MRI February 22nd...

Jackson has been so brave the last few weeks. Medically there seems to be a lot going on. He is having some trouble swallowing. Doc has advised he tilt his chin down to drink so he can swallow more safely. He is doing very well with this and nothing further needs to be done at this point. They say he will get worse with the radiation before it gets better. We are hoping this is the “worse.” He’s very patient with everyone telling him what to do, cooperating at the Dr every day, and with taking his medication. His port was replaced this week. His body rejected the first port and it was no longer working properly. He has received blood twice over the past 2-3 weeks. The routine of daily radiation, medications every 12 hrs, blood draws, and images has continued. The good news is he only has four more days of radiation! Then the routine changes to once a week blood draws, an office visit once a month, and the big MRI scan is scheduled for February 22nd. I am hoping God will reveal his healing at that time but I am aware it may take longer. Jackson is a strong little boy and he can wait if he has to. I am a nurse, as most of you probably know, but I have not seen a child’s little cheeks as swollen as Jackson’s. He looks miserable. He is very lethargic and it’s rare but an honor to be at the house when he is awake. He eats a little, cuddles up with his blanket as he is cold at all times, and falls back to sleep. Last night he asked for spaghetti O’s and he wanted to dump them into the bowl. Matt carried him to the kitchen so he could prepare his sgetti himself! Still independent as he can be. I have not had the privilege to see them but Ash says he has cracked a few smiles lately.
Make a wish is coming to town! All Jackson wants is to go to the beach. At age 4, almost 5, what would you want to do? The beach does sound very nice right now. I’m sure they are going to ask him again so we’ll see what he has to say.
Did everyone see the article in the news paper January 8th? Their picture and article was on the front page and looked wonderful.
Thank you to everyone how bought a tee shirt! We are still taking orders and will place another Monday. You can still send your order through email to Jacksonsjourney@comcast.net. Please include your phone number in the email in case there are any questions. I’m sorry we have not made orders available on line yet. I believe we will be forwarding the web site to jacksonyork.me. It is just a more professional site created with assistance from Snapper Cridge. When we forward the shirt order form will be available at that time.
Upcoming events in February: Cycle a thon at the YMCA on the 5th from 10am-4pm. On the 26th there will be a concert/battle of the bands at the Moose. Everyone is welcome bring your kids! We will have shirts and wrist bbands at both places.
I believe there is much more in the works. I will let you know details asap.
Thank you again for all your support and prayers. Ash and Matt seem to be holding up great with all the support even if it is silent support. Sometimes that support they may not even be aware of, a smile, or a nod when you see them is the best kind. I know they feel the love and support from the community and it is helping!