Mon,
19 May 2003
Doing
Good
Well,
if it's Monday then it means we've been to the doctor.
Howdy everybody.
Jade and I went to the oncologist today and had his
weekly check-up. On Thurs when his blood was checked,
Jade had like one white blood cell in his body. Today
when they did a blood check his red blood cells, white
blood cells, platelettes and hermaticrit levels were
all within normal range. While it's normal to bottom
out during the week after chemo, it's incredible that
he's back to normal three days later after registering
zeros. Jade is really tolerating the chemo quite well.
Not that there's not side effects, but he seems to
be weathering it pretty good. I really feel that's
attributed to the prayers, faith, hope, positive energy
and optimism of all of you. He is a strong, tough
and tenacious person but I really feel we're getting
extra help with it.
Jade is able to have a normal week and doesn't have
to live in isolation anymore. That's wonderful for
him. His sister is coming from Houston for a couple
days this week and that'll be a good diversion for
him. It's hard trying to cram a life into one week
a month, but make no mistake I'm grateful for that
week!
As far as fund raising goes, it continues to snowball.
I am in awe of what is happening. Just when I think
we've maxed out our friends, family, neighbors and
other resources we hear of what else is being done
or contributed. With the donations made and the money
we know is being deposited this week or in route,
we think we're at approximately $50 K. That's with
only one "real" fund raiser done. All of
that is due to the sheer will and hard work of people
spreading the word via email, phone calls, letters
and old fashioned door knocking. You people are an
amzing sight. Jade's friend, Blue, lives in Boise
and is having a BBQ in the park on the 31st of May
for Jade. My brother, Zane who lives in Dallas and
works for Coke, is having a golf tournament, sponsored
by Coke, on the 2nd of June with all the proceeds
going to Jade. A donation can put in a gas station
in Bountiful was filled within two days. The attendant,
Nancy (who's husband died of a sarcoma a few years
back and was widowed with five children) called and
asked that someone come and empty the jar. It had
$44 dollars in it. Now, I understand not every donation
can will be so profitable but, holy cow! That's amazing.
Our friends in Morgan told us of a family there that
is battling their own rare form of cancer in their
teen-age son and has maxed out all their credit cards
but felt a desire to support us and gave $20. I almost
live in fear of opening the mail since I know I will
read notes and cards and get donations that will have
me in tears for the remainder of the afternoon. We
have received money from friends and strangers from
Conneticut to Hawaii. How incredible. Truly in awe.
It truly seems inadequate for me to say thank you
but I don't know what else to say or do. Having said
that disclaimer, Thank You.
Hopefully everyone has enjoyable plans for Memorial
Wknd. (I know unfortunately Jade's family has a funeral
in Las Vegas which Jade desperately wishes he was
able to attend.) We are hoping to have some fun and
get a diversion from the cancer life. Thanks for your
help and love and support. We are so appreciative
of your strength. This long-winded email has gone
on long enough. Take care and have a good week......we'll
keep you posted!
Love.............Tanya and co.
