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03-18-2008
From Jack's Dad:
Jack is doing "OK" but we believe he is experiencing brain swelling – a side effect of the radiation. He is a bit asymmetrical with head tilted to one side and he has no energy. His smile is also a bit asymmetrical. His balance is off and he is weak. He has trouble stand from lying down and always asks for help these days. His spirit is very strong and when asked he will clearly tell you his is "doing good" or "I'm great!". His mind is very sharp and he answers questions correctly but with slowed speech.
02-25-2008
From Jack's Dad: Jack is home from the hospital and doing well. Big improvement. He has kicked the virus - still conjested and some caughing but very much improved.
02-24-2008
From Jack's Mom: Jack has been in the hospital for several days now. He was throwing up and had really bad flu symptoms. At this point it looks like he's going to have to stay in the mist tent again tonight and maybe longer. He has to get to the point where he's stable in regular room air without his blood oxygen saturation percentage going down below 95. He's still pretty out of it but so much better after being on fluids and Albuterol treatments. He has stopped throwing up and is eating again which is a big plus. Hopefully this will be behind us soon.
02-14-2008
Here are actual pictures of Jack's MRI's. The first one was taken when this all started on October 29, 2007. The second was taken on February 7, 2008. The tumor has shrunk 50%. Keep praying that it shrinks even more and/or doesn't grow again. Click on the pictures below to see larger versions.
02-08-2008
From Jack's Mom: We went to Pittsburgh yesterday and had many appointments with his doctors. We left at 6AM and didn't get home until almost 8 that night. The first thing we did was go in for an MRI. After numerous failed attempts at getting an IV, the nurses finally got permission to use his mediport for the procedure (they're not allowed to anymore because of safety concerns that don't really even apply to Jack). Anyway, after they got that accessed (after several attempts again - poor Jack went through a lot yesterday morning), Jack's MRI went smoothly. He didn't even have to be sedated, they just put movie goggles and earphones on him before he went into the machine. He watched Dora and laid perfectly still through the 20ish minute procedure. He fell asleep before the end and woke up happy to be able to go get some lunch. We also met with his pediatric neuro-oncologist and went over his new treatment regimens and MRI results at length. We are happy to report that Jack's tumor has shrunk by about 50% as a result of the radiation. It may continue to shrink, it may stabilize from here, or it may swell. We won't know the end result of all of that for a few months yet. In the meantime, we're waiting on results from a couple of other tests before we proceed with his new drug regimen. Will keep you posted!
01-22-2008
From Jack's Mom: Hey everyone - we are back from Disney and we had an absolutely fabulous time! It was like the best family vacation you could ever have and then take out all the hassle involved with planning and actually executing the travel plans. We stayed at Give Kids the World, a resort specifically designed for wish children and their families. We were treated like royalty everywhere we went. We even had special passes for all the parks so we didn't have to wait in line for anything. It was wonderful. Not as warm as we were hoping for, the temps averaged in the mid-60s, but it was certainly better than the high of 7 we would have had back home. We have many stories to tell but too much to write here. As soon as we get our luggage back (long story involving cancelled flights and whatnot) we will have over 1000 pictures and video to share with whomever might want to see them. Just briefly I'll say we went to Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios and Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure, and we spent two full days at the Magic Kingdom. We are all so spoiled by all the special attention and care we've received from everyone involved on this trip. Now it's back to the grindstone and soon we'll be back in Pittsburgh learning a little more about Jack's progress. Will post pictures as soon as possible!
01-21-2008
To John Brinling: Dear John, WOW – We never expected your tremendous help but we sure appreciated getting some sleep in Detroit much thanks to you. Thank you very very much for coming to our rescue ! You helped us on our way back from the Make-a-Wish / Give Children the World vacation with our 3 year old son Jack who has brain cancer. You can see all about Jack at his website www.jacksbattle.com . By the way - Jack is doing very well right now and he was fully functional on that Disney World vacation in Orlando Florida. We all had a wonderful time. I realize your kindness was done expecting no return but I have to say that I will not forget you or Erie Insurance for this help. Best Regards, Craig Sundberg.
01-14-2008
Yesterday was Robynn's 5th birthday party (Jack's older sister) Here is a the video of everyone singing Happy Birthday to Robynn (including little Jackie). Jack even helps blow out the candles. Click on the image to the right to watch the movie!
Jack and his family also left early this morning to go to Disney World for one week through the Make-A-Wish foundation.
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