A New Concern

Echo was done to check Jayson's heart.

A new day, a new concern.  I met once again with Dr. Eyzaguirre and the other staff members when he made his rounds this morning. There is some good news to report.  His sodium level is now in the normal range.  It went from 147 yesterday to 137 today. His kidney is functioning well. His blood pressure was stable throughout the night with very minimal medication needed to control it. Jayson's red blood cell and platelet levels are very good as well. He had received both platelets and plasma transfusions during the night. He is also receiving some nutrition through the IV every few days. He had an echo at 3 p.m. and the cardiologist says that his hearts looks good. Thank you God for your healing touch!


Since the paralytic medication was stopped, Jayson has been able to open his eyes more frequently.  He's able to lift both of his legs and arms. He's even lifting his head and trying to get up. After explaining to him that his body was not yet ready for him to get up, he would slowly settle back down. He's been able to guide my hand to areas that itch, mostly his upper body or thighs. He's more responsive; obeying simple commands and answering our questions by nodding or shaking his head and raising his eyebrows.

He is recognizing faces.  When I tell him to look at me he rotates his head to face me.  When I asked him to look at Keilani, he searches for her with his eyes, then rotates his head towards her.  All these little improvements are each a miracle from God.  We know that He is with Jayson from the very beginning.  For this, we glorify and praise Him.

I wish it was all good news, but it isn't.  Jayson continues to run a fever.  It reached 102.9 last night and he's been given Tylenol every few hours. At this time it has gone down to 101.3. He sometimes shivers when he has a high temperature. So, to help with this, the nurses are using a Bair Hugger machine that's attached to a plastic blanket. This blanket has channel that fills up with air. The nurse can set the machine up to cool or warm the patient as needed.

Jayson is still neutropenic, meaning he's very susceptible to getting an infection.  He will most likely be neutropenic for the next 4-6 weeks since his bone marrow is not producing the white blood cells needed to fight off infections. Therefore, we continue to require everyone who enters his room to wear a mask and sanitize their hands before coming in.

Dr. Keilani complies with visitation policy.

The main concern today is the solid in his lung that was noted yesterday in the CT scan of his chest. According to his internist, this organized disease is most likely pneumonia.  Jayson has already been given 3 different antibiotics since he was admitted. Per the infectious disease doctor, these are the 3 best antibiotics available.  He has asked the respiratory therapist to get samples from his lungs for evaluation. They will do blood test for tuberculosis (TB) and fungus cocci (valley fever). Additional cultures will be done to check for bacterial growth which takes a minimum of 5 days to develop. This possible pneumonia can be a factor in determining whether to proceed with extubation on Monday.

Jayson had another chest x-ray this morning and it shows there is still some fluid in his left lung.  The respiratory therapists continue to suction out fluids from his lungs, mouth and nasal cavity. So, far it looks like most of the secretions they're getting out are pieces of old blood clots.

Per Dr. Eyzaguirre, if he remains in this current status and his oxygen and carbon dioxide levels are good, they will proceed with the extubation procedure.

"My Famle" by Keilani

These past few weeks have been very difficult for our family, but with the support of our large extended family, friends, co-workers and hospital staff we've been able to get through each procedure, each test and each day.  Many people continue to visit Jayson. In fact, just this afternoon one of Henry's co-workers came by to tell us that we are not alone. All of Henry's co-workers at Solar Turbines are praying for Jayson and our family. Henry & I have never felt that we were ever alone in Jayson's battle with cancer.  Our family and friends have always been there for us. All our needs have been met. We continue to count our blessings and express our thanksgivings for each day we wake up with Jayson still with us. Each day is a gift that we will always cherish and be grateful for.

Keilani watches over her big brother.

Even our youngest daughter, Keilani (6), who often squabbled with Jayson or got on his nerves, has been treasuring her time with him. She spent the night here at the hospital with us and a few other family and friends. She didn't go to school today, but she put in her 10-minute shift sitting at her older brother's bedside holding his hand.

She was also inspired to draw our family picture on one of the whiteboards in the hospital room.  Unfortunately, the whiteboard was not large enough to show all of our family members.

As we have in the past, we continue to be thankful for all your prayers and support. God bless you always.