Tuesday, November 23, 2010

You People Rock!



Only one day in and we've gotten a wonderful response on our fundraising efforts and we here at blog central can't thank everyone who donated enough. We've received amounts from $5 to $500 and every single one is appreciated more than you know. RJ is going to have to learn to accept help from other people. This is a kid who, when a bunch of friends are being taken out to ice cream will claim he is full because he doesn't want that parent spending money on him. We at blog central know that it is an honor to be able to help out any way we can.

It's been a day of ups and downs on the front. We were on location last night in the ICU and RJ was looking much better. They had lifted his sedation and he was conscious again, although the agitation and fear that had been hanging around several days before wasn't nearly as bad. They changed out the ventilator to the one he was using before and his lungs look to be making progress. He still really wants people around, and in addition to the nurses and visitors, there is now a medical 'minder' that sits with him to make sure he doesn't pull out the breathing tube or any of the other tubes running over and through him.

In a good news/bad news situation, the doctors feel that RJ is stable enough for the next round of chemo tomorrow but that it will likely make his condition even more critical. The tumors in Burkitt's lymphoma can double in size every day so they need to be hit hard with very toxic chemo which will likely make him very sick again. Such a double edge sword. It's hard to hear all of the things that could go wrong in the next few days - we just have to wait and see which of them come true.

Hold on tight and send your best thoughts - it's going to be a bumpy ride.

9 comments:

  1. RJ, Jessica and Pat

    Hang in there, RJ. I know you can get through this next rough patch. I sat by your bedside and felt your strength. So happy to hear that you're on the "regular" respirator -- I'm sure you'll be off that soon too. We'll be out of town for a few days but will check the blog every day and you will be in our thoughts every single minute. Jack and Anna sent a card which will come your way soon -- but know that they are sending you love and hugs all the time. Plus you have a beautiful baby sister by your side (or at least nearby).

    Your friend,

    Dede

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  2. Jessica and RJ and Courtney -- Here is a favorite quote. I'll dust off my calligraphy pens and make you a copy for your wall. There's a powerful lot of good wishes surrounding you all. Love, Karen


    Never give up
    
No matter what is going on
    
Never give up

    Too much energy in your country is spent
    developing the mind instead of the heart
    
Develop the heart,

    Be compassionate

    Not just to your friends but to everyone,

    be compassionate

    Work for peace in your heart and in the world
    
Work for peace, and I say again
    
Never give up
    
No matter what is happening
    
No matter what is going on around you
    
Never give up.

    Dalai Lama XIV

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  3. Much Love being sent ! I am so happy to hear a good report and hope he has peace in his healing and that the blessings continue to come !!

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  4. RJ,
    i kinda feel like a stalker... cuz when ever I'm home every five minutes I'm on this to see if anything new has come up.... anyway i know that if anyone is gonna get through this its YOU, you are the absolute strongest person i know and I LOVE YOU!!!
    -Michala <3 <3 <3

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  5. you're gonna do great! i love you :)

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  6. Good Luck RJ!! Congradulations to Jessica about her new baby girl. She's adorable. I've been going door to door trying to raise money and a lot of people are willing to pitch in and I'll try to get you the money soon. Hang in there RJ!!!!!

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  7. Okay, dude, the army is behind you - we wish we could be right next to you - or even if front of you! Fight hard and we will be here! Warmest wishes to you and Jessica and Courtney -- JT

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  8. Hi, I am Paula's sister, Laura. I want you to know you are all in my thoughts and I send you prayers of power and healing through this difficult time. RJ is a beautiful and strong young man--he'll knock this out of his body.

    Congratulations on the baby, Courtney could not be any cuter. All my best, Laura

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  9. Hi RJ,
    Happy Thanksgiving! We are thinking of you and are praying for peace and comfort!
    Dr.Charlene Chan

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