Amanda Jackson Previous Updates

March 2003 to March 2004

Update on Amanda Jackson - Thurs., Oct. 2, 2003

Amanda is continuing to undergo tests to determine the status of her disease -- whether or not any cancer remains.

Today, she is undergoing hearing and kidney function tests as well as an echocardiogram. Early next week she will have a needle biopsy guided by a CT scan. She is continuing to feel well, eat regular food & is on very little medication. PRAISE GOD!!!

Did you know that Amanda and her family "made the paper" this week? An article appeared in the Ventura County Star on Tues., Sept. 30th. To read the article online (and to see a great picture of Amanda at home with Dave & Mary), go to:

http://www.insidevc.com/vcs/county_news/
article/0,1375,VCS_226_2309542,00.htm

Also, please note that the 1-800-555-TELL recorded updates will no longer be available. However, you can continue to hear recorded updates starting tomorrow (10/3) by calling 805-320-0588. (These will be toll calls for those outside the local calling area.)

Thanks for your continued prayers for and support of Amanda & her family as they await the test results and look to God's leading regarding whether or not Amanda will be involved in an additional treatment as a part of a test study.

Sat., Sept. 20, 2003

Praise!!! Amanda is doing great at home -- still feeling well, eating more and gaining strength!

Over the next two weeks, Amanda & Mary will be traveling back and forth to Children's Hospital for various tests, scans, etc. for her "disease evaluation." Please pray for them as they drive back and forth and as Amanda undergoes the various procedures. (We'll keep you posted with the results!)

Also, Amanda's younger sister Melissa is undergoing a third round of antibiotic treatment after having strep throat twice since school started and running another high fever late last week. Please pray that Melissa would feel better and for Amanda's protection from any infection.

Please continue to pray for the entire family as they transition into this phase of Amanda's treatment.

Thank you!

Fri., Sept. 5, 2003

Yea! Amanda & Mary are back home. Amanda is feeling well and is continuing to eat solid foods. While the chemo, stem-cell transplant and radiation are behind her, she still has additional phases of her treatment (additional drug therapies) in the months to come. (Amanda's next appointment at Children's Hospital is Tuesday.)

Please pray that Amanda would stay "infection free," that she would continue to regain her strength and for the doctors' wisdom as they continue with this phase of her treatment.

As always, the Jackson's appreciate all your prayers, support and encouragement

Sat., Aug. 30, 2003

Amanda is still in L.A. Children's Hospital, as they discovered that she has another bacterial infection. She is being treated w/ antibiotics. She had been very nauseated, vomiting frequently on Thursday & Friday, but she is feeling better today. They're not sure exactly when she'll be released. In the meantime, the doctors are beginning to reduce her IV nourishment, transitioning to having her eat solids again after eight months of a liquid diet. She will undergo tests (body scan, etc.) within the next couple weeks to determine the status of her disease.

Please pray that the antibiotics would quickly overcome this infection & that Amanda would continue to feel better. Please pray for her as she transitions into eating more food and for the rest of the family during this time of once again being apart.

A note of praise: Amanda is excited that her hair is beginning to grow back!

Wed., Aug. 27, 2003

After being home for several days, Amanda was readmitted into L.A. Children's Hospital yesterday (Tuesday). She had been nauseated (vomiting hourly for about 36 hours). She is being treated for dehydration and w/ meds to help her nausea. She will be in the hospital for at least several days. Mary is there with her. Amanda has completed her radiation treatment (which most likely was the cause of the nausea), and doctors say she should be feeling much better within a week.

As you pray for Amanda, please pray for her younger sister, Melissa, who is getting over strep throat, and that the rest of the family would remain free of infections.

Thank you!

Wed., Aug. 13, 2003

Amanda celebrated her 10th birthday yesterday, with several visitors and lots of birthday wishes and gifts from the Children's Hospital staff. She remains in the hospital due to a new bacterial infection, which kept her from coming home but isn't as serious as the infections she had previously. She started her radiation on Monday and has been doing well. Doctors are now saying she'll be released from the hospital early next week, but she will still be making daily trips to Children's Hospital (during weekdays through the end of August) to complete her radiation treatments.

Please continue to pray for:
- The doctors' wisdom as they treat this infection
- Amanda and the rest of her family as they transition into this new phase of her treatment
- Protection from further infection

Friday, Aug. 8, 2003

Amanda is feeling better, her counts are up and she is requiring just a little oxygen! She will most likely be coming home early next week!!! Once home, she will continue to make daily trips to L.A. Children's Hospital during the weekdays for her radiation treatments through the end of August.

Please pray for the doctors' wisdom as they adjust her medications. Also pray for Amanda and the rest of her family as they transition into this new phase of her treatment. Pray for continued protection from infection as her immune system is still weak.

Thurs., July 31, 2003

Amanda is improving! She is feeling better & her counts are coming up. Today, she sat up in bed and colored. She has had two bloody noses, so doctors have discontinued her respiratory treatments.

The doctors are already making plans for the localized radiation treatment on her kidney, where a small part of the tumor remains. There will be 12 treatments, which may even start during her hospital stay.

As always, thank you for your prayers and all the ways you continue to show practical support to the Jackson family!

Sat., July 26, 2003

Amanda is doing much better -- breathing easier and feeling better overall! The doctors seemed surprised that she is doing so well, saying they don't know exactly why, but that she is getting better. But the Jacksons know why...and they thank you for your prayers and to God for answering those prayers!

Please pray for continued improvement -- her condition is still uncertain.

P.S. For those of you who would like to send a card to Amanda at the hospital, here is an updated address (room number is no longer needed):

Amanda Jackson
c/o Children's Hospital
BMT Unit
4650 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA  90027

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Thursday Evening, July 24, 2003

The Jacksons were informed by doctors this evening that Amanda is infected with "CMV" (cytomegalovirus), a virus that could be life threatening for Amanda at this point. Please pray for Amanda & her family at this critical time, and we will keep you posted on her condition.

Thank you,

Heather Burris

Mon., July 21, 2003

On Sunday afternoon, doctors discovered that Amanda has an influenza-type virus in her lungs, so she has been moved to a different room where she will still be in isolation but will also be able to receive respiratory treatment several times a day for at least a week. Mary requests specific prayer that Amanda would not develop pneumonia, as she already has some fluid in her lungs. Please also pray for physical comfort, as Amanda is not feeling well at all at this point.

The praise is that despite this infection, overall Amanda's blood count is improving each day!

There are also some practical ways we can help at this time:

1) The Jacksons will need to temporarily move out of their apartment the last week of July so that it can be painted and re-carpeted. If you can help move furnishings into storage on Sat. a.m., July 26th, please contact us by replying to this email or calling 659-5786.

2) Amanda will need a lot of hemoglobin and platelets over the next few weeks, and any donations would be greatly appreciated. Following is some information:
       - Blood must be donated at L.A. Children's Hospital, by appointment only. To make
         an appointment, call 323-669-2441 and let them know you're donating for Amanda
         Jackson.
       - You can be any blood type to donate platelets. Your veins will need to be checked to
         see if you're a candidate, and the donation process takes up to 2 hrs.
       - You must be 0+ or 0- to donate hemoglobin directly to Amanda; however, blood of
         any type is appreciated for other children.
If you have questions or would like to try to carpool to the hospital with someone else,
please contact us by replying to this email or calling 659-5786.

Thank you!

Heather Burris

Fri., July 11, 2003

Amanda's stem-cell transfusion went very smoothly yesterday. Doctors have monitored her closely, and she is doing well. She hasn't developed a fever yet, which is unusual and a good sign.

She is being medicated with morphine (to manage pain due to the internal sores from the chemo), so she has been sleeping quite a bit. However, this morning was busy with Amanda getting her daily bath and visits from the hospital's music therapist and teacher.

Mary is doing well, keeping busy caring for Amanda, scrapbooking and using the laptop in her room. She really appreciates the email messages she's been receiving (you can email Mary & Amanda at jaxon6@netzero.com). She has also decorated Amanda's room, first in a patriotic theme and now in a tropical theme.

The Jacksons are very thankful, as doctors say that Amanda is doing as good or better than most children in similar situations. Thanks for all your prayers!

Mon. July 7, 2003

Amanda finished her final and very strong dosage of chemotherapy this afternoon. Although she has had nausea and vomiting, overall she handled the treatment amazingly well. However, she has already started experiencing side effects and will have some rough days ahead of her. (Patients usually have painful sores from their mouths throughout their gastrointestinal tract.)

Her stem-cell infusion is scheduled for Thursday the 10th.

Amanda can receive cards while she is in isolation. Cards may be sent directly to the hospital:

Amanda Jackson
c/o Children's Hospital
BMT Unit, #433
4650 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA  90027

Mary has a laptop in the hospital room, so you may send email messages directly to her at: jaxon6@netzero.net, or post a greeting on Amanda's web site message board at http://fbcamanda.tripod.com.

Please continue to remember Amanda and her family in your prayers...

Tues., July 1, 2003

Amanda has been feeling well and was able to do all that she had hoped to do while she was home, ranging from a family trip to Disneyland to ice cream at DQ! :)

She will be readmitted to Children's Hospital in L.A. tomorrow (Wed., July 2nd). She will immediately start a 4-day cycle of VERY strong chemo, followed by three days of "rest." She will then have her stem-cell transfusion (which is overall a fairly simple procedure) followed by 4-6 weeks of isolation (with Mary staying with her).

Amanda will be facing very strong side effects with this high dosage of chemo, and her immune system will be greatly weakened -- please pray for physical protection. Please also continue to pray for spiritual and emotional strength for the entire family during this lengthy time of Amanda's recovery.

Practical ways you can help the Jackson family during this time:

     Debbie Hill will have a sign-up sheet at the church Welcome Center on Sunday for those of you who would like to send Mary & Amanda an "email of encouragement.
 You can sign up for a specific day to ensure that they are encouraged on an ongoing basis.

     We will continue providing dinners for Dave and the girls on Mondays, Wednesday  & Fridays throughout the summer. If you would like to sign up for a specific day, contact Heather Burris (just reply to sender of this message, or call 659-5786).

    Blood donors are still needed to bank blood for Amanda's account. Blood must be  donated at L.A. Children's Hospital. For more information or to set up an appointment, call the Blood Donor Center at (323) 669-2441.

Thank you!

Heather Burris

Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Amanda's infection has cleared up; however, she remains in the hospital completing the course of antibiotics and various tests. Her bone marrow test results came back clear of any cancer! A body scan will be done on Wednesday, which would pick up any spread of the neuroblastoma.

Hopefully, Amanda will be released on Thursday to enjoy some family time prior to being readmitted in July. Following is a timetable for upcoming treatment:
       -     Wed., July 2nd: Amanda is readmitted to Children's Hospital for several days of  a very strong dose of chemotherapy
       -     Sometime the 2nd week of July: Amanda will undergo her stem cell transfusion, followed by at least one month of isolation

Please pray that Amanda will stay healthy and that she and Mary are able to enjoy time with the family prior to Amanda's lengthy hospitalization. Also pray for the rest of the family throughout the summer (Dad Dave and sisters Emily, Megan & Melissa), with Mary and Amanda being away at the hospital the majority of the time.

Sat., June 7, 2003

Test results show that Amanda does have a bacterial infection, although they're still determining exactly what type. She could remain hospitalized anywhere from several days to two weeks. In being positive, as Amanda's Mom Mary so often is, she says that they may be able to utilize the time in the hospital to run the various tests which they need to do prior to the stem cell transplant.

Amanda is still running a fever but hasn't been as nauseated. Mary would appreciate prayers for Amanda, as she's still not feeling well, and for the entire family while Mary & Amanda are back at the hospital.

Thurs., June 5, 2003

Due to her low resistance after last week's chemo, Amanda spiked a fever today and has been readmitted into Children's Hospital. She has received a blood transfusion and is also on three antibiotics. They are awaiting test results to find out what type of infection she has. She is not feeling well. Please pray for Amanda, especially that she would recover from this episode quickly.

Friday May 30, 2003

In Amanda's own words, she is "happy and doing great!" Praise God!!! Her recovery after surgery has gone extremely well. She has started her next-to-last round of chemo (the next round will be the "mega-dose" prior to the stem cell transplant), and so far is feeling good. Amanda has been spending lots of time in the play room at the hospital and walking the halls. Hopefully, she and Mary will return home Monday the 2nd.

As always, the prayer is that Amanda can stay well -- especially free of bacterial infection --  when her resistance is so low after her chemo.

At this point, June 30th is the scheduled date for Amanda's stem cell transplant (which will be followed by 5-8 weeks of isolation at Children's Hospital). In mid-June she is scheduled to have a battery of tests (ranging from a bone marrow scan to a hearing test). Radiation treatment on the tumor that remained on her one kidney will follow recovery from the stem cell transplant. (The smaller tumors that were on her lymph node and in the chest area responded to the chemo and are gone!)

Lots to praise God for...and lots to keep praying for!

Thanks!

Tues. Evening, May 20, 2003

Praise to our Heavenly Father! Amanda is doing well after her surgery which lasted about four hours. Her surgeon felt that the surgery was very successful. They were able to remove a great deal of the tumor, although some remained attached to her right kidney, which they decided to leave. (He explained that with neuroblastoma cancer, it is not necessary to "remove every cancer cell," and they will be treating it w/ localized radiation and the additional round of chemotherapy.) Amanda is resting in ICU, where she will remain for approx. 24 hours.

Dave and Mary thank you for the many prayers today, as they felt "the peace that passes all understanding." They know it comes from the Lord and everyone's prayer support.

Tues., May 13th, 2003

Amanda is back home after battling another bacterial infection. She has been fever-free for 72 hrs. and is feeling well. Surgery remains scheduled for a week from today (5/20, early in the morning). Mary will be running antibiotics through Amanda's IV through Monday when they will return to Children's Hospital for her pre-op appointment.

Please pray:
- That Amanda will stay well and that her platelet count would remain adequate for surgery.
- For successful removal of the tumor during surgery.
- And for the entire family during this time.

The Jacksons appreciate your prayers!

Friday, May 2, 2003

Amanda & Mary are happy to be home after Amanda's 5th round of chemo last week. Amanda is doing well overall, although she is still having some nausea. Her surgery is scheduled for May 20th, followed by 4-5 days of recovery before starting her 6th (and most intense) round of chemo. The stem cell transplant will probably take place in late June, followed by at least five weeks (in isolation) at Children's Hospital.

Please continue to keep the Jacksons in your prayers. And as you think of them, you can encourage them by mailing a card, sending an email message (via Amanda's web site or directly to jaxon6@netzero.net), or calling them to say "Hi."

April 22, 2004

Amanda was home for Easter, celebrating with her family and attending church. Unfortunately, by the end of the day she was feeling very sick. She was re-admitted into Children's Hospital late Sunday night, and doctors discovered that she had a blood clot in a vein where her chest catheter (central line) was. Today she underwent a surgical procedure to remove the original catheter which was replaced with a new one on the other side of her chest. In order to dissolve the blood clot, she will need to have shots of a blood thinning drug twice a day into her abdomen for several months. This development will delay her next round of chemo until the end of the week, but they are still looking at surgery on her abdominal tumor around the third week of May. (The tumor, which was originally the size of a football, has shrunk to the size of a baseball. Praise God!)

Despite the ups and downs, Amanda is continuing to have a great attitude, and the Jacksons continue to trust the Lord in a might way.

April 15, 2003

Several praises concerning Amanda's progress:

1. When undergoing chemotherapy, it's not uncommon for a patient to experience hearing loss from the severity of the process. Amanda's hearing was tested, and so far the results show that her hearing has not suffered whatsoever. Praise God!
2. The CT scan results came back and Amanda's tumor has been reduced in size just as the doctor had hoped it would. Praise God!
3. Despite the infections Amanda has had after her chemotherapy treatments, overall the timing of her various treatments is still "on track." Praise God!

Amanda is still at Children's Hospital, recovering from a bacterial infection. Prayerfully, she and Mary will be able to return home on Good Friday to be home for Easter. Then, they're back to the hospital on the 21st for another test and her 5th round of chemo.

Please continue to pray that...

1. Amanda would heal completely from the bacterial infection and for protection from any other bacterial infections.
2. For the timing of and physical, emotional & spiritual strength for the next stages of her treatment (5th round of chemo and then surgery to remove tumor in mid-May).

Thurs., April 10, 2003

Amanda is still in Children's Hospital w/ a bacterial infection. She is responding to antibiotics, but will need to remain hospitalized until Good Friday (April 18th). She is feeling well but, understandably, isn't very excited about having to be in the hospital for another week.

She did have a CT scan to reevaluate her abdominal tumor, but they don't know when they'll get the results.

Please pray for continued healing as well as endurance for Amanda and her family during this time that she and Mary are at the hospital and as they all await the results of the CT scan.