You just never know.

Lots to say, I have been trying to sit down and put it into words.  I am truly sorry for the delay.

I think my last post I said that Jordon had a scan the following day.  The day started as usual (Tuesday the 6th), visit with his doctor, accessing the port, and then traveling over to the University building.  The uptake of the radioactive sugar injection takes about an hour and the scan takes about 20 minutes.  The doctor had told us that the nurses in radiology could de-access his port and that we would not need to come back to the clinic.  Well, we were a bit disappointed when the nurse in radiology told us she did not know how to de-access a pediatric port.  Of course this meant we had to walk all the way back to the Children's hospital (a building over) and go back up to the 9th floor.  Lesson learned for the day-you NEVER know what surprise the Lord has in store for you, so don't complain when you have to go a few extra steps.  I say this because since we had to go back to clinic and Jordon got an awesome surprise that day.  If the nurse would have de-accessed him in radiology we would have never gotten to meet Sam Bradford-quarterback for the St. Louis Rams.  Jordon was extremely excited and it made his day!

We arrived safely home that evening, but no result from the PET scan.  Wednesday morning came and the doctor called.  The results of the scan showed the same level of activity as on the prior scan (the one the decided to do bone marrow transplant with), but the tumor itself has shrunk.  Since the last biopsy (after the last PET scan that showed activity) showed necrotic tissue, they are still completely unsure as to whether or not the tumor is cancer or necrotic tissue.  They are going to continue with maintenance and then rescan sometime in January.  If the January scan still shows activity they will proceed with a surgical biopsy to get to the center of the tumor to determine whether or not it is cancer or dying tissue.  Praises here are that the tumor has shrunk more and not grown.

The plan was to begin another round of maintenance chemo today (Tuesday the 13th).  Jordon's counts have been low since shortly after Thanksgiving.  In fact Jordon's numbers have steadily went down and Thursday his A.N.C. was below 500 (neutropenic/no immune system).  On Thursday when his doctor called she indicated that we may need to postpone chemo if Jordon's A.N.C. was not 1000.  Besides the postponement for the last biopsy, Jordon's chemo has never been postponed.  Yesterday Jordon's nurse came to take his pre-chemo labs.  Sure enough the doctor called me and he did not make counts.  His A.N.C was around 800.  So they have postponed him till next Tuesday.  Since his immune system has been compromised for so long we are VERY thankful that he has remained well (especially with Lauren Belle having the fifth's disease and so many illnesses at school).  In fact Jordon has been able to attend school some and even managed to play a little basketball.

                     Jordon and Mr. Sam Bradford

Finally a tree-Merry Christmas-We are excited to celebrate Christ's birth.  Here is to hoping that you have a very Merry Christmas.

Sometimes I am surprised that I think that the longer we have dealt with this the harder it gets.  I think this because we can no longer plan anything, know what to expect, and we have days where we feel every emotion in the book.  But then I remember back to when Jordon was first diagnosed and how difficult those feelings were and what emotions are associated to the news that your child has cancer.  And I remember that that difficult time passed, that the Lord carried us through and He will continue to carry us through EVERY day.  He wants to carry us through every day.  He wants to be involved in all of our decisions.  I am comforted knowing that I don't have to plan everything as long as I desire and am doing His will.

We ask that you continue to pray that Jordon continues to improve and pray against any short or long term effects of chemo and the scans on his body.  Please pray for God's will to be done.  Please pray that we can have patience and peace in waiting for the results of the next scan.

And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that He might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom He predestined He also called; and those whom He called He also justified; and those whom He justified He also glorified. What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:27-31

Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.  Ephesians 5:15-17