Wow! What a night! Jared was up most of the night having BMs. We finally fell asleep around 3:00 and got a few winks before getting up again. I think our total for the night was around two hours. We got up around 7:00 and then tried to nap until 9:00. Dr. May came in and said they would culture Jared's stool. He didn't offer any other relief.
Jared's white blood cell count was 290 today, 100 more than yesterday. Thank you, Lord. We spent the day going to the restroom. Jared was in pain from sitting on the pottie seat so the nurse gave us a cushion to try and help. The day progressed. I called and talked with Mom and then sat while Jared napped. He took a bath around 2:00 because his behind was hurting. He soaked in the tub for a little while. The nurse helped me by changing his picc line and biopsy site dressings. The biopsy site is still bleeding.
Jared was given platelets today. His platelet count was higher than yesterday but still below 50,000. The afternoon became more stressful as Jared continued to make trips to the restroom. He was in tears and begging for me to get medicine for his D to stop. I talked with the nurse and she said she'd tell the doctor but felt they would not stop it. Jared was really upset and said he would tell the doctor to get him something.
It finally got so bad that I asked Jared if he wanted a diaper. He said yes if it would help things. I called the nurse and she brought in a bag of diapers. We put one on and it swallowed him up. He soon became more at ease and I was glad we made that choice. Wearing the diaper took a lot of pressure off of Jared.
I made his bed and he relaxed in the rocking chair. After we decided to do diapers, things got a little better until we changed the first diaper. It took a little doing but we did it.
I talked with Angela about everything. Larry is still having problems with his breathing. She gave me some diaper changing pointers since they had to go that route also. I talked with Rhonda earlier today and then talked with Pastor Lynn, Mark, William and Adam. Pastor Lynn encouraged me with the Word and prayer. My mom called tonight and wanted to send money. I told her I was fine and to check when we get to the Hope Lodge. She said ok. I ate a frozen meal for dinner. It is now 10:45 and I'm about to lay down. Jared has a small temperature so they are doing cultures.
*Lord, I feel so encouraged and discouraged at the same time. Help me to have your love. I'm so angry that Jared is going through all of this. Please help me to forgive. Help me to take it a day at a time. Help me to use the strength you give. Lord, I love you. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for keeping us safe. Have your way. In Jesus name.
_____________________________________________________________________
From: Lisa and Jared
Date: 3/18/2002 1:49 p.m.
Subject: Jared
Hello again. It is now Monday, March 18; Day +5 in Stem Cell. Jared is starting to improve a little after a rough few days. We (including William on Saturday night) have spent many restless (not a lot of sleep) nights. Jared is dealing with many of the side effects from the chemo. He has some mouth sores but is on a morphine pump to help with pain. His skin has a rash from the chemo and makes him scratch a lot but he is dealing with that okay.
A lot of things are going on with Jared but overall he is doing ok for what he is going through. His white blood cell count got down to 90 on Saturday and has increased the last two days. It is now 290. Normal is 4,000 - 10,000. Hopefully that will continue. The transplant has been quite an ordeal but hopefully it will be worth it.
Thanks for the many cards you've sent and for remembering Jared. He is a strong young man. I tell him that he is my hero. Take care and God Bless You All.
From: Debbie and Danny
Date: 3/18/2002 8:38 p.m.
Re: Jared
Way to go, Jared!!!. We're cheering for you and praying for you all the time. Lynn had a friend go through this ordeal and she's a walking miracle. We know it's rough, hang tough, all of you. Lots of love.
From: Earl and Louise
Date: 3/18/2002 9:34 p.m.
 |
| Our Superman |
Lisa,
Thanks for the update again. We know that you are quite strong, both in body and spirit, to be going through this with Jared. Bless you all, and we just know that God will bring Jared and you all through this. We are probably joined by many others on line who are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. How much longer might Jared be in hospital? Of course, he doesn't need to be leaving before he is in good condition, and feels up to it.
We love you and will keep in touch.
From: Grandma Dess and Grandpa Tom
Date: 3/19/2002
Subject: Thanks for Update!
Dear Lisa & Jared:
Thanks for your informative update on our one and only great young HERO! So glad that Jared is starting to show improvement, especially since we haven't talked to him in over a week. JARED, we love you and are so proud of you, even though we know you are going through pure hell right now. You are such a tough young man that our entire family is totally amazed at your strength and persistence over the last (soon to be) year. Keep up the good fight so we can ALL gain from your strength. I hope you know that especially your Mom, Dad and Brother all are able to keep going because you smile and love them and are so courageous. They are also fighting for you every step of the way as we are...
Much love to you both, and thanks again for updating us. Give each other a really big hug and smile for us.
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