The legend of the Phoenix has been around for centuries: The Phoenix is a supernatural creature, living for 500 years. Once its life span is over, the Phoenix builds its own funeral pyre, and throws itself into the flames. As it dies, it is reborn anew, and rises from the ashes to live another 500 years.
Right now Jack is in the flame portion of this process. His white blood count is at zero and he is in "protective isolation " and a special low- bacteria diet to reduce chance of infection since he has no immune system at this point. He also has a lack of red blood cells and platelets, so is at risk of bleeding and is very fatigued.
Any little task feels as it takes more energy than he is willing to spare and is not his talkative self. Getting an answer to a question has been a challenge at times. One of the things that he does do when up is to check for comments on the blog site – so for those of you that have figured out how to do that – keep them coming!! They are helpful and it is nice that everyone is sending good thoughts and prayers. I am sure he feels more than a little isolated right now.
His blood pressure on Tuesday when we went in for our daily check was 87/55 (heart rate 100) in a sitting position and 72/48 (heart rate 109) in a standing position. He got hooked up to an IV and had 5 hours of fluids to raise it to an acceptable level. He did sleep through most of the process but did wake up for lunch.
His blood pressure today when we went in for our daily check was 103/52 (heart rate 73) in a sitting position and 80/34 (heart rate 55) in a standing position so guess what we did again today!! He got hooked up to an IV and had 5 hours of fluids to raise it to an acceptable level. He was a little more alert today and once he woke for lunch, he stayed awake until 4:15 when they finally released him back into my care.
I got 2 more prescriptions to fill and I have to take his temperature every 4 hours - I am sure that will go over well at midnight and 4AM.
Hopefully Jack will get some energy soon. The first sign that engraftment is taking place is an increase in the white blood cell count and there is nowhere to go but up from here. (However, the doctors told me that we would probably be in this holding pattern until the weekend). I ask him every day if he is up to updating the blog since he set the bar very high (and he enjoyed doing it). I am sure that is the first thing that he will catch up on when he has the strength so you all will know when he is doing better.
Keep up in your thoughts and prayers – the support has been wonderful. C
Right now Jack is in the flame portion of this process. His white blood count is at zero and he is in "protective isolation " and a special low- bacteria diet to reduce chance of infection since he has no immune system at this point. He also has a lack of red blood cells and platelets, so is at risk of bleeding and is very fatigued.
Any little task feels as it takes more energy than he is willing to spare and is not his talkative self. Getting an answer to a question has been a challenge at times. One of the things that he does do when up is to check for comments on the blog site – so for those of you that have figured out how to do that – keep them coming!! They are helpful and it is nice that everyone is sending good thoughts and prayers. I am sure he feels more than a little isolated right now.
His blood pressure on Tuesday when we went in for our daily check was 87/55 (heart rate 100) in a sitting position and 72/48 (heart rate 109) in a standing position. He got hooked up to an IV and had 5 hours of fluids to raise it to an acceptable level. He did sleep through most of the process but did wake up for lunch.
His blood pressure today when we went in for our daily check was 103/52 (heart rate 73) in a sitting position and 80/34 (heart rate 55) in a standing position so guess what we did again today!! He got hooked up to an IV and had 5 hours of fluids to raise it to an acceptable level. He was a little more alert today and once he woke for lunch, he stayed awake until 4:15 when they finally released him back into my care.
I got 2 more prescriptions to fill and I have to take his temperature every 4 hours - I am sure that will go over well at midnight and 4AM.
Hopefully Jack will get some energy soon. The first sign that engraftment is taking place is an increase in the white blood cell count and there is nowhere to go but up from here. (However, the doctors told me that we would probably be in this holding pattern until the weekend). I ask him every day if he is up to updating the blog since he set the bar very high (and he enjoyed doing it). I am sure that is the first thing that he will catch up on when he has the strength so you all will know when he is doing better.
Keep up in your thoughts and prayers – the support has been wonderful. C
8 comments:
Cheryl, I can't wait to meet you. You are the best!
Jack, stay strong and get well. I think of you every day!
Love, Jeanie
Jack&Cher,
Good to see the post today.. Thought maybe the patient had escaped to Miami for the Super Bowl!!!
Weather here looks really crappy tomorrow, Sarah is hapy though (NO SCHOOL!!!!)
Cher, keep up the great work, and you too Jackson...The brighter days are just ahead.
Al;l our prayers and lve are with you,
Terry
Cheryl - Thanks for the update. Please let Jack know how hard we are all praying.
Mike R
Oh, my Buddy, Jack. I miss you, and wish you only the best! Bowling was pretty good last night. 654 set with a 258 high game. Tim has been on fire. 702 last Thursday and 722 last night. Brian McCartney passed an award that you won for bowling so well your last week. I haven't opened it, but I would suspect that it is a pin for 75 pins over average. I can't wait to pin it on your chest.
I can't tell you how many people ask about you and are praying for you, but I can say this. There is alot! Everytime I turn around, I'm having to talk about you. I know that you are popular, but surely not this much!!
You hang in there, and give My Sweetie a hug! Jackie and I miss the both of you, we're praying for a speedy return, and can't wait to have wings. Well....maybe those will have to wait awhile. Love ya, mean it!
Cheryl,
Take the best care with my little brother. You're doing a great job. If you need relief, just call and I'll be on the next flight.
Wishing you so very much strength.
Love,
Mary
Uncle Jack,
I hope you read this quote and it gives you a little more strenght to keep you getting started every day and just know that one day you'll look back on this as nothing but a bump in the road. I hope your low-bacteria diet isnt so horrible, I promise when you get through with this whole thing I'll cook you and your family a grand meal (only fit for a king):)
We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face ... we must do that which we think we cannot.
Roosevelt, Eleanor...
Jack and Cheryl -
Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers every day! Everyone from work is thinking about you and asking about your progress.
Take care and please let us know if you need anything!
Love from the Wachovia clan - Kelli
Cheryl
Thank you for keeping us updated. Mark and I have been checking the blog daily. Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack, I know this is the hardest part but you are strong! Those little cells are going to start reproducing soon (like jack rabbits).
Marks mom has been asking about you, she wants to know when the band is going to practice in the bedroom.
Jack we are so glad you called us. Keep your faith and humor. Can't wait to see that humor again,so rest and build your strength.
Love ya
Mark and Kathy
PS..Cheryl can't wait to met you!
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