Can You Hear Me Now?

Well enough to check his messages.

We are so glad to share more good news.  I met with Jayson's medical team this morning and here are the latest updates. We continue to see some improvements in Jayson. The number they are tracking for his liver continue to goes downward, an indication that his liver is getting better. His oncologist has lowered the parameters for his platelet level. Before, the platelet parameter was 50. If his count goes below this number, he would need to get a platelet transfusion. Yesterday that parameter of 50 was changed to 20. Yeah! He is able to eat more and they will begin giving him some Ensure shakes for more nutrition.  If he's able to drink 3 of these shakes today, they will stop giving him the liquid food he's been getting through his IV. After examining Jayson's mouth, Dr. Zabrocki (one of Jay's ICU doctor), says he can begin eating more solid food if he wants to. Another improvement is in his respiratory system. They are able to reduce the setting of his Vapotherm machine. He is definitely moving in the right direction. Thank you Jesus!  I think these pictures of Jayson with his cell phone is enough to convince you that he's improving.

Did you receive Jayson's  text?

The plan today is to have him start with physical therapy and occupational therapy again.  Jayson needs to move around more during the day to build some strength. He's able to adjust himself on the bed with his arms. He's able to lift his upper body forward while resting on his elbows. We will try to get him to drink the Ensure shakes. He will get 2 units of platelets today along with a unit of plasma. His doctors will also wean him off some medications today and tomorrow. When you compare how much equipment, fluids and medications he needed about 3 weeks ago with what he needs today, the difference is obvious.

Yesterday afternoon, there was a glimmer of hope that his bone marrow was beginning to produce some blood. His nurse told me that there was an increase in Jayson's white blood count. It had gone from 0.1 to 0.3. This is the first time it's reached 0.3, usually it changes between 0.1 and 0.2. Unfortunately, we found out today that the increase was short-lived because the white blood count this morning was back to 0.1. In the scheme of things 0.1 and 0.3 is still a drastically low number. But we will celebrate each improvement regardless of how slight that improvement may be. We know that for every few steps Jayson takes forward, it's normal that sometimes he has to take a step backward.  As long as he's making progress overall, we're happy.

On 9/19/13

Today, 10/8/13

Food and eating has been an important part of Jayson's day. When he wakes up, it's usually the first thing he asks for. Today, he's already had 1/2 cup of strawberry smoothie, a small container of chocolate pudding, a 4 oz. of apple juice and a packet of apple cinnamon oatmeal. This morning he experienced a brain freeze after eating the smoothie too quickly, so we had to slow down a little. He also touched the roof of his mouth with his thumb to try to get rid of the brain freeze. I'm not sure if this actually helps, but the brain freeze went away and he asked for more smoothies. Yesterday, he was able to feed himself for the first time. He's still a bit uncoordinated, but mission was accomplished. He was able to get a spoonful of mashed pears from his bowl to his mouth.

Yesterday evening, Jayson received more visitors aside from the usual family members. He was visited by members of our CFC (Couples for Christ) and YFC (Youth for Christ) family who came to show their support for Jayson as well as for the rest of his family.  Henry was able to take some time to talk to his CFC brothers.  It was great to see them once again. We miss meeting with them every week, but we hope that they'll be able to come to meet with us someday soon. They prayed over Jayson, Henry & I before they left.

CFC and YFC SR pray over Jayson

We want to thank everyone who's been praying, encouraging and supporting us all this time.  We want to especially thank our friends the Salarda's and Isip's for taking care of Keilani during the week. Keilani has been staying with them in Murrieta during the week so she can continue to go to school while we're here at the hospital. She's also been able to take dance class with her friend Isah during the week. Thank you Luz for helping Keilani live as normal of a life as possible.

We also want to give special thanks to our immediate family. They have taken care of all the needs we have, from food, clothes and helping watch Jayson during the night. We are just so very blessed and at times I feel like we're too blessed to get stressed because so many people are helping us in any way and in every way they can. Thank you for crying with us during difficult times and for celebrating with us in joyful times. We know we're never alone. God bless you all.