’s Cause.