short update/ tomorrow/ AWESOME visitors today!

Dearest friends & family...

Although today started off a little rough, it got better and better as visitors stopped by, showering Jack with love and support.

For the 2nd day in a row, Jack had to wait until around lunchtime to finally eat his first meal of the day (because of the CT scan on his liver)... and we all know that's one of the worst things for him to endure.  Mary, Tiffany and I all promised that we wouldn't eat a thing until he was able to, out of fairness, (although we did cheat and have coffee), and needless to say, he wasn't the only one ready for chicken fingers when he got back up to the room...

We are all so relieved that Jack will be able to eat tonight and tomorrow, at whatever time he becomes hungry.  Praise the Lord for that!

Great news - the results of the CT scan were clear.  However, Jack was still having major pain in his stomach, so they are continuing to run labs to try and figure out what's going on.  They did pick up on the Ultrasound that he has gallstones, so those passing through his system could be the root of the pain.  We hope to know more tomorrow.

Overall, Jack is doing very well. He is still having headaches every now and then (rating them between a 5-8) and the stomach pain.  While we are all anxious to get home, we want to ensure that we have everything we need to help minimize the pain Jack has been in.  The goal is to talk with Dr. Claire about the options for a take home medicine, practice it for a few hours here in the hospital to make sure it works, and then head home!

With Dr. Natia letting us know things might become harder during the first few weeks of radiation, we want to make 100% sure we have medicine that can ease Jack's pain. Speaking of...

Tomorrow is the 1st of 30 days of radiation.  They will transport Jack to Emory for the appointment, and Dr. Natia will be there to ensure all goes well this first time.  The actual process of delivering the radiation should only take 15-20 minutes and won't be painful at all for Jack.

We will most likely be coming back to the hospital for another night following radiation, and Jack is excited his big sister Tiff will be joining the slumber party for a night.

Plus, if tomorrow is anything like today, it's going to be...

A party in a hospital room!


Not only did Granny, 2 of Jack's aunts & several cousins come by today, but Jason (our dear cousin who is an incredible musician from Asheville), stopped in and sang a few tunes, including a family favorite hymnal "How Great Thou Art".  

Then, one of Tiffany's old time friends Christie came by, who just so happens to also have an amazing voice, and they sang together a duet of 'You've Got a Friend'.   WOW, what music can do for the soul! Jack was singing along, waving his hands, and smiling from ear to ear.  (Tiffany and Norma did get videos and I will post them shortly).

Other cousins sent a very stylish hat to Jack (through Jason), a long-time family friend brought him an awesome souvenir from Germany, and another aunt, uncle and cousin came by and hung out, bringing fun halloween decorations, bright sunflowers and delicious dinner.

Overall, it was a great day and Jack is finally relaxed and asleep, enjoying the quiet.

We will update tomorrow on any progress with his liver, chemo treatments and our estimated time of departure.

We love you all, and can only ask that you continue to pray.
XO,
April