Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Happy Birthday Jordan!

Jordan turned one on December 6 and we were lucky to be able to celebrate the day with all of her grandparents. We had a Texas barbeque lunch supplied by Gram and Gramps...and Jordan had her favorite post-chemotherapy meal, yogurt and puffs. Craig also picked out a fantastic Elmo cake although Jordan seemed more interested in looking at it rather than eating it. I would guess that Jordan's favorite part of the party was the Elmo birthday banner because she pointed to it throughout the celebration.

Despite all the birthday fun, Jordan seemed fussy and lethargic during the day and spiked a temperature in the evening. Since Jordan's counts are so low, any temperature means have to go to the hospital for IV antibiotics. The labs in the hospital revealed that Jordan's ANC (absolute neutrophil count) was 0...meaning that she doesn't even have one neutrophil in her body to fight off any potential infections. I think taking my daughter to the hospital on her birthday was a low point but it was good to see how she perked up after the blood and platelet transfusions...now we just need the neutrophils to come back and the fevers to go away. We will be at the hospital for at least a few days until Jordan's condition improves a bit.

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes for Jordan. I also want to the thank the oncology clinic and pediatric floor at Morristown Memorial, especially Dr. Miller, Gina, and Meg. The clinic had a birthday celebration for Jordan on Friday and the hospital had one on Monday. Both celebrations were complete with singing, balloons, presents, and cake. We are very lucky that Jordan is being treated by such kind and thoughtful professionals who I am sure treat Jordan with the same love and care that they would provide to their own children.

We have also received the results of the MIBG scans. These tests are specific for neuroblastoma and show all the places in the body where the cancer is located. In addition to the bones around the eyes (which we already knew were impacted), the MIBG scans showed cancer in her skull and in the bones of her hips and legs. This was disappointing news as it may indicate Jordan may need more intensive radiation therapy than we had previously thought...and the side effects of radiation to the skull and leg bones are very heartbreaking. So for now I am hopeful that the chemotherapy will effectively treat the cancer in her bones and hopefully minimize any radiation she may need in the future.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Kristin,
This is Lara, a friend of Valeries. I want you to know that we are praying so much for Jordan and your entire family. We've asked our church to be praying for you all as well. Please know that there are so many people praying for her and thinking of all of you.

God Bless,
Lara

Unknown said...

I am a co-worker of Valerie's and also use to work with your father at a bank in Taylor. I can not even imagine what ya'll are going through. Please know that Jordan and all of your family are in my prayers daily.

Blessings,
Tracy

Unknown said...

We are the girls from Marie Williams State Farm in Rockdale. Janet gives us updates and we have a link to your blog. We just want you to know we are all thinking of you and sending you our prayers.

Best wishes,
Marie, Connie, Linda & Stacy

Unknown said...

Craig & Kristen,
I am Janet's cousin and have been following your blog almost daily. Our Bible Study class in Houston and Hal & I are praying for Jordan and you'll every time we think of you. I can only imagine how you are feeling. Just know your extended family is with you during these trials. I have an email I'm going to send you if I can find you address. God Bless, Carolyn

Mae Flower and Gene Bug said...

Kristen,
I am so sorry to hear about the results of the MIBG test. I still think about you daily. I will continue to pray for Jordan and your family. May God wrap his arms around you all right now.

I am so glad that Jordan enjoyed her Elmo banner and cake. What a precious little girl...

Love,
Becky

Unknown said...

I know you don't know me, but I am from Thorndale and am a family friend of all the Schwarz's that live there. (I also date Byrleen Terry's son and know your mother through her and Glenda Merz.) I have been keeping up with your blog about Jordan and I just want to say that you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. You are so positive in your blog, it amazes me! I wish the best for you guys and I will continue to keep updated through your blog.

Kayla McCoy

Unknown said...

Hi Kristin and Craig,

Been following Jordan's progress via the blog. She's a tough cookie ! Thinking of you guys. You are all in our prayers.

Best,

Ron