Drive to Survive

Yesterday (Oct 4th) was a fairly quiet day for Jayson. He slept more than he did the previous day, but it wasn't a continuous deep sleep that we hoped for.  He basically took a lot of 1-2 hr. naps throughout the day and night. Even though he was given medications to help him sleep at night, I was told he was still restless at times.

Assisting His Nurses

Jayson was given a sponge bath mid-morning and was transferred to a recliner for about 3 hours. Most of his morning was spent on this recliner as his nurses continued to care for him.  He napped on and off during the entire time he was on the recliner. When he was returned to his bed, he was able to help the nurses a bit by using his own strength to maneuver himself once on the bed.

I had missed the morning meeting with the doctors yesterday, but his ICU doctor came by and updated me on what was discussed during the morning rounds. As of yesterday, his liver had improved slightly. It wasn't much, but it was in the right direction. So, some of the changes they have made maybe starting to take effect. They are still very concerned about his liver and kidneys. We pray that this improvement continues.

Jayson still had fluids in his lungs and the mass in one of his lungs has grown.  His doctors can insert a needle to this mass and drain it, but performing this procedure would be too risky. They would be inserting a foreign object into his body and without the white blood cells; his body wouldn't be able to fight any infections. Also, because of his body's inability to clot properly, there is the risk of internal bleeding. Aside from the potential problem this can cause, they don't want to put Jayson through another invasive procedure.

Jayson continues to run a fever and is given medication for it on a regular basis.  Each time his fever is at the higher end, we try to help reduce it by putting a cool wet wash cloth on his forehead and wiping parts of his body with a wash cloth as well. Jayson still eats and drink.  His favorite has been the Berry Smoothie, but he's also had apple sauce, macaroni & cheese and carrot juice.  We've had to use a thickening powder for the liquids to help him swallow it better because the thinner liquids have a tendency of going down the wrong way when he sips too much.  He then ends up coughing afterwards and this simple act takes too much energy out of him.

Card from Esther & Friends

The rest of the day was spent in bed.  He had some visitors, mainly family members who have come to see him, support us and bring us meals. We have added more cards and posters to his "We Love You Jayson" wall.  When Jayson is alert he can always look towards the wall and see the support he has. My sister also read some of the notes his friends and family have written on the banners and cards. I believe hearing these words of encouragement have given him more drive to survive.

Every day I ask Jayson if he still wants to fight these cancers and every day he has nodded. I then tell him we are with him and that we are going to do all we can to help him fight this disease. I will continue to believe that he understands what I am asking. I have also told him that if he ever gets to the point of being too tired to fight or has had enough, that he would let me know. I trust that he will.

His ICU doctor has told us that it's likely that as the days pass, Jayson may get more and more confused or will not be as alert or interactive as much. She encouraged us to talk to him as much as we can when he's awake and alert.  I have seen evidence of some confusion and he has a dazed look in his eyes, but I've also seen how alert he can be.  During this time, I would ask him the name of some people around his bed or tell him to look at a certain person and most of the time he's able to do it. He's also raised his hand and wave when I tell him he has a visitor.

Right now it's almost 9:00 in the morning, Saturday, Oct. 5th. We are expecting some members of his youth group here today to talk to him and sing to him once again. I know that hearing his friends' voices and seeing their faces will lift Jayson's spirit.  I know his heart will be jumping with joy and he'll be singing with them.