So as I mentioned before, things have been very busy at the Jackson home. The day after we arrived here, Ian had an appointment at Primary Children's Hospital. Nearly everyday except Labor Day weekend, he had an appointment for some test or scan or blood work. He had his kidneys scanned, an eccocardiogram, an EKG, an MRI of his brain, and another hearing test. Of course not all in that exact order. Basically they just wanted to get a baseline before beginning his high dose chemo with stem cell rescue. His kidneys and heart our working great and there is no sign of damage from the low dose chemo. He does have moderate hearing loss in his right ear and no hearing loss in his left ear. His MRI showed no sign of disease or regrowth of the tumor. They did note that his ventricle is slightly enlarged, however it is most likely a result of the tumor and subsiquent resection. The doctor said they consider him to be in remission at this point. All in all, Ian looked great and was given the green line to start. We met with the BMT doctor and signed some pretty serious consent paper work. I didn't even bother to read it before I signed. It's not like I have a choice to say no. It has to be done. Still, I worry and agonize over what must be done. It still seems so unfair. I want desparately to take this for my little boy and yet all I can do is watch and wait. Words aren't adequate enough to describe the worry and heartache. Nevertheless, I know in whom I can trust. The Lord has promised Ian and our family that He will preserve his life.
Ian was admitted to the hospital on Septmember 8th to begin the first round of chemo with stem cell rescue. They took him down to surgery to remove his old port and install a new double line. The
y needed to be able to administer medications, chemo and food and because some of these things are not compatible with each other they needed two lines. Ian breezed through the surgery no problem. They always tell you all of the scary things that can happen during these surgeries and fortunately Ian didn't have a problem.
On the 9th and 10th Ian was given chemo, I had to remind myself each time they hung a bag of chemo that this poison was going to save my sons life. I prayed that it would only kill the cancer and do minimal damage to his good cells. Maybe I am being too unrealistic..... I can hope can't I??? The 11th was a rest day for Ian and then on Friday the 12th, he had his stem cells infused into him. It was so neat, they had all the doctors there and several nurses from the unit and some techs and support staff there to sing "Happy BMT Birthday! " to Ian. They brought him gifts and congratulated him. They made a very important milestone that much more special. Of course I don't know how much Ian appreciated all the fanfare, he was drugged up on Benadryl to help with any side effects of the preservative in his stem cells. They reminded him that he gets to have two more Happy BMT Birthday's as his treatment progresses.
The Doctors and the nurses reminded us that Ian would likely get mouth sores from one of the chemo drugs. His mouth and throat did get really sore, and yet they haven't seen any sores in his mouth. I have been praying about this too, I just haven't wanted Ian to suffer anymore than is necessary. Of course I have been on top of his mouth care. About the only bump in the road thus far is that Ian has C Dif....... it's a bacteria in the colon that has grown out of control as a result of the medications he is on.... they are now treating him with yet another medication to get it under control.
The good news is that Ian will probably get to come home for awhile in the next couple of days. It has only been a little over a week since he had his stem cells infused and already his white blood cell counts are coming up. The doctor told my mother in law this morning that this is the fastest they have ever seen a graft take. We all know who is really in charge... Heavenly Father can do what ever He wants. At any rate, we still have much to do. I keep reminding myself that this too shall soon pass. I suppose it only seems long because we are right in the middle of it all. Hopefully, someday we will be able to look back and say this went by fast. Ultimately, I just want my little boy home and healthy again.
Bryce and grandma Jackson waiting for the train. Notice the leash, it might seem a little mean and yet for those of you who know Bryce, it is entirely necessary! At least we know where he is and that he is safe. I am not sure that it is so effective though when he is holding the actual leash. Maybe grandma was just trying to show him a little trust. LOL.
Bryce taking in the sights and sounds.
Cute Bryce!
He and grandma arrived safely and Ian was so happy to see them. Grandma was a pooped pixie and she still had to get home on the train. What a brave grandma. By the way they did make it home safely. 
