Jordan’s Journey

Jordan checked in to CHLA this afternoon. She’s full of energy and seemingly unphased by life in the rehab clinic. She kept the staff laughing in the playroom and served up plenty of sass to cause one of the attendants to remark, “she’s got spunk.”

Tomorrow she’ll begin a rigorous schedule. From 8:30am to noon she’s booked solid with physical and occupational therapy. She gets a break from noon to 1:30, then it’s back to work until 3:30. She’ll have school lessons sprinkled in for good measure.

If you’re planning to visit her, evenings are best. Send me an email or call me to ensure she’ll be around when you plan to stop by. She loves having visitors. Her grandparents stopped by tonight and she thought it was very cool.

As expected, Jordan will return to Children’s Hospital for rehabilitation. She’s scheduled to check-in Monday after she finishes with chemotherapy. The rehab program can last for 3-6 weeks. She’ll spend two uninterrupted weeks to kick off the program. After that she will remain inpatient from Sunday to Saturday until she regains the ability to walk on her own. (more…)

Good news and discouraging news. I won’t say bad news, because it really isn’t.

First, Jordan is doing so well emotionally. She is the happiest I’ve seen her in months. She looks beautiful and healthy. It’s hard not to feel warm when she’s in the room.

But she’s not recovering as fast as we or her doctors would prefer. The chemo drug Vincristine did a number on her legs. The problem is that it hurts her to try walking, so she avoids doing it. Every day she avoids walking, the muscles in her legs get weaker. (more…)

Jordan discusses annoying brothers and the joy of birthdays while Lucas gives a movie review.

 

 Jordan's Journey Podcast, Episode 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jordan and I sat down to talk to our readers/listeners in our first podcast.

If you are lucky enough to have a video iPod, or if you just have iTunes, you can subscribe to the podcast and see images and hear the interview.

 

 Jordan's Journey Podcast, Episode 1: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jordan went in for her monthly appointment with the lead oncologist. He was very pleased with her recovery. Since discontinuing the use of Vincristine, Jordan has bounced back on many fronts. Her speech is clearer. Her eyes are lively. And she glows again. The doctor noticed all of these factors and congratulated her on her progress. He also prescribed a new drug that may speed her physical recovery and help her walk again.

For her part, Jordan was pleased to visit the hospital without getting poked with a needle. No labs were necessary this time around and she could not have been more ecstatic. When I arrived at home last night she was already in her comfiest pajamas cuddled into her bed playing with a flashlight. She bounced up and down when I sat down beside her.

“How was your visit with the doctor, Jordan?”

She managed to widen her smile — something I wouldn’t have thought possible.

“It was great, Dad. It was great!”

Happy new year! Thank you to all who sent us well-wishes during the holiday season. I’m sorry I haven’t posted in awhile (or sent out any holiday cards). Between travel and the hustle that comes with the holidays I’ve had little time to write.

Jordan poses at a holiday tree lighting.

Jordan is doing well. She’s looking healthier than she did a month ago. She isn’t walking again, but her memory is improving, her eyes have stopped drooping and her color has returned. She’s doing physical therapy twice a week. Everyone is focused on getting her back on her legs and out of the wheelchair.

The rest of the family is fine. There was really no time to rest during the holiday break, so Jeanette and I are giving thought to a weekend away … without the kids. It’s just finding time to plan it that’s proving problematic. I will write again soon.