First Evaluation Results

            As I mentioned in our last blog, Jayson was going to be evaluated two weeks ago to determine if the treatment plan was working.  He had a bone marrow biopsy done on March 13^th and a PET scan done on March 14^th. We are so happy to share that the results were better than what we were expecting.  Although two of the bone marrow biopsy sample slides did indicate the presence of some cancer cells, there were other samples that didn’t have cancer cells.  As for the PET scan, any areas that had cancer would glow.  On Jayson’s results there were NO areas that glowed!  Based on this favorable PET scan result, Dr. McManaman did not feel it was necessary or beneficial to do the CT scan and therefore canceled Jayson’s appointment for it.  Even though he’s not in remission yet, we celebrate this blessing and he'll continue with his treatment plan as scheduled.  We are so thankful for Jayson’s improvement and are optimisitic about the next evaluation in June.

Soon after this first evaluation, Jayson began a new part of his treatment plan.  Jayson’s chemo is being done as an outpatient until the end of April.  He has chemo either once a week or 5 times a week.  Each chemo takes less than 2 hours to administer.  This part of his treatment includes a new chemo med which comes with its own set of common side effects.  Fortunately, the only side-effects that Jayson has experienced are jaw pains and diarrhea. These are both easily treated with Tylenol and Immodium. Other than these side-effects, Jayson has been doing well.

He is definitely happy about not having to stay in the hospital every two weeks.  His spirit is still good and he’s eating well.  He was able to enjoy our trips to Disneyland and Legoland this past week and is looking forward to spring break next week.  For now, he’s enjoying the company of our friends visiting from Colorado, the Howell family.  We met them while we were living in Hawaii and their youngest son, Phillip, was Jayson’s classmate in elementary.  We’ve been able to give them a tour around San Diego and fortunately Jayson only had to go to the hospital on Monday for chemo.

We continue to be  grateful for everyone’s prayers and support.  We see the powers of your prayers working in Jayson and in our family.  Thank you for keeping Jayson and our family in your thoughts.  As always, we will continue to keep you updated with Jayson’s condition. God bless you all.

First Evaluation Scheduled

Jayson will be going through a series of tests this week to find out if the chemo treatment has help reduce the cancer in his body. He is scheduled to have a bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday, March 13th, a PET scan on Wednesday, March 14th and a chest CT scan on Friday, March 16th.   As I mentioned in our last posting, the skin nodules on his back and chest are visibly gone and we are hopeful that the tests will confirm this.

As for now, Jayson is doing well.  He continues to have a good appetite. In fact, he's regained most of the weight he lost since December.

He completed his 6th round of chemo on Saturday, March 3rd, after being at the hospital for 6 days.  He was alot more tired during this last round of chemo and slept a minimum of 12 hours a day.  Thankfully, there were no other new or significant side effects this time around, just slight nausea.   After being discharged, his energy level was low.  So, the following Monday, I brought him in again to the hospital to get a blood transfusion.  Soon after that, his energy level increased and he had more color on his face.  In fact, he was able to play soccer with Keilani later that day.

This increase in his energy has help him to get back on track with school work. So far, he's doing fine.  He's been in the home school program since January and the Poway school district has provided a tutor for him.  He gets his weekly assignments from his teachers who have been very supportive.   We are encouraging him to get as much of his school work done so he walk with his class at their graduation ceremony this coming June.  Any words of encouragement you can send his way would be welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Thank you once again for all your prayers and support.  We may not be able to talk to each one of you on a regular basis, but we feel and see your prayers at work.  Our family is doing well and I know our strength is coming from God and your prayers. We will continue to keep you all updated with Jayson's condition.  Hopefully, we'll be sharing some good news once we receive the results of his tests.  God bless you all.