Wow! We just want to say again how blown away we are by everyone’s kindness. The-love you are showing our family is so generous and we are so thankful for it. We will read every comment and message because at the end of the day those are the things that make Matt and I feel better. It gives us strength knowing so many people are fighting and praying with us.
Thank you to who ever started sharing the hospital link to send Jackson a note. First of all I have always done these for the St.Jude kids and wondered if it really worked.
The nurse knocked on the door yesterday and handed us a huge sealed envelope with Jacksons name on it.
As I opened it and saw that there are over a 100 letters to Jackson it took my breath away. Thank you so much to all of you. We haven’t gotten through them all yet. Yesterday I was reading them to him and we were looking at all of the fun animals on each letter. They are especially fun to read to him when his friends / family sent some funny ones. We can’t wait to finish reading them all.
Okay the update on the results...
I’m going to be raw and honest... the results are hard to swallow and we still haven’t fully processed it all and I am not sure we ever will. For days I have laid awake. It’s like a nightmare I literally can not wake myself up from. My body doesn’t even feel tired even though I am not sure how I am functioning.
I am sure there are several different states of emotions we will go through. Right now I feel numb and in shock, Speechless and helpless, and sad.
It’s unfair and I would give anything to trade him places in a heart beat. But since I haven’t figured out a way to do that we have just suited up in our Armour and are preparing for this battle for his life.
Jackson was diagnosed with AML leukemia. What we know now is that this type of leukemia has a very agressive Treatment plan. Which starts today. Jackson will go into surgery today (scheduled at 9:15am ) to get a spinal tap to see if the leukemia cells have settled into his spine. They will also administer his first chemo treatment in his spine at the same time.
After that he will have a central line put in his chest. This will be the designated area for the meds, treatments and blood draws etc. Once he returns he will start his second chemo treatment tonight.
With this treatment plan since it is so agreesive and given 5 days a week he must remain in the hospital. When given the chemo it not only kills off the cancer cells it kills off everything causing his body to become even weaker and highly at risk for infection. When everything is being killed off his body can’t make blood cells fast enough so he will be having lots of blood transfusions and platelet transfusions to keep him well. So he will remain in the hospital for 25-35 days at a time getting his treatment. He will then be allowed to go home for 5-10 days depending on his health. But will have to return for another 25-35 day stretch. This will continue for 6-7 months again depending on how his body responds to the treatment. We spoke briefly about a Bone Marrow transplant but right now we just need to get through the first month of the treatment and see how his body responds. This is going to be the hardest most challenge time of our life as we now navigate through this journey trying to find a new normal for our entire family. Which we are no where close to having any answers for yet.
The only news that was relieving to hear yesterday is that his neck pain in which he has been suffering with since July is indeed being caused by the Leukemia. For a bit they thought maybe it was something else and wanted to be sure. But the MRI results showed that the bone marrow was infiltrated with the leukemia cells. When that happens it makes the bones swell a little and then it presses on nerves and such. So now we can rest knowing we believe we have finally found the answers to all of Jacksons sufferings and can move forward in the healing process.
They mentioned yesterday that we would be surprised at how much better Jackson would feel just after the first few treatments. Which I am looking forward to. There is no greater pain than seeing your child in pain. I think we finally figured out a good med combo last night that is helping him rest easily and not be in so much pain. He spiked a high fever last night and is on antibiotics and we are still under isolation at the moment. He amazes me more each day with how brave he is. Yes, he is scared and hates his blood taken. But each day he continues to tell me he is fine even when he clearly is in pain. He doesn’t understand it all. But we have explained to him that he is sick and we are all working together to get him healthy so he can go home.
Today is another scary day. It sounds odd to look forward to chemo treatments but if they are going to kills these leukemia cells that are causing him so much pain we are ready for it.
We are so thankful that grandma Carol was able to come home and make a pit stop to visit Jackson yesterday. We are so very blessed that she is able to care for our other two kids while we are with Jackson.
Aunt Amy was here to visit too when the news was delivered so they were able to stay with Jackson so we could hear the news in a separate room. Amy we need to get a picture next time. 😐
Lastly, even though we haven’t been able to respond to each person who has reached out, we want you to know that we truly appreciate it all and truly feel the love.
Lots of people have suggested a page for Jacksons Journey for those of you that want to continue to follow along. So I think Amy will work on that so she can help get the updates out as this journey continues. We will share that page when it’s available.
The devil may have started this war ....
the Good Lord, Jackson Myerscough and his army are going to finish it! 🧡
*a positive note... Jackson is loving all the different gifts he is getting from friends, family and the nurse staff. When Grandma asked him what she could bring him today he said “ presents” 😬
#cancersucks #Jacksonstrongalldaylong #Jacksonstrong
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