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Journal entries from 12/01/04 - 01/03/05

01/03/2005

Jackson is in Spokane today with his latest round of chemo. Staci just met with the doctor and had good news to report, we think. The doctor said that things are going great, which is good, but it kicks us out of several case studies that they are working on to prevent and cure his type of cancer. His bone marrow came back clear from UCLA, which is great, but kicks us out of more options. It looks like he is going to have this round of chemo, then another round of tests and then put him on a drug that is supposed to prevent the neuroblastoma cells from starting again. We couldn't be happier about the results so far after the depths he was in just six months ago. We are also scared of things getting worse when we stop chemo again. We believe so many prayers are being answered and hope that you will continue to pray for him in the future. Some day I hope cancer is a thing of the past and a distant memory for us.

12/29/2004

The Baldwin family had a great Christmas holiday. The Daniels were at the house for two days and then the Baldwin's were there for two days and we all had a great time. Jackson and Wyatt went duck hunting Friday morning and we got several ducks. Wyatt as usual, fell asleep. This time he was sitting in a tree with his head resting on a branch. Our chocolate lab, Dani, retrieved her first ducks and did a fine job. The boys were spoiled with gifts again and each year we have no idea where to put all of the new toys. As for Jackson's health, he is doing great. His weight has mellowed out and he has plenty of energy. Sunday we went pheasant hunting with many of the cousins and he did fine keeping up with everyone. He starts chemo on Monday and we start the process over again. After this round, we don't know what is next, but we pray for Jackson and that his doctor will have the knowledge to help heal him. We wish each one of you a Happy New Year and thank you for your prayers.

12/17/04

Jackson has continued to amaze us. Staci and I have had the flu this week and Wyatt has been coughing. Jackson had chemo last week and his counts couldn't be lower, but he has still managed to not get sick. He had a two hour basketball practice on Tuesday and did very well, even though his counts were low enough that he had to have a blood transfusion on Wednesday. We forget some times how fortunate we have been through these tough times. Both of the boys had their Christmas concerts for school and did fine. Jackson had decided that singing is not for him as he declined to be in the church choir. He said, "I don't enjoy it very much, but I will do it if you make me." We are very excited for the holidays and look forward to our family and friends being together. After spending the holidays apart when Jackson was in Seattle, we realize now how important it is to all be together. We hope that each of you are able to be with family and friends and enjoy the holidays to their fullest. Take care and God Bless.

12/06/04

Jackson is doing  well, today he is finishing up his last day of chemo this round. He didn't start until Thursday, so he had chemo for the last four days. He and I went duck hunting and turkey hunting on Saturday morning and got five ducks and no turkey. We did have a great time together and I thanked God many times that we were still able to do this together. We are getting worried about his weight lately; he is going through the chemo and still gaining close to five pounds a week. They are checking his thyroid next month to see if it has been damaged through all of this, which is very likely. We are very excited with Christmas coming that he won't have another round of chemo until early January.

12/01/04

Jackson has had a good couple of weeks and is feeling good. He was supposed to start chemo Monday, but his counts weren't high enough yet. They postponed it until Wednesday, but with today's snow conditions it looks like he will start next Monday instead. That would work out a lot better for him anyway, then he would have no chemo over his Christmas break. Saturday Jackson, Wyatt, and I went goose hunting and then pheasant hunting and Jackson did really well walking. At one time Wyatt was lagging behind and Jackson said, "Why are you so slow? I'm the one getting chemo." Jackson made the Sunday school teachers cry again. As I understand it, the class was talking about Christmas and how they are going to do something special for the next 30 days to celebrate Christmas. He raised his hand and asked, "Sometimes don't you think that we put Christmas ahead of God?" I can assure you that that topic has never come up at home and we don't know where he gets these thoughts, but realize again he knows a lot more than I would ever give an eight year old credit for.