A few updates for everyone are below, but before I get into the medical "stuff", I would like to extend an invite to anyone who would like come up and visit, to do so. The team here has let us know we should operate under a 'hour by hour' mentality, instead of 'day by day' like we were (explanation of why is below).
So, if you'd like, please come by to say hello, pray with Jack, sing him a song, joke with him, or just hold his hand. We know he hears us, and loves the visitors. I have included hospital information below.
Ok... on to the details:
Results of fluid tests
The pathology team at CHOA could not conclude much of anything from the fluid samples they took, because there was too high of concentration of blood. They sent them to Emory's neuropathology team and we are awaiting the results.
The fact is, the results would not alter anything the team here is doing, but would just help us all understand why everything is happening, and what's next. The amount of bleeding Jack has had the past few days (which appears to have stopped, thank God!) is more than they normally see from infection, radiation OR more Cancer. So, unfortunately, there is no probable cause and the team here just doesn't have an answer.
The fact is, the results would not alter anything the team here is doing, but would just help us all understand why everything is happening, and what's next. The amount of bleeding Jack has had the past few days (which appears to have stopped, thank God!) is more than they normally see from infection, radiation OR more Cancer. So, unfortunately, there is no probable cause and the team here just doesn't have an answer.
However, Jack's body will let us know what is really going on. If indeed it is just bleeding from radiation (which appears to have stopped, thank God!), then his counts should remain stable and his body should be able recover over time. If it is spreading Cancer, then he won't get better, but will get worse each day (which we haven't seen yet - praise the Lord!). If it is infection, they are already treating it with antibiotics.
They have taken him off all the sedation medicine, other than a little to keep him relaxed while on the ventilator, and are paying attention closest to his blood counts. His heart rate continues to be low, and blood pressure continues to be high, but the prayer is that as his body adjusts to being off the sedation - those will become more normal.
His counts will be what the team here is paying closest attention to, and what is most crucial for Jack's health. They need to be strong.
What's next?
As Dr. Claire put it... God and Jack will be writing this next chapter together. We are simply here to love and support in any way he allows us.
Hospital Info!
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta @ Scottish Rite
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Room #24
Visiting hours are 8:30am - 8:30pm
You can most often find one of us in the waiting room... if not, feel free to call - 404-429-6016
Hospital Info!
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta @ Scottish Rite
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Room #24
Visiting hours are 8:30am - 8:30pm
You can most often find one of us in the waiting room... if not, feel free to call - 404-429-6016
We love you all!
We are constantly overwhelmed by all of you. Even those who we don't know are playing a huge role in all of this, and we thank you for helping Jack and our family every single day.
Love you,
April
Praying for Jack's blood count to improve, Jack to do well coming off sedation, thanks for the bleeding to appear to have stopped, thanks for Jack and your family to continue to touch people's hearts each day and thanks that we know any chapter Jack helps God write will be beautiful to match his beautiful faith and ask that his body be strong like his soul to overcome this latest hurdle. Much love to all of you and especially Jack.
ReplyDeletePraying for Jack and all of the family. For God's hand to touch him and give him strength to fight and heal. Praying for God to comfort him and all of the family and give them peace as Jack is healing. Please let Mary and Bob know that we are sending our love and prayers and let Jack know that we are praying daily for him and send our love to him.
ReplyDeletePrayers for all of you! Please give Jack a hug from me. If I didn't have this cold, I'd be there to hug him myself. I am praying 24-7 for Jack especially. April, thanks so much for keeping the blog updated. I know God is with all of you.
ReplyDelete