11-19-09 Jordan Update

Zero.  Jordan’s blast percentage is zero today.  Exactly what it needed to be.  PRAISES.

PRAISES!!!!

Today was good, although not exactly according to plan.  Jordan’s doctor decided that he didn’t need a bone marrow extraction.  The extraction apparently wasn’t intended to tell if Jordan was cancer free.  It was going to tell the doctor how Jordan was doing in relation to the chemotherapy, and therefore how aggressive they could be with the chemo moving forward.  Or something like that.  Turns out, based on some genetic testing they did on Jordan several days ago, it was decided that Jordan is of the ideal genetic makeup, and will continue responding well to chemo, so the doctors already knew what they needed to know.  Praises that Jordan has the “right” genetic makeup.

They still put him under today, for a spinal tap and chemo session.  He came through them really, really well, and has been released from the hospital.  PRAISES!!!!  He is home with his family, and is pretty happy about it.  Wouldn’t you be?

So – now begins a tough 28 days.  Over the next 28 days, Jordan will go in for aggressive chemotherapy once a week.  At the end of 28 days, he really will get a bone marrow extraction, and he needs to be cancer free.

In the meantime, as I mentioned last night and this morning, Jordan has some rough days ahead.  The chemo is going to start taking its toll, probably this week, and his immune system will be extremely vulnerable.  I really can’t understate how much danger he’s in if just gets a scrape, or comes in contact with the common cold.  It can literally kill him.

So, the Shahbaz household is in quarantine, with no visitors allowed.  This will present some special challenges, and as I’ve said before, and will say again and again, these guys need your prayer support.

Here’s the list:

• Jordan’s health and immunity.  Just can’t stress enough how important it is that Jordan be supernaturally protected, and not just for the next 28 days – for the next 3 years.  Pray that his body tolerates the chemo, not just with minimal side effects, but with NO side effects.  Pray that he continue eating, pooping, and sleeping to keep his body strong.  Pray that the doctors continue to have wisdom in treating him, and that Phil and Amy continue to have wisdom in caring for him.  Pray that he is cancer free in 28 days, and still cancer free in 7 months, and still cancer free year after year after year after that.  And that he stays healthy throughout his treatment.
• The family’s new normal.  Pray a special grace for Jordan’s siblings, Jeremiah, Jonah, and Cedar, for Phil and Amy, and for all of the family that will be supporting them, especially during the quarantine, however long it lasts.  Pray that these kids will know the joys of childhood – especially Jordan.  That their finances will miraculously be in order despite Jordan’s medical expenses.  That their schedule will supernaturally flow into a rhythm that is manageable.  That the quarantine would not make any of them feel cut off – instead, that it would draw them together into an even tighter unit.  That the logistics of keeping Jordan protected and healthy would fall into place easily and without obstacle.

We will probably go to posting updates only when there’s news or special prayer requests.  It may be days or weeks before we have anything new to report.  That doesn’t mean the need has decreased.  Please remember Jordan, Phil, Amy, and the rest of the family in your prayers daily.  Please do not cease in remembering them.  The journey they face is a marathon – and it has just begun.

And if you’re in the LA area, you can provide a meal for the Shahbaz family.  Simply let me know you want to help, and I will assist you in getting in touch with the right folks.

Thank you for all your prayers and support so far.  I hope you’ve seen how effective those prayers have been.  Phil and Amy, and all of us are so thankful for the outpouring of support.  Keep it coming!!  Amen and amen.

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