Jordan’s Journey

My sister Lisa and Ricky, her fiance, surprised Jordan with a visit this weekend, en route to Europe. Jordan acted coy about it all at first, but within 15 minutes she was parading around with the Aunt who refers to her as “mini me.” There is an awful lot of similarities between the two. It was a good way to end the weekend.

Jordan is doing well. The new chemo drugs seem to make her more nauseous, but she won’t be doing them as often. She gets a break from the IV this week.

Sometimes it is hard to find anything to write about. Jordan’s story is blended with crescendos and quiet passages. During the most turbulent times the words pour out of me in my mind’s effort to vent, cope and adapt. But during the tranquil moments I struggle to express the emotions. They are no less profound, just harder to express. As I watch Jordan orchestrate her life I am most often silent, introspective and humbled.

Tomorrow she begins chemotherapy again. It is a new protocol — actually a mixture of new and old drugs. She will need to go to the hospital less because half of the protocol uses oral meds. I thought she would be happy about this, but then I forgot that she hates pills. She heaved a heavy sigh, then threw her arms into the air. “Well, I guess I’ll have to start eating apple sauce again.” It was a reference to her penchant for mixing bits of pills into the fruity snack. (more…)

Ever since Luc received a cell phone on his 10th birthday, Jordan has pestered us for a phone of her own. She reminded us nearly every day in the months leading up to her birthday in August. When it arrived, we didn’t have to think very hard about what to get her. She says her phone is one of the best gifts she’s ever received. She connects with her friends and family every day.

Jordan’s MRI showed stable results. Her medical team is starting a protocol that will introduce a new drug while alternating with the current drugs. It could mean that she only has to go in for intravenous therapy every other week, which will make her very happy. The new protocol has been achieving great results with other brain tumor patients, so her doctor is optimistic that this will be another step forward for Jordan.
Other than that, the kids have been busy getting back into the school groove. Jordan is very excited about starting 3rd grade … and the return of the football season.
A lengthier update is on the way…