7-30
Jordon is home tonight after meeting with the surgeon at the Shriner’s Hospital. The doctor explained his options for his surgery between September 10 and 20th. He goes back to Doembecher’s Hospital tomorrow at 11am. Blood tests, then 6 hours fluids, then the same chemo he just finished.
George
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Jordy..."slow excreter"
July 28
Well, Jordy has a new title, "slow excreter". This means that he has not cleared all of the chemo out of his system in the "normal" 72 hours. The doctor says that some people are just that way, no problem. This does mean that he will be in the hospital for another day. He is quite anxious to get home, but is tolerating the schedule change.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Annie
Well, Jordy has a new title, "slow excreter". This means that he has not cleared all of the chemo out of his system in the "normal" 72 hours. The doctor says that some people are just that way, no problem. This does mean that he will be in the hospital for another day. He is quite anxious to get home, but is tolerating the schedule change.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Annie
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Jordy's shopping for new 'eyebrows' ~ A note from Annie ~
I have it on good authority Jordy's eye brows are hanging in there, but there may be a sharpie party yet. If you happen to find any really big caterpillars, the fuzzier the better, save them (freeze), a little super glue and instant eye brows. Jordy would like to shop and compare before he makes a decision, sharpies or bugs.
George
Hello-
Jordy has finished receiveing his chemo. Now he just has to get it back out of his system so that we can go home for a couple of days. He should get to go home on Monday. He has a appointment with Dr. Krajbich at Shriner's on Wednesday to talk about the surgery on his leg in September.
On Thursday he will begin chemo again. The chemo that he had this weekend and will have next week is much easier to tolerate than the type he had in early July. Jordy amazes me. He says that the chemo is not nearly as bad as he expected.
Yesterday was a great day for Jordy. First, he got paid for his "job".
The social worker gave him his $25 cash for filling out his first survey.
Later in the day some people from "Racing for Kids" came to visit. This group is racing at PIR this weekend. Three of the racecar drivers came to visit Jordy. He really enjoyed it. They left little posters and a hat.
He told them that he wants to be an automotive tech. They said that was way beyond them. I think that impressed Jordy. They showed him a helmet that they wear. They were laughing that one litte girl wanted to take it to the art room and paint it pink and purple! That art therapy is wonderful!!
Also, a doctor came by and offered Jordy a chance to go to Hood River next week and learn about kite boarding. He thinks it would be interesting, but it would put his chemo off by a day. He just wants to keep going, but maybe he will get to participate in the next activity.
Jordy has found a new food that tastes good to him . . . popcorn. Last night the CNA offered us popcorn and Sprite. We watched "Anger Management" and Jordy ate a bag and a half of popcorn! He wanted more for breakfast, but ate his cornflakes instead. I am sure we will be eating more popcorn tonight.
On the home front . . . Kevin and Kyle are combining our field of organic fescue today. It is only a few acres, but it satisfies our need to keep farming. Kyle has been WONDERFUL at helping us get the combine ready. He has worked so hard and has been so helpful. He has also been working on getting our travel trailer ready to move to Wilsonville in August. We have such a great family!!!
Enjoy the sunshine,
Annie
George
Hello-
Jordy has finished receiveing his chemo. Now he just has to get it back out of his system so that we can go home for a couple of days. He should get to go home on Monday. He has a appointment with Dr. Krajbich at Shriner's on Wednesday to talk about the surgery on his leg in September.
On Thursday he will begin chemo again. The chemo that he had this weekend and will have next week is much easier to tolerate than the type he had in early July. Jordy amazes me. He says that the chemo is not nearly as bad as he expected.
Yesterday was a great day for Jordy. First, he got paid for his "job".
The social worker gave him his $25 cash for filling out his first survey.
Later in the day some people from "Racing for Kids" came to visit. This group is racing at PIR this weekend. Three of the racecar drivers came to visit Jordy. He really enjoyed it. They left little posters and a hat.
He told them that he wants to be an automotive tech. They said that was way beyond them. I think that impressed Jordy. They showed him a helmet that they wear. They were laughing that one litte girl wanted to take it to the art room and paint it pink and purple! That art therapy is wonderful!!
Also, a doctor came by and offered Jordy a chance to go to Hood River next week and learn about kite boarding. He thinks it would be interesting, but it would put his chemo off by a day. He just wants to keep going, but maybe he will get to participate in the next activity.
Jordy has found a new food that tastes good to him . . . popcorn. Last night the CNA offered us popcorn and Sprite. We watched "Anger Management" and Jordy ate a bag and a half of popcorn! He wanted more for breakfast, but ate his cornflakes instead. I am sure we will be eating more popcorn tonight.
On the home front . . . Kevin and Kyle are combining our field of organic fescue today. It is only a few acres, but it satisfies our need to keep farming. Kyle has been WONDERFUL at helping us get the combine ready. He has worked so hard and has been so helpful. He has also been working on getting our travel trailer ready to move to Wilsonville in August. We have such a great family!!!
Enjoy the sunshine,
Annie
Friday, July 25, 2008
Jordy gets an easy job, the hard way ~
7/24
This afternoon Jordy had his port put in. Now he has a more permanent way to get chemo, draw blood, etc. He is now receiving IV fluids in preparation for the chemo tonight. He got a late start because of the surgery so he will probably not come home until Monday.
The really big news is that Jordy has a job!!! He agreed to participate in a study of young adults with cancer. It deals with how they feel about the experience and what services are helpful. He will be paid $25 for each of four surveys that he fills out. He will get one every six months.
The first one is filled out and ready for the social worker to pick up.
Annie
This afternoon Jordy had his port put in. Now he has a more permanent way to get chemo, draw blood, etc. He is now receiving IV fluids in preparation for the chemo tonight. He got a late start because of the surgery so he will probably not come home until Monday.
The really big news is that Jordy has a job!!! He agreed to participate in a study of young adults with cancer. It deals with how they feel about the experience and what services are helpful. He will be paid $25 for each of four surveys that he fills out. He will get one every six months.
The first one is filled out and ready for the social worker to pick up.
Annie
Monday, July 21, 2008
The week to come...
Here is a little information about our upcoming week. Monday Jordon has a blood draw in Salem. It is great that the doctor has been able to schedule these weekly appointments in Salem! Sometime on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday Jordon will go to Portland for an ultrasound of his veins. This will update the information about the blood clot in his arm and give the doctors more information regarding the placement of his port. Thursday is scheduled for his port placement surgery. From surgery he will check into the pediatric oncology outpatient clinic for chemo. The doctor said that the medication used this time should not cause so much nausea. They are also going to try some different medications this time. Jordy should be in the hospital for about four days.
Also, Jordon has agreed to check his e-mail more often so I will give all of you his own address. He may not always be able to check it when he is not feeling well, but if you have anything you want sent directly to him, feel free. I am also still willing to give him messages or receive messages or questions for Kevin, Kyle, and I. An additional note . . . our mailing address is PO Box 92, Scio, OR 97374. We get things sent to our physical address, but the post office prefers the PO Box.
Jordy has gained 11 pounds since returning from the hospital!!! The food from our friends is really helping. I think he gets tired of Mom’s same old cooking. When the cooler comes home he rushes to see what Dad brought home.
Thanks for all of the good thoughts and wishes. We appreciate everything that everyone has done!
Annie
Also, Jordon has agreed to check his e-mail more often so I will give all of you his own address. He may not always be able to check it when he is not feeling well, but if you have anything you want sent directly to him, feel free. I am also still willing to give him messages or receive messages or questions for Kevin, Kyle, and I. An additional note . . . our mailing address is PO Box 92, Scio, OR 97374. We get things sent to our physical address, but the post office prefers the PO Box.
Jordy has gained 11 pounds since returning from the hospital!!! The food from our friends is really helping. I think he gets tired of Mom’s same old cooking. When the cooler comes home he rushes to see what Dad brought home.
Thanks for all of the good thoughts and wishes. We appreciate everything that everyone has done!
Annie
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Update from Annie ~
Jordy’s latest . . . Last night I was flushing Jordy’s PICC line as directed, and he began complaining of chest pains. You can imagine that this brought about a call to Doernbecher’s. The doctor on call told us to go to the emergency room at Salem for a chest x-ray. A few hours later and we were out of there with the x-ray on a CD. It is so amazing! The doctors in Salem and OHSU decided that we should follow up today in Portland. It appeared that the PICC line was in too far. That could cause the heart to become irritated. Today we made the trek up the hill to Doernbecher’s. They agreed after looking at the x-ray that the line was in too far. After debating how much to pull it out, Dr. Malempati (Jordy’s oncologist) suggested just taking the darn thing clear out. He is having it replaced with at port on the 24th anyway. Jordy thought this was a great idea. It allows him to shower without the aid of athletic tape and cling wrap! The removal process was easy so they sent him to the vascular lab for an ultrasound to make sure everything was ok.
In the McDonald tradition, there was a “little something that needed to be taken care of”. That is a very small blood clot where the PICC line had been. They are fairly certain that now that the PICC line is out the clot will dissolve on its own. It is lucky that they took the line out and discovered the clot before it plugged up the whole vein. Dr. Malempati is great!
Other news . . . Jordy’s white blood count has dropped some as expected. He just has to be careful not to get sick. All in all, his counts are pretty good. The doctor started him on Prilosec (another McDonald tradition). This should help his stomach, although, he ate two Arby’s sandwiches and a milkshake on the way home!
Annie
In the McDonald tradition, there was a “little something that needed to be taken care of”. That is a very small blood clot where the PICC line had been. They are fairly certain that now that the PICC line is out the clot will dissolve on its own. It is lucky that they took the line out and discovered the clot before it plugged up the whole vein. Dr. Malempati is great!
Other news . . . Jordy’s white blood count has dropped some as expected. He just has to be careful not to get sick. All in all, his counts are pretty good. The doctor started him on Prilosec (another McDonald tradition). This should help his stomach, although, he ate two Arby’s sandwiches and a milkshake on the way home!
Annie
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Jordy's eating again!
Jordy will receive chemo for three consecutive weeks starting July 24, but he will be able to come home two or three days each week. Just a little more information for everyone.
While I am typing . . . Jordy’s appetite has returned. Last night he ate four pieces of pizza for dinner! This morning he had a big breakfast. He seems to be tired, but feeling pretty good.
Annie
While I am typing . . . Jordy’s appetite has returned. Last night he ate four pieces of pizza for dinner! This morning he had a big breakfast. He seems to be tired, but feeling pretty good.
Annie
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A visit to Doernbecher's ~ ...Jordy & Kyle shave their heads!
Good evening.
Jordy and I just returned from Doernbecher’s. Not much news today, just checking on things. The good news is that his blood counts look good. They will probably go down this weekend. That is just the nature of the beast. They changed the dressing on the PICC line, and he met with the doctor that will put in his port (a more permanent IV line for chemo, meds, blood draws, etc.). It will allow Jordy to shower without worrying about the line, because the port is under the skin. They will put the port in on the 24th of July, and then he will be admitted for his next chemo. They are going to try some different meds for the nausea next time. It is all a matter of figuring out what works best for each individual.
Jordy’s stomach still hurts a bit when he eats, but he is not really nauseous. He has begun eating small amounts. Today was exciting because on the way home he ate most of a beef and cheddar sandwich at Arby’s, most of the time he drinks water and juice and eats crackers. Foods really taste different to him.
Last night Jordy took the plunge and shaved his head. His hair has begun falling out, and it is hot. He told me that he was just getting a head start on what the McDonald, Meadows, Isom, etc. genes would inevitably bring his way . . .baldness. Kyle has already shaved his head to match. They look so different as shaved men than they did as little boys!
Thanks again for the thoughts, cards, e-mails, etc.
Annie
Jordy and I just returned from Doernbecher’s. Not much news today, just checking on things. The good news is that his blood counts look good. They will probably go down this weekend. That is just the nature of the beast. They changed the dressing on the PICC line, and he met with the doctor that will put in his port (a more permanent IV line for chemo, meds, blood draws, etc.). It will allow Jordy to shower without worrying about the line, because the port is under the skin. They will put the port in on the 24th of July, and then he will be admitted for his next chemo. They are going to try some different meds for the nausea next time. It is all a matter of figuring out what works best for each individual.
Jordy’s stomach still hurts a bit when he eats, but he is not really nauseous. He has begun eating small amounts. Today was exciting because on the way home he ate most of a beef and cheddar sandwich at Arby’s, most of the time he drinks water and juice and eats crackers. Foods really taste different to him.
Last night Jordy took the plunge and shaved his head. His hair has begun falling out, and it is hot. He told me that he was just getting a head start on what the McDonald, Meadows, Isom, etc. genes would inevitably bring his way . . .baldness. Kyle has already shaved his head to match. They look so different as shaved men than they did as little boys!
Thanks again for the thoughts, cards, e-mails, etc.
Annie
Sunday, July 6, 2008
First treatment is over...Jordy is home ~
Good evening.
Well, we are finally home. Jordy has had a fair amount of nausea yesterday and today. They are thinking about trying some different medications next time. Last night the nurse gave us our lessons on how to take care of Jordy. This is a whole new world for us so it was nice to learn from the pros. After a whole two and a half minutes at home Jordy noticed blood pooled in the dressing around the PICC line (a big IV used for the chemo, other meds, and drawing blood). We called Doernbecher and they told us to go to the Salem Hospital to have it checked out. They changed the dressing and it quit bleeding so we came home . . . again. Jordy is sleeping thanks to the meds for the nausea.
In the coming days, if you want to visit, please call first. We have a lot of appointments, Jordy is pretty medicated, and sometimes he will feel just plain lousy. Also, it is very important that people who have had or have a fever or are sick not visit. This could be very dangerous for Jordon. We will also ask that you wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer. We have big bottles all over the house now.
At least we can now say that the treatment has started. I think this is good for all of our mental states. We know what the problem is and it is being treated.
Annie
Annie called to add a couple of things. Do not even think about visiting if you have been or might have been exposed to chicken pox recently. They will be returning to Portland on Wednesday for a blood test and dressing change. Jordon also cannot eat fresh vegetables or fresh fruit unless it is peeled first.
George
Well, we are finally home. Jordy has had a fair amount of nausea yesterday and today. They are thinking about trying some different medications next time. Last night the nurse gave us our lessons on how to take care of Jordy. This is a whole new world for us so it was nice to learn from the pros. After a whole two and a half minutes at home Jordy noticed blood pooled in the dressing around the PICC line (a big IV used for the chemo, other meds, and drawing blood). We called Doernbecher and they told us to go to the Salem Hospital to have it checked out. They changed the dressing and it quit bleeding so we came home . . . again. Jordy is sleeping thanks to the meds for the nausea.
In the coming days, if you want to visit, please call first. We have a lot of appointments, Jordy is pretty medicated, and sometimes he will feel just plain lousy. Also, it is very important that people who have had or have a fever or are sick not visit. This could be very dangerous for Jordon. We will also ask that you wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer. We have big bottles all over the house now.
At least we can now say that the treatment has started. I think this is good for all of our mental states. We know what the problem is and it is being treated.
Annie
Annie called to add a couple of things. Do not even think about visiting if you have been or might have been exposed to chicken pox recently. They will be returning to Portland on Wednesday for a blood test and dressing change. Jordon also cannot eat fresh vegetables or fresh fruit unless it is peeled first.
George
Friday, July 4, 2008
The morning after...from Jordy & Annie
Good morning everyone.
Chemo is going fine so far. So far the nausea is not bad. I will talk to you all later.
Jordy
Jordy's chemo uses three different medications. This morning he finished the Cisplatin. He will have the Doxorubicin for another 30 hours. Next time (in two and a half weeks) he will have Methotrexate. So far he is doing great. The biggest issue so far is that the chemo makes him pee a lot!
He should be home on Sunday.
Annie
Chemo is going fine so far. So far the nausea is not bad. I will talk to you all later.
Jordy
Jordy's chemo uses three different medications. This morning he finished the Cisplatin. He will have the Doxorubicin for another 30 hours. Next time (in two and a half weeks) he will have Methotrexate. So far he is doing great. The biggest issue so far is that the chemo makes him pee a lot!
He should be home on Sunday.
Annie
Chemo has begun ~
Just wanted to let you know that Jordy started his chemo about 20 minutes ago. We will see how things go. He should be home sometime Sunday. He is currently getting tuned up on "Guitar Hero". He is not very good, but he figures that he will have plenty of time to practice!
Annie
Annie
~ A note from Jordon ~
Thank you all for supporting me with all of your thoughts and prayers. It is nice to know that so many people care about me in the Central Linn and Scio communities and beyond. I will continue to let you know what is going on as I begin my chemo.
Jordon
Jordon
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Oncologist report ~
From Annie
Jordy’s oncologist called today and said that the lung CT scan showed two very small “areas of concern”. He said they were so small that they could be cancer, but they could also be scaring from his asthma and pneumonia when he was young. He says they are something to be concerned about, but they could be nothing. Jordy is feeling good. He is visiting with friends tonight and plans on going to the Scio summer basketball game tomorrow night.
Thank you for all of the well wishes and offers of help. We have a great group of supporters!!!
(George)
Jordy’s oncologist called today and said that the lung CT scan showed two very small “areas of concern”. He said they were so small that they could be cancer, but they could also be scaring from his asthma and pneumonia when he was young. He says they are something to be concerned about, but they could be nothing. Jordy is feeling good. He is visiting with friends tonight and plans on going to the Scio summer basketball game tomorrow night.
Thank you for all of the well wishes and offers of help. We have a great group of supporters!!!
(George)
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