080902 - Jack update

080902 - Jack update
Ok so the Dr called back today and said there are 2 things abnormal from Jack's blood test.
1 = Neutrophils are 990 [1500 - 4000 is normal, Jacks were about 990 7 weeks ago]
2 = Haptoglobin counts are low; these are lower in anemic people.
[I am getting a copy of the CBC. If you know how to read this and want a copy please let me know.]

The Dr. said at this point based on the initial neutrophil count of 300, we all did the right thing by taking immediate steps to see why they were so low. But with this latest test result with the neutrophils in the 990, being almost identical to the original blood test that gave the pediatrician the flag to look into the anemia, he thinks this may be Jack's normal level of neutrophils. While it is lower than average it may be a result of some previous infection that may have gone even months back...

BUT, we still do not know why it dropped so low into the 300 range...

Bottom Line: They are not sure what is going on with Jack, but at this point they are not alarmed.
Plan: Jack will have a blood test every 4-6 weeks for the upcoming six months to see what pattern, if any, there is in his blood counts. Further action can only be decided with these tests.

Please keep Jack in your continuing thoughts.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

080901 - Slip n slide

080901 - Up in the am and back to the Johnstown swap meet for more junk on the way to Gma&paB's. Had a big lunch and then a couple round around the bases and some slip & slide action.
080831 - After J rode around the yard a bit we headed to Johnstown for their annual swap meet. The boys were in heaven and each bought some junk. We stopped at Twisters for foot long hot dogs on the way home. Home, bathes and then watched 'The People That Time Forgot'.

080831 - 2nd Try!

080831 - Up and at em, L&D to church and J,G&I talked to Doc about his encoumter w/ Obama in Dublin, he had a blast. L home, fed us all then headed out to get groceries. G took a nap, D,J&I clnd up the garage. Later in the afternoon Jack decide he waould try to ride Howdy's old bike. We adjust the seat, got him padded up and pushed him down the hill. On his second trip down the hill HE DID IT! He kept right on going and went and went. The boy can ride a bike!
080830 - Home after the game to relieve Gma Farmer from Grant the beast. Chated w/ the neighbors a bit and then all headed out for the usual chaotic dinner at Steak & Shake, pickles flying everywhere... Home, GmaW,D,J&I to Ritas for a treat and then stopped at the playground on the way home. Grammy left and Grant cried & cried! Down to the basement for a good olf movie and then bed! L&I up late removing more walls out of the house.

080830 - Script OHIO

080830 - Up and everyone ready for a BIG day! Grant gets to stay w/ gma farmer and L,D,J & I headed to the season opener for Ohio State football! This is Jack's first game and he had a pretty good time. Howdy & I were sitting in the sun and boiling, except when we were getting food or visiting L & J, whoe were in the shade. We left shortly after the start of the 4th qtr, it was just too much for J. Now we are on the bus headed to the car, everyone reports having a good time. GO BUCKS!!
080829 - Normal work day. Finally got he house in Whitehall rented! Went to vist my buddy Dave in the hospital, he just had back surgery and was pretty doped up, but recovering ok. Stoped at the grocery on the way home. Then home to play rock band w/ the boys. Got them to bed, then ripped 1/2 of a wall out between the dinning & living rooms. Jack had a good day, emails from around the world continue to come in for his support. Thank you!

080828 - Jack up-date

080828 = Dr. just called about Jack, but no real news...
He said that based on the blood test from Tuesday his neutrophils are 990 [they were 300 last Thursday, they should be 1500-2000]. 990 is still not good but better than it was. He is still waiting on more test before he can determine the next course of action and he wont have that information until Friday or next Tuesday....
Sooooo more hurry up and wait.
There is really nothing more we can do than hope the remaining results are good and do not point to anything...
So we will just continue to try and keep him safe and healthy.... this waiting around is killing me... i want to know the problem so we can start to fix it.... u know me...
Thanks for the support and prayers, keep them coming!!!

080827 - First Day

080827 - Up in the am and walked w/ Howdy to school, his 1st day of 3rd grade. Did some work and took a bike ride w/ L,J&G for lunch. After work we ate and then went to Meijer to get Jack some soccer gear that fits. Home and the boys shotting the bb gun in the back yard.
080826 - While L,J&I were at the hospital, Dylan, G & GmaB went to see Howdy's classroom. When we got home we gave the update and then headed out to Steak & Shake as requested by the bday boy. We then went to a soccer practice for Jack where chaos rulled the field. Home, baths for everyone & bed, just in time to haer Hillary seal our fate... Ugh

080826 - Jack

080826 - After lunch we headed to Children's Hospital, Hemotology/Onocolgy department.. We met with Dr. Ranalli who was very nice and explained a lot of things to us. The Dr. gave Jack a complete once over. The Dr. Was pleased with what he found and the spirit and energy Jack had. He recommened more blood work and chest x-ray so we can zero in on what is causing the low counts. He recommended that we continue to keep Jack safe from germs but keep his daily activities as normal as possible.
We went out and Jack gave his blood without a peep, we heard other kids screaming... The downstairs for the x-ray and then headed home. The Dr. is going to cal us with the findings Thursday. We feel a bit better.
Jack whisltled all the way home...

080826 - Bday pose

080826 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dylan!
Dylan turned 9 today!
We spent the morning assembling a huge lego thing, watching some 'Tom & Jerry' and then outside for some nerf target practice. Then I surprised him with his main present, a BB gun!!! I got him to pose w/ his new gun, like another infamous person...

080825 - Prepared

080825 - Up and at work. Contacted those people I know well from around the world for their prayers and support. Had one fellow tell me he would pray to his god for my son tonight. A reality check for me to realize that even thought this world is small we don't all believe the same... It was good to get the support from all over.
Children's Hospital called and we have an appointment for Tuesday at 1:45.
After work the boys and I headed outside for nerf dart gun wars and some bad-mitten. Back in for a movie and a couple songs on the Wii. Then stared baths and ran off to Tim Horton's to meet w/ the guys; only Dan and I tonight, but it was good to talk.
Home and Martha reminded me that people will want to know what is going on with Jack, so I figured I better get caught up on the blog.. :-p
080824 - L up and to church w/ D. I stayed home and cleaned up the party stuff w/ J&G as we are trying to avoid J going places w/ germs. L&D home & we headed to Deer Creek St Park, but when we got there it was just too hot and all the playgrounds were out in the blazing sun. We did walk to the base of the damn and throw rocks in. The AC in the car was not working so it was not the most pleasant ride.
we ran past Meijer on the way home and picked up a present for one of Howdy's friends and some AC coolant. Dropped Howdy off at the birthday party then home to charge the AC. Turns out the back of the car the AC works just finem and the kids were freezing all day, while Lori and I were boiling... Charged it up and think it is now fixed... Played the Wii with Jack and then went to pick D up w/ Grant tagging along. Home for baths and bed.

080823 - Bday party

080823 - Up and out preparing the yard for 'The Amazing Birthday Race'. L had created an 8 station race, like the TV show for Dylans party, clues and all. Everyone had a great time and there was lots of noise... Howdy cleaned up in the present department with a new bike and a Wii Rock band front spoiling them rotten grandparents he has :-D
080822 - Late tonight I got my list of things L wanted yet for the party and headed to Meijer. I got the piñata, candy, and compasses she felt would make the gift bags complete. In fact I had to go way up to Westerville to get enough compasses as I bought all they had at our local store and it wasn't enough. But it was a good drive at 1am. It gave me a chance to break down and sob and plead with God to let Jack be ok. I had quite a talk with God and could actually feel him in the passengers seat listening to me blaber. I did ask for Jack to be ok, but I also asked that he help me be strong for Jack, L and D&J. The last thing they need is for me to fall apart. I agreed w/ God that I would:
A - Raise my boys to grow up and be good, respectful, productive and responsible men.
B - Teach them about God and prepare them to go to heaven.
C - Make sure they know I love and support them and they have the best lives possible.
I asked for a lot of strenght and support from Him to do these things. I know he was in the car and he did hear me because on Saturday there were feathers in my path all day long...

080822 - Blur

080822 - Oh Jesus. What is going on?
Today Jack's Dr. Called and wanted to see us about his blood test. His neutriphiles (a type af white blood cell) count is HORRIBLY LOW, 300, instaed of 1500. The Dr. is setting up an appointment at Children's hospital for us first thing next week...
When we got back from the Dr. I immediately looked this up, and for the most part it is really not good. There are some reasons that his count would be low that are not nightmarish, and we are hoping Jack's reason is one of those.
I am in a complete haze. Life over the last couple weeks has been an undesired blur...
080821 - Busy day at work. This evening we had some friend and their kids over for dinner and to play. The kids were horribly loud, but they had a blast. Up late watching the olympics and the working till 4.

080820 - Goin 4 a spin

080820 - Morning with boys so L could go to the Dr. all was ok. Jack to Dr to get blood drawn to check how his anemia is doing. He did fine, it was grant that screamed because people were messing with his big brother... I took some time today to go shopping w/ Jeff. We hit all the thrift stores and I got 2 sport coats for$12, I like it! Then I stoped at the taylor in downtown Gahanna. He fitted the sortcoats and is going to charge me $230: Holy $H!T!!! But this guy know his stuff and threw a suit coat on me that felt like just another layer of skin. He said 'that fits u perfect', and it did, but it was $825... someday, maybe... Home and loaded the gang in the car and headed west to Madison Lake St Park for a Burger King Picnic dinner and some play. We are trying to get some last minute fun things inn before this summer ends.
080819 - Jack had a little friend over today and they played & played, howdy was 'bored'... L took the boys to the pool for most of the afternoon and Grant was sound asleep draped over her shoulder when they returned. The boys and I headed out to the west side to a TSC to look for closet door hangers (sick of the old ones always breaking, I was going to get barn door hardware: WAY TO EXPEN$IVE...). stoped at Rita's for ice cream on the way home.
080818 - Up and at desk and work PC is dead, will only run in safe mode. AARRGGHHH! Just what I needed, something else to not work... Normal long Monday... Went for coffee w/ Jeff, Doc & Dan and froze. Jeff & I got the biz organized, up till 5:30am creating and updating a general ledger.