Monday September 28th

There was lots of positive energy surrounding the Pope's visit to Philadelphia this weekend. Although Pope Francis didn't have a chance to stop-in to visit Jordie, we were feeling his good vibes. How could one not be inspired by Francis? Having planned to miss all the Pope-a-looza hoopla, I am glad we were here to experience it....minus the leukemia part, of course!

Jordie continues to handle all that is being thrown at him. He finished his chemo and his WBC numbers are doing exactly what they are suppose to, he rebounds from the multiple fever spikes( this is normal in Jord's new reality) and he stays positive even though he struggles with some of the stomach upset and ensuing discomfort that chemo brings. 

The only thing Jord can control is his positive outlook and he is managing that so well. I am so proud of him even though proud isn't the right word.

Jefferson Hospital is a very caring place and we are so appreciative of the professional treatment he is receiving and the commitment to his care. No surprise that Jord is their favorite patient.... he is friends with the doctors, nurses, techs, and the many other staff members that make trips into his room to again take such good care of him.

Jord went to bed a bit more comfortably last night knowing the Eagles got their first win of the season....very therapeutic. Go Birds!

xoxo

From Jord written yesterday( Sunday)-

Hey Gang--  it's the patient here.  The Big Guy is coming to you from #3114. 

Not much to add to Deb's update on medical issues, but we are on track and are focused on clearing one hurdle at a time....This is a very long process so we can't look too far ahead.

I wanted to pass along how appreciative we are of all of the tremendous support people are providing!  Your notes, love and support are critical and heard loud and clear.  BTW-- I had no idea how many of my friends pray and have prayer lists--go figure-- i love it--keep working them hard, it is very comforting.

i don't usually answer my phone- still get wiped out and find it easier to text.  

Lastly, as you guys have commented and witnessed, i am truly blessed to have an unbelievable support network.  Deb has been amazing--and the kids have been a tremendous source of power and energy in addition to all you guys and of course mom and dad.  You find out how lucky you are in the strangest ways.

Any and all support of my team is very much appreciated!

Love you all!   Jordie

Friday September 25th-

 TGIF! After 7 days of chemo, Jord is finally on his last bag. Yay :) 

The chemo is killing the cancer cells rapidly which is what the doctors want and they've been pleased with his reaction thus far. His WBC (white blood count) is already near zero, which was the goal, and the count will continue to go down over the next week as the chemo does its job. Then we wait( approx 2 weeks from today) for the healthy cells to start to grow back....no bad cells invited!

Not surprisingly the chemo has made him feel pretty beat up and tired. Some of this is the chemo and some is the fact that his good red blood cells are being killed too thus not much energy...although...it is Jordie so more energy than the norm;/ Especially when the pretty doctors and nurses are checking-in on him! Any chemo side effects will come in approx a week....fingers-crossed he will be spared from anything too tough but we are prepared for whatever comes our way. Eyes on the prize!

He loves all your texts and emails....keep'em coming. Just an fyi- phone calls are tougher...his phone is on silent and calling back takes a lot of energy. If you still prefer to call leave a VM but don't ask for a return call.

We are so appreciative of everybody's love and support. Jord needs it and so do the kids and I. Now wish us luck as we prepare for Pope weekend in Philadelphia!!

Lots of love to all.

xoxo,

Debbie

Monday September 21st

Happy to report that Jord had a good weekend!

The people at Jefferson continue to treat Jord very well and he is responding

well. He is tolerating his chemo cocktail...not a surprise,right? Not the same as cocktails in Cape May, but Jord is making it work for him.  The regimen

is tough, but his white blood cell count indicates the chemo is killing the "bad guys". That's what we want! Only a week from diagnosis and Jord is already fighting back. He's amazing...that's my man:)

An update on visiting....Jord loves the visits, but less is more right now. I have been trying to manage the requests that come in with the limits and restrictions on his time and energy..... As well as the reality that we have to be careful about germs which Libbie so eloquently let you all know!! He knows you all are thinking of him! Don't think if you're not here that your support and love is any less appreciated!! Keep up the texts and emails, I know he finds them energizing! 

Thanks again for all the love and support. It means so much!

xo,

Deb

PS please let anyone know who might be having a hard time getting onto the blog....

Http://jordie updates.blogspot.com

Dear Family and Friends,

Thanks to all of you for your overwhelming expressions of love and support. Both Jordie and I are so appreciative.Thanks especially for keeping Emery and Thomas, Jack and Lib in your thoughts too. If they are taken care of then Jord is happy!

Jordie's diagnosis is Acute Myeloid Leukemia(AML). He has already started treatment and continues to be strong and upbeat....he wants all of us to do the same.

He will be in the hospital 4-6 weeks so please feel free to text or email him.....calls can be difficult, but feel free to leave a VM.  You can even visit...he's not in an isolation bubble.... but please check with me first b/c as treatment progresses he may have to limit the visits.

I have set up a blog- but I haven't posted anything yet!......jordieupdates.blogspot.com.

Please feel free to forward this email as it seemed to work getting the word out but after this email just check the blog. Thanks.

Lots of love to you all,

Debbie

Sent from my iPad