Today began around 7:00. Jared and William had a quiet night and got a little sleep. Dr. Lucas came by to see Jared. While he was there, Jared started throwing up blood again. Dr. Lucas helped to get Jared settled and told the nurse to make sure Jared received platelets. He said that Jared's levels for VOD looked promising.
Our nurses were Brandy and April. They did a good job today. Jared was restless and fidgety most of the morning. The nurses came in to help with his care, changing sheets, etc. They gave Jared the platelets Dr. Lucas had requested.
Jared took a small nap. His only one for the day. Pastor Lynn called and I talked with him as well as Tom and Dess. Mark also called to see how Jared was doing. I also talked with Adam and he was able to talk with Jared.
The morphine was affecting Jared even more today. He was talking about random things and could not rest. William and I took turns sitting by him to keep his hands busy.
Rhonda and Doug arrived around 3:30. We talked for a while and then Brandy accessed Jared's port for blood cultures. That was stressful because she took her time but she accessed the first time so that was good.
Rhonda and I left to get a room at the Hope Lodge and to get a bite to eat. While we were out, the doctor came by and told William that Jared was a little dehydrated so they were going to give him more fluids. He was also getting more frozen plasma and Vitamin K.
William and Doug went to eat while Rhonda and I stayed with Jared. We talked with him and tried to make him comfortable. I asked the nurse if there was anything that could be done for Jared's tremors. She said the resident doctor would ask Dr. Lucas.
Barbie is our nurse tonight. William is staying with Jared and asked Doug and Rhonda if they wanted to stay the night. They decided to stay so William asked Barbie if Doug could stay with him at the hospital. She told him it was okay. The Stem Cell Unit has a full house. Daniel was readmitted today so there are now seven patients on the floor.
Rhonda and I went to Walmart and are now at the Hope Lodge. Doug and William are at the hospital with Jared. I called and he was throwing up in the background.
*Lord, I praise your name. I pray for your will. Have your way. In Jesus name. Amen.
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Tonight I want to introduce a phrase that many people who knew Jared during his battle will remember... "NO FEAR." We started this battle with cancer on May 21, 2001. I plan on sharing more about the beginning in the days ahead. For now I want to tell you where "No Fear" started.
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| Adam and Jared - New Bunk Beds (1991) |
We were in the hospital for a few days after surgery and then sent home to await results of the biopsy. On Thursday we received the call. Jared had a malignant brain tumor and would need chemo and radiation. William and I were both dazed after hearing the news. We decided to go ahead and tell Jared what the doctor had told us.
Jared was laying on a pallet in the living room floor watching TV. I sat down in front of him and told him the news from the doctor. I'll never forget his reaction. He looked at me with a little grin and said, "No fear." I was surprised by his response because "No fear" was not a normal phrase for Jared to use. After that day, "No fear" became our battle cry.
Looking back I know that God was telling us not to fear, to trust Him. Jared did just that. He did have moments of fear but he continued to trust God and have faith in Him.
What a testimony Jared has. No Fear!!! May we all be able to say that with trust and faith in our God.
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