FAITH, HOPE, and Jayci JOY
Sunday, June 24, 2007, is a date my family and I will never forget.
It is the day we learned our 14 month old baby girl had cancer.
Jayci Joy began life as our miracle baby. After 5 years of marriage, and months of fertility treatments, Guy and I were excuberated to learn our invitro treatment had worked. We would finally have the child we had prayed for.
On April 20, 2006, our miracle, Jayci Joy Nickels, arrived. She was a healthy, 6 lb. 13 oz. baby girl. Our dreams had come true.
The first year of Jayci’s life was what most people would consider normal. She rolled over on time, sat up around 7 months, crawled at 8 months, walked at 11 months, she said and did the same things other babies her age did. . .she was normal. To us however, she was fantastic. . .she filled our lives with JOY.
The only thing “different” about Jayci was her inability to stay healthy. At 7 months she began a relentless cycle of what we were told was bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, colds, RSV, pneumonia. . .the kid was always sick.
It wasn’t until the awful night of June 24, 2007, that we knew something was terribly wrong.
It had been a weekend full of excitement. Both my brothers and their families had spent the weekend at my parents’ house. We had spent our time together playing pretend, swimming, going to the park and visiting the zoo. It had been fabulous; my little girl’s dream come true.
After saying some sad goodbyes, Jayci Joy stayed with her Grammy Ju to get some much needed sleep while my mom and I went to a friend’s going away party and Guy headed back to the combine. I’ll never forget complaining to Guy as we drove into town that I thought Jayci was getting sick again.
We arrived back in Bovina a few hours later to find a worried Grammy Ju and a sick little girl. Disgusted that she was in fact, sick, AGAIN, I called Guy and let him know we were on our way to the Friona ER to get some medicine for Jayci so I could actually get a good night’s sleep. Little did I know what began as a selfish act on my part would end up being a lifesaving one for Jayci Joy.
It’s always nice to see a familiar face when placed in a hospital scene. Priscilla Hicks was Jayci’s ER nurse that night. By watching Priscilla’s desperate attempt to stay calm when in the room with us, by the almost instant arrival of Dr. Jubay, and by the rapid response of the X-Ray and Lab technicians, my mom and I knew something was terribly wrong. It didn’t take long for Dr. Jubay to get Guy on speaker phone so he could tell both of us the news no parent should have to handle hearing alone. He explained that Jayci had a very large mass in her right lung area. It was compromising her breathing and was probably the source of all Jayci’s illnesses during the past 7 months. He gave us the name and number of an oncologist in Amarillo then sent Jayci, by ambulance, to BSA Hospital for further testing and treatment. He assured us he would visit with the doctors at BSA while we were in route.
Upon arrival at BSA we were greeted at the door by a team of doctors. Guy and I looked at each other in horror; we had been in emergency rooms before and knew this wasn’t standard protocol. Names were quickly exchanged and the testing began. The first test Jayci needed was a CT Scan. The doctors had to know the exact location, size, and type of the mass we had all seen on Jayci’s X-Ray. We thought Jayci was resisting the medications given to her to make her go to sleep because of all the excitement the night had ensued. We would soon learn she was resisting sleep because she was fighting to survive.
After being given a little more Demerol than what was usually required, Jayci Joy finally went to sleep. As I was laying her on the CT table, Jayci made a strange breathing sound. I commented on it to the technician. She immediately looked at Jayci and we all saw Jayci’s arms and legs draw up into her torso and watched her little body quickly turn purple. She quit breathing. It was awful.
An alarm was sound as the technician snatched Jayci off the CT table and began yelling for assistance.
Jayci was quickly taken to a treatment room where she was intubated and placed on a ventilator. The terror of the night had been exhausting. Jayci would be taken to Pediatric ICU for overnight rest and review. The CT Scan would have to wait.
Jayci Joy was diagnosed with Stage III, Intermediate, Neuroblastoma on June 27, 2007. The mass in her chest was smashing her right lung making only 5% of it usable. Her left lung seemed to be okay but was only about 95% usable because Jayci's heart, esophagus, and trachea were all being pushed to that side by the mass as well. The tumor was beginning to grow into her spine but was not in her lymph nodes. Dr. Jubay caught the tumor in the knick of time; he had saved her. After visiting with one of Jayci’s oncologists, we learned the cure rate for the type and stage of cancer Jayci had was around 90%. She would undergo 85 days of chemotherapy over 6 months and hopefully be cancer free. Our prayers had been answered. . .There would be no surgery, no radiation, no long battle, just chemotherapy. We could handle chemotherapy. The only hard battle we thought we would face would take place over the next few days. Jayci would begin chemotherapy and the tumor had to shrink enough for her to safely breathe on her own before she could be taken off the ventilator.
June 30, 2007, a terrible early morning accident leaves us grief stricken.
The first day of chemotherapy had gone extremely well. Jayci seemed to handle the medications okay and the blood transfusion had given her body the extra boost it needed to begin the road to recovery. Again, our prayers had been answered. I had even left Guy with Jayci for the remainder of the night and gone to the Ronald McDonald House for a shower and a few hours of sleep. I had just drifted into deep sleep when I was awakened by the telephone.
I quickly learned that my baby girl had taken a turn for the worst.
While working on the heater to Jayci’s ventilator, the respiratory therapists accidentally knocked over the arm holding Jayci’s ventilator tube in place, deintubating her. Unable to breathe on her own, Jayci immediately went into cardiac arrest. CPR was performed for at least 10 minutes until Dr. Habersang, Jayci’s new pediatrician, could get her reintubated. It took much longer to get her stable. Our family was called in and we were given an awful prognosis. It was time to pray.
Jayci Joy slowly began to get better. She did not have any brain damage from the trauma of cardiac arrest and the chemotherapy was shrinking her tumor. Another wonderful miracle took place on July 4, 2007. Ironically, on Independence Day, Jayci Joy was freed from the ventilator. She was quickly recovering merely days after we were given little hope for her survival. Everyone, including her doctors, knew her healing was due to miracle not medicine.
The next few months proved trying yet extremely rewarding. Jayci Joy had to relearn to suck, hold her head, roll over, sit up, crawl, walk, talk. . .she had to start her life completely over again AND she had to complete this awesome task while undergoing chemotherapy; drugs that can make even the strongest individuals weak. We knew her only hope was prayer. We called on our family, friends, and even strangers to serve as prayer warriors to help our baby girl win this battle. We all placed our faith in God to heal her frail body and make our Jayci Joy whole.
God has done just that. Jayci Joy learned to hold her head, roll over, sit up, crawl, walk and talk and she relearned to do all of these things in 2 short months. Astonishing! When you look at Jayci today and observe her behavior there is no sign of the year long battle the 2 year old has faced.
The power of prayer is indescribable. It proves to us that MIRACLES DO HAPPEN.
One of our favorite scriptures appears on Jayci Joy’s team shirt. It reads: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” God has already worked many miracles in and through Jayci Joy. Our family and friends cannot imagine what He has in store for His little miracle who sings of His glory often throughout the day. As Jayci sings, “God is so good, He’s so good to we.”
We hope you will be able to watch the short DVD we put together of Jayci’s miraculous year. We also pray her story touches the lives of those who hear it and inspires them to call on God to help remove the mountains life sometimes places in front of us.
We sincerely thank each and every one of you for suiting up in God’s armor and joining us in Jayci’s battle against cancer. We know it is your prayers that have healed her.
We’ll never be able to thank you enough.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
JAYCI JOY'S JOURNAL OF MIRACLES (part 3)
July 15, 2007
HIDEE!
I’m so sorry to keep this email so short. . .Mama says it’s past my bedtime. We just had a couple things we need to share before leaving town for a few days.
Our Papa (Ed Nickels) had his surgery Monday morning. After removing the upper lobe of his right lung, where we thought the cancer was contained, Papa’s surgeon found more cancer in the lower lobe of his right lung. The surgeon cleaned the lower lobe as much as he could without removing it and collected several lymph nodes to send for biopsy. The test results should be back either tomorrow or Thursday. If the pathology report comes back negative, meaning the lymph nodes are clean, the surgeon will go back in and remove the rest of Papa’s right lung so the cancer doesn’t spread. If the report comes back showing the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes, other options will have to be discussed. Please pray the pathology report is clean and the cancer has not spread beyond Papa’s right lung. Papa handled the surgery very well and was in good spirits at last report.
My celebration party was wonderful. . .the weather, the food, the people, everything was just perfect! Thank you so much for celebrating with us! My cousin, Ana, and I have also had a fantastic week at Meemaw’s. I even got to spend the night with Meemaw and Ana! We’ve played in the water, jumped on the trampoline, been to the zoo, giggled. . .we’ve had a blast! I’m sad we have to take her home tomorrow! At least we’ll get to spend a few days at her house before saying goodbye ‘til next time.
I love you all so much!
Thank you for praying for my Papa!
Jayci Joy
July 7, 2008
CELEBRATE: to observe an event with festivities, to praise widely.
It’s CELEBRATION TIME! Jayci Joy will soon be “ALL DONE!” On Tuesday and Wednesday we take Jayci for a FINAL round of testing. She will have to do one more 24-hour urine catheter test, one more CT Scan, one more set of X-Rays, one more round of bloodwork, and one MIBG test. On Thursday we meet with her surgeon for a pre-operation visit before having her port is removed. Yes. . .it’s finally over! THANK YOU JESUS!!! It will be a tough week for her to go through, (the fasting and catheter are terrible!) but we are confident that with your prayers she will make it through everything just fine. Then it will be time to CELEBRATE!
We hope you’ll be able to join us:
Saturday, July 12th
6:00pm
Meemaw and Pepaw’s house
Bovina, Texas
(THANK YOU FAITH for the BEAUTIFUL invitations!)
WOW! The day we have all been praying for has finally arrived! Jayci Joy is cancer free (as this week’s tests will prove) and is a vivacious 2 year old! We can’t wait to share her with you! I feel terrible for not sending regular email updates and pictures during the past few months. . .they seem to continue getting fewer and far between. It’s sad that in this one email we have pictures from the Relay for Life event, our Key West vacation (THANK YOU COREY AND BRIANNE!), Jayci’s first set of pigtails since chemotherapy, and the 4th of July. Four extremely important events in Jayci Joy’s life! I would love to share details about each of these events and others that have taken place during the past month – but that would take a million pages and probably bore you all to tears! Thank goodness “a picture says a thousand words!” After expressing my guilt about not sharing Jayci’s stories through email very often anymore, a dear friend told me “…Jayci is fine now. . .you don’t have the emotional need to write. . .”
She is right. . .Jayci Joy is fine. She is a very normal 2 year old complete with curly hair, a personality that keeps everyone laughing and me on my toes, and a vocabulary even her therapists are impressed with! PRAYER IS INCREDIBLY POWERFUL! She is a testimony to us all! I can’t wait to see what He has in store for her. . .she continues to touch those around her everyday.
There is one story I would like to share – it is the inspiration that finally made me sit down and send the email that should’ve gone out weeks ago! J
This morning, like most Sundays when we’re actually home, we went to church. The morning had been typically chaotic – with breakfast, getting dressed, searching for the missing shoes. . .you know, typical Sunday morning activities. When we arrived at church Jayci Joy greeted her Papa at the door with a huge smile, a hug, and the words “that’s MY Papa!” as she always does. She also greeted Norris and Mr. Wuerflein, again very typical Jayci Joy behavior. (I love watching those men light up when she does this!) She’s greeted these men like this every Sunday for the past several months. This morning however, Jayci surprised us all. After saying her normal greetings and picking out her crayons, we began heading for the balcony as we always do. Just as Jayci was getting in one last “bye-bye” to her Papa, she stared him in the eyes, pointed into the church and said, “Dezus in dere, Papa.” None of us could figure out who she was talking about or pointing to, so as any 2 year old would do, she raised her voice and kept repeating the same words and gestures over and over again until Guy finally figured it out. He said “Jesus is in there Papa.” Jayci Joy nodded her head and smiled approvingly – her message had been delivered.
It’s amazing how God can use such a tiny person to send a message of comfort and bring an unexplainable feeling of peace to those who witnessed this act. You see. . .Papa was diagnosed with lung cancer last week and goes in for a PET Scan tomorrow. It’s been a really difficult week and we ALL needed to be reminded that Jesus was in that church today and will carry Papa through the battlefield placed in front of him.
We thank you for keeping our Papa (Ed Nickels) in your prayers. We know the path in front of him is difficult but are comforted knowing Jesus is already carrying him through. . .Jayci Joy told us so this morning!
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday and sharing our MIRACLE!
I’ll do my best to get out an email reporting preliminary test results before Saturday!
Thanks again for the extra prayers this week!
Love and Blessings,
Kimberly
May 21, 2008
HIDEE! LIFE IS GREAT! Baby Slade is doing wonderful, I can’t even tell Mama has had surgery she is doing so well, Daddy’s farming is good, and summertime is near! WOW! God is SO good.
I go to the doctor tomorrow for my next to last round of bloodwork! HOORAY! It’s amazing that my port will come out, signifying the END of ALL this yucky cancer stuff, exactly a year after that terrible night I was diagnosed. Mama and I should get to schedule my final round of tests and surgery to remove my port at tomorrow’s appointment. FABULOUS! Mama said that will be the BEST birthday present ever!
I have been extremely blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life! It is your prayers that have healed me you know. Now I want to try to do for others what you have done for me. Next Saturday, May 31st, I will be helping with the Children’s Miracle Network telethon in Amarillo. Then, on June 6th, my team will participate in Bailey County’s Relay for Life. Mama and Daddy told me these two organizations help children who are sick and people with cancer – both to which I can relate. We are really excited about BOTH events and are looking forward to helping sick children and supporting efforts that will one day be a cure for cancer.
I have my cancer free CELEBRATION photo shoot with Faith Essary this Friday! You should see the “beuful” dress my friend, Brenna Burch, found for me to wear! We’ll share the photos as soon as they’re ready!
I love you all so much and pray Jesus is filling your lives with as much happiness as He is ours!
-Jayci Joy
May 8, 2008
HIDEE! Sorry it has taken me a whole week to send an update. . .things have been pretty crazy around our house.
First of all I want to ask all of you to please pray for my baby cousin, Slade Nickels. He had to be airlifted to Lubbock last night because he had a seizure when his fever got too high. The doctors in Lubbock are running all kinds of tests trying to figure out what is wrong with him. They are pretty sure he has an infection somewhere that caused his fever to go up so fast. He is doing better this morning and I know Jesus is holding him and will guide the doctors to the source of Slade’s sickness. I’ll update you as soon as new information is available.
My Mama is finally human today. I don’t think she was quite prepared for the extensive surgery and recooperation. She will definitely never have a problem with drugs. . .she is allergic to EVERYTHING! Poor Geemaw. . .and thank goodness I have my Grammy Ju and Grandad! Mama said I was only going to get to spend a couple nights and I ended up spending a week at their house! It was GREAT! I slept good, played hard, ate well. . .I still haven’t figured out why Geemaw, Daddy, and Mama look so rough. The good news is. . .Mama’s surgery was a success, she is better, Daddy got his first, BEAUTIFUL, alfalfa crop harvested and delivered to the dairy hours before Jesus sent us 2 inches of much needed rainfall, Geemaw gets to spend the week at our house, and I got a little step to carry around the house so I can climb wherever I need to go! Life is good. We couldn’t have made it without your prayers! THANK YOU!
Mama promises to send pictures soon!
I love all of you!
Jayci Joy
April 30, 2008
TEST RESULTS ARE IN! Mama, Grammy Ju, and I went for my monthly checkup yesterday and finally got to hear all my test results! GREAT NEWS! My tumor is only 1 ½ cm. dense (it has already ½’d in size) and ALL my other test results look AWESOME! Dr. Regueira spent about an hour with us and seemed very pleased with everything! He and I even had a few minutes of playtime! I just love that man! The best news is that I only have to have a monthly checkup next month, a final round of tests at the end of June, my port taken out after all results are in, then I’M ALL DONE! It is AWESOME knowing the end is near! I know it is because I have so many wonderful prayer warriors who keep Jesus facing my way. J Thank you very much! I can’t wait to say “Thank You” in person at my celebration party. . .don’t forget to mark your calendars for July 12th! We are going to have ONE BIG PARTY!
Mama goes in for surgery tomorrow morning. She is having her tubes removed, a couple growths removed (they are not cancerous), and her gallbladder taken out. We talked about it some today and I reassured her everything is going to be just fine. (Jayci Joy listed the people who are going to take care of her while I’m in the hospital over and over today; it was her way of telling me she understood and would be just fine without me for a few days. So sweet.) I even get to spend the night with Grammy Ju and Geemaw tonight! Grammy Ju and Grandad are going to take care of me during the days and my Daddy is going to come home as soon as he gets Mama settled in a room tomorrow night so he can take care of me at night. My Geemaw is going to take care of my Mama for us. It is going to be an exciting weekend and I look forward to spending so much time with Grammy Ju! She knows exactly how to spoil me rotten!
I love you all very much!
Jayci Joy
April 24, 2008
HIDEE! Birthdays are GREAT! I had a wonderful weekend! I got to see lots of family and several friends. We had a blast! I didn’t care much about my cake again this year! I thought mom had completely lost it when she tried to take me in Geemaw’s house to take my picture with it. I let her know I wanted to stay outside and play with all the kids. At least she learned a lesson and brought my presents outside for me to open. That was cool! All my friends helped and I did a good job sharing my stuff with them. The weather was perfect which made the party even more fun! It was a wonderful weekend!
This week has been really busy too. Mama had to go to the doctor Monday so I got to spend the day with my daddy. We had a great day! I even got to play with my cousin, Slade, at the Pea & Bean for a little while. Yesterday was very busy too. I guess things just get crazy this time of year. The good news is Mama doesn’t have to have her surgery until next Thursday, May 1st. That is very good news because we have one more week to get our lives a little more organized. . .at least that’s what Mama keeps saying.
I have to go to the doctor this afternoon because I have a terrible cough and a nasty nose. Daddy and Mama think it’s just a cold but we have to make sure ‘cause I don’t want to get really sick.
I have some exciting news! I’m going to have my very own team at this year’s Bailey County Relay for Life! Mama went to a meeting Monday evening and got all the information about this year’s event. It is going to be a lot of fun and I get to raise money to help other people with cancer. She has quite a bit of planning to do before June 6th – at least she’ll have something to do while recovering from surgery! We already decided my team name will be “Faith, Hope, and Jayci Joy.” If any of you think you would like to be on my team just let us know!
I guess that’s about all for now. . .Mama and I have to get our house back in order – it looks like a tornado went through it! J
I love you all very much!
Jayci Joy
April 16, 2008
HIDEE! How you doin? (Jayci’s latest saying – it’s cute at first but after answering about a million, “What you doin Mama?” questions, it makes me really appreciate my mom putting up with my “Why?” questions when I was her age. J) I’m doin’ great! It seems like it was forever ago when I had my last round of tests. We still haven’t heard the results but Mama and Daddy both say “No news is good news!” I go back next Tuesday for my routine bloodwork and port check and I’m sure we’ll get to hear the good news then.
We’ve been really busy during the last couple weeks getting ready for my 2 year old birthday party! It’s been so much fun! I even got to open and enjoy some of my presents! Geemaw and Mama and Daddy got me a new swingset! I LOVE it because it is just my size! Grammy Ju and Grandad gave me a jumphouse that is so much fun to jump in! Birthdays are GREAT! I can’t wait ‘til this weekend because I get to celebrate with my family and friends! My cousins Ana and Gene are even going to be here! We’re going to spend the weekend playing and I know we’ll have a blast! Mama attached some of my 2 year old pictures – Geemaw did an excellent job making my “beuful” outfit!
I’ve also mastered checking the sprinklers with Daddy since I last emailed. As you’ll see in some of the pictures I really like playing in his “beuful” alfalfa crop when we make the rounds. It won’t be long ‘til I learn how to swathe and bale with him. Growing up on the farm is AWESOME!
Today was a very important day in my life. It was my very first day of school! I went to Kinder Korner today and had so much fun! I even made my first school project! Mama and Daddy thought I looked so grown up walking up the sidewalk with my triangle man in my hands. School is a great place. I can’t wait to go back and play again!
I have a few prayer list updates to share. My Aunt Lora’s Daddy is doing much better. He still has trouble walking but he should be back to normal soon. My Mema Betty is doing good too. We were all impressed with how well she is already getting around! She makes hip replacement look easy! My puppy, Shrek, is quickly recovering from a mild case of pancreatitis. Yes, it’s the same thing my Geemaw had not long ago – only Shrek’s case wasn’t near as bad as my Geemaw’s was. My Mama goes in for surgery next Thursday. It’ll be hard on all of us, especially me. I’m going to have to learn how to climb in Mama’s lap and get used to her not carrying me around all the time. It will be okay though, I’m nearly 2 years old ya know and big girls don’t need to be carried. J
I’ll be anxious to share my birthday pictures with all of you next week! I love you all and thank you for keeping me and my family in your prayers. We are fortunate to know how GREAT His mercies are!
Love,
Jayci Joy
April 3, 2008
PRAYER IS POWERFUL!
HOORAY! Jayci’s tests are complete! She handled all of them extremely well! The CT Scan went well and the catheter insertion went as good as it possibly could. It was painful but the nurses got it inserted correctly the first time and they also did an excellent job making sure it wouldn’t move around during the 24 hour period. Since we didn’t have to be back in Amarillo until 1PM yesterday, we came home instead of trying to pass the time in a hotel room. Geemaw brought a delicious supper and took Jayci to play at Grammy Ju’s house for a few hours which made Jayci ready for bed early! YEAH! She slept 15 of the 24 hours! We couldn’t have had it any easier! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PRAYERS! They were definitely answered! We should know test results next week and we’ll make sure and share them as soon as they are known.
BTW – Jayci had a BLAST playing with all the nurses at the hospital. Thank all of you so much for making her feel so special. J
We have another prayer request for you. Lora’s dad, my brother Chris’s father-in-law, was run over by a tractor yesterday morning. His name is Kenneth Braden. He was trying to boost off a tractor (that he didn’t know was in reverse) and when it started it jumped backward, knocked him down and ran over his legs. The only thing the doctors found wrong with him was his left femur was broken. PRAISE GOD! It was a clean break and the bone was completely separated. He had surgery this morning. The doctor said it went very well and Kenneth is scheduled to begin physical therapy this evening. We know prayer will help and heal him as it has Jayci.
Again – we cannot thank you enough for your continued prayers! Our God is an AWESOME GOD!
God Bless,
Kimberly
March 28, 2008
HIDEE!
Gosh, Mama sure is getting lazy with my emails! It’s been over a month since she has written one! Maybe she’ll get better one of these days!
So much has happened during the past month. . .it’s hard to know where to start!
I still haven’t started going to Kinder Korner yet; as it turns out Mama isn’t going to be able to finish out the year teaching because she is going to have surgery. Yes, that’s right, surgery. It really isn’t that big a deal. . .it’s just something her doctor feels needs to be taken care of and Mama wants to get it over with so we can enjoy summer this year. The good news is I’ll get to go to Kinder Korner a whole bunch in May! I can’t wait!
I go back for another hearing test, CT Scan, X-rays, 24-hour urine test, and blood work next Wednesday, April 3rd. It’s hard to believe 3 months have already gone by! Time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t have vanilla, chocolate, or bananas for 3 days again. I did fine without my Vanilla Pediasure last time and I’m sure I’ll manage again. . .it’s just not much fun. I’m also not looking forward to that dumb catheter! Mama and Daddy say I only have to do these tests a couple more times before we’re done with it for awhile! HOORAY! Would you please say some extra prayers for me next week? Things always go much better when you do. Your prayers have helped me so very much! THANK YOU!
Now for the fun news!
Mama finally got my backyard all set up for the summer. The sandbox is still my favorite. I LOVE getting filthy! Sometimes I think my Mama and Daddy get frustrated at my love for dirt, mud, rocks, sticks. . .all that cool stuff they say only boys are supposed to like. I just keep telling them it could be worse. . .I mean, what good would it do me to be a girly girl and live on a farm?
My Dodi has found that I LOVE having my fingernails and toenails painted. There is SOME girl in me! When someone takes time to paint them for me, I show them to everyone I meet. THANK YOU Dodi for teaching Mama some cool girl things I like to do!
I got to go on a weekend getaway with my Mama and Daddy right before Easter. We had a BLAST! First we went to San Angelo and spent the night with some of our friends there. Boy did I LOVE them and their house! San Angelo also has a really cool park – the pictures of me in the GIANT sandbox were taken there. Then we went to Midland to see some of our other friends. I thought they were AWESOME too! Even though we only got away for a couple days, it was WONDERFUL! Mama and I haven’t been on any type of vacation since Spring Break last year. . .we told Daddy he better get ready ‘cause we had some making up to do this summer!
I really enjoyed Easter this year. I thought egg hunting was GREAT! I also enjoyed spending time with family. I’m thankful I live so close to most of them. . .I don’t know what we’d do without them!
I could go on forever but know all of you have things to do besides read a novel about my life. J I just want you to know I’m doing WONDERFUL and get extremely excited about sharing LIFE with you! As I can often be heard singing, “God is so good. . .to me.” (Yes, Jayci really does walk around singing those words. . .it melts us all.)
I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!
Jayci Joy
February 25, 2008
HIDEE! It’s been almost a month since Mama took time to help me write an email – I finally convinced her to help me with a quick update!
I’m doing GREAT! I’m finally convinced Mama and Daddy are telling the truth when they say I don’t have to go through anymore chemo treatments. The nightmares are slowly going away, I’m starting to trust grown-ups, and I haven’t had to go to the hospital in forever. . .LIFE IS GREAT! We ALL enjoy living “normal” lives! Daddy is already hard at work in the fields, Mama actually finished most of the staining and painting in our house she was working on when I got sick and is probably going to take a long term substitute job sometime in March, and I’ve been spending most of my time playing, learning, and most importantly, enjoying good health!
Mama and Daddy actually discontinued most of my ECI Services because I’m doing so good and because the next three months will be hectic enough with Mama working. I can’t wait to go to Kinder Korner. Everyone tells me there are lots of kids to play with there. I also look forward to the 2 days I’ll get to spend with Grammy Ju and the Fridays with my Daddy or Dodi. I can’t wait!
The power of prayer is amazing. . .I’m living proof!
I wanted to let you know that the baby I told you about last fall - the one who had serious heart problems – is doing wonderful too! He is also living proof that prayer heals!
I wish I had time to write more but its way past my bedtime. I look forward to hearing from you and am counting the days ‘til I get to celebrate life with you in July. We think we’re going to have the party Saturday, July. I hope you’ll be able to come!
Love,
Jayci Joy
January 27, 2008
“Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.”
This has been the best week EVER! My cancer is in remission! When someone asks me if I have cancer I shout, “NO WAY!” Mama and Daddy just love to hear me shout those beautiful words. J
After we learned the great news on Tuesday, we went to eat and play at Chuck E. Cheese’s. I had so much fun climbing through the cool tunnels that I actually feel asleep in my carseat before we left the parking lot – something I NEVER do! We got to farm with Daddy 3 whole days this week. Mama and I learned how to build fence. We weren’t much help but we sure enjoyed spending so much time with Daddy! Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora spent the weekend celebrating “NO MORE CANCER” with us. We went to Gramma and Grandpops (I think I may change their names to Geemaw and Geepops – I insist on calling them these new names anyway) for supper last night. I had a blast eating celebration cupcakes and ice cream and playing ball with the whole family! Today we got to go see Playhouse Disney LIVE! It was the greatest day ever! It was so cool getting to see all my favorite TV show characters on stage! I sang and danced and stole the show – just ask anyone sitting around me! I just wish Dora would come somewhere close – I walk around the house singing “D-D-D-DORA” all the time! Mama and Daddy have my Uncle Timmie and cousin, Ana, to thank for this! They make sure I have plenty of Dora shows in my movie collection.
It has been a wonderful week! Its great knowing I have a lifetime full of wonderful weeks to look forward to now that my cancer is gone!
Thank you all very much for praying for my health – Jesus has answered all of our prayers!
I love you all!
Jayci Joy
Technology. . .I just love to hate it! We finally got our internet up and going again last night. One downfall to country living is not always being able to count on the internet or our cell phones to work – it’s just part of it. J
We saw Ginger Trimble and her beautiful girls at Playhouse Disney tonight. You can all thank her for finally getting this email. We didn’t realize so many people hadn’t heard our AWESOME NEWS! We apologize for causing so many of you to worry – we tried to get the news out by phone. . .it’s just not as fast or as convenient as email and it sounds like we did a pretty poor job! Again, we sincerely apologize.
Last Tuesday we learned:
1: Jayci’s cancer is in remission.
2: The tumor, or as Dr. Turner called it, scar tissue, now measures 5cm x 1 cm x 2 cm
3: We will do bloodwork once a month for the next 6 months to keep her port accessible
4: Testing will be done in April and June to make sure the cancer stays in remission
5: Jayci’s port will be removed in July after all testing is complete
6: The chances of her cancer recurring – highly UNLIKELY
Words will never express how much each of you touched our lives during the past 6 months. Your prayers, thoughtful words, and numerous acts of kindness have humbled us and taught us that miracles DO happen when we live our lives for Jesus. We learned “With God ALL things are possible.”
It has been a tremendous 6 months.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
I know I’m getting off subject but feel led to share some of our joy with you. Right after Jayci’s last round of chemo we were enjoying a Sunday evening watching TV together and came across a football movie Guy had never seen. He loves football so of course we began watching it not knowing how close its messages would hit home. The movie is titled “Facing the Giants.” It is a powerful movie we encourage everyone to watch; not just football fanatics!
Okay. . .now it’s time for CELEBRATION! Yes, we are planning to have a HUGE CELEBRATION for Jayci. We want all of you to see our little joy and share in our miracle! However, since Jayci became quite the Mama’s girl during her battle with cancer, we think we’ll wait until July, after her port is removed and her battle is COMPLETELY OVER! We feel confident we can teach her to trust new faces by then and know it is easier to travel when school is not in session. The weather is something else that is more predictable during July. We’ll make plans and let all of you know a date, time, and place sometime in June. Until then we will continue sending email updates. We love sharing our sweet girl with you!
Thank you again for your prayers.
-Guy and Kimberly
JAYCI JOY IS HEALED!
Tuesday we learned:
1: Her cancer is in remission.
2: The tumor, or as Dr. Turner called it, scar tissue, now measures 5cm x 1 cm x 2 cm
3: We will do bloodwork once a month for the next 6 months to keep her port accessible
4: Testing will be done in April and June to make sure the cancer stays in remission
5: Jayci’s port will be removed in July after all testing is complete
6: The chances of her cancer recurring – highly UNLIKELY
January 20, 2008
HIDEE! All of you will be happy to know that Gramma is doing much better and is planning to go to work tomorrow, I’m doing great, Daddy’s feeling better. . .life is finally getting back to “normal” again! Mama even had time to hang some of our new pictures today! HOORAY!
Brenda, Dr. Turner and Dr. Regueira’s nurse, called last week and scheduled us to review my test results Tuesday afternoon at 1:30. We are so excited! We can’t wait to see the miracle God has in store for us that day! We’ll be sure to share the news as soon as we can – it may be Wednesday morning before Mama gets it done – we may have to celebrate Tuesday night you know!
I actually talked her into emailing some pictures this time! There are some from Christmas, some from my last testing round, some from Gramma’s house. . .there is about a months worth of pictures. You’ll be amazed to see how much my hair has grown! It won’t be long ‘til I get to wear bows again!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Jayci Joy
January 14, 2008
HIDEE! Sorry I haven’t had time to update you – my Gramma is sick again and Mama and I have been busy taking care of her.
I wanted to let you know how good I did on my tests. My hearing and heart are perfect; the chemo didn’t hurt either one! YEAH! I behaved very well for my CT Scan, x-rays, and urine test too. We don’t know the results of those tests yet but should find out sometime this week. We know they are going to be GREAT!
Mama and Daddy wanted me to tell you how we know Jesus was present during my tests. I had the exact same Drs., nurses, room. . .EVERYTHING was the same as it was when I began this battle 6 months ago. Jesus wanted to make sure those who helped me through the tough times at first were there to see His promises fulfilled as my tests will show He answered everyone’s prayers and has healed my little body. I can’t wait ‘til the end of the week when I get to share the results with the world – I’ll have it on paper then you know!
I hate to keep this email so short but my Gramma is really sick again. She has a terrible UTI (probably a side effect of the pancreatitis she had last week) and just got to come home from the hospital this afternoon. My Mama and I are going to stay at her house and take care of her until she gets better.
Thank you all very much for your prayers.
I’ll share my miraculous news with you as soon as the test results are in!
Love,
Jayci Joy
January 10, 2008
HIDEE! We made it to Amarillo around 6::00 and are staying at a really cool hotel as part of our pre cancer free celebration! I’m having a blast! The nice lady at the front desk thinks I’m a sweetheart and loved being the one who got to deliver the awesome balloon bouquet my Gramma and Granpops sent me. I danced and shouted “WOW! WOW!” for her; she melted.
We have spent the evening playing in the hotel and even got to eat at a fun restaurant. I think it’s great having mom and dad’s complete attention!
We report to BSA at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I can’t have anything to eat or drink after 2 a.m. – something I’ve never had to do – but know Jesus will help me tough it out ‘til after my tests are complete. Besides, I’ve done just fine without my vanilla, chocolate and bananas for the past 2 days – something mom and dad were really worried about since Vanilla Pediasure is one of my main food sources these days and I’ll do ANYTHING for, what I call, “ice ceem.”
Tomorrow is a day we’ve all been looking forward to for quite sometime. It’s the day we get to confirm my cancer is gone. . .the day God’s amazing work takes center stage. We all know it will be a day filled with miracles and answered prayers. One of my favorite nurses, Brad, will be with me throughout all my tests and Dr. Kim, one of my favorite doctors, will be in charge of my sedation. We know and trust the entire team of people who will take care of me tomorrow, a sign of the promises we know God has in store. We can all rest easy tonight knowing He is in control and will be with us throughout my last tough day. We won’t be able to come home until Saturday because I have to have a 24-hour urine analysis done. Yes, it means I have to tote a catheter around with me for a full 24 hours. I’ve done it before but it was done while I was in the hospital and not quite so active and mobile. This time we will leave the hospital, with my catheter, after my Hearing Test, CT Scan, X-Rays, Heart Scan, and bloodwork are complete. We just have to return to the hospital 24 hours later to turn in my urine specimen and get rid of the catheter. Like I said, it will be a pretty tough day, but we can rest easy knowing Jesus will help us all through it and believing it will be the last tough day. . .at least for this challenge in my life.
I’ll have Mama or Daddy help me write a quick update sometime tomorrow evening – I know all of you will want to hear from us.
Your prayers have and will continue to be our source of healing and strength – Thank You.
Love,
Jayci Joy
P.S. (My Gramma is doing much, much better! She is even planning to go to work on Monday! Your prayers are POWERFUL! THANK YOU!)
January 6, 2008
HIDEE! We finally got to bring my Gramma home from the hospital Saturday evening. YEAH! She is still very weak and has moments when she doesn’t feel very good, but she is doing much, much better. Thank you all very much for your prayers! You helped heal Gramma just like you helped heal me!
That pancreatitis is bad stuff! Gramma is being very good by doing exactly what the doctor said she had to – she doesn’t even whine about having to take her blood sugar 4 times a day and does a great job giving herself an insulin shot every morning. Now I know where I get my toughness from. J Mama and I are taking her back to the Dr. tomorrow – I know he’ll be proud of the progress she has made.
Since Gramma is still very weak, Mama and I are going to stay with her for a few more days. I think it’s GREAT! My Granpops comes home and helps me jump every night and he even stayed home the entire weekend to play with me! I also loved spending extra time with my Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora during the past 10 days. Mama and Daddy said they couldn’t have made it without them! Because of them, Grammy Ju and Grandad, Aunt Billie Jean, and Nena, my Mama only had to stay at the hospital a few days to help Gramma. Daddy and I were very happy about this. We do a pretty good job fending for ourselves but there are some things only my Mama can do! – (at least that’s what I think. J)
I wasn’t able to get my testing done last week but am scheduled to have it all done this Friday, January 11. We have to be at the hospital by 7:30a.m.! YUCK! I will have to be sedated for my hearing test and they’ll keep me sedated for all the rest of my tests – CT Scan, X-Rays, Echocardiogram, etc. I also have to have a 24 hour urine test again. At least I won’t have to stay in the hospital for it this time! I’ll just take my catheter bag with me for the night and return to the hospital the next morning to get rid of it – ONCE AND FOR ALL!
We all know the results of my tests are going to be AWESOME! Jesus has answered so many prayers and I know this testing has to be done so we can share His MIRACLE with the WHOLE WORLD!
I love you all and PROMISE to make Mama send some pictures as soon as things slow down! We took about a million during the holidays you know!
Please keep us all in your prayers this week.
Love,
Jayci Joy
HIDEE!
I’m so sorry to keep this email so short. . .Mama says it’s past my bedtime. We just had a couple things we need to share before leaving town for a few days.
Our Papa (Ed Nickels) had his surgery Monday morning. After removing the upper lobe of his right lung, where we thought the cancer was contained, Papa’s surgeon found more cancer in the lower lobe of his right lung. The surgeon cleaned the lower lobe as much as he could without removing it and collected several lymph nodes to send for biopsy. The test results should be back either tomorrow or Thursday. If the pathology report comes back negative, meaning the lymph nodes are clean, the surgeon will go back in and remove the rest of Papa’s right lung so the cancer doesn’t spread. If the report comes back showing the cancer has spread to his lymph nodes, other options will have to be discussed. Please pray the pathology report is clean and the cancer has not spread beyond Papa’s right lung. Papa handled the surgery very well and was in good spirits at last report.
My celebration party was wonderful. . .the weather, the food, the people, everything was just perfect! Thank you so much for celebrating with us! My cousin, Ana, and I have also had a fantastic week at Meemaw’s. I even got to spend the night with Meemaw and Ana! We’ve played in the water, jumped on the trampoline, been to the zoo, giggled. . .we’ve had a blast! I’m sad we have to take her home tomorrow! At least we’ll get to spend a few days at her house before saying goodbye ‘til next time.
I love you all so much!
Thank you for praying for my Papa!
Jayci Joy
July 7, 2008
CELEBRATE: to observe an event with festivities, to praise widely.
It’s CELEBRATION TIME! Jayci Joy will soon be “ALL DONE!” On Tuesday and Wednesday we take Jayci for a FINAL round of testing. She will have to do one more 24-hour urine catheter test, one more CT Scan, one more set of X-Rays, one more round of bloodwork, and one MIBG test. On Thursday we meet with her surgeon for a pre-operation visit before having her port is removed. Yes. . .it’s finally over! THANK YOU JESUS!!! It will be a tough week for her to go through, (the fasting and catheter are terrible!) but we are confident that with your prayers she will make it through everything just fine. Then it will be time to CELEBRATE!
We hope you’ll be able to join us:
Saturday, July 12th
6:00pm
Meemaw and Pepaw’s house
Bovina, Texas
(THANK YOU FAITH for the BEAUTIFUL invitations!)
WOW! The day we have all been praying for has finally arrived! Jayci Joy is cancer free (as this week’s tests will prove) and is a vivacious 2 year old! We can’t wait to share her with you! I feel terrible for not sending regular email updates and pictures during the past few months. . .they seem to continue getting fewer and far between. It’s sad that in this one email we have pictures from the Relay for Life event, our Key West vacation (THANK YOU COREY AND BRIANNE!), Jayci’s first set of pigtails since chemotherapy, and the 4th of July. Four extremely important events in Jayci Joy’s life! I would love to share details about each of these events and others that have taken place during the past month – but that would take a million pages and probably bore you all to tears! Thank goodness “a picture says a thousand words!” After expressing my guilt about not sharing Jayci’s stories through email very often anymore, a dear friend told me “…Jayci is fine now. . .you don’t have the emotional need to write. . .”
She is right. . .Jayci Joy is fine. She is a very normal 2 year old complete with curly hair, a personality that keeps everyone laughing and me on my toes, and a vocabulary even her therapists are impressed with! PRAYER IS INCREDIBLY POWERFUL! She is a testimony to us all! I can’t wait to see what He has in store for her. . .she continues to touch those around her everyday.
There is one story I would like to share – it is the inspiration that finally made me sit down and send the email that should’ve gone out weeks ago! J
This morning, like most Sundays when we’re actually home, we went to church. The morning had been typically chaotic – with breakfast, getting dressed, searching for the missing shoes. . .you know, typical Sunday morning activities. When we arrived at church Jayci Joy greeted her Papa at the door with a huge smile, a hug, and the words “that’s MY Papa!” as she always does. She also greeted Norris and Mr. Wuerflein, again very typical Jayci Joy behavior. (I love watching those men light up when she does this!) She’s greeted these men like this every Sunday for the past several months. This morning however, Jayci surprised us all. After saying her normal greetings and picking out her crayons, we began heading for the balcony as we always do. Just as Jayci was getting in one last “bye-bye” to her Papa, she stared him in the eyes, pointed into the church and said, “Dezus in dere, Papa.” None of us could figure out who she was talking about or pointing to, so as any 2 year old would do, she raised her voice and kept repeating the same words and gestures over and over again until Guy finally figured it out. He said “Jesus is in there Papa.” Jayci Joy nodded her head and smiled approvingly – her message had been delivered.
It’s amazing how God can use such a tiny person to send a message of comfort and bring an unexplainable feeling of peace to those who witnessed this act. You see. . .Papa was diagnosed with lung cancer last week and goes in for a PET Scan tomorrow. It’s been a really difficult week and we ALL needed to be reminded that Jesus was in that church today and will carry Papa through the battlefield placed in front of him.
We thank you for keeping our Papa (Ed Nickels) in your prayers. We know the path in front of him is difficult but are comforted knowing Jesus is already carrying him through. . .Jayci Joy told us so this morning!
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday and sharing our MIRACLE!
I’ll do my best to get out an email reporting preliminary test results before Saturday!
Thanks again for the extra prayers this week!
Love and Blessings,
Kimberly
May 21, 2008
HIDEE! LIFE IS GREAT! Baby Slade is doing wonderful, I can’t even tell Mama has had surgery she is doing so well, Daddy’s farming is good, and summertime is near! WOW! God is SO good.
I go to the doctor tomorrow for my next to last round of bloodwork! HOORAY! It’s amazing that my port will come out, signifying the END of ALL this yucky cancer stuff, exactly a year after that terrible night I was diagnosed. Mama and I should get to schedule my final round of tests and surgery to remove my port at tomorrow’s appointment. FABULOUS! Mama said that will be the BEST birthday present ever!
I have been extremely blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life! It is your prayers that have healed me you know. Now I want to try to do for others what you have done for me. Next Saturday, May 31st, I will be helping with the Children’s Miracle Network telethon in Amarillo. Then, on June 6th, my team will participate in Bailey County’s Relay for Life. Mama and Daddy told me these two organizations help children who are sick and people with cancer – both to which I can relate. We are really excited about BOTH events and are looking forward to helping sick children and supporting efforts that will one day be a cure for cancer.
I have my cancer free CELEBRATION photo shoot with Faith Essary this Friday! You should see the “beuful” dress my friend, Brenna Burch, found for me to wear! We’ll share the photos as soon as they’re ready!
I love you all so much and pray Jesus is filling your lives with as much happiness as He is ours!
-Jayci Joy
May 8, 2008
HIDEE! Sorry it has taken me a whole week to send an update. . .things have been pretty crazy around our house.
First of all I want to ask all of you to please pray for my baby cousin, Slade Nickels. He had to be airlifted to Lubbock last night because he had a seizure when his fever got too high. The doctors in Lubbock are running all kinds of tests trying to figure out what is wrong with him. They are pretty sure he has an infection somewhere that caused his fever to go up so fast. He is doing better this morning and I know Jesus is holding him and will guide the doctors to the source of Slade’s sickness. I’ll update you as soon as new information is available.
My Mama is finally human today. I don’t think she was quite prepared for the extensive surgery and recooperation. She will definitely never have a problem with drugs. . .she is allergic to EVERYTHING! Poor Geemaw. . .and thank goodness I have my Grammy Ju and Grandad! Mama said I was only going to get to spend a couple nights and I ended up spending a week at their house! It was GREAT! I slept good, played hard, ate well. . .I still haven’t figured out why Geemaw, Daddy, and Mama look so rough. The good news is. . .Mama’s surgery was a success, she is better, Daddy got his first, BEAUTIFUL, alfalfa crop harvested and delivered to the dairy hours before Jesus sent us 2 inches of much needed rainfall, Geemaw gets to spend the week at our house, and I got a little step to carry around the house so I can climb wherever I need to go! Life is good. We couldn’t have made it without your prayers! THANK YOU!
Mama promises to send pictures soon!
I love all of you!
Jayci Joy
April 30, 2008
TEST RESULTS ARE IN! Mama, Grammy Ju, and I went for my monthly checkup yesterday and finally got to hear all my test results! GREAT NEWS! My tumor is only 1 ½ cm. dense (it has already ½’d in size) and ALL my other test results look AWESOME! Dr. Regueira spent about an hour with us and seemed very pleased with everything! He and I even had a few minutes of playtime! I just love that man! The best news is that I only have to have a monthly checkup next month, a final round of tests at the end of June, my port taken out after all results are in, then I’M ALL DONE! It is AWESOME knowing the end is near! I know it is because I have so many wonderful prayer warriors who keep Jesus facing my way. J Thank you very much! I can’t wait to say “Thank You” in person at my celebration party. . .don’t forget to mark your calendars for July 12th! We are going to have ONE BIG PARTY!
Mama goes in for surgery tomorrow morning. She is having her tubes removed, a couple growths removed (they are not cancerous), and her gallbladder taken out. We talked about it some today and I reassured her everything is going to be just fine. (Jayci Joy listed the people who are going to take care of her while I’m in the hospital over and over today; it was her way of telling me she understood and would be just fine without me for a few days. So sweet.) I even get to spend the night with Grammy Ju and Geemaw tonight! Grammy Ju and Grandad are going to take care of me during the days and my Daddy is going to come home as soon as he gets Mama settled in a room tomorrow night so he can take care of me at night. My Geemaw is going to take care of my Mama for us. It is going to be an exciting weekend and I look forward to spending so much time with Grammy Ju! She knows exactly how to spoil me rotten!
I love you all very much!
Jayci Joy
April 24, 2008
HIDEE! Birthdays are GREAT! I had a wonderful weekend! I got to see lots of family and several friends. We had a blast! I didn’t care much about my cake again this year! I thought mom had completely lost it when she tried to take me in Geemaw’s house to take my picture with it. I let her know I wanted to stay outside and play with all the kids. At least she learned a lesson and brought my presents outside for me to open. That was cool! All my friends helped and I did a good job sharing my stuff with them. The weather was perfect which made the party even more fun! It was a wonderful weekend!
This week has been really busy too. Mama had to go to the doctor Monday so I got to spend the day with my daddy. We had a great day! I even got to play with my cousin, Slade, at the Pea & Bean for a little while. Yesterday was very busy too. I guess things just get crazy this time of year. The good news is Mama doesn’t have to have her surgery until next Thursday, May 1st. That is very good news because we have one more week to get our lives a little more organized. . .at least that’s what Mama keeps saying.
I have to go to the doctor this afternoon because I have a terrible cough and a nasty nose. Daddy and Mama think it’s just a cold but we have to make sure ‘cause I don’t want to get really sick.
I have some exciting news! I’m going to have my very own team at this year’s Bailey County Relay for Life! Mama went to a meeting Monday evening and got all the information about this year’s event. It is going to be a lot of fun and I get to raise money to help other people with cancer. She has quite a bit of planning to do before June 6th – at least she’ll have something to do while recovering from surgery! We already decided my team name will be “Faith, Hope, and Jayci Joy.” If any of you think you would like to be on my team just let us know!
I guess that’s about all for now. . .Mama and I have to get our house back in order – it looks like a tornado went through it! J
I love you all very much!
Jayci Joy
April 16, 2008
HIDEE! How you doin? (Jayci’s latest saying – it’s cute at first but after answering about a million, “What you doin Mama?” questions, it makes me really appreciate my mom putting up with my “Why?” questions when I was her age. J) I’m doin’ great! It seems like it was forever ago when I had my last round of tests. We still haven’t heard the results but Mama and Daddy both say “No news is good news!” I go back next Tuesday for my routine bloodwork and port check and I’m sure we’ll get to hear the good news then.
We’ve been really busy during the last couple weeks getting ready for my 2 year old birthday party! It’s been so much fun! I even got to open and enjoy some of my presents! Geemaw and Mama and Daddy got me a new swingset! I LOVE it because it is just my size! Grammy Ju and Grandad gave me a jumphouse that is so much fun to jump in! Birthdays are GREAT! I can’t wait ‘til this weekend because I get to celebrate with my family and friends! My cousins Ana and Gene are even going to be here! We’re going to spend the weekend playing and I know we’ll have a blast! Mama attached some of my 2 year old pictures – Geemaw did an excellent job making my “beuful” outfit!
I’ve also mastered checking the sprinklers with Daddy since I last emailed. As you’ll see in some of the pictures I really like playing in his “beuful” alfalfa crop when we make the rounds. It won’t be long ‘til I learn how to swathe and bale with him. Growing up on the farm is AWESOME!
Today was a very important day in my life. It was my very first day of school! I went to Kinder Korner today and had so much fun! I even made my first school project! Mama and Daddy thought I looked so grown up walking up the sidewalk with my triangle man in my hands. School is a great place. I can’t wait to go back and play again!
I have a few prayer list updates to share. My Aunt Lora’s Daddy is doing much better. He still has trouble walking but he should be back to normal soon. My Mema Betty is doing good too. We were all impressed with how well she is already getting around! She makes hip replacement look easy! My puppy, Shrek, is quickly recovering from a mild case of pancreatitis. Yes, it’s the same thing my Geemaw had not long ago – only Shrek’s case wasn’t near as bad as my Geemaw’s was. My Mama goes in for surgery next Thursday. It’ll be hard on all of us, especially me. I’m going to have to learn how to climb in Mama’s lap and get used to her not carrying me around all the time. It will be okay though, I’m nearly 2 years old ya know and big girls don’t need to be carried. J
I’ll be anxious to share my birthday pictures with all of you next week! I love you all and thank you for keeping me and my family in your prayers. We are fortunate to know how GREAT His mercies are!
Love,
Jayci Joy
April 3, 2008
PRAYER IS POWERFUL!
HOORAY! Jayci’s tests are complete! She handled all of them extremely well! The CT Scan went well and the catheter insertion went as good as it possibly could. It was painful but the nurses got it inserted correctly the first time and they also did an excellent job making sure it wouldn’t move around during the 24 hour period. Since we didn’t have to be back in Amarillo until 1PM yesterday, we came home instead of trying to pass the time in a hotel room. Geemaw brought a delicious supper and took Jayci to play at Grammy Ju’s house for a few hours which made Jayci ready for bed early! YEAH! She slept 15 of the 24 hours! We couldn’t have had it any easier! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PRAYERS! They were definitely answered! We should know test results next week and we’ll make sure and share them as soon as they are known.
BTW – Jayci had a BLAST playing with all the nurses at the hospital. Thank all of you so much for making her feel so special. J
We have another prayer request for you. Lora’s dad, my brother Chris’s father-in-law, was run over by a tractor yesterday morning. His name is Kenneth Braden. He was trying to boost off a tractor (that he didn’t know was in reverse) and when it started it jumped backward, knocked him down and ran over his legs. The only thing the doctors found wrong with him was his left femur was broken. PRAISE GOD! It was a clean break and the bone was completely separated. He had surgery this morning. The doctor said it went very well and Kenneth is scheduled to begin physical therapy this evening. We know prayer will help and heal him as it has Jayci.
Again – we cannot thank you enough for your continued prayers! Our God is an AWESOME GOD!
God Bless,
Kimberly
March 28, 2008
HIDEE!
Gosh, Mama sure is getting lazy with my emails! It’s been over a month since she has written one! Maybe she’ll get better one of these days!
So much has happened during the past month. . .it’s hard to know where to start!
I still haven’t started going to Kinder Korner yet; as it turns out Mama isn’t going to be able to finish out the year teaching because she is going to have surgery. Yes, that’s right, surgery. It really isn’t that big a deal. . .it’s just something her doctor feels needs to be taken care of and Mama wants to get it over with so we can enjoy summer this year. The good news is I’ll get to go to Kinder Korner a whole bunch in May! I can’t wait!
I go back for another hearing test, CT Scan, X-rays, 24-hour urine test, and blood work next Wednesday, April 3rd. It’s hard to believe 3 months have already gone by! Time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t have vanilla, chocolate, or bananas for 3 days again. I did fine without my Vanilla Pediasure last time and I’m sure I’ll manage again. . .it’s just not much fun. I’m also not looking forward to that dumb catheter! Mama and Daddy say I only have to do these tests a couple more times before we’re done with it for awhile! HOORAY! Would you please say some extra prayers for me next week? Things always go much better when you do. Your prayers have helped me so very much! THANK YOU!
Now for the fun news!
Mama finally got my backyard all set up for the summer. The sandbox is still my favorite. I LOVE getting filthy! Sometimes I think my Mama and Daddy get frustrated at my love for dirt, mud, rocks, sticks. . .all that cool stuff they say only boys are supposed to like. I just keep telling them it could be worse. . .I mean, what good would it do me to be a girly girl and live on a farm?
My Dodi has found that I LOVE having my fingernails and toenails painted. There is SOME girl in me! When someone takes time to paint them for me, I show them to everyone I meet. THANK YOU Dodi for teaching Mama some cool girl things I like to do!
I got to go on a weekend getaway with my Mama and Daddy right before Easter. We had a BLAST! First we went to San Angelo and spent the night with some of our friends there. Boy did I LOVE them and their house! San Angelo also has a really cool park – the pictures of me in the GIANT sandbox were taken there. Then we went to Midland to see some of our other friends. I thought they were AWESOME too! Even though we only got away for a couple days, it was WONDERFUL! Mama and I haven’t been on any type of vacation since Spring Break last year. . .we told Daddy he better get ready ‘cause we had some making up to do this summer!
I really enjoyed Easter this year. I thought egg hunting was GREAT! I also enjoyed spending time with family. I’m thankful I live so close to most of them. . .I don’t know what we’d do without them!
I could go on forever but know all of you have things to do besides read a novel about my life. J I just want you to know I’m doing WONDERFUL and get extremely excited about sharing LIFE with you! As I can often be heard singing, “God is so good. . .to me.” (Yes, Jayci really does walk around singing those words. . .it melts us all.)
I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!
Jayci Joy
February 25, 2008
HIDEE! It’s been almost a month since Mama took time to help me write an email – I finally convinced her to help me with a quick update!
I’m doing GREAT! I’m finally convinced Mama and Daddy are telling the truth when they say I don’t have to go through anymore chemo treatments. The nightmares are slowly going away, I’m starting to trust grown-ups, and I haven’t had to go to the hospital in forever. . .LIFE IS GREAT! We ALL enjoy living “normal” lives! Daddy is already hard at work in the fields, Mama actually finished most of the staining and painting in our house she was working on when I got sick and is probably going to take a long term substitute job sometime in March, and I’ve been spending most of my time playing, learning, and most importantly, enjoying good health!
Mama and Daddy actually discontinued most of my ECI Services because I’m doing so good and because the next three months will be hectic enough with Mama working. I can’t wait to go to Kinder Korner. Everyone tells me there are lots of kids to play with there. I also look forward to the 2 days I’ll get to spend with Grammy Ju and the Fridays with my Daddy or Dodi. I can’t wait!
The power of prayer is amazing. . .I’m living proof!
I wanted to let you know that the baby I told you about last fall - the one who had serious heart problems – is doing wonderful too! He is also living proof that prayer heals!
I wish I had time to write more but its way past my bedtime. I look forward to hearing from you and am counting the days ‘til I get to celebrate life with you in July. We think we’re going to have the party Saturday, July. I hope you’ll be able to come!
Love,
Jayci Joy
January 27, 2008
“Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave.”
This has been the best week EVER! My cancer is in remission! When someone asks me if I have cancer I shout, “NO WAY!” Mama and Daddy just love to hear me shout those beautiful words. J
After we learned the great news on Tuesday, we went to eat and play at Chuck E. Cheese’s. I had so much fun climbing through the cool tunnels that I actually feel asleep in my carseat before we left the parking lot – something I NEVER do! We got to farm with Daddy 3 whole days this week. Mama and I learned how to build fence. We weren’t much help but we sure enjoyed spending so much time with Daddy! Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora spent the weekend celebrating “NO MORE CANCER” with us. We went to Gramma and Grandpops (I think I may change their names to Geemaw and Geepops – I insist on calling them these new names anyway) for supper last night. I had a blast eating celebration cupcakes and ice cream and playing ball with the whole family! Today we got to go see Playhouse Disney LIVE! It was the greatest day ever! It was so cool getting to see all my favorite TV show characters on stage! I sang and danced and stole the show – just ask anyone sitting around me! I just wish Dora would come somewhere close – I walk around the house singing “D-D-D-DORA” all the time! Mama and Daddy have my Uncle Timmie and cousin, Ana, to thank for this! They make sure I have plenty of Dora shows in my movie collection.
It has been a wonderful week! Its great knowing I have a lifetime full of wonderful weeks to look forward to now that my cancer is gone!
Thank you all very much for praying for my health – Jesus has answered all of our prayers!
I love you all!
Jayci Joy
Technology. . .I just love to hate it! We finally got our internet up and going again last night. One downfall to country living is not always being able to count on the internet or our cell phones to work – it’s just part of it. J
We saw Ginger Trimble and her beautiful girls at Playhouse Disney tonight. You can all thank her for finally getting this email. We didn’t realize so many people hadn’t heard our AWESOME NEWS! We apologize for causing so many of you to worry – we tried to get the news out by phone. . .it’s just not as fast or as convenient as email and it sounds like we did a pretty poor job! Again, we sincerely apologize.
Last Tuesday we learned:
1: Jayci’s cancer is in remission.
2: The tumor, or as Dr. Turner called it, scar tissue, now measures 5cm x 1 cm x 2 cm
3: We will do bloodwork once a month for the next 6 months to keep her port accessible
4: Testing will be done in April and June to make sure the cancer stays in remission
5: Jayci’s port will be removed in July after all testing is complete
6: The chances of her cancer recurring – highly UNLIKELY
Words will never express how much each of you touched our lives during the past 6 months. Your prayers, thoughtful words, and numerous acts of kindness have humbled us and taught us that miracles DO happen when we live our lives for Jesus. We learned “With God ALL things are possible.”
It has been a tremendous 6 months.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
I know I’m getting off subject but feel led to share some of our joy with you. Right after Jayci’s last round of chemo we were enjoying a Sunday evening watching TV together and came across a football movie Guy had never seen. He loves football so of course we began watching it not knowing how close its messages would hit home. The movie is titled “Facing the Giants.” It is a powerful movie we encourage everyone to watch; not just football fanatics!
Okay. . .now it’s time for CELEBRATION! Yes, we are planning to have a HUGE CELEBRATION for Jayci. We want all of you to see our little joy and share in our miracle! However, since Jayci became quite the Mama’s girl during her battle with cancer, we think we’ll wait until July, after her port is removed and her battle is COMPLETELY OVER! We feel confident we can teach her to trust new faces by then and know it is easier to travel when school is not in session. The weather is something else that is more predictable during July. We’ll make plans and let all of you know a date, time, and place sometime in June. Until then we will continue sending email updates. We love sharing our sweet girl with you!
Thank you again for your prayers.
-Guy and Kimberly
JAYCI JOY IS HEALED!
Tuesday we learned:
1: Her cancer is in remission.
2: The tumor, or as Dr. Turner called it, scar tissue, now measures 5cm x 1 cm x 2 cm
3: We will do bloodwork once a month for the next 6 months to keep her port accessible
4: Testing will be done in April and June to make sure the cancer stays in remission
5: Jayci’s port will be removed in July after all testing is complete
6: The chances of her cancer recurring – highly UNLIKELY
January 20, 2008
HIDEE! All of you will be happy to know that Gramma is doing much better and is planning to go to work tomorrow, I’m doing great, Daddy’s feeling better. . .life is finally getting back to “normal” again! Mama even had time to hang some of our new pictures today! HOORAY!
Brenda, Dr. Turner and Dr. Regueira’s nurse, called last week and scheduled us to review my test results Tuesday afternoon at 1:30. We are so excited! We can’t wait to see the miracle God has in store for us that day! We’ll be sure to share the news as soon as we can – it may be Wednesday morning before Mama gets it done – we may have to celebrate Tuesday night you know!
I actually talked her into emailing some pictures this time! There are some from Christmas, some from my last testing round, some from Gramma’s house. . .there is about a months worth of pictures. You’ll be amazed to see how much my hair has grown! It won’t be long ‘til I get to wear bows again!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Jayci Joy
January 14, 2008
HIDEE! Sorry I haven’t had time to update you – my Gramma is sick again and Mama and I have been busy taking care of her.
I wanted to let you know how good I did on my tests. My hearing and heart are perfect; the chemo didn’t hurt either one! YEAH! I behaved very well for my CT Scan, x-rays, and urine test too. We don’t know the results of those tests yet but should find out sometime this week. We know they are going to be GREAT!
Mama and Daddy wanted me to tell you how we know Jesus was present during my tests. I had the exact same Drs., nurses, room. . .EVERYTHING was the same as it was when I began this battle 6 months ago. Jesus wanted to make sure those who helped me through the tough times at first were there to see His promises fulfilled as my tests will show He answered everyone’s prayers and has healed my little body. I can’t wait ‘til the end of the week when I get to share the results with the world – I’ll have it on paper then you know!
I hate to keep this email so short but my Gramma is really sick again. She has a terrible UTI (probably a side effect of the pancreatitis she had last week) and just got to come home from the hospital this afternoon. My Mama and I are going to stay at her house and take care of her until she gets better.
Thank you all very much for your prayers.
I’ll share my miraculous news with you as soon as the test results are in!
Love,
Jayci Joy
January 10, 2008
HIDEE! We made it to Amarillo around 6::00 and are staying at a really cool hotel as part of our pre cancer free celebration! I’m having a blast! The nice lady at the front desk thinks I’m a sweetheart and loved being the one who got to deliver the awesome balloon bouquet my Gramma and Granpops sent me. I danced and shouted “WOW! WOW!” for her; she melted.
We have spent the evening playing in the hotel and even got to eat at a fun restaurant. I think it’s great having mom and dad’s complete attention!
We report to BSA at 7:30 tomorrow morning. I can’t have anything to eat or drink after 2 a.m. – something I’ve never had to do – but know Jesus will help me tough it out ‘til after my tests are complete. Besides, I’ve done just fine without my vanilla, chocolate and bananas for the past 2 days – something mom and dad were really worried about since Vanilla Pediasure is one of my main food sources these days and I’ll do ANYTHING for, what I call, “ice ceem.”
Tomorrow is a day we’ve all been looking forward to for quite sometime. It’s the day we get to confirm my cancer is gone. . .the day God’s amazing work takes center stage. We all know it will be a day filled with miracles and answered prayers. One of my favorite nurses, Brad, will be with me throughout all my tests and Dr. Kim, one of my favorite doctors, will be in charge of my sedation. We know and trust the entire team of people who will take care of me tomorrow, a sign of the promises we know God has in store. We can all rest easy tonight knowing He is in control and will be with us throughout my last tough day. We won’t be able to come home until Saturday because I have to have a 24-hour urine analysis done. Yes, it means I have to tote a catheter around with me for a full 24 hours. I’ve done it before but it was done while I was in the hospital and not quite so active and mobile. This time we will leave the hospital, with my catheter, after my Hearing Test, CT Scan, X-Rays, Heart Scan, and bloodwork are complete. We just have to return to the hospital 24 hours later to turn in my urine specimen and get rid of the catheter. Like I said, it will be a pretty tough day, but we can rest easy knowing Jesus will help us all through it and believing it will be the last tough day. . .at least for this challenge in my life.
I’ll have Mama or Daddy help me write a quick update sometime tomorrow evening – I know all of you will want to hear from us.
Your prayers have and will continue to be our source of healing and strength – Thank You.
Love,
Jayci Joy
P.S. (My Gramma is doing much, much better! She is even planning to go to work on Monday! Your prayers are POWERFUL! THANK YOU!)
January 6, 2008
HIDEE! We finally got to bring my Gramma home from the hospital Saturday evening. YEAH! She is still very weak and has moments when she doesn’t feel very good, but she is doing much, much better. Thank you all very much for your prayers! You helped heal Gramma just like you helped heal me!
That pancreatitis is bad stuff! Gramma is being very good by doing exactly what the doctor said she had to – she doesn’t even whine about having to take her blood sugar 4 times a day and does a great job giving herself an insulin shot every morning. Now I know where I get my toughness from. J Mama and I are taking her back to the Dr. tomorrow – I know he’ll be proud of the progress she has made.
Since Gramma is still very weak, Mama and I are going to stay with her for a few more days. I think it’s GREAT! My Granpops comes home and helps me jump every night and he even stayed home the entire weekend to play with me! I also loved spending extra time with my Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora during the past 10 days. Mama and Daddy said they couldn’t have made it without them! Because of them, Grammy Ju and Grandad, Aunt Billie Jean, and Nena, my Mama only had to stay at the hospital a few days to help Gramma. Daddy and I were very happy about this. We do a pretty good job fending for ourselves but there are some things only my Mama can do! – (at least that’s what I think. J)
I wasn’t able to get my testing done last week but am scheduled to have it all done this Friday, January 11. We have to be at the hospital by 7:30a.m.! YUCK! I will have to be sedated for my hearing test and they’ll keep me sedated for all the rest of my tests – CT Scan, X-Rays, Echocardiogram, etc. I also have to have a 24 hour urine test again. At least I won’t have to stay in the hospital for it this time! I’ll just take my catheter bag with me for the night and return to the hospital the next morning to get rid of it – ONCE AND FOR ALL!
We all know the results of my tests are going to be AWESOME! Jesus has answered so many prayers and I know this testing has to be done so we can share His MIRACLE with the WHOLE WORLD!
I love you all and PROMISE to make Mama send some pictures as soon as things slow down! We took about a million during the holidays you know!
Please keep us all in your prayers this week.
Love,
Jayci Joy
JAYCI JOY'S JOURNAL OF MIRACLES (part 2)
December 18, 2007
HIDEE!
Sorry to keep this email so short – our internet is not working very well.
I just wanted everyone to know I am home and finished with chemo! YAY!
I am a little sick and had to go to the doctor today because I cannot quit throwing up and have had diarrhea for the past few days. Dr. Regueira said I have to keep drinking because if I get dehydrated I’ll have to stay in the hospital for a couple days – I don’t want to do that – especially since Christmas is around the corner. I’ve lost a pound since last Thursday too. Would you please pray for me to feel better. We’ve been praying too but know things get better much quicker when all of you pray with us. Other than that things are GREAT! I know most of my colors now and am repeating quite a few more things – I’m even starting to put 2-3 words together. I love all of you and will email again before Christmas – maybe I’ll send pictures too.
Love,
Jayci Joy
December 13, 2007
Today is my last day of chemo EVER!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!! My bloodcounts are good and we are checked in at BSA just waiting on my chemo to arrive. I got to deliver the little car we are donating to the hospital to Lizzie this afternoon – I even wore my Santa Hat and said “Ho Ho” for her! Tanya did such a good job decorating the car for me! I’ll send pictures of it as well as my ceiling tile soon. All of my friends made a beautiful last day poster for me and they are making this stay extra special. I’m taking lots of pictures and will share them with you when mom gets them all ready.
We got more great news this morning. Dr. Turner said this may be it for me. . .meaning if the tests we due around Jan. 3rd show the tumor is dead I won’t even have to have surgery!!! They’ll just monitor me by doing bloodwork and follow-up testing once each month for the next 6 months. If all is well my port will be removed in July!
Our “Journey of Faith” is almost over. . .like I told you all before; I got the best Christmas present this year!
It won’t be long ‘til you open an email from me that says I’m CANCER FREE!
Then it will be PARTY TIME!
“The JOY of the Lord is (and will continue to be) our strength.”
Thank you so much for your extra prayers!
We’ll email an update and pictures after we get home tomorrow.
Love,
Jayci Joy
December 5, 2007
With a little luck tomorrow will be Jayci’s last day of chemo ever. We go in the morning to check her bloodwork. If it is good, we will have a one day round with only two drugs. She should take it well. It is possible that we will have to do a bunch of tests to evaluate her progress on Friday but most likely they will wait for a couple of weeks until this round has taken effect. She looks and feels great right now. She is learning so much so fast that we sometimes just stare at her with smiles on our faces and a tear in our eyes.
We will try to update tomorrow. Thanks to you all, because of our great support, prayers, and a God that is so full of love and kindness, we believe that we will soon be announcing that our little girl is cancer free.
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
November 25, 2007
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are sad to see it come to an end. We had many things to be thankful for this year. . .our little miracle in particular. She is doing great! It was awesome to watch her interact with family over the weekend. She was a perfect angel - content playing by herself but enjoyed the company of anyone who wished to join her.
We were sad to turn so many visitors away during the holiday weekend and really sad Jayci didn’t get to see any of her cousins. As all of you know Jayci just completed her last big round of chemo one week ago and although the weather did not permit getting bloodwork done last Friday, we were all but certain her blood counts were low and the risk of infection was too great for company. We’re very sorry to all who we had to tell no. Jayci has come so far and the end is in sight. We are confident Christmas will be the right time for celebration and visitors. We cannot wait to show her off! GOD IS GREAT!
I will take Jayci to get her bloodwork done in the morning after speech therapy – I think the therapist will be very impressed with our little parrot! She is learning all her colors (yellow is still her favorite) and is doing a pretty good job counting to 5. She can name all her body parts and knows just about every animal sound there is – the cow and horse are still her favorite; the way she carries her little horse and cow around the house is adorable! It’s wonderful to be able to communicate with her now – she DEFINITELY understands everything we say! She’ll continue speech, physical, occupational, and developmental therapy until she gets a clean bill of health – we just want to make certain nothing gets in her way – she is learning so fast!
Daddy has been a HUGE help this week! I finally finished putting up Christmas decorations this afternoon and Guy said he’d try to finish outside in the next couple days. Jayci absolutely loves them! The little, pink tree her Nickels’ cousins gave her is definitely her favorite; she is constantly redecorating it! We had her picture made with it at Gramma’s house this weekend. When the proofs are ready I’ll share them with you – I think they’ll be precious!
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you for your continued prayers!
I’ll email some pictures soon!
God Bless You,
Kimberly
November 19, 2007
HIDEE! We made it home Sunday afternoon in time to hang some outdoor Christmas lights and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather. Hanging lights was so much fun; I even climbed up the ladder to help daddy on the roof when mama wasn’t’ looking! Too bad she caught me on the fourth step! They were both proud to see I’m balanced and strong enough to climb ladders again. I’m doing so good! My speech is incredible – I’m like a little parrot! – my balance improves daily and my personality is absolutely precious! I melt just about every person’s heart I meet! Jesus has been so good to me. Mama and Daddy told me I only have to go through 1 more day of chemo on Dec. 6th then maybe a little surgery and I’ll be CANCER FREE! That’s the best news I’ve heard in my whole life!
This past weekend’s round of chemo went great! The only bad thing about it was it took place during the middle of the night which meant we didn’t get very much sleep. Daddy and Mama said that was a minor thing and we should be THANKFUL that was the ONLY thing we wished could have been different. I did not have any bad reactions to the chemo and never got sick! In fact I did not have any sickness or negative reactions to ANYTHING! Thank you so much for your prayers – because of them I’m doing wonderful!
I enjoyed visiting with all my friends while I was in the hospital. It was the first time I let all of them hold me, play with me, and even let Lizzie take me to the playroom to get some toys and hats – I was very sweet to all of them! I also got to paint a ceiling tile to hang in the hospital this time. Daddy and I kinda had a wreck going and Mama wasn’t’ sure she liked it very much – thank goodness Gramma and Grammy Ju found Tanya (cousin Amberlee’s mom) – she came and fixed it – now I have the BEST TILE in the hall! All the nurses and doctors LOVED IT! THANK YOU TANYA!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m going to spend it with family.
Mama and Daddy have been talking to me about Thanksgiving and it’s significance. Together we came up with the atttached list (with a slideshow) of things we’re thankful for this Thanksgiving and I wanted to share it with you.
I love you all!
God Bless,
Jayci Joy
November 10, 2007
HIDEE! Hope everyone had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I sure did! I was a cute, little ballerina – thank goodness Brenna came by to give me a Halloween present when my mom was getting me dressed; mom had me looking more like Junie B. Jones in 15 shades of pink, mismatched tights, and a tutu that stuck straight up! Brenna was kind enough to take over and had me looking pretty darn cute in about 10 minutes! THANK YOU BRENNA! I thought trick-or-treating was GREAT! I especially liked walking up people’s sidewalks and visiting with them – they all were so nice to me. Thanks to everyone for the cool stuff! Mama really liked the cool hairbows and stuff Stacie and her family sent me from Tennessee. (I’m wearing the Halloween hairbow with the denim outfit in the attached pictures.)
This week has been wonderful! I got to play with my Nickels cousins on Monday, my friend, Braileigh, yesterday, and I got to visit Gramma’s school today! I just LOVE playing with other kids, especially ones close to my size! Kole even came and played in my tent with me – he isn’t close to my age but sometimes he likes to pretend he is!
Mama is feeling better – finally! She went back to the doctor Tuesday and found out her bloodwork still is not good. Thank goodness she doesn’t have Hepatitis though! She is having an ultrasound done on her gallbladder in the morning – the doctor said it’s possible it could be what’s making her bloodwork messed up. We are all praying she just had a weird virus that took a long time to get over – she isn’t as tough as I am when it comes to doctors and hospitals you know!
I go for a 3 day round of chemo next Thursday. I’m not looking forward to it but Mama and Daddy keep reminding me I only have 2 rounds to go before I get to have all my tests redone around Christmas time. We all have faith my tumor is going to be small enough to remove or just be gone! Jesus continues to work miracles in our lives daily and we know He is saving his greatest gift for the most special time of the year. I think it’s so cool that I’m going to receive the greatest gift of all this year – NO MORE CANCER!
We thank you for your continued prayers! Jesus is listening!
I’ll make sure Mama and Daddy update you during chemo next week. Please say some extra prayers for me! Chemo is nothing with Jesus by my side!
I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!
Jayci Joy
October 30, 2007
HIDEE! Sorry Mama hasn’t taken the time to write you guys very much lately – she’s been pretty sick you know. Thank goodness she’s starting to feel better and with any luck she’ll be good as new in a week or two. J We sure did appreciate all the yummy food from the ladies at Gramma’s school and Mema Betty – Daddy and I just love opening the freezer and pulling out a delicious meal whenever we want! We also really appreciate the house cleaning Dodi, Mema Betty, and Gramma have done for us! It’s amazing the mess our little family can make in a short period of time! Thank you all so much for your generosity!
I’m doing GREAT! Chemo really didn’t affect me much this time – I have been a little nauseated but my nausea medicine has worked great! I haven’t thrown up one time! THANK YOU JESUS!!! I am finally walking and talking just as good as I was before cancer! I can even chase my Grandpops with my huge bears again – a game everyone was glad to see me play! Mama has some short films of me talking that she’ll try to email if the files aren’t too large.
I got to see my Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora on Sunday. They came in to celebrate their birthdays and Gramma’s birthday with us. We had a wonderful day playing! I can’t wait ‘til Thanksgiving because my cousin, Ana, will be at Gramma’s too! I just love playing with everyone!
I have a three day round of chemo scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving. We are already praying that I do good and feel well afterwards so I can enjoy the holiday with family. We’re also praying that everyone stays well and Mama feels better so we don’t have to worry about getting me sick. I know Jesus will make sure Thanksgiving is perfect no matter what happens!
I LOVE YOU all so much!
Have a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
And THANK YOU AGAIN for all the help you’ve given and prayers you’ve said for us! Jesus is listening!
Love,
Jayci Joy
October 25, 2007
HIDEE! It’s Thursday evening at 10:30 p.m. and they JUST started my chemo!! I was at the doctor’s office this morning at 9:30 and they did my bloodwork. It was PERFECT – just like it should be. The doctors and nurses are all very impressed with me – I now weight 23 ½ lbs. and am 31 1/5 “ long! Can you believe I have grown so much! I am doing great – it’s my mommy that is sick now! She hasn’t been feeling very good for about a week and finally decided she had better go to the doctor on Wednesday – Dr. Jubay says he thinks mommy has Hepatitis A – they sent off her blood work and we should know for sure next Tuesday – in the meantime, mommy really needs prayers so she can feel better and take care of busy, busy me! This past week I decided that walking like the big girls do is no problem! I go everywhere now! AND last Tuesday I took my bear to my Granpops and took off running so he would chase me with it – mommy and gramma were speechless! This was a game Granpops and I played before I got sick and I remembered the game all by myself. I am trying really hard to climb now – I think pretty soon I will have it mastered. Mom doesn’t seem as excited about my climbing everything – I don’t know why!!! =)
Daddy is still working very hard harvesting all the crops-so Grammy Ju and Gramma are here with to take care of me during chemo – THANK YOU Estela and Tammy for helping Gramma so she could be with me and mommy! AND we are are all so thankful Grammy Ju lives close to us and helps me and mommy so much. A girl can never have enough grandmas, you know!
Pop Nicky, Uncle Trey, and Kathy came to see me at the hospital – I loved seeing them. I walked all over the hospital and showed it to them and even introduced them to my favorite nurses – it was so much fun!
I will finish chemo about 1:00 a.m. – and I should get to come home on Friday afternoon. Mommy or Gramma will let you know how I am doing. Gramma says mommy is much better at sending my e-mail, but at least Gramma gets the word out. Thank you for your love and prayers – and today could you pray for my mommy too – I sure would appreciate it!
I LOVE YOU!
Jayci Joy
October 18, 2007
HIDEE! Gosh it’s been a CRAZY week! I had to spend a couple days in the hospital earlier this week because I got a tummy bug – YUCK! I made it home late Tuesday night, had a BUSY day at home yesterday (my physical therapist, speech therapist, and nutritionist all came plus we had to do laundry and pack), and came back for chemo today. Mama and Grammy Ju think I’m too smart for my own good – I did not take a good nap yesterday and haven’t slept very good the past two nights and wouldn’t you know, Brenda just called and said my blood counts are not good enough for chemo! Soooooo. . .we get to go back home and try again next Thursday! I think its GREAT NEWS – to bad Mama, Daddy, and Grammy Ju don’t feel the same way. They keep telling me the sooner we complete chemo the sooner we get to redo all my tests, have surgery, and be DONE with CANCER once and for all!!! I suppose they’re right but sometimes a girl just needs a break you know!
We also learned some rotten news when I was in the hospital earlier this week; Dr. Regueira and Dr. Turner told me I’d have to go through 3 more rounds of chemo before they would retest and see if my tumor is small enough to surgically remove. I was counting on being through with all this cancer mess before the holidays but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now. Mama was pretty upset at first - which of course upset me – but then she and I talked about it and decided Jesus must know surgery just isn’t safe right now. He continues to heal me and make me stronger everyday and I know He’ll make sure my body is completely ready for surgery before the tests are redone.
I’m doing wonderful and all my doctors, nurses, and therapists continue to marvel at the rapid progress I’ve made – they tell me I’m rewriting the “kids with cancer” book! Mama said that means I’m showing kids that cancer doesn’t have to run your life and can be beat as long as we put Jesus in control. I got to meet a new friend at the hospital earlier this week and I shared my story with his sister and daddy. His name is Jake Cowley and he has a virus that attacked his heart and was not given a very good chance to live either – his Mama and Daddy also put Jesus in control and his little, infant body is going to be healed. I promised his sister I would tell all of you about him so you would pray for him when you prayed for me. Your prayers have made me the miracle I am and have healed many other kids too! THANK YOU!
I’ll try to get mama to update you before next Thursday and maybe send some pictures too! Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
I LOVE YOU!
Jayci Joy
October 11, 2008
HIDEE! Boy have things been busy around my house! I’ve had Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy, had a visit from Developmental Services, had to have my bloodwork done TWICE, helped Daddy on the farm, played with the cousins, been to the pumpkin patch. . .I can’t even remember everything that has happened during the last 10 days! All of it has been really, really fun – EXCEPT the bloodwork! I had it done last Thursday and the results weren’t good (I was still neutropenic) so they made me do it again today. The nurse wasn’t able to get my arm to draw so she pricked my finger and squeezed and squeezed and squeezed until she got enough blood to run the tests – OUCH! I was very brave despite the unpleasant circumstance and was thrilled to get home and find TWO packages for me on the front porch!!! My friend, Stacie and her kids and Uncle Bubba (Timmie) and his family sent me all kinds of cool stuff! Mama said they sent it because I’ve been so brave during the past few months. Let me tell you, it was all worth it! THANKS GUYS!!!
I got to go to the Kettner’s pumpkin patch last week. It was WAY COOL! The Newberry family, the Kettner’s, and Emma and Desi were all there at the same time I was - which was GREAT! Addyson and I really enjoyed playing in the dirt together! I’m going to be sweet like her when I get bigger; she does everything I want to do!
I spent one evening at Pop Nick’s house with the cousins last week. We partied until late – it was good to see all of them! You should hear me say all their names! I do a good job!
I also got to show off the cute overalls Gramma made me last Friday! She is a very talented lady! I’m just glad I’m one of the people who benefit from her work!
All of my therapy sessions have gone great! I’m walking good, talking ALL THE TIME, eating like I’m ‘posed to, etc. I think I’ll get dismissed soon!
I have a round of chemotherapy next week – (Oct. 18th). Thank goodness it is only a 1 day session! Mama, Daddy, and I pray it will be the last! Hopefully the Dr.’s will do another CT Scan and my tumor will be small enough to surgically remove. The holidays are coming up and we all want to spend them together, at home, and CANCER FREE!
Thank you for your continued prayers! Jesus is listening and gives me new strength everyday!
Love You!
Jayci Joy
October 1, 2007
Home at last! We made it home early yesterday afternoon. Jayci is doing wonderful! We spent the afternoon playing in the corn and helping Guy work (I don’t think we were much help!) Jayci slept great again last night and is walking, talking, and playing more than ever today. If there were such a thing as a “perfect” chemo round, we had it. Jayci was happy the entire time, never got nauseated, slept good at night and during nap time, was cooperative with the nurses. . .God is GREAT! We thank you so much for your continued prayers! We are scheduled for chemo on Oct. 18th.- we are hopeful it will be the last. Jayci will be reevaluated after that chemo round to see if surgery is possible. It would be wonderful to have surgery at the end of October and be rid of cancer forever! Our hearts would be full of Thanksgiving – just in time for the holidays!
We love you all!
God Bless You,
Kimberly
September 29, 2007
HIDEE! Things have been going GREAT! I had a reaction to Benadryl on the first day of chemo; it made me CRAZY! Dr. Turner started giving me steroids instead of Benadryl and they seem to work – I haven’t gotten a rash from the Etoposide yet! The steroids do dilate my pupils and make me a little uneasy but Mama, Gramma, and Grammy Ju said they can handle that; it’s much better than the awful reaction I had to Benadryl!
I have had two AWESOME days! I have played, slept good, and just been a little princess. Dr. Turner said I can go home first thing in the morning if I keep doing so good. J
I’ve seen just about every nurse, therapist, and doctor I’ve ever had this hospital stay. I am very sweet to them. They just LOVE me!
Thank you so much for praying for me. Like Dr. Kim said when she saw me, “MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!”
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 27, 2007
HIDEE! We just checked into the hospital in record time! Mama and Grammy Ju have the unloading part down to an art! Of course valet helps us these days – they know exactly who I am now and even know which bags go up to the room! I smile at them and tell them “Thank You” everytime!
Everything went GREAT this morning! I just love Brenda, Dr. Regueira’s nurse, she does a great job accessing my port everytime! After my bloodwork was complete we got to go eat waffles, one of my favorite foods, and even had time to play outside at the Ronald McDonald House. They have a cool swingset you know.
I should start chemo shortly. I’ll be here until Sunday and will make sure Mama keeps all of you updated!
Thanks so much for the extra prayers this weekend!
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 24, 2007
HIDEE! Sorry I didn’t get to send an email yesterday, things kinda got crazy! I did get to see Disney’s Princess on Ice last night though! It was wonderful! I just LOVED the music and bright colors – my favorite part was The Little Mermaid dance with bubbles and fish and the Mulan dragon – it really breathed fire! I danced and clapped during the whole show! Mama tried to take pictures of me dancing during the show but the people working said she couldn’t do that. I did get to have some pictures made during intermission and after the show – I looked very cute in the princess outfit Gramma got for me. It was a GREAT evening!
We are home for now. Mama and Daddy have to give me IV antibiotics every 8 hours. They do a pretty good job and I have been very cooperative so far. We are supposed to go back to the doctor in the morning for some bloodwork. Hopefully I’ll get to have my port deaccessed until Thursday when I start another round of chemo. That thing is wonderful for the jobs it does but sometimes it’s a real pain. It gave everyone fits the entire night before we came home – they had to reaccess it 4 times! OUCH! I was very brave and sweet to the nurses about it. I told them it was messed up – I pointed to it, cried, and kept repeating “OW!” It didn’t take them long to figure out the needle had come out of my port and the fluids were going in under my skin. It was extremely painful and scared Mama to death. It took 2 times to reaccess it then and it still didn’t work! Mama made them do an x-ray to make sure the port was okay and thank goodness it was! Gramma had stayed the night with us and she and Mama prayed – when 2 people agree in prayer Jesus listens and answers you know! Needless to say it was a very long and sleepless night! The port quit working again yesterday morning and the nurses had to reaccess it again. At least it worked the first time and I got to rest all day! Last night made everything worthwhile!
Well – I’d love to tell you more, but I’m really sleepy. Those antibiotics just wear me out! I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with Grammy Ju and Gramma this weekend; I don’t know what we’d do without their help! I also loved getting to see Nena, Aunt Billie Jean, and Kambree and Sierra yesterday– playing with people makes the hospital stay all worthwhile! I love you so much and will try to get Mama to update as much as possible! Thanks so much for your prayers!
Love,
Jayci Joy
P.S. (Mama said to tell you that I’m really talking good now and my walking improves daily!)
September 22, 2007
HIDEE! Today has been a good day! I got to go for several rides in my car and got to play with Kali and Kenzie (Grammy Ju’s granddaughters) before my nap. I’m feeling much better too! Dr. Regueira said he’d do his best to get me out of here for Disney’s Princess on Ice tomorrow afternoon. I can’t wait!
I’m still enjoying my HUGE room; we’re still in a rehab. room because pediatrics is overfull! All the old people think I’m wonderful; I just LOVE waving and talking to them.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for keeping me in your prayers!
I’m doing great!
Love you!
Jayci Joy
September 21, 2007
Surprise! We're back in the hospital again! Guy and I brought Jayci in late last night – she hadn't been feeling well for a couple days and her fever got up to 101.5. We had done some routine bloodwork yesterday morning which didn't come back good either. (Her levels were down to 60 when they should be over 1,000 – needless to say she is neutropenic and very susceptible to infection.) Dr. Regueira and Dr. Turner agreed she needed to be admitted to receive IV antibiotics and GCSF to reboot her immune system. So. . .here we are! Jayci is already feeling much better – she even got to go to an "end of chemo" pizza party for one of her fellow cancer buddies! Of course she enjoyed playing with the water guns and silly string more than anything – it's just so good to see her laughing and playing.
Grammy Ju came this morning so Guy could get home and harvest and Gramma is on her way. I don't know what we'd do without them! They're AWESOME help!
We are praying Jayci is well enough to go see Disney's Princess on Ice Sunday afternoon. We know she'd just LOVE it! Dr. Regueira said he'd do his best to get her there. We know that prayer will help get her there too!
Today has been great despite being in the hospital. Cousin, Amberlee Steinbock came and played with Jayci for quite awhile and Jayci also got to sing with the music therapist. She is in the middle of a much needed nap now. J
I'll keep you informed throughout the weekend!
Thanks so much for the prayers!
God Bless You,
Kimberly
September 17, 2007
HIDEE! I have some GREAT news! I’m WALKING! I’ve been practicing really hard and finally have enough confidence to walk by myself! I still crawl when I need to get somewhere fast – I’m a pro at that you know.
I also wanted to tell you that Brenda, Dr. Reguira’s nurse, called and said I don’t have to have chemo until next Thursday, September 26. She was studying my roadmap today and figured out they were off schedule – they forgot I am a week behind because I was neutropenic before the last round of chemo. That’s just fine with me. I’ll have more time to practice walking and can really show off for everyone next time! I like to have a new trick everytime I go in for chemo; all the doctors and nurses clap and cheer for me and I LOVE the attention!
I’m going to send some pictures with this email. Mama hasn’t been doing a very good job lately. She says it’s because Daddy and all her helpers are really busy and all she has time to do is take care of me and do stuff around the house. I think she’s making it all up – I can’t be that much work! (HA! HA!) She promised me she’d get better – I have a fan club that really needs to see me and I know it. J
I got to meet Baby Matthew today. He’s very handsome. I can’t wait ‘til he’s a little bigger so I can teach him all my tricks. I know Corey and Brianne will be very impressed with the things Mama and Daddy tell me to teach him. J
I also got to go to the football game with Gramma last Friday! It was tons of fun! Grammy Ju is back and I got to spend the day in Lubbock with her. I was soooo happy to see her that I skipped my nap and am extra tired tonight. Mama said it was okay though, she thinks it will make me sleep better – maybe in her dreams!
I love you all so very much! Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I know Jesus is listening to them because he is helping me get better so fast - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” I’ll let you know how things are going in a few days!
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 13, 2007
Wow! It’s been a CRAZY day! Mom woke me up early this morning and took me to see Dr. Reguira so I could get my echocardiogram done and so we could see the results of my tests from last weekend. GOOD NEWS! My tumor is 33% smaller and is pulling away from my pulmonary artery and other important veins and organs! It is obvious the tumor is retracting toward my spine – probably where it began growing in the first place. Dr. Reguira was very pleased and told us that he wanted me to do 2 more rounds of chemo., retest, and hopefully the tumor will be away from all my vital organs and other important stuff so I can have it surgically removed and be done with all this yucky cancer stuff! Won’t that be GREAT?!
I was supposed to start chemo again today (yeah, it was a BIG surprise!) but my bloodwork wasn’t quite good enough. That’s a good thing though; I need a break and so does my mama! She hasn’t even finished the laundry from our last hospital stay yet! We are supposed to go back next Thursday to begin Round 5 of chemotherapy. By then we’ll all be rested and ready to go! J
I love you all very much and thank you for your prayers!
Jesus is healing my body!
Love,
Jayci Joy
As Jayci said, “It’s been a CRAZY day!” Jayci and I went to Amarillo this morning prepared for a quick echocardiogram (the results were perfect! J), good test results (which we got J), and an afternoon of celebration shopping and picture making. Boy did our plans change! The morning went as planned – God is so good – until we found out she had to begin another round of chemo TODAY! She and I definitely were not ready for that news. After undergoing the painful stick of accessing her port (I didn’t have time to get her numbing cream on) we rushed home to begin packing for the weekend trip. It’s amazing how God knows when we’ve been given more than we can handle; I’d just gone through Friona when the phone call came telling us that Jayci’s blood counts weren’t good enough for chemo. We both breathed a sigh of relief!
Since then we’ve been to Muleshoe to have Kyra deaccess Jayci’s port (THANK YOU SO MUCH KYRA!) and home again in time for Jayci to take a much needed nap.
The plan is to go through a 3 day round of chemo beginning next Thursday then a 2 day round beginning Oct. 5th. After these rounds Jayci will go through more testing and hopefully she’ll be able to undergo surgery to have the tumor removed!
God continues to answer so many of our prayers. We could not have asked for better test results than the ones given to us today. What an AWESOME GOD!
I’ll let you know how things go next week! We love you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued prayers!
By the way - I promised Jayci we’d find a day before her next round of chemo to take her shopping and to have her picture made. She was very happy to hear that news! J
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
September 9, 2007
HI! I’m nearly finished with ALL my tests and we’ll be headed home around 2 o’clock a.m.! HOORAY! Dr. Ormson, the audiologist, said I must have studied very hard for his test because I did EXCELLENT! My hearing is perfect! My bloodwork also looked good. We don’t know the results of my CT Scan or X-Ray yet – hopefully we’ll hear something tomorrow. It is Sunday you know. Mama and Daddy said I did a GREAT JOB this morning during my tests. I breathed perfectly on my own during the entire sedation and when I woke up I looked at my daddy and waved, smiled and said “HI!” I haven’t slept much today even though it was a really tough night last night and am still FULL of energy at midnight– I think I’m about to drive my mama insane. J I’m just really excited about going home!
Last night was tough because I didn’t get my catheter inserted and going until around 2 a.m.. – the nurses were all really busy and things got really crazy around the hospital. Then it took 3 tries to get my catheter right! Thank goodness Jesus heard me and Gramma and Mama praying – Tara (one of my favorite PICU nurses) came and did it for me after the nurse taking care of me couldn’t get it to work. It really hurt and I was sore today – thank goodness I only have to wear it for 2 more hours!
Today ended up being fun though. My Granpops, Aunt Jan, and Sheri all came to see me. I was sad I didn’t get to met Sheri’s daughter, Lanae, but mama said we’d go see her soon.
Gramma helped load up most of my stuff before she headed home – boy is she tired! I don’t think she got any sleep last night! Please say an extra prayer for her – she really needs to get some rest; Mama and I require quite a bit of energy you know!
I promise I’ll make mama or daddy help me write an email as soon as we know the results of my tests. I did a great job and I know you’ll all be proud of the results when they come in!
I love you all so very much and am looking forward to being home and seeing some of you again. Thank you so much for your continued prayers! I couldn’t make it without them!
Right now I’m going to help daddy finish loading the car and might let him get a little rest before our early morning drive home!
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 8, 2007
HIDEE! We’ve just started the last of my chemo! It should be complete by 11:30 – so far everything has gone great! After my chemo they are going to insert a catheter and begin my 24 hour urine test. I am scheduled for my catscan and hearing test at 9:00 in the morning – I will have to be sedated for them, but Dr. Nandu will be there. My daddy is coming too – I am so glad he will be with me. After these tests I will have a chest x-ray and heart echo and a lot of blood work. Mom says I will pass all my tests because Jesus has made me well. I think so too – I have had a great day today. My urine test will be 24 hours so I won’t be through with the tests until about midnight on Sunday – Mom and dad say all of you will be praying for me today – thank you!
I love you all!
Jayci Joy
September 7, 2007
HIDEE! Day 2 of my hospital stay has been pretty good! I got to ride in my car up and down the halls and even outside! My Aunt Billie Jean says I just need candy to throw – I wave and say “Hi!” to everyone – and with my Miss America wave and smile everyone thinks I am the cutest kid here!! Mom, Gramma, and Aunt Billie Jean all agree!
I did have an upset stomach this morning – and I threw up on Mommy a couple of times – we had a LOT of showers today! Mommy says it is good to be clean and we have to keep the chemo off of my skin (and Mommy’s too!) I felt good this afternoon and played a lot.
This morning I had a student come by and do music therapy with me – I LOVED IT! She played her guitar and sang songs to me – she even let me play her guitar with her! I sat for nearly 45 minutes and just listened. Mom says Daddy has a guitar and knows how to play and sing – Daddy, get ready, I want you to play and sing to me!
Amberlee came to see me today – I was asleep when she came, but she left a special surprise for me. I loved opening my new present and was so excited to find my WTAMU cheerleading suit in it!! I hugged it and loved it – Thank you, Amberlee, Mom says we are going to watch you cheer and I get to wear it! I can’t wait – We will have our picture made together again!!
The best news today was the doctors told mom that when they listen to my lungs, they cannot hear any air restriction from the tumor! The nurse had to ask my mom where the tumor was supposed to be, because she couldn’t hear any air restriction!! How about that! We know Jesus has worked a miracle and that the tumor is gone!! I have one more day of Chemo and then all the tests – I am going to pass them all, you just wait and see!! Thank you for praying for me -
I can’t wait to see all of you again!
Love,
Jayci Joy
It is 10:15 and we are nearing the end of chemo – round 2. Jayci had a minor reaction at the beginning of the treatment, but the rash subsided quickly – God does answer prayer. She has had a little nausea today – but overall she has done very well.
She enjoyed seeing everyone today and had a great afternoon and evening. We will have another day of chemo tomorrow and then the tests will begin on Sunday. We hope that we will be home either Sunday or Monday! Your prayers continue to be the source of our strength. We can never thank you even for your constant support of Jayci and us. Our God is a mighty God – and Jayci is one of his miracles. We will keep you updated.
God Bless You,
Kimberly
September 6, 2007
HIDEE! It’s 8:45 and we just now started chemo! My weight had changed too much again and they had to remix my drugs before we could start. That’s okay though; I got to run up and down the hall and play with all the cool toys in the playroom before chemo started. I even got to see my friends! All 3 of my most favorite nurses worked today! I’m soooo lucky! Dr. Habersang got to see me for a few minutes and said he’d be back tomorrow to play – I can’t wait! Dr. Nandu also came by during my nap and said he’d be back to see me too! All the nurses have told them how good I’m doing. Everyone just LOVES me here you know. I love them very much too!
I have to go through 3 days of chemo then a round of tests before I get to come home. Mama thinks it will be sometime Monday afternoon. Dr. Regueira said I only have to have a CT Scan, an echo of my heart, a hearing test, and some bloodwork! HOORAY! I’m a pro at all those tests! They won’t even have to sedate me for any of them! Jesus answered our prayers!
I can’t wait to see all of you again! Please keep me in your prayers.
Love,
Jayci Joy
It’s approaching midnight and Jayci has done beautifully so far – we’re nearly through with her second drug and will begin the 3rd in a few minutes. Gramma should make it to the Ronald McDonald House by one – THANK YOU GRAMMA!!! Guy is right in the middle of harvest and couldn’t make it this round and Grammy Ju is in Tennessee helping Stacie with her new, beautiful baby girl. We miss them both but know they are where they need to be right now. Gramma, Aunt Billie Jean and I are handling things pretty good I think. JJayci has had an AWESOME week! Cousin Mia spent the day with us Tuesday and she and Jayci had a blast! Jayci even learned a new word, “NOOOOO!” She and Mia make sure no one borrows their binks (pacifiers) – you’d think they’d learn to leave each others alone too. I really enjoyed watching them play! We took her back to church Sunday – she hasn’t been since her diagnosis – she LOVED it! It was awesome see her smile and clap for Grady’s music! It was as though she knew she was in Jesus’ house and could see him sitting next to Brother Stacy – it was a wonderful experience for all of us.
She has 3 days of chemo again this round then a series of tests. I’m confident she will do great! God has answered so many of our prayers already – I wish all of you could see her! She is truly a miracle! We know you’ll keep her in your prayers as always! We couldn’t make it without them! I’ll keep you informed as often as possible. You’ll have to be patient with me though – Gramma and I have never gone it alone before! J
God Bless You,
Kimberly
August 30, 2007
To the doctor’s office. . .and home again. After some lab work this morning we learned Jayci is neutropenic; her blood counts aren’t good enough to go through chemo. So we are home for now. We will report back to the doctor next Thursday morning and try again. The good news for today is Jayci will not have to go through a bone marrow test again since the first one was negative! Praise God! She will have to have another CT Scan, MRI, EKG, EEG, hearing test. . .during next week’s round. Dr. Reguira said they will go ahead with the tests while Jayci is in the hospital rather than wait 3 weeks. We are praying the tumor is gone and Jayci is back in perfect health. She definitely looks and acts normal. J We’ll update you as things progress next week. Thank you for keeping Jayci in your prayers!
God Bless You,
Guy and Kimberly
August 29, 2007
HIDEE! We’re heading to Amarillo for Round 4 of Chemotherapy. At least I got to have lots of good days between rounds! I’ve spent several days with my cousins – they even got to spend the night with me once – and many more with friends and family! Emma Rae and I are becoming good buddies and we got to go see our newest friend, Presley, in the hospital yesterday! Time sure flies when you’re having fun! Daddy is only going to get to stay for the first day of chemo this time; he is harvesting peas already and mama and I decided he was needed at home more than in the hospital with us. We’re sure going to miss him but we know Grammy Ju and Gramma are more than happy to fill his shoes for him! I love you all bunches and will make sure mama sends updates daily!
Please remember to say special prayers for me - they’ve made me sooooo much better!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Our Jayci is doing WONDERFUL! She becomes more independent everyday! She will even play by herself every now and then! We have had an amazing few weeks. Guy and I can’t wait for the nurses and doctors to see her – she is AMAZING! THANK YOU for your continued prayers – seeing her is proof they are working!
This round of chemo will last 3 days again. She will receive 3 drugs on Thursday and 1 on Friday and Saturday. She has had all of them in previous rounds and we are confident she will do wonderfully this time. I took time to study Jayci’s roadmap and think she will not have to go through any major tests until September 20th. We’ll know for sure by tomorrow evening. We THANK YOU in advance for keeping Jayci in your prayers this weekend! We love you all and will keep you informed of her progress throughout the weekend!
God Bless You,
Guy and Kimberly
August 21, 2007
Hidee! (Just one of the MANY words I’ve started saying!) I’ve had a very FUN week! Mama has taken me to see people almost everyday! We’ve been to Gramma’s school, to visit the cousins, to work with Daddy, to the movies, to Granpops’ birthday party, to see my boyfriend, Keller. . .I can’t even remember all the places we’ve been! It’s been a BLAST! I’ve finally gotten this chemo thing mastered! I surprise mama everyday with the new stuff I do. I just keep reminding her I much I LOVE people – you’re the ones who’ve prayed and gotten me this far you know. The cousins even taught me how to CRAWL again! I just love chasing them around! I’m also trying really hard to walk again. I’ll get it down soon! I hope you enjoy the pictures I sent! Sorry my email is so short, a BUSY girl has to get her sleep you know!
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
Jayci Joy
WOW! It’s been a CRAZY but AMAZING week! JAYCI JOY IS CRAWLING! She has also started taking a few steps! Needless to say, I haven’t done very many “productive”things this week – we’ve just played! When viewing the pictures attached to this email, I was astonished at the progress she’s made even since her last chemo round! I now understand the surprised comments I get from those of you who see her every once in awhile – she does progress quickly! We are truly blessed to have so many prayers being sent up for Jayci – like mom said, Jayci’s progress is the result of prayer. I just wish all of you could see God’s promises at work! We head back for round 4 of chemotherapy Thursday, August 30th. During this round Jayci will be undergoing many tests to see how the mass has responded to the chemo. Some of the tests she will undergo include a bone marrow test, MRI, CT Scan, EEG, EKG. . .I can’t even name them all. I’ll be emailing updates throughout her stay. I feel confident the tests will show positive results! God continues to answer our prayers!
We love you and pray for His blessings for you daily!
(Sorry to be so short – Jayci has flat worn us out! We’ll update you again soon!)
Guy and Kimberly
August 13, 2007
The power of prayer is AWESOME! Round 3 of chemotherapy is over and Jayci is doing GREAT! We made it home yesterday afternoon, she slept good last night and is happily playing today. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for keeping her in your prayers! They are definitely working!
We go back this Thursday for labs and are scheduled for Round 4 to begin on Thursday, August 30th. We think Jayci will be crawling by then and are praying she is also walking! Her progress is amazing. She is speaking more and doing more, physically, everyday. She is still extremely frustrated at her inability to maneuver. What can I say except she occupies every minute of my day! We both live for the day she regains her independence!
We’ll keep you updated as much as possible during the next 2 weeks – Jayci still has her good and bad days. That’s just the way chemo goes. We thank you for your continued prayers!
God Bless You!
Guy and Kimberly
Here is a message from Jayci:
vCZXZDCdsCcdx rvlmkkmv ,,mym unggggg
It says:
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
August 11, 2007
HIDEE! (Yes, I’m starting to say it again. J) I had a GREAT night – I keep telling daddy I need a big girl bed at home and I’d sleep good there too. A princess needs her space you know. Chemo went AWESOME yesterday. Brother Stacy came and prayed with me right before it started and boy did it make a difference. I was doing jumping jacks on the bed immediately after it was over! Everyone was AMAZED! I complete this round of chemo this afternoon – would you please stop and pray for me around 4:00? It made a HUGE difference yesterday and know it will help me today too. My daddy had to go home today because he got sick. I guess we’re still passing our yucky virus around. Would you pray that he feels better soon? I love him very much and am really going to miss him tonight. He can’t be around me for a couple days because I’m neutropenic now and will catch everything! Hopefully I’ll get to go home tomorrow. If things keep going as good as they have been I’ll get to for sure! I’m doing soooooo good. Thank you all so much for everything you do for me and my family. We’re very lucky to have friends like you!
I love you all very much!
Jayci Joy
August 10, 2007
Good Morning! I just had my bath and am about ready to take a snooze on Grammy Ju’s lap. I had a decent night – it’s hard to get rest in a hospital you know! It seems like every time I fall asleep someone comes to wake me up – oh well, at least they take excellent care of me! Chemo went pretty good. I had an allergic reaction to one of the drugs that caused a nasty rash on my face and head. They stopped the drug for 30 minutes and gave me some Benadryl and Tylenol - I did fine after that. I only got sick 1 time this morning and was given something to help with the nausea – I’ve done great ever since! We will begin chemo again around 6:30 tonight – I’ll have to take Benadryl and Tylenol again because it is the same drug that caused the allergic reaction last night. The doctors and nurses are very pleased with how I’m handling the drugs. I just keep telling them any girl would do GREAT if she had as many prayers being said for her as I do. (THANK YOU SO MUCH!) I love you all very much and will make sure mama and daddy continue to keep you updated.
-Jayci Joy
August 9, 2007
We are just starting chemo – it will last until about 10:30 tonight. Jayci got a great report from the oncologists this morning. She weighs 21 ¾ pounds and is 30 ¼ inches long. – she has nearly regained all her weight – PRAISE GOD! We’ll keep updating as things progress. She really enjoyed seeing TEXAS last night; the singing and dancing was her favorite part! Thanks so very much for keeping her in your prayers. They are working!
God Bless,
Guy & Kimberly
August 8, 2007
Hello Friends! Mama finally got everything ready and we’re in the car headed to Amarillo for round 3 of chemotherapy. This is going to be a BIG ROUND! The doctors are hitting me with more drugs this time AND the treatment will last for 3 whole days! We have to report to BSA at 9:00 in the morning and treatment should start sometime tomorrow afternoon. Would you please say LOTS of prayers for me this week? Jesus has helped me so much and I know I’ll need him to get through this round.
Things have been going GREAT at my house! I’ve starting talking again and of course I said Daddy way before I even tried to say Mama. I can say HI, UH-OH, and DADDY very good and am working on several other words, they just aren’t as clear as the 3 I just mentioned. I’m also sitting and pulling up and every once in awhile I’ll try to crawl. I hated crawling the first time and think I should get to skip it and walk this time around! It’s only fair you know.
I have had lots of fun since my last hospital stay. Grammy Ju and Gramma still visit nearly everyday – except for the days they’ve been sick. I gave them my virus – oops! I’ve seen my Nickels’ cousins and spent some time with Emma Rae and a few other friends. I’ve really only felt good for the past 5 days. That’s just the way chemo goes though. You finally feel better and BOOM they hit you again! Oh well – I’m going to beat this cancer and be all better very soon!
I’m getting pretty restless and think mama should entertain me – so sorry for the short email! Mama or Daddy will keep you updated as the treatment days pass!
Love you all LOTS!
Jayci Joy
August 4, 2007
Jayci's doing AWESOME! She and I are nearly over our illness - THANK GOODNESS! She is starting to talk a little and will pull up on things with a little assistance! ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) came yesterday and were extremely impressed with her. Their services should begin sometime next week. We are going to see the play TEXAS with the Sybil B. Herrington Foundation on Wednesday evening and will report Thursday morning at the hospital for round 3 of chemotherapy. Our Jayci is doing so good - we are very proud of her progress and know she will be back to her old self very soon. Please continue lifting her up in prayer - HE is the power that is healing Jayci and we have faith she will make a full recovery with his help very soon!
God Bless,
Guy and Kimberly
HIDEE!
Sorry to keep this email so short – our internet is not working very well.
I just wanted everyone to know I am home and finished with chemo! YAY!
I am a little sick and had to go to the doctor today because I cannot quit throwing up and have had diarrhea for the past few days. Dr. Regueira said I have to keep drinking because if I get dehydrated I’ll have to stay in the hospital for a couple days – I don’t want to do that – especially since Christmas is around the corner. I’ve lost a pound since last Thursday too. Would you please pray for me to feel better. We’ve been praying too but know things get better much quicker when all of you pray with us. Other than that things are GREAT! I know most of my colors now and am repeating quite a few more things – I’m even starting to put 2-3 words together. I love all of you and will email again before Christmas – maybe I’ll send pictures too.
Love,
Jayci Joy
December 13, 2007
Today is my last day of chemo EVER!!! HOORAY!!!!!!!!!! My bloodcounts are good and we are checked in at BSA just waiting on my chemo to arrive. I got to deliver the little car we are donating to the hospital to Lizzie this afternoon – I even wore my Santa Hat and said “Ho Ho” for her! Tanya did such a good job decorating the car for me! I’ll send pictures of it as well as my ceiling tile soon. All of my friends made a beautiful last day poster for me and they are making this stay extra special. I’m taking lots of pictures and will share them with you when mom gets them all ready.
We got more great news this morning. Dr. Turner said this may be it for me. . .meaning if the tests we due around Jan. 3rd show the tumor is dead I won’t even have to have surgery!!! They’ll just monitor me by doing bloodwork and follow-up testing once each month for the next 6 months. If all is well my port will be removed in July!
Our “Journey of Faith” is almost over. . .like I told you all before; I got the best Christmas present this year!
It won’t be long ‘til you open an email from me that says I’m CANCER FREE!
Then it will be PARTY TIME!
“The JOY of the Lord is (and will continue to be) our strength.”
Thank you so much for your extra prayers!
We’ll email an update and pictures after we get home tomorrow.
Love,
Jayci Joy
December 5, 2007
With a little luck tomorrow will be Jayci’s last day of chemo ever. We go in the morning to check her bloodwork. If it is good, we will have a one day round with only two drugs. She should take it well. It is possible that we will have to do a bunch of tests to evaluate her progress on Friday but most likely they will wait for a couple of weeks until this round has taken effect. She looks and feels great right now. She is learning so much so fast that we sometimes just stare at her with smiles on our faces and a tear in our eyes.
We will try to update tomorrow. Thanks to you all, because of our great support, prayers, and a God that is so full of love and kindness, we believe that we will soon be announcing that our little girl is cancer free.
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
November 25, 2007
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are sad to see it come to an end. We had many things to be thankful for this year. . .our little miracle in particular. She is doing great! It was awesome to watch her interact with family over the weekend. She was a perfect angel - content playing by herself but enjoyed the company of anyone who wished to join her.
We were sad to turn so many visitors away during the holiday weekend and really sad Jayci didn’t get to see any of her cousins. As all of you know Jayci just completed her last big round of chemo one week ago and although the weather did not permit getting bloodwork done last Friday, we were all but certain her blood counts were low and the risk of infection was too great for company. We’re very sorry to all who we had to tell no. Jayci has come so far and the end is in sight. We are confident Christmas will be the right time for celebration and visitors. We cannot wait to show her off! GOD IS GREAT!
I will take Jayci to get her bloodwork done in the morning after speech therapy – I think the therapist will be very impressed with our little parrot! She is learning all her colors (yellow is still her favorite) and is doing a pretty good job counting to 5. She can name all her body parts and knows just about every animal sound there is – the cow and horse are still her favorite; the way she carries her little horse and cow around the house is adorable! It’s wonderful to be able to communicate with her now – she DEFINITELY understands everything we say! She’ll continue speech, physical, occupational, and developmental therapy until she gets a clean bill of health – we just want to make certain nothing gets in her way – she is learning so fast!
Daddy has been a HUGE help this week! I finally finished putting up Christmas decorations this afternoon and Guy said he’d try to finish outside in the next couple days. Jayci absolutely loves them! The little, pink tree her Nickels’ cousins gave her is definitely her favorite; she is constantly redecorating it! We had her picture made with it at Gramma’s house this weekend. When the proofs are ready I’ll share them with you – I think they’ll be precious!
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you for your continued prayers!
I’ll email some pictures soon!
God Bless You,
Kimberly
November 19, 2007
HIDEE! We made it home Sunday afternoon in time to hang some outdoor Christmas lights and enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather. Hanging lights was so much fun; I even climbed up the ladder to help daddy on the roof when mama wasn’t’ looking! Too bad she caught me on the fourth step! They were both proud to see I’m balanced and strong enough to climb ladders again. I’m doing so good! My speech is incredible – I’m like a little parrot! – my balance improves daily and my personality is absolutely precious! I melt just about every person’s heart I meet! Jesus has been so good to me. Mama and Daddy told me I only have to go through 1 more day of chemo on Dec. 6th then maybe a little surgery and I’ll be CANCER FREE! That’s the best news I’ve heard in my whole life!
This past weekend’s round of chemo went great! The only bad thing about it was it took place during the middle of the night which meant we didn’t get very much sleep. Daddy and Mama said that was a minor thing and we should be THANKFUL that was the ONLY thing we wished could have been different. I did not have any bad reactions to the chemo and never got sick! In fact I did not have any sickness or negative reactions to ANYTHING! Thank you so much for your prayers – because of them I’m doing wonderful!
I enjoyed visiting with all my friends while I was in the hospital. It was the first time I let all of them hold me, play with me, and even let Lizzie take me to the playroom to get some toys and hats – I was very sweet to all of them! I also got to paint a ceiling tile to hang in the hospital this time. Daddy and I kinda had a wreck going and Mama wasn’t’ sure she liked it very much – thank goodness Gramma and Grammy Ju found Tanya (cousin Amberlee’s mom) – she came and fixed it – now I have the BEST TILE in the hall! All the nurses and doctors LOVED IT! THANK YOU TANYA!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m going to spend it with family.
Mama and Daddy have been talking to me about Thanksgiving and it’s significance. Together we came up with the atttached list (with a slideshow) of things we’re thankful for this Thanksgiving and I wanted to share it with you.
I love you all!
God Bless,
Jayci Joy
November 10, 2007
HIDEE! Hope everyone had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I sure did! I was a cute, little ballerina – thank goodness Brenna came by to give me a Halloween present when my mom was getting me dressed; mom had me looking more like Junie B. Jones in 15 shades of pink, mismatched tights, and a tutu that stuck straight up! Brenna was kind enough to take over and had me looking pretty darn cute in about 10 minutes! THANK YOU BRENNA! I thought trick-or-treating was GREAT! I especially liked walking up people’s sidewalks and visiting with them – they all were so nice to me. Thanks to everyone for the cool stuff! Mama really liked the cool hairbows and stuff Stacie and her family sent me from Tennessee. (I’m wearing the Halloween hairbow with the denim outfit in the attached pictures.)
This week has been wonderful! I got to play with my Nickels cousins on Monday, my friend, Braileigh, yesterday, and I got to visit Gramma’s school today! I just LOVE playing with other kids, especially ones close to my size! Kole even came and played in my tent with me – he isn’t close to my age but sometimes he likes to pretend he is!
Mama is feeling better – finally! She went back to the doctor Tuesday and found out her bloodwork still is not good. Thank goodness she doesn’t have Hepatitis though! She is having an ultrasound done on her gallbladder in the morning – the doctor said it’s possible it could be what’s making her bloodwork messed up. We are all praying she just had a weird virus that took a long time to get over – she isn’t as tough as I am when it comes to doctors and hospitals you know!
I go for a 3 day round of chemo next Thursday. I’m not looking forward to it but Mama and Daddy keep reminding me I only have 2 rounds to go before I get to have all my tests redone around Christmas time. We all have faith my tumor is going to be small enough to remove or just be gone! Jesus continues to work miracles in our lives daily and we know He is saving his greatest gift for the most special time of the year. I think it’s so cool that I’m going to receive the greatest gift of all this year – NO MORE CANCER!
We thank you for your continued prayers! Jesus is listening!
I’ll make sure Mama and Daddy update you during chemo next week. Please say some extra prayers for me! Chemo is nothing with Jesus by my side!
I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!
Jayci Joy
October 30, 2007
HIDEE! Sorry Mama hasn’t taken the time to write you guys very much lately – she’s been pretty sick you know. Thank goodness she’s starting to feel better and with any luck she’ll be good as new in a week or two. J We sure did appreciate all the yummy food from the ladies at Gramma’s school and Mema Betty – Daddy and I just love opening the freezer and pulling out a delicious meal whenever we want! We also really appreciate the house cleaning Dodi, Mema Betty, and Gramma have done for us! It’s amazing the mess our little family can make in a short period of time! Thank you all so much for your generosity!
I’m doing GREAT! Chemo really didn’t affect me much this time – I have been a little nauseated but my nausea medicine has worked great! I haven’t thrown up one time! THANK YOU JESUS!!! I am finally walking and talking just as good as I was before cancer! I can even chase my Grandpops with my huge bears again – a game everyone was glad to see me play! Mama has some short films of me talking that she’ll try to email if the files aren’t too large.
I got to see my Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora on Sunday. They came in to celebrate their birthdays and Gramma’s birthday with us. We had a wonderful day playing! I can’t wait ‘til Thanksgiving because my cousin, Ana, will be at Gramma’s too! I just love playing with everyone!
I have a three day round of chemo scheduled for the weekend before Thanksgiving. We are already praying that I do good and feel well afterwards so I can enjoy the holiday with family. We’re also praying that everyone stays well and Mama feels better so we don’t have to worry about getting me sick. I know Jesus will make sure Thanksgiving is perfect no matter what happens!
I LOVE YOU all so much!
Have a safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
And THANK YOU AGAIN for all the help you’ve given and prayers you’ve said for us! Jesus is listening!
Love,
Jayci Joy
October 25, 2007
HIDEE! It’s Thursday evening at 10:30 p.m. and they JUST started my chemo!! I was at the doctor’s office this morning at 9:30 and they did my bloodwork. It was PERFECT – just like it should be. The doctors and nurses are all very impressed with me – I now weight 23 ½ lbs. and am 31 1/5 “ long! Can you believe I have grown so much! I am doing great – it’s my mommy that is sick now! She hasn’t been feeling very good for about a week and finally decided she had better go to the doctor on Wednesday – Dr. Jubay says he thinks mommy has Hepatitis A – they sent off her blood work and we should know for sure next Tuesday – in the meantime, mommy really needs prayers so she can feel better and take care of busy, busy me! This past week I decided that walking like the big girls do is no problem! I go everywhere now! AND last Tuesday I took my bear to my Granpops and took off running so he would chase me with it – mommy and gramma were speechless! This was a game Granpops and I played before I got sick and I remembered the game all by myself. I am trying really hard to climb now – I think pretty soon I will have it mastered. Mom doesn’t seem as excited about my climbing everything – I don’t know why!!! =)
Daddy is still working very hard harvesting all the crops-so Grammy Ju and Gramma are here with to take care of me during chemo – THANK YOU Estela and Tammy for helping Gramma so she could be with me and mommy! AND we are are all so thankful Grammy Ju lives close to us and helps me and mommy so much. A girl can never have enough grandmas, you know!
Pop Nicky, Uncle Trey, and Kathy came to see me at the hospital – I loved seeing them. I walked all over the hospital and showed it to them and even introduced them to my favorite nurses – it was so much fun!
I will finish chemo about 1:00 a.m. – and I should get to come home on Friday afternoon. Mommy or Gramma will let you know how I am doing. Gramma says mommy is much better at sending my e-mail, but at least Gramma gets the word out. Thank you for your love and prayers – and today could you pray for my mommy too – I sure would appreciate it!
I LOVE YOU!
Jayci Joy
October 18, 2007
HIDEE! Gosh it’s been a CRAZY week! I had to spend a couple days in the hospital earlier this week because I got a tummy bug – YUCK! I made it home late Tuesday night, had a BUSY day at home yesterday (my physical therapist, speech therapist, and nutritionist all came plus we had to do laundry and pack), and came back for chemo today. Mama and Grammy Ju think I’m too smart for my own good – I did not take a good nap yesterday and haven’t slept very good the past two nights and wouldn’t you know, Brenda just called and said my blood counts are not good enough for chemo! Soooooo. . .we get to go back home and try again next Thursday! I think its GREAT NEWS – to bad Mama, Daddy, and Grammy Ju don’t feel the same way. They keep telling me the sooner we complete chemo the sooner we get to redo all my tests, have surgery, and be DONE with CANCER once and for all!!! I suppose they’re right but sometimes a girl just needs a break you know!
We also learned some rotten news when I was in the hospital earlier this week; Dr. Regueira and Dr. Turner told me I’d have to go through 3 more rounds of chemo before they would retest and see if my tumor is small enough to surgically remove. I was counting on being through with all this cancer mess before the holidays but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now. Mama was pretty upset at first - which of course upset me – but then she and I talked about it and decided Jesus must know surgery just isn’t safe right now. He continues to heal me and make me stronger everyday and I know He’ll make sure my body is completely ready for surgery before the tests are redone.
I’m doing wonderful and all my doctors, nurses, and therapists continue to marvel at the rapid progress I’ve made – they tell me I’m rewriting the “kids with cancer” book! Mama said that means I’m showing kids that cancer doesn’t have to run your life and can be beat as long as we put Jesus in control. I got to meet a new friend at the hospital earlier this week and I shared my story with his sister and daddy. His name is Jake Cowley and he has a virus that attacked his heart and was not given a very good chance to live either – his Mama and Daddy also put Jesus in control and his little, infant body is going to be healed. I promised his sister I would tell all of you about him so you would pray for him when you prayed for me. Your prayers have made me the miracle I am and have healed many other kids too! THANK YOU!
I’ll try to get mama to update you before next Thursday and maybe send some pictures too! Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
I LOVE YOU!
Jayci Joy
October 11, 2008
HIDEE! Boy have things been busy around my house! I’ve had Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy, had a visit from Developmental Services, had to have my bloodwork done TWICE, helped Daddy on the farm, played with the cousins, been to the pumpkin patch. . .I can’t even remember everything that has happened during the last 10 days! All of it has been really, really fun – EXCEPT the bloodwork! I had it done last Thursday and the results weren’t good (I was still neutropenic) so they made me do it again today. The nurse wasn’t able to get my arm to draw so she pricked my finger and squeezed and squeezed and squeezed until she got enough blood to run the tests – OUCH! I was very brave despite the unpleasant circumstance and was thrilled to get home and find TWO packages for me on the front porch!!! My friend, Stacie and her kids and Uncle Bubba (Timmie) and his family sent me all kinds of cool stuff! Mama said they sent it because I’ve been so brave during the past few months. Let me tell you, it was all worth it! THANKS GUYS!!!
I got to go to the Kettner’s pumpkin patch last week. It was WAY COOL! The Newberry family, the Kettner’s, and Emma and Desi were all there at the same time I was - which was GREAT! Addyson and I really enjoyed playing in the dirt together! I’m going to be sweet like her when I get bigger; she does everything I want to do!
I spent one evening at Pop Nick’s house with the cousins last week. We partied until late – it was good to see all of them! You should hear me say all their names! I do a good job!
I also got to show off the cute overalls Gramma made me last Friday! She is a very talented lady! I’m just glad I’m one of the people who benefit from her work!
All of my therapy sessions have gone great! I’m walking good, talking ALL THE TIME, eating like I’m ‘posed to, etc. I think I’ll get dismissed soon!
I have a round of chemotherapy next week – (Oct. 18th). Thank goodness it is only a 1 day session! Mama, Daddy, and I pray it will be the last! Hopefully the Dr.’s will do another CT Scan and my tumor will be small enough to surgically remove. The holidays are coming up and we all want to spend them together, at home, and CANCER FREE!
Thank you for your continued prayers! Jesus is listening and gives me new strength everyday!
Love You!
Jayci Joy
October 1, 2007
Home at last! We made it home early yesterday afternoon. Jayci is doing wonderful! We spent the afternoon playing in the corn and helping Guy work (I don’t think we were much help!) Jayci slept great again last night and is walking, talking, and playing more than ever today. If there were such a thing as a “perfect” chemo round, we had it. Jayci was happy the entire time, never got nauseated, slept good at night and during nap time, was cooperative with the nurses. . .God is GREAT! We thank you so much for your continued prayers! We are scheduled for chemo on Oct. 18th.- we are hopeful it will be the last. Jayci will be reevaluated after that chemo round to see if surgery is possible. It would be wonderful to have surgery at the end of October and be rid of cancer forever! Our hearts would be full of Thanksgiving – just in time for the holidays!
We love you all!
God Bless You,
Kimberly
September 29, 2007
HIDEE! Things have been going GREAT! I had a reaction to Benadryl on the first day of chemo; it made me CRAZY! Dr. Turner started giving me steroids instead of Benadryl and they seem to work – I haven’t gotten a rash from the Etoposide yet! The steroids do dilate my pupils and make me a little uneasy but Mama, Gramma, and Grammy Ju said they can handle that; it’s much better than the awful reaction I had to Benadryl!
I have had two AWESOME days! I have played, slept good, and just been a little princess. Dr. Turner said I can go home first thing in the morning if I keep doing so good. J
I’ve seen just about every nurse, therapist, and doctor I’ve ever had this hospital stay. I am very sweet to them. They just LOVE me!
Thank you so much for praying for me. Like Dr. Kim said when she saw me, “MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!”
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 27, 2007
HIDEE! We just checked into the hospital in record time! Mama and Grammy Ju have the unloading part down to an art! Of course valet helps us these days – they know exactly who I am now and even know which bags go up to the room! I smile at them and tell them “Thank You” everytime!
Everything went GREAT this morning! I just love Brenda, Dr. Regueira’s nurse, she does a great job accessing my port everytime! After my bloodwork was complete we got to go eat waffles, one of my favorite foods, and even had time to play outside at the Ronald McDonald House. They have a cool swingset you know.
I should start chemo shortly. I’ll be here until Sunday and will make sure Mama keeps all of you updated!
Thanks so much for the extra prayers this weekend!
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 24, 2007
HIDEE! Sorry I didn’t get to send an email yesterday, things kinda got crazy! I did get to see Disney’s Princess on Ice last night though! It was wonderful! I just LOVED the music and bright colors – my favorite part was The Little Mermaid dance with bubbles and fish and the Mulan dragon – it really breathed fire! I danced and clapped during the whole show! Mama tried to take pictures of me dancing during the show but the people working said she couldn’t do that. I did get to have some pictures made during intermission and after the show – I looked very cute in the princess outfit Gramma got for me. It was a GREAT evening!
We are home for now. Mama and Daddy have to give me IV antibiotics every 8 hours. They do a pretty good job and I have been very cooperative so far. We are supposed to go back to the doctor in the morning for some bloodwork. Hopefully I’ll get to have my port deaccessed until Thursday when I start another round of chemo. That thing is wonderful for the jobs it does but sometimes it’s a real pain. It gave everyone fits the entire night before we came home – they had to reaccess it 4 times! OUCH! I was very brave and sweet to the nurses about it. I told them it was messed up – I pointed to it, cried, and kept repeating “OW!” It didn’t take them long to figure out the needle had come out of my port and the fluids were going in under my skin. It was extremely painful and scared Mama to death. It took 2 times to reaccess it then and it still didn’t work! Mama made them do an x-ray to make sure the port was okay and thank goodness it was! Gramma had stayed the night with us and she and Mama prayed – when 2 people agree in prayer Jesus listens and answers you know! Needless to say it was a very long and sleepless night! The port quit working again yesterday morning and the nurses had to reaccess it again. At least it worked the first time and I got to rest all day! Last night made everything worthwhile!
Well – I’d love to tell you more, but I’m really sleepy. Those antibiotics just wear me out! I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with Grammy Ju and Gramma this weekend; I don’t know what we’d do without their help! I also loved getting to see Nena, Aunt Billie Jean, and Kambree and Sierra yesterday– playing with people makes the hospital stay all worthwhile! I love you so much and will try to get Mama to update as much as possible! Thanks so much for your prayers!
Love,
Jayci Joy
P.S. (Mama said to tell you that I’m really talking good now and my walking improves daily!)
September 22, 2007
HIDEE! Today has been a good day! I got to go for several rides in my car and got to play with Kali and Kenzie (Grammy Ju’s granddaughters) before my nap. I’m feeling much better too! Dr. Regueira said he’d do his best to get me out of here for Disney’s Princess on Ice tomorrow afternoon. I can’t wait!
I’m still enjoying my HUGE room; we’re still in a rehab. room because pediatrics is overfull! All the old people think I’m wonderful; I just LOVE waving and talking to them.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for keeping me in your prayers!
I’m doing great!
Love you!
Jayci Joy
September 21, 2007
Surprise! We're back in the hospital again! Guy and I brought Jayci in late last night – she hadn't been feeling well for a couple days and her fever got up to 101.5. We had done some routine bloodwork yesterday morning which didn't come back good either. (Her levels were down to 60 when they should be over 1,000 – needless to say she is neutropenic and very susceptible to infection.) Dr. Regueira and Dr. Turner agreed she needed to be admitted to receive IV antibiotics and GCSF to reboot her immune system. So. . .here we are! Jayci is already feeling much better – she even got to go to an "end of chemo" pizza party for one of her fellow cancer buddies! Of course she enjoyed playing with the water guns and silly string more than anything – it's just so good to see her laughing and playing.
Grammy Ju came this morning so Guy could get home and harvest and Gramma is on her way. I don't know what we'd do without them! They're AWESOME help!
We are praying Jayci is well enough to go see Disney's Princess on Ice Sunday afternoon. We know she'd just LOVE it! Dr. Regueira said he'd do his best to get her there. We know that prayer will help get her there too!
Today has been great despite being in the hospital. Cousin, Amberlee Steinbock came and played with Jayci for quite awhile and Jayci also got to sing with the music therapist. She is in the middle of a much needed nap now. J
I'll keep you informed throughout the weekend!
Thanks so much for the prayers!
God Bless You,
Kimberly
September 17, 2007
HIDEE! I have some GREAT news! I’m WALKING! I’ve been practicing really hard and finally have enough confidence to walk by myself! I still crawl when I need to get somewhere fast – I’m a pro at that you know.
I also wanted to tell you that Brenda, Dr. Reguira’s nurse, called and said I don’t have to have chemo until next Thursday, September 26. She was studying my roadmap today and figured out they were off schedule – they forgot I am a week behind because I was neutropenic before the last round of chemo. That’s just fine with me. I’ll have more time to practice walking and can really show off for everyone next time! I like to have a new trick everytime I go in for chemo; all the doctors and nurses clap and cheer for me and I LOVE the attention!
I’m going to send some pictures with this email. Mama hasn’t been doing a very good job lately. She says it’s because Daddy and all her helpers are really busy and all she has time to do is take care of me and do stuff around the house. I think she’s making it all up – I can’t be that much work! (HA! HA!) She promised me she’d get better – I have a fan club that really needs to see me and I know it. J
I got to meet Baby Matthew today. He’s very handsome. I can’t wait ‘til he’s a little bigger so I can teach him all my tricks. I know Corey and Brianne will be very impressed with the things Mama and Daddy tell me to teach him. J
I also got to go to the football game with Gramma last Friday! It was tons of fun! Grammy Ju is back and I got to spend the day in Lubbock with her. I was soooo happy to see her that I skipped my nap and am extra tired tonight. Mama said it was okay though, she thinks it will make me sleep better – maybe in her dreams!
I love you all so very much! Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I know Jesus is listening to them because he is helping me get better so fast - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” I’ll let you know how things are going in a few days!
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 13, 2007
Wow! It’s been a CRAZY day! Mom woke me up early this morning and took me to see Dr. Reguira so I could get my echocardiogram done and so we could see the results of my tests from last weekend. GOOD NEWS! My tumor is 33% smaller and is pulling away from my pulmonary artery and other important veins and organs! It is obvious the tumor is retracting toward my spine – probably where it began growing in the first place. Dr. Reguira was very pleased and told us that he wanted me to do 2 more rounds of chemo., retest, and hopefully the tumor will be away from all my vital organs and other important stuff so I can have it surgically removed and be done with all this yucky cancer stuff! Won’t that be GREAT?!
I was supposed to start chemo again today (yeah, it was a BIG surprise!) but my bloodwork wasn’t quite good enough. That’s a good thing though; I need a break and so does my mama! She hasn’t even finished the laundry from our last hospital stay yet! We are supposed to go back next Thursday to begin Round 5 of chemotherapy. By then we’ll all be rested and ready to go! J
I love you all very much and thank you for your prayers!
Jesus is healing my body!
Love,
Jayci Joy
As Jayci said, “It’s been a CRAZY day!” Jayci and I went to Amarillo this morning prepared for a quick echocardiogram (the results were perfect! J), good test results (which we got J), and an afternoon of celebration shopping and picture making. Boy did our plans change! The morning went as planned – God is so good – until we found out she had to begin another round of chemo TODAY! She and I definitely were not ready for that news. After undergoing the painful stick of accessing her port (I didn’t have time to get her numbing cream on) we rushed home to begin packing for the weekend trip. It’s amazing how God knows when we’ve been given more than we can handle; I’d just gone through Friona when the phone call came telling us that Jayci’s blood counts weren’t good enough for chemo. We both breathed a sigh of relief!
Since then we’ve been to Muleshoe to have Kyra deaccess Jayci’s port (THANK YOU SO MUCH KYRA!) and home again in time for Jayci to take a much needed nap.
The plan is to go through a 3 day round of chemo beginning next Thursday then a 2 day round beginning Oct. 5th. After these rounds Jayci will go through more testing and hopefully she’ll be able to undergo surgery to have the tumor removed!
God continues to answer so many of our prayers. We could not have asked for better test results than the ones given to us today. What an AWESOME GOD!
I’ll let you know how things go next week! We love you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued prayers!
By the way - I promised Jayci we’d find a day before her next round of chemo to take her shopping and to have her picture made. She was very happy to hear that news! J
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
September 9, 2007
HI! I’m nearly finished with ALL my tests and we’ll be headed home around 2 o’clock a.m.! HOORAY! Dr. Ormson, the audiologist, said I must have studied very hard for his test because I did EXCELLENT! My hearing is perfect! My bloodwork also looked good. We don’t know the results of my CT Scan or X-Ray yet – hopefully we’ll hear something tomorrow. It is Sunday you know. Mama and Daddy said I did a GREAT JOB this morning during my tests. I breathed perfectly on my own during the entire sedation and when I woke up I looked at my daddy and waved, smiled and said “HI!” I haven’t slept much today even though it was a really tough night last night and am still FULL of energy at midnight– I think I’m about to drive my mama insane. J I’m just really excited about going home!
Last night was tough because I didn’t get my catheter inserted and going until around 2 a.m.. – the nurses were all really busy and things got really crazy around the hospital. Then it took 3 tries to get my catheter right! Thank goodness Jesus heard me and Gramma and Mama praying – Tara (one of my favorite PICU nurses) came and did it for me after the nurse taking care of me couldn’t get it to work. It really hurt and I was sore today – thank goodness I only have to wear it for 2 more hours!
Today ended up being fun though. My Granpops, Aunt Jan, and Sheri all came to see me. I was sad I didn’t get to met Sheri’s daughter, Lanae, but mama said we’d go see her soon.
Gramma helped load up most of my stuff before she headed home – boy is she tired! I don’t think she got any sleep last night! Please say an extra prayer for her – she really needs to get some rest; Mama and I require quite a bit of energy you know!
I promise I’ll make mama or daddy help me write an email as soon as we know the results of my tests. I did a great job and I know you’ll all be proud of the results when they come in!
I love you all so very much and am looking forward to being home and seeing some of you again. Thank you so much for your continued prayers! I couldn’t make it without them!
Right now I’m going to help daddy finish loading the car and might let him get a little rest before our early morning drive home!
Love,
Jayci Joy
September 8, 2007
HIDEE! We’ve just started the last of my chemo! It should be complete by 11:30 – so far everything has gone great! After my chemo they are going to insert a catheter and begin my 24 hour urine test. I am scheduled for my catscan and hearing test at 9:00 in the morning – I will have to be sedated for them, but Dr. Nandu will be there. My daddy is coming too – I am so glad he will be with me. After these tests I will have a chest x-ray and heart echo and a lot of blood work. Mom says I will pass all my tests because Jesus has made me well. I think so too – I have had a great day today. My urine test will be 24 hours so I won’t be through with the tests until about midnight on Sunday – Mom and dad say all of you will be praying for me today – thank you!
I love you all!
Jayci Joy
September 7, 2007
HIDEE! Day 2 of my hospital stay has been pretty good! I got to ride in my car up and down the halls and even outside! My Aunt Billie Jean says I just need candy to throw – I wave and say “Hi!” to everyone – and with my Miss America wave and smile everyone thinks I am the cutest kid here!! Mom, Gramma, and Aunt Billie Jean all agree!
I did have an upset stomach this morning – and I threw up on Mommy a couple of times – we had a LOT of showers today! Mommy says it is good to be clean and we have to keep the chemo off of my skin (and Mommy’s too!) I felt good this afternoon and played a lot.
This morning I had a student come by and do music therapy with me – I LOVED IT! She played her guitar and sang songs to me – she even let me play her guitar with her! I sat for nearly 45 minutes and just listened. Mom says Daddy has a guitar and knows how to play and sing – Daddy, get ready, I want you to play and sing to me!
Amberlee came to see me today – I was asleep when she came, but she left a special surprise for me. I loved opening my new present and was so excited to find my WTAMU cheerleading suit in it!! I hugged it and loved it – Thank you, Amberlee, Mom says we are going to watch you cheer and I get to wear it! I can’t wait – We will have our picture made together again!!
The best news today was the doctors told mom that when they listen to my lungs, they cannot hear any air restriction from the tumor! The nurse had to ask my mom where the tumor was supposed to be, because she couldn’t hear any air restriction!! How about that! We know Jesus has worked a miracle and that the tumor is gone!! I have one more day of Chemo and then all the tests – I am going to pass them all, you just wait and see!! Thank you for praying for me -
I can’t wait to see all of you again!
Love,
Jayci Joy
It is 10:15 and we are nearing the end of chemo – round 2. Jayci had a minor reaction at the beginning of the treatment, but the rash subsided quickly – God does answer prayer. She has had a little nausea today – but overall she has done very well.
She enjoyed seeing everyone today and had a great afternoon and evening. We will have another day of chemo tomorrow and then the tests will begin on Sunday. We hope that we will be home either Sunday or Monday! Your prayers continue to be the source of our strength. We can never thank you even for your constant support of Jayci and us. Our God is a mighty God – and Jayci is one of his miracles. We will keep you updated.
God Bless You,
Kimberly
September 6, 2007
HIDEE! It’s 8:45 and we just now started chemo! My weight had changed too much again and they had to remix my drugs before we could start. That’s okay though; I got to run up and down the hall and play with all the cool toys in the playroom before chemo started. I even got to see my friends! All 3 of my most favorite nurses worked today! I’m soooo lucky! Dr. Habersang got to see me for a few minutes and said he’d be back tomorrow to play – I can’t wait! Dr. Nandu also came by during my nap and said he’d be back to see me too! All the nurses have told them how good I’m doing. Everyone just LOVES me here you know. I love them very much too!
I have to go through 3 days of chemo then a round of tests before I get to come home. Mama thinks it will be sometime Monday afternoon. Dr. Regueira said I only have to have a CT Scan, an echo of my heart, a hearing test, and some bloodwork! HOORAY! I’m a pro at all those tests! They won’t even have to sedate me for any of them! Jesus answered our prayers!
I can’t wait to see all of you again! Please keep me in your prayers.
Love,
Jayci Joy
It’s approaching midnight and Jayci has done beautifully so far – we’re nearly through with her second drug and will begin the 3rd in a few minutes. Gramma should make it to the Ronald McDonald House by one – THANK YOU GRAMMA!!! Guy is right in the middle of harvest and couldn’t make it this round and Grammy Ju is in Tennessee helping Stacie with her new, beautiful baby girl. We miss them both but know they are where they need to be right now. Gramma, Aunt Billie Jean and I are handling things pretty good I think. JJayci has had an AWESOME week! Cousin Mia spent the day with us Tuesday and she and Jayci had a blast! Jayci even learned a new word, “NOOOOO!” She and Mia make sure no one borrows their binks (pacifiers) – you’d think they’d learn to leave each others alone too. I really enjoyed watching them play! We took her back to church Sunday – she hasn’t been since her diagnosis – she LOVED it! It was awesome see her smile and clap for Grady’s music! It was as though she knew she was in Jesus’ house and could see him sitting next to Brother Stacy – it was a wonderful experience for all of us.
She has 3 days of chemo again this round then a series of tests. I’m confident she will do great! God has answered so many of our prayers already – I wish all of you could see her! She is truly a miracle! We know you’ll keep her in your prayers as always! We couldn’t make it without them! I’ll keep you informed as often as possible. You’ll have to be patient with me though – Gramma and I have never gone it alone before! J
God Bless You,
Kimberly
August 30, 2007
To the doctor’s office. . .and home again. After some lab work this morning we learned Jayci is neutropenic; her blood counts aren’t good enough to go through chemo. So we are home for now. We will report back to the doctor next Thursday morning and try again. The good news for today is Jayci will not have to go through a bone marrow test again since the first one was negative! Praise God! She will have to have another CT Scan, MRI, EKG, EEG, hearing test. . .during next week’s round. Dr. Reguira said they will go ahead with the tests while Jayci is in the hospital rather than wait 3 weeks. We are praying the tumor is gone and Jayci is back in perfect health. She definitely looks and acts normal. J We’ll update you as things progress next week. Thank you for keeping Jayci in your prayers!
God Bless You,
Guy and Kimberly
August 29, 2007
HIDEE! We’re heading to Amarillo for Round 4 of Chemotherapy. At least I got to have lots of good days between rounds! I’ve spent several days with my cousins – they even got to spend the night with me once – and many more with friends and family! Emma Rae and I are becoming good buddies and we got to go see our newest friend, Presley, in the hospital yesterday! Time sure flies when you’re having fun! Daddy is only going to get to stay for the first day of chemo this time; he is harvesting peas already and mama and I decided he was needed at home more than in the hospital with us. We’re sure going to miss him but we know Grammy Ju and Gramma are more than happy to fill his shoes for him! I love you all bunches and will make sure mama sends updates daily!
Please remember to say special prayers for me - they’ve made me sooooo much better!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Our Jayci is doing WONDERFUL! She becomes more independent everyday! She will even play by herself every now and then! We have had an amazing few weeks. Guy and I can’t wait for the nurses and doctors to see her – she is AMAZING! THANK YOU for your continued prayers – seeing her is proof they are working!
This round of chemo will last 3 days again. She will receive 3 drugs on Thursday and 1 on Friday and Saturday. She has had all of them in previous rounds and we are confident she will do wonderfully this time. I took time to study Jayci’s roadmap and think she will not have to go through any major tests until September 20th. We’ll know for sure by tomorrow evening. We THANK YOU in advance for keeping Jayci in your prayers this weekend! We love you all and will keep you informed of her progress throughout the weekend!
God Bless You,
Guy and Kimberly
August 21, 2007
Hidee! (Just one of the MANY words I’ve started saying!) I’ve had a very FUN week! Mama has taken me to see people almost everyday! We’ve been to Gramma’s school, to visit the cousins, to work with Daddy, to the movies, to Granpops’ birthday party, to see my boyfriend, Keller. . .I can’t even remember all the places we’ve been! It’s been a BLAST! I’ve finally gotten this chemo thing mastered! I surprise mama everyday with the new stuff I do. I just keep reminding her I much I LOVE people – you’re the ones who’ve prayed and gotten me this far you know. The cousins even taught me how to CRAWL again! I just love chasing them around! I’m also trying really hard to walk again. I’ll get it down soon! I hope you enjoy the pictures I sent! Sorry my email is so short, a BUSY girl has to get her sleep you know!
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
Jayci Joy
WOW! It’s been a CRAZY but AMAZING week! JAYCI JOY IS CRAWLING! She has also started taking a few steps! Needless to say, I haven’t done very many “productive”things this week – we’ve just played! When viewing the pictures attached to this email, I was astonished at the progress she’s made even since her last chemo round! I now understand the surprised comments I get from those of you who see her every once in awhile – she does progress quickly! We are truly blessed to have so many prayers being sent up for Jayci – like mom said, Jayci’s progress is the result of prayer. I just wish all of you could see God’s promises at work! We head back for round 4 of chemotherapy Thursday, August 30th. During this round Jayci will be undergoing many tests to see how the mass has responded to the chemo. Some of the tests she will undergo include a bone marrow test, MRI, CT Scan, EEG, EKG. . .I can’t even name them all. I’ll be emailing updates throughout her stay. I feel confident the tests will show positive results! God continues to answer our prayers!
We love you and pray for His blessings for you daily!
(Sorry to be so short – Jayci has flat worn us out! We’ll update you again soon!)
Guy and Kimberly
August 13, 2007
The power of prayer is AWESOME! Round 3 of chemotherapy is over and Jayci is doing GREAT! We made it home yesterday afternoon, she slept good last night and is happily playing today. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for keeping her in your prayers! They are definitely working!
We go back this Thursday for labs and are scheduled for Round 4 to begin on Thursday, August 30th. We think Jayci will be crawling by then and are praying she is also walking! Her progress is amazing. She is speaking more and doing more, physically, everyday. She is still extremely frustrated at her inability to maneuver. What can I say except she occupies every minute of my day! We both live for the day she regains her independence!
We’ll keep you updated as much as possible during the next 2 weeks – Jayci still has her good and bad days. That’s just the way chemo goes. We thank you for your continued prayers!
God Bless You!
Guy and Kimberly
Here is a message from Jayci:
vCZXZDCdsCcdx rvlmkkmv ,,mym unggggg
It says:
I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!
August 11, 2007
HIDEE! (Yes, I’m starting to say it again. J) I had a GREAT night – I keep telling daddy I need a big girl bed at home and I’d sleep good there too. A princess needs her space you know. Chemo went AWESOME yesterday. Brother Stacy came and prayed with me right before it started and boy did it make a difference. I was doing jumping jacks on the bed immediately after it was over! Everyone was AMAZED! I complete this round of chemo this afternoon – would you please stop and pray for me around 4:00? It made a HUGE difference yesterday and know it will help me today too. My daddy had to go home today because he got sick. I guess we’re still passing our yucky virus around. Would you pray that he feels better soon? I love him very much and am really going to miss him tonight. He can’t be around me for a couple days because I’m neutropenic now and will catch everything! Hopefully I’ll get to go home tomorrow. If things keep going as good as they have been I’ll get to for sure! I’m doing soooooo good. Thank you all so much for everything you do for me and my family. We’re very lucky to have friends like you!
I love you all very much!
Jayci Joy
August 10, 2007
Good Morning! I just had my bath and am about ready to take a snooze on Grammy Ju’s lap. I had a decent night – it’s hard to get rest in a hospital you know! It seems like every time I fall asleep someone comes to wake me up – oh well, at least they take excellent care of me! Chemo went pretty good. I had an allergic reaction to one of the drugs that caused a nasty rash on my face and head. They stopped the drug for 30 minutes and gave me some Benadryl and Tylenol - I did fine after that. I only got sick 1 time this morning and was given something to help with the nausea – I’ve done great ever since! We will begin chemo again around 6:30 tonight – I’ll have to take Benadryl and Tylenol again because it is the same drug that caused the allergic reaction last night. The doctors and nurses are very pleased with how I’m handling the drugs. I just keep telling them any girl would do GREAT if she had as many prayers being said for her as I do. (THANK YOU SO MUCH!) I love you all very much and will make sure mama and daddy continue to keep you updated.
-Jayci Joy
August 9, 2007
We are just starting chemo – it will last until about 10:30 tonight. Jayci got a great report from the oncologists this morning. She weighs 21 ¾ pounds and is 30 ¼ inches long. – she has nearly regained all her weight – PRAISE GOD! We’ll keep updating as things progress. She really enjoyed seeing TEXAS last night; the singing and dancing was her favorite part! Thanks so very much for keeping her in your prayers. They are working!
God Bless,
Guy & Kimberly
August 8, 2007
Hello Friends! Mama finally got everything ready and we’re in the car headed to Amarillo for round 3 of chemotherapy. This is going to be a BIG ROUND! The doctors are hitting me with more drugs this time AND the treatment will last for 3 whole days! We have to report to BSA at 9:00 in the morning and treatment should start sometime tomorrow afternoon. Would you please say LOTS of prayers for me this week? Jesus has helped me so much and I know I’ll need him to get through this round.
Things have been going GREAT at my house! I’ve starting talking again and of course I said Daddy way before I even tried to say Mama. I can say HI, UH-OH, and DADDY very good and am working on several other words, they just aren’t as clear as the 3 I just mentioned. I’m also sitting and pulling up and every once in awhile I’ll try to crawl. I hated crawling the first time and think I should get to skip it and walk this time around! It’s only fair you know.
I have had lots of fun since my last hospital stay. Grammy Ju and Gramma still visit nearly everyday – except for the days they’ve been sick. I gave them my virus – oops! I’ve seen my Nickels’ cousins and spent some time with Emma Rae and a few other friends. I’ve really only felt good for the past 5 days. That’s just the way chemo goes though. You finally feel better and BOOM they hit you again! Oh well – I’m going to beat this cancer and be all better very soon!
I’m getting pretty restless and think mama should entertain me – so sorry for the short email! Mama or Daddy will keep you updated as the treatment days pass!
Love you all LOTS!
Jayci Joy
August 4, 2007
Jayci's doing AWESOME! She and I are nearly over our illness - THANK GOODNESS! She is starting to talk a little and will pull up on things with a little assistance! ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) came yesterday and were extremely impressed with her. Their services should begin sometime next week. We are going to see the play TEXAS with the Sybil B. Herrington Foundation on Wednesday evening and will report Thursday morning at the hospital for round 3 of chemotherapy. Our Jayci is doing so good - we are very proud of her progress and know she will be back to her old self very soon. Please continue lifting her up in prayer - HE is the power that is healing Jayci and we have faith she will make a full recovery with his help very soon!
God Bless,
Guy and Kimberly
JAYCI JOY'S JOURNAL OF MIRACLES (part 1)
July 30, 2007
HI! Sorry I haven’t written to update you guys lately – I have kept mama and daddy really busy. We went to have blood work done last Thursday and mom caught a virus while we were there. Wouldn’t you know she gave it to me so here we sit in the hospital again! I told mom she should’ve worn a mask like I did and none of this would’ve happened. Maybe she’ll listen next time. Hopefully we’ll get to go back home today – we just have to wait for Dr. Habersang to release us.
We have to be at the hospital next Thursday, August 9th to begin my 3rd round of chemotherapy. Dad got to see the results of my CT Scan and X-Ray from yesterday; they had to do both to make sure I didn’t have an infection in my already handicapped lungs. He said Dr. Turner was very pleased with both of them. The fluid and stuff around the tumor has disappeared and the tumor is less dense than it was originally. The tumor is basically a lump of calcium and Dr. Turner says it will take a long time to disappear but he is pleased with the progress I have made so far.
Now on to the good news and fun events that have occurred during the past 5 days!
Grammy Ju and Gramma still visit me daily. Mom and I both look forward to them coming! They have taught me how to sit up, roll over, and walk as long as someone is holding my hands. I am waving, saying “HI,” and blowing kisses again too. My speech and physical therapists are very pleased with my progress and Dr. Habersang says I am “IMPRESSIVE”! The therapists in Friona are doing exactly what mom has been doing at home and think our trips to the hospital will only keep me sick. They advised mom to get in contact with ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) so a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist specializing in pediatric care can come to my house and work with me. We hope they can begin soon! I want to keep “impressing” everyone!
I’ve had a few other visitors since I’ve been home too. Granpops, Grandad Jack, and Dodi see me quite often – I love it when Granpops takes me for walks! I also got to see my Nickels’ cousins through the fence. Mom and Aunt Kayla wouldn’t let us play because I was still neutropenic; Jaegan and I thought they were completely out of line and both expressed our opinions about it. J Brittany and Kinzi Jo, my neighbors, brought me some more really cute, soft outfits last Saturday and Jacey McDonald and her mom brought me a Care Bear on Sunday – it is so good to see kids; I can’t wait ‘til I’m able to play with them again! Mom and Dad keep reminding me I have to be well to stay on my chemo schedule and the faster I complete my chemo schedule the faster my cancer will be gone and I’ll be ready to go full blast again!
Mom and Dad took me to Clovis to buy groceries on Sunday. They made me wear my mask and ride in my stroller the whole time but I didn’t care. It was so good to do something normal again! There is still a world outside my house!
I also got to go to my Gramma and Granpops’ house on Sunday. Can you believe all my toys were still there? It was sooooo good to see them. Gramma even gave me a haircut – everyone tells me how much better my hair looks now and it doesn’t get in my eyes either.
I am doing really good – I wish you all could see me now! I just have to remember what mom and dad said about staying well and limiting my outside contacts and know that when I’m cancer free I’ll have a big party and invite all of you so I can personally THANK YOU for keeping me in your prayers all this time. Jesus is the reason I’m doing so good you know.
Mom is going to try to do better and email more often. She’ll make sure she keeps you updated during my next chemo round! I just don’t give her any free time at home anymore – I have a lot to learn to get back to my old self and think I need her constant attention and help to get me there!
I LOVE YOU ALL BUNCHES!
Jayci Joy
July 27, 2007
Hello Everybody! I’m doing GREAT! I did a good job at the hospital yesterday – that numbing cream works great! I really just cried at the presence of the nurses, not the stick to draw my blood. We still haven’t heard the results of the tests yet, but mama says no news is good news. We should hear something by this afternoon. I’ll make sure mama lets you know as soon as we find out!
I’ve been keeping everyone really busy around here. I think I should have constant attention and get really frustrated because I can’t do the stuff I used to be able to do. I am making progress though! I can sit up by myself for a little while and am rolling everywhere! Mom’s goal is to have me walking again by Christmas – she hopes I’ll be crawling in a couple months. Life will be so much easier when I regain some of my independence! The physical and speech therapists should start coming to my house next week. Hopefully, they’ll speed the learning process up even more!
I can’t wait to see all of you! It’s great to be home but I’m used to going places and seeing people all the time! As soon as my counts come back up I’ll be ready to play!
Gotta Go! This computer stuff is only fun for a little while!
Love,
Jayci Joy
July 24, 2007
What an AWESOME 48 hours I have had! I am doing so good! Being home is the BEST THERAPY any girl could have! I am rolling over and holding my head good now – I’m even trying to learn to walk again! My Granpops is going to come over tonight and start teaching me to walk again – he will hold my hands and walk me for hours you know! Grammy Ju and Gramma have me picking up my blocks and putting them in the container where they belong and doing all kinds of stuff like that. I’m going to be the strongest, smartest girl around before long! What can I say except: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”
I still don’t like taking my medicine and give mama and daddy a hard time every morning and night! They just don’t understand how bad that stuff tastes! Bath time is fun again! I just love the sponge Grammy Ju found for me to lay on. I’m glad I’m back in my old routine of taking 2 baths a day – they make me feel so much better!
I go back to the Dr. on Thursday for lab work – please pray it turns out good so I can come back home until my next chemo round!
I LOVE YOU ALL and can’t wait to see you!
-Jayci Joy
Jayci Joy amazes us everyday! I think she progressed 2 months in 2 days! She’s holding her head good, rolling over, sitting up in her chair at the bar, feeding herself, trying to relearn to walk. . .the list goes on and on! I can’t wait to show her off on Thursday! Her doctors will be so impressed!
The only side effect we’ve noticed from the last round of chemo was nausea – but only about 12 hours worth! PRAISE GOD! Our Jayci threw up her toenails night before last – but as quickly as she started throwing up, she stopped. GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!
Again, we are so blessed to live in a community so generous and caring. It seems like every time we turn around someone else has done something to help us out. We cannot THANK YOU enough for the food, cards, gifts, savings accounts, house and yard work, kind words. . .and especially the prayers!
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
We know he has GREAT PLANS for our Jayci and all of you!
God Bless You All!
Guy and Kimberly
July 22, 2007
I’M HOME! Chemo went GREAT Friday night and my doctor’s let me come home yesterday afternoon! WOW! You all must have prayed really hard for me! THANK YOU! It’s soooo good to be home again. I slept really good last night and have played all day. My house smells so good (thanks everyone for getting it ready for me) and my yard looks pretty too (thanks again)! I’m trying very hard to get up to speed again – my physical and speech therapists should start visiting me next week at home. I have to go to the doctor on Thursday for some lab work – if all looks good I should be able to stay out of the hospital until my next chemo round begins August 10th. I will have to go to doctor appointments every now and then though – they have to make sure I stay healthy! THANK YOU for all the prayers – my nurses and doctors are amazed at my progress – I just keep telling them I am a MIRACLE – an act of God!
Love,
Jayci Joy
WOW! The past 48 hours have been amazing! Our Jayci is doing WONDERFUL! Chemo went great – we can’t even tell she’s been through another round! She hasn’t thrown up too much, been fussy, slept more than usual or anything – GOD IS GREAT! We were so surprised the doctors released us yesterday! They continue to rave about Jayci’s progress – they and we know and tell all it is the prayers being sent up for her! She can hold her head for longer periods of time now and is starting to roll over. She can even feed herself! We still have a long way to go but have complete faith that God will heal her body and she will be the same Jayci she was before this all began. Unfortunately, Jayci will not be able to accept visitors until Thursday for sure, hopefully her white blood count will be back up to normal by then. Jayci is our biggest gift and accomplishment thus far in life and thanks to the power of prayer by everyone and by the grace of God she is slowly returning to normal. Thank you all from the whole of our hearts and please keep our daughter in your hearts, for our journey is not complete yet. God bless you all and please know how much we appreciate you.
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 19, 2007
“And now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM. (from the hospital, from tubes, from cancer. . .)” II Corinthians 3:17
This day was the best ever. Mom and dad took me on an adventure. First we went for a ride in the suburban to Chick-Fil-A; there was a certain wonderful comfort in being back in my car. We came back and I was able to visit the Ronald McDonald house where Grammy, Gamaw and sometimes mom and dad stay. It is great, especially the back yard where they have a nice swing set that me and mom swang in for a spell. After that, I had to come in to their room for a two hour nap. Being fully recharged, we walked down the hill from the house to the park with a river running through it. Dad pulled me in my new wagon with a canopy over it (thanks Gamaw) down the walkway to a nice shady tree where I sat in the grass by the river with mom and fed the ducks bread. Those ducks were so cool. Next, we finished celebrating my day out by blowing bubbles (thanks dodie and happy birthday love, love). I am eating and drinking like a horse and my arms and legs are cooperating more and more. I can sit up on my own for short periods and I rolled over all by myself. My hair is really starting to fall out but mom says that is part of it and it really doesn’t bother me. Well I have to get plenty of rest tonight because tomorrow I start round two of chemo, gotta whip that cancer you know. Oh by the way, mom and dad saw and compared today’s x-ray with the old one and they could see a significant shrinkage. Thank you Jesus, and thank all of you friends. Love you all, goodnight and god bless.
-Jayci Joy
July 17, 2007
HELLO! It’s been the greatest day ever! I slept really good last night, got to take a REAL, SPLASHY BATH this morning, got to wear my new, beautiful dress Aunt Billie Jean made for me all day, am getting stronger and feeling better everyday, and the best news – I HAVE A NEW BABY COUSIN!!!! Jonathan Eugen Smith (We’re gonna call him Gene) was born about 2:15 this afternoon. He weighed in at 8lbs. 3.4 ozs. and was 20 in. long! Uncle Timmie said Aunt Lidia and Baby Gene are doing great and they should be able to go home in the morning! Mema Betty is going to stay with them for awhile. I’m soooo jealous! I can’t wait ‘til I’m well enough to play with Ana again and I’m sure Baby Gene will be just as fun!
I have some other GREAT NEWS! I AM TUBE FREE! I pulled my feeding tube out during my bath this morning – it’s okay though ‘cause I’m drinking and taking my medicine like a big girl! I’m ready to eat too but Dr. Kim said I have to wait until tomorrow to do that. I’m looking forward to eating my yogurt and green beans again! It’s been nearly a month since I’ve eaten real food you know!
Dr. Habersang is back and has a nice tan from his trip. I blew him a kiss this morning! He thinks I’m doing great! Dr. Reguira is also proud of me. We are on schedule to begin round 2 of chemotherapy this weekend. Please pray that I don’t get sick or lose control of my arms again. I really, really want to come home next week! For now, I’ll have to settle for a day pass on Thursday. Dr. Kim said she’d let me out for the day as long as I wore my mask and promised not to go anywhere other than the Ronald McDonald House and outside. I can’t wait!
THANK YOU ALL SO SO MUCH FOR THE PRAYERS! The nurses and doctors agree I AM A MIRACLE! Jesus takes such good care of me!
It’s time for my evening on the balcony! Talk to you again tomorrow!
Love you lots!
Jayci Joy
Hello! Jayci has had the best day yet! She gets stronger by the minute! She is nearly able to roll over and can hold her head for a few minutes before letting it fall now. She is learning to blow kisses and wave bye-bye again – her smile melts all who meet her. She has captured the hearts of the entire hospital! I cannot go anywhere without being asked about my sweet Jayci. Her physical therapist works with her twice a day now – I’m sooooo proud of the effort Jayci puts into it. She WANTS to get better too! We are excited about feeding her real food tomorrow! I know she’s ready – tonight I was eating M&M’s in front of her and couldn’t figure out why she was crying. Grammy Ju was trying to calm her when Gramma picked up a package of M&M’s for herself – Jayci reached for the candy and let out a huge wail – we all felt terrible, yet relieved! Jayci’s favorite candy is M&M’s - God has shown me that Jayci will be whole again soon! All she needs is time.
We are all looking forward to Thursday! I cannot wait to take her for a walk around the park! It’s amazing how I cherish the simplest things these days!
We are continuously in awe of God’s AMAZING work! Jayci Joy is an angel on earth – we can’t wait to see the plans HE has for her! She has already touched so many lives in so many ways!
We’re praying for chemo to go well and hope we can come home next week. We know we still have a long road ahead of us but know that God will carry us through as long as we keep our FAITH and TRUST in him. We cannot thank you enough for your continued thoughts, prayers, kind words, etc. . .you are all like a fresh breath of air everyday!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 16, 2007
Hello everybody, I’ve made my mom and dad very happy today. I started off by sleeping nearly twelve hours last night. I am more alert to my surroundings and my arms and hands move more easily. I can reach out and grab stuff that I am interested in and I can nearly sit up by myself. I can almost roll over and my dad thinks that I will be able to hold myself up on all fours in a day or two. Oh yeah, we did a test today to see how well I can swallow today (which I was very good for, I didn’t cry or get mad even once) and well lets just say if it was a test in school, I would have made an A. They put me in a seat that looked and felt like my car-seat and it had an x-ray machine on both sides. They took an x-ray video of my mouth and throat while I ate and drank different things. The first thing mom let me try was chocolate pudding. I didn’t care what it was, I wanted it. I leaned forward toward the spoon and gobbled it up. I barely even tasted it before I swallowed it. Then I tried some applesauce and some Gatorade, I did great especially considering the fact that they were putting barium in my food and drink for the x-ray, that made it taste funny. When I got back to my room I drank four ounces of apple juice, it was so cool and sweet all I could do was smile. It sure felt great to have my bottle back and to finally have something wet to drink after twenty two days. I spent my two hours out on the deck tonight which I just love and I am now lying in bed waiting for Mr. Sandman to come. I’m getting sleepy now but I am excited about what tomorrow will bring hopefully I will grow much stronger and more mobile. Two other things are also on my list of hopefuls tomorrow, mom says I might get a real bath in the tub since they deaccessed my i.v. port today, and if I eat well and have a good bowel movement they will take out my feeding tube. That’s the last tube you know. Ok I can barely keep my eyes open now just want to say that I love you all and I appreciate you pulling and praying for me, I know that I am not alone.
And one more thing, would you mind praying for my Aunt Lidia tomorrow? They are supposed to induce labor so my new baby cousin, Gene, can make his appearance into the world!
Love,
Jayci Joy
July 15, 2007
HI! It’s been another GREAT DAY! I slept really good last night and got to see my Granpops, Grandad Jack, Papa, GiGi, Aunt Patti, Mema Betty, and Aunt Jan today! I also got to go out on the balcony for an hour and a half tonight! I’m really tired and have a big day tomorrow so I’m going to make it short and sweet tonight. Please pray that I pass my swallowing test tomorrow. When I do I’ll be TUBE FREE! No IV’s, no feeding tube, nothing! HOORAY! It would be awesome if I could eat on my own for a few days before I start chemo again on Friday. I also really need the doctors to figure out how to make me poop at least once a day before chemo. – keeping that chemical in your system for too long can cause ulcers and all kinds of tummy problems you know. Jesus is my strength and I’m getting closer to going home everyday! Maybe I’ll even make it by the end of the month!
Love you all!
Jayci Joy
Hello! Jayci has had another awesome day! Dr. Habersang should be back tomorrow – we are anxious to hear his comments on the events of the week. Jayci took her last dose of methadone tonight! PRAISE GOD! Now she only has to take Tylenol as needed and Magnesium Citrate and Zantac for her stomach as needed! When she passes her swallowing test tomorrow we’ll be able to start feeding her! Once she eats we’ll be able to deaccess her port until Friday and will take the feeding tube out for good! Our Jayci will be “TUBE FREE” for 4 WHOLE DAYS! I’m praying we’ll at least be able to take her on a walk around the park before chemo starts again. I’m so proud of the progress she’s made! She truly is a miracle!
Someone shared the following verse with us –
We thought we’d share with you.
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 14, 2007
HELLO! Today has been another GREAT DAY! I sucked on my pacifier all day, starting grabbing more stuff with my hands, and played with my hair all day long! I slept a lot today because I had a rough night. My tummy really hurt because I was way too full! I finally got relief this morning and rested most of the afternoon. Gramma took me on a long wagon ride and we’re going to sit on the balcony later! I LOVE getting out of my room! I’ve been in it soooo long, it kinda feels like a jail cell! Please keep the prayers coming! I get a little better everyday!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hi! We’ve had another good day! Jayci gets a little better everyday! She plays and laughs and tries a little harder to use her hands all the time! We are sooo proud of her! She is going to do a swallowing test on Monday and the doctors are going to let her start eating if – not if; WHEN - she passes it! We are all ready for the feeding tube to disappear! Dr. Habersang should be back by then too; we’re hoping she gets strong enough to at least go across the street and walk around the park before her next round of chemotherapy starts next Friday. Thank you all so much for your generosity – we will never be able to repay half what has been done for us!
GOD’S WORK IS AMAZING! Just look at the picture and short video of Jayci; we’re astonished at how far she’s come in the 10 short days she’s been off the ventilator! Please keep the prayers coming and God Bless!
-Guy and Kimberly
July 13, 2007
Well it’s been a great day, I feel a little better each day it seems. Today I can move my arms and hands a little more and I am less irritable. I got my pacifier back and figured out how to use it this afternoon which is great. I also got to go outside and meet some other cancer patients, they were very inspiring and gave me great confidence. We had a painting party together, their paintings were great and I feel that mine was pretty dog gone good too, especially considering the fact that I had to use my feet ‘cause my hands will not do what I tell them to yet. I also had special visitors today too. My cousin Kennedi came and it felt soooo good to see her, I hope to see all my youner cousins very soon too, I just have to get a little stronger first. Also I had a visitor all the way from Dallas. It was my aunt Patti Hunter, she brought mom and dad and me some nice gifts. And finally, I got to see my Poppa and G G Marilyn. That’s always a treat especially since Marilyn had surgery on her knee only yesterday. Ok I am starting to get tired now but like I said today has been great and I am growing confident that each day will make me stronger and more back to my old self. I love you all and miss you greatly.
Love,
Jayci Joy Nickels
P.S. (I start chemo again next Friday the 20th so I can still use those very thoughtful prayers.)
GOD IS GREAT! Today has been full of BLESSINGS! Jayci loves to suck her pacifier again, says “HI” and growls like she used to, and has started moving her arms even more! When Kennedi came she wouldn’t take her eyes off her – a sight Daddy and I both needed to see. She definitely knows the difference between friends and strangers. Dr. Nandu watched her interactions today and feels that maybe our Jayci just needs time. He also said he and the other doctors are unsure why her arms aren’t working they way they should. After today, Guy and I are confident she will make a complete recovery; it will just take time. THANK YOU for all the emails, letters, and PRAYERS! They make each day brighter! Please keep sending those prayers our way! We know GOD is the reason Jayci continues improving!
- Guy & Kimberly
(WRITTEN THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007)
HIDEE! I just have time for a quick update tonight. It's been a really busy day and I'm tuckered out! My MRI went good today; the doctors didn't see anything and they even said my Chiari malformation is smaller than it used to be. J
So. . .now it looks like we sit and wait and HOPE my arms continue to move more everyday and my interactions with people continue improving! The doctors don't think I have neuropathy from the chemotherapy anymore, they just think the nerves that control my hands and speech are numb or something. My dad can explain what they said soooo much better than I can; I'll get him to write as soon as he has time. I'll talk to you soon!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hello! Tonight our sweet angel interacted with us more than we could have hoped for! We were taking our evening walk and found a large mirror in the therapy room. We stopped to show Jayci and began talking to her in the mirror. She began smiling and kicking her legs. We constantly remind her of things she used to do and say and tonight she actually tried to complete one of her old tricks! For those of you who know Jayci, she plays with her tongue and makes a noise that sounds like: "Deedle, Deedle." Guy reminded her of it and she stuck her tongue in and out several times then smiled at her daddy! What a sweet, sweet sight! She was also able to find her daddy, mommy, and baby Jayci in the mirror when asked! God knew we both needed tonight! Our baby girl is getting better and we have been reassured she'll be up to her old tricks one of these days!
The MRI was clear today! PRAISE GOD! The doctors seem to think there is an issue with the nerves controlling Jayci's arms and speech – Dr. Turner and Dr. Nandu gave us a great explanation that Guy will have to tell you about when he gets a minute; Jayci was not exactly happy at the time and I was pretty distracted trying to console her. They don't think it is neuropathy anymore. The only bad news we heard today was the only thing they can do for her is to wait and hope things continue improving. How long? Who knows. . .we are hoping for days, weeks, or even months at the longest. Both Dr. Nandu and Dr. Reguira seem to think her symptoms are a result of the night her ventilator tube was pulled; a night I was hoping we would soon forget.
It looks like we are going to be in the hospital for quite awhile. Jayci is unable to swallow anything without aspirating. We are trying to get her to suck on her pacifier (something she was rarely seen without in the past) then we are hoping to try a bottle soon after. Once we can get her to eat I think we'll at least be able to bring her home.
Dr. Harbersang will be back next week; we are anxious to hear his opinion. After visiting with him Guy and I are going to decide whether we go to Dallas or stay here. Please pray for Jayci's continued improvement and for wisdom for the doctors and Guy and I to make the right decisions on Jayci's future care. God is GREAT and continues providing the strength we all need to make each day special!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 11, 2007
HIDEE! I have had a pretty good day! I only got in trouble breathing a couple times and the nurses were able to calm me down quickly and fix me with only a breathing treatment! HOORAY! The only bad thing is the nurses told me I couldn't go on wagon rides outside anymore for awhile – they think I'm allergic to something out there and that's why I get into breathing trouble. Darn! Dr. Nandu has been consulting with other doctors and they all said my MRI and EEG look good. They don't know why I can't move my arms or hold my head and body. They think it may be neuropathy (pardon my spelling) – something going on with my nerves. Dr. Nandu is talking to more doctors in Dallas and I might even get to go there if the doctors in Amarillo can't help me feel better! Dr. Nandu is going to run another MRI test with dye and do some kind of nerve test tomorrow. He has been working really, really hard to figure out how to help me get better! I am responding more and more and even smile and laugh at times! I've been pretty cranky today – Dr. Nandu thinks it's because I'm nearly completely off my pain killers and sedatives and am beginning to feel more. My throat really hurts and I try not to swallow which makes mama and daddy really upset. They are afraid I'm going to aspirate again. I am doing better and really appreciate all the prayers. Jesus helps me do better everyday!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hi! Jayci is using more higher level thinking skills everyday! THANK YOU JESUS! She shows emotion – cries appropriately, recognizes familiar faces, shows stranger anxiety, etc. Her doctors are working tediously to figure out why she has little strength in her arms.
They think it might be neuropathy (pardon my spelling – I haven't had time to do any research yet). By the way the doctors are talking, I think neuropathy is when the patient's nerves are inflamed and irritated and it can sometimes be degenerative. Jayci will have another MRI done at 4:00 tomorrow. This MRI will be done with dye – they are looking at her spinal column and a few other things. . .I'm so tired I can't remember everything he said! SORRY! I'll make sure to find out all the details before the test tomorrow! They are also going to do some kind of test on her nerves – not an EMG (it would be too dangerous because her white blood cell count is so low and the risk of infection from the needle pricks is too great). So. . .we sit and wait once again. We are hopeful the problem will be found and a treatment or therapy is available here. However, Dr. Nandu has recommended we go to Dallas Children's Hospital if appropriate care is unavailable here. Dallas has wonderful oncologists, pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, etc. all under one roof, AWESOME! We are ready to do whatever needs to be done to provide the best care for our sweet angel. Thank you again for the prayers! Things look better everyday. There isn't a tense or scary moment that passes when we don't feel some relief, some calming sensation and are reassured of God's presence in Jayci's room. He is healing our baby girl! We'll keep you informed of our situation as information becomes available!
Love, Guy and Kimberly
They think it might be neuropathy (pardon my spelling – I haven't had time to do any research yet). By the way the doctors are talking, I think neuropathy is when the patient's nerves are inflamed and irritated and it can sometimes be degenerative. Jayci will have another MRI done at 4:00 tomorrow. This MRI will be done with dye – they are looking at her spinal column and a few other things. . .I'm so tired I can't remember everything he said! SORRY! I'll make sure to find out all the details before the test tomorrow! They are also going to do some kind of test on her nerves – not an EMG (it would be too dangerous because her white blood cell count is so low and the risk of infection from the needle pricks is too great). So. . .we sit and wait once again. We are hopeful the problem will be found and a treatment or therapy is available here. However, Dr. Nandu has recommended we go to Dallas Children's Hospital if appropriate care is unavailable here. Dallas has wonderful oncologists, pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, etc. all under one roof - AWESOME! We are ready to do whatever needs to be done to provide the best care for our sweet angel.
Thank you again for the prayers! Things look better everyday. There isn't a tense or scary moment that passes when we don't feel some relief, some calming sensation and are reassured of God's presence in Jayci's room. He is healing our baby girl!
We'll keep you informed of our situation as information becomes available!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 10, 2007
Hello Friends! Today has been a good day! I actually got to go outside for a little while! Grammy Ju and Mama made me a little chariot (they put my carseat in a wagon) and pulled me all over the place. It was great seeing all my friends outside my room! The only bad thing about it was I had to wear a dumb mask – it's hard to breath with that thing on you know! My physical therapist even did my therapy outside! She is really nice and is teaching me how to hold my head and body and move my arms again. She was impressed at how much my eye tracking skills have improved since yesterday! I will continue working hard and know I'll be up to my old tricks eventually! I just keep telling mama and daddy to give me some time – I've been through a lot you know! I also got to wear my pretty new dresses the last couple days. I must look very pretty because everybody takes time to come visit me when I'm wearing them! I'm so lucky to have such wonderful doctors and nurses! They make sure I'm given the best care everyday! I need to take a little nap now – I know the doctors will want to do more tests later! Please keep praying for me!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hello Again! We received the preliminary EEG and MRI results and they both look good. The tech. who performed the EEG said he didn't see any seizure activity and Dr. Reguira said the MRI looked okay to him – he has a friend who is a pediatric neurologist in Austin who is looking at the MRI and Jayci's file with him. Hopefully we'll have a complete report back soon. Until then we will continue physical and speech therapy. Jayci finally let me hold her yesterday without crying or throwing up! She is even visually responding to us now! Today Judy and I got her to laugh by tickling her toes – such a sweet, sweet sound! Her vitals are picture perfect and we have gone nearly 36 hours without oxygen! The chemotherapy is working – the mass is less dense now and her white blood cell count is starting to increase again! GOD IS GREAT! Our concern now is neurological. We don't understand why she isn't moving her arms, sucking, trying to make sounds (besides crying) or responding very much to stimuli – she is very withdrawn. We have faith that God will give Jayci's incredible doctor's the knowledge they need to figure out what's going on. Sometime today would you take time to pray for all of us? Please pray for Jayci's body to continue to heal, for positive EEG and MRI test results, for Jayci to begin using her arms and trying to speak. Would you pray for strength for Guy and I; pray that we remain HOPE-FULL and patient as the doctor's run more tests on our precious angel. It is prayer that has kept Jayci with us and prayer that gets us through each day. Jayci has definitely taught us the importance of living each day as if it were the last! Again - we cannot thank you enough for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers! You are our strength!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 9, 2007
Hidee!
I have been keeping my mom and dad really busy so I asked gramma to write this update for me. On Saturday, I had a pretty good day until late afternoon. I am having trouble swallowing and I choked. The doctors said it was like I was trying to drown, so my throat constricted - I gave everyone a real scare, they worked on me for several minutes and had to give me a combination of helium and oxygen to get me breathing again. Everyone was really worried - and the doctor had to give me steriods to help decrease the swelling in my throat. I had may last dose Sunday evening - The steriods have helped and now I am able to breathe on my own again. I still need mama to remind me to swallow, but I am getting better at it.
Today I will have a bunch of tests done - mama says one is an EEG and the other is an MRI - they are trying to see why I just can't seem to respond and move my body very good. Your prayers have helped so much and today I really need them - please keep sending them my way. I want to get better! Please pray for my mom and dad too - they are getting pretty tired and they need to see me get better.
I will let you know how my tests turn out - don't forget to pray today! Please forwatd this to all my friends.
Love,
Jayci Joy
July 6, 2007
Good Morning! I had a really good night last night because I finally pooped!!! I even let mama sleep in the chair beside my bed as long as she would hold my hand. I am breathing completely on my own now and only have to have breathing treatments every 4 hours - YEAH!!! I started physical and speech therapy yesterday and am already making some progress. I can move my head from side to side and am able to control my arms and legs a little. I am starting to move my mouth a little and mama keeps telling me I have to start sucking soon - she's been doing some crazy stuff to my face to build my facial muscles back up. I keep telling my mama and daddy that I have been in bed a long time and have been through tons of trauma - it's going to take some time and patience to get back going again. My bloodwork came back okay this morning except now everybody has to wear masks, aprons, and gloves when they come into my room. I thought they were all crazy until mama and daddy explained that my immune system is obsolete and I absolutely cannot be around other people's germs or I'll get really sick again. I definately don't want that to happen. I'm down to only 1 IV sedative and they are trying to wean me off of it too. I kinda liked not feeling pain and am having withdrawals from all the medications I've been on. My nurses told me that it would take a couple days for me to get better and not be so fussy. Gramma, Grammy Ju and Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora bought me some really toys to start stimulating my muscles and brain. My therapists said it was important for me to be stimulated to get my brain and body working again. Mama and Daddy are hopeful that I'll be able to hold my head and body again soon. I just keep telling them to give me time - a girl needs a break every now and then you know!
Please keep sending your prayers my way! I have a long road ahead of me and know I'll need Jesus to keep carrying me through!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hello! Jayci is doing pretty good this morning! We finally got rid of enough tubes to see our sweet angel again! During the next 24 hours the dr.'s plan on weaning her off everything - good news! We just have to make it through withdrawal time. Constipation has become a big problem. The only way Jayci can flush her body of the chemicals from chemo. is through urinating and pooping. The dr.'s have said that the longer she goes between bowel movements the more likely she will develop ulcers in her stomach and bowel - not good. She started physical and speech therapy yesterday - Guy and I are working to stimulate her muscles and brain - Jayci doesn't exactly enjoy this, but she is already showing some improvement. She is like a newborn again; she has to learn how to hold her head and body, suck, etc. We are confident she will make a full recovery; it's just going to take awhile. Please continue sending up prayers for her - we would not be where we are without God's help! He continues to give us the strength and courage we need to help our sweet Jayci recover!
God Bless!
Guy and Kimberly
July 5, 2007
HIDEE! Today is the first day I've been really aware of the things that are happening around me and I don't like it one bit!!!! I have vampires for nurses and my doctors insist on showing up right after I fall asleep to poke and prod on the places that already hurt. My tummy hurts really bad because I haven't pooped in awhile and mommy and daddy said something called "chemo" was making it feel that way. I also don't understand why my arms and legs are limp - mama and daddy say it's because I've been asleep for over a week, but I think they must be making that up because I would NEVER, EVER sleep that long!!! My throat also hurts because I guess I've had a tube in it for several days as well. It just hurts everywhere!!! Mama and Daddy must have lost their minds to let all this happen to me! They keep telling me that everything will be okay and I'll get to feeling better soon. They also tell me that people all over the world are praying for me to feel better - that means I will feel better really, really soon because I've learned that Jesus heals all things. I think I need to take another quick nap before the vampires show back up. I miss all of you and can't wait to see you! Mama is going to type now.
LOVE, LOVE,
Jayci Joy
Today is the eleventh day of our hospital stay. Jayci becomes more responsive as the sedatives wear off and we are beginning to see some traits of our little angel's personality reappear. She is extremely weak and we know it will take quite awhile for her to regain her strength. Last night was pretty rough. She is alert enough now to know she is sick and doesn't understand what's going on. The chemo has made her nauseated and her muscles are flacid due to our long hospital stay. The hospital staff was very kind and brought in a regular hospital bed instead of a crib so Guy and I can hold and comfort her. It's so hard to see her sweet little body hurt. . .we find comfort knowing God is working extra hard to kill the sickness in her body. The x-ray's continue to improve, the bloodwork is picture perfect, now we just have to be patient and trust God to continue his miraculous work. THANK YOU all so much for everything you've done for our family. . .we know that the prayers are working and can't wait 'til Jayci is able to sit up, smile, and say "HIDEE" again. We'll continue keeping you all informed!
Love,
Kimberly
July 4, 2007
The dictionary defines a miracle as: such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
Mama and Daddy tell me daily I am MIRACLE - a work of God. Every breath I take, every move I make, is proof that Jesus answers prayers.
I'm getting better everyday! My tubes are gradually disappearing - (YEAH!) - and I might even get to have my ventilator tube pulled this afternoon! I think that's the best INDEPENDENCE DAY gift any girl could receive. All of the swelling has disappeared; Mama says I look like Jayci again. I am very weak and am resting quite a bit. I'm also still heavily sedated - my nurse is surprised I'm moving around as much as I am. I am able to open my eyes and look around the room some - Lizzie, the "child life" specialist - brought me a DVD player so I can watch movies from bed. My body is reallly sore for all the poking and proding it's been through, but mama keeps saying she's going to hold me as soon as the ventilator is gone! I think both of us are past ready for that! (The mass in my right side continues shrinking - my lung has more capacity everyday!)
I hope you all have a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Please keep praying for more MIRACLES for me - they continue occuring!
I LOVE YOU!
-Jayci Joy
July 3, 2007
Hide do! i just wanted to send you all an update to let you all know how terriffic I am doing! Yesterday I had an MRI done to check for brain damage from the respirator incident. It all went really well and I don't have any damage! Your prayers are working! They did however find out that I have something called Arnold-Chiari Malformation but it is nothing to worry about and if I do have any problems with it later in life we will deal with it then. They also did a coagulation test and there were no clots found anywhere. Right now my organs are all working very well and I am starting to open my eyes every now and then to take a peek at mom and dad to make sure they are still here. They are weaning me off of the ventilator and they will probably take me off of it tomorrow! Yeah! Clap.. Clap..! So keep praying because I really want to go home!
Thanks for everything!
Jayci Joy
July 2, 2007
ROUND ONE OF CHEMO. COMPLETE!!!! HOORAY! Today Dr. Habersang deaccessed my port so it has time to heal before my next round of chemo. beginning on July 20th. I am doing better - the more lines that disappear the better things get. :) I am beginning to wake up and move around some - Dr. Habersang continues decreasing my paralytic and sedative so I can get strong enough to wean off the ventilator. I am going to have an MRI done today to check my brain and size/position of my tumor. We know the chemo is working; the tumor is visibly smaller on x-ray. PRAYER IS POWERFUL!!!!
(Mama is working on setting me up a website for updates - she'll let you know when it's up and ready.)
I LOVE YOU ALL!
-Jayci Joy
July 1, 2007
Hello Friends!
I am slowly getting back to the point I was a few days ago. Mama and Daddy are very "HOPE-FULL" that I will make a full recovery after Saturday's early morning scare. (Jayci's ventilator tube was pulled out while the respiratory therapists were working on the heater to the ventilator. She is unable to breath on her own without it and CPR was performed for at least 10 minutes before Dr. Habersang was able to re-intubate her. It took quite a while to get her stable again.) Mama and Daddy were not handling the events very well yesterday morning and found themselves giving up hope. Around 8:30 mama had a strange, but calming feeling come over her; she got up, wiped her tears, and began putting her faith and trust back with God where it belonged. The power of prayer is AMAZING! From that moment we have only heard good news. It looks like I have good brain function despite the trauma - we'll know more after a few tests are run AND 72 hours pass. Last night was better. This morning mama seems to think we are back where we started a week ago - a BLESSING! She and Daddy are still scared and are being overprotective of my vent tube, but they both keep remembering God's word: "Fear not, for I am with you. I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, child you are mine. When you walk through the water I will be there, and through the fire. You'll not be burned. You'll not be drowned. For I am with you." Thank you all soooooo much for the PRAYERS, inspiring stories, and kind words. You have all become our life support and continue to remind us that miracles do and HAVE happened. I am a MIRACLE and the three of us are still being carried through the fire and water - there is still only ONE set of footprints in the sand. We are keeping our faith and trust in God and are "HOPE-FULL" things are back to normal soon. Mama wanted to send the following email to all of you - it really touched her and daddy.
I am praying for sweet Jaycie. Unbelieveable. But, this I know: God does all things well. He IS love. He will lead, all we are to do is follow. To go the same direction and to be likeminded with Him. I was talking with an 85 year old war vet and after detailing the traumatic events of his life, I asked him how he survived, quote " I placed my footsteps in the exact place of that of my captain, I did not look to the left or the right. Danger was on all sides. My survival was to follow close behind my commander, trusting him."
His name is Max, a precious Jewish gentleman. Even though He still isn't sure Jesus is the true Messiah, he related to my Chritian walk. I shared with Him "that" is how a true believer lives the Christ life. Placing our steps and trust in the One true Commander. Danger is on all sides, but Faith, Hope, and Love is our uniform.
I love the greek word for Hope often translated in His word;The happy anticipation of something good. Hope is an attitude. A happy one at that! My prayer for Guy and Kimberly and sweet Jaycie is this: Romans 15:13 Now may the God of our hope, so fill you with all joy and peace in believing(through the experiences of your falith) that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing(bubbling over with) HOPE. amp. Bible
Don't lose HOPE, as Emory says "if we lose hope those around us will lose hope as well."
Remaining HOPE-FULL for them.
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH AND WILL BE BACK PLAYING SOON!
-Jayci Joy
June 29, 2007
HI EVERYBODY! I asked my wonderful uncle Pisssssssssss to send a quick email to everyone to once again say "THANK YOU!!!! for the prayers, gifts, visits, phone calls. . ." and also to give you another update. Since this is uncle Pisssssss's first time at this make sure to see who all he sends this to and please fill in everyone he forgot. He said he didn't skip anyone on purpose, he just doesn't know how this works you know. I have also started sharing all the goodies you have sent with the nurses and doctors and they love the chocolate, especially my Dr. Habersang, he is my favorite you know. I think I have them all won over as well, because dad pulled the picture out of his wallet to share with everyone. Now everyone can't wait until they get to see me smile and play.
Since I will be starting chemo now, I won't be able to see you for a while now. The Dr's even told my Mom and Dad that they would have to stay all germ free for me too. Dad has even stopped smoking for me, so say some special prayers for him too. Mom has told me that everyone is really helping out with getting everything ready for me to come home even though it will be a while, so please keep sending your prayers my way - I can feel them working and I know they will help me get home quicker. Jesus loves me and all of you, you know.
Love, Jayci Joy
Here is a message from uncle Pissssssssss:
Hello! Jayci's tests are complete and we hope to know all the results by the end of next week. She just came out of surgery where they put the port in for the chemo, and they are hoping to start chemo as soon as possible. The surgery went well, but it took a little bit longer than expected because they had troubles getting everything perfect. They took some more x-rays and everything is perfect. They are just going to wait until she settles back down and then they will begin the chemo. Once again a good report from the doctors.
Jayci's vitals are all looking very good. She is still on the ventilator at 20% and is still heavily sedated and will remain that way for several more days. They will reduce the paralyzing drug so she can wiggle a little bit to help with the swelling. Other than that, the prayers are obviously working with her vitals and the way she is responding to the treatment thus far. Please continue to pray for the effectiveness of the chemo against the tumor. The quicker the response the quicker she can come off the ventilator and I know we are all waiting for that news. On behalf of Guy, Kimberly and the whole family, thanks for all your love, support, flowers, goodies, and most importantly the prayers. We definitely would not be where we are now if it wasn't for all of you. Thank you very much.
Love, Chris, aka Uncle Pisssssss
Jayci's vitals are all looking very good. She is still on the ventilator at 20% and is still heavily sedated and will remain that way for several more days. They will reduce the paralyzing drug so she can wiggle a little bit to help with the swelling. Other than that, the prayers are obviously working with her vitals and the way she is responding to the treatment thus far. Please continue to pray for the effectiveness of the chemo against the tumor. The quicker the response the quicker she can come off the ventilator and I know we are all waiting for that news. On behalf of Guy, Kimberly and the whole family, thanks for all your love, support, flowers, goodies, and most importantly the prayers. We definitely would not be where we are now if it wasn't for all of you. Thank you very much.
Love,
Chris, aka Uncle Pisssssss
HI! Sorry I haven’t written to update you guys lately – I have kept mama and daddy really busy. We went to have blood work done last Thursday and mom caught a virus while we were there. Wouldn’t you know she gave it to me so here we sit in the hospital again! I told mom she should’ve worn a mask like I did and none of this would’ve happened. Maybe she’ll listen next time. Hopefully we’ll get to go back home today – we just have to wait for Dr. Habersang to release us.
We have to be at the hospital next Thursday, August 9th to begin my 3rd round of chemotherapy. Dad got to see the results of my CT Scan and X-Ray from yesterday; they had to do both to make sure I didn’t have an infection in my already handicapped lungs. He said Dr. Turner was very pleased with both of them. The fluid and stuff around the tumor has disappeared and the tumor is less dense than it was originally. The tumor is basically a lump of calcium and Dr. Turner says it will take a long time to disappear but he is pleased with the progress I have made so far.
Now on to the good news and fun events that have occurred during the past 5 days!
Grammy Ju and Gramma still visit me daily. Mom and I both look forward to them coming! They have taught me how to sit up, roll over, and walk as long as someone is holding my hands. I am waving, saying “HI,” and blowing kisses again too. My speech and physical therapists are very pleased with my progress and Dr. Habersang says I am “IMPRESSIVE”! The therapists in Friona are doing exactly what mom has been doing at home and think our trips to the hospital will only keep me sick. They advised mom to get in contact with ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) so a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist specializing in pediatric care can come to my house and work with me. We hope they can begin soon! I want to keep “impressing” everyone!
I’ve had a few other visitors since I’ve been home too. Granpops, Grandad Jack, and Dodi see me quite often – I love it when Granpops takes me for walks! I also got to see my Nickels’ cousins through the fence. Mom and Aunt Kayla wouldn’t let us play because I was still neutropenic; Jaegan and I thought they were completely out of line and both expressed our opinions about it. J Brittany and Kinzi Jo, my neighbors, brought me some more really cute, soft outfits last Saturday and Jacey McDonald and her mom brought me a Care Bear on Sunday – it is so good to see kids; I can’t wait ‘til I’m able to play with them again! Mom and Dad keep reminding me I have to be well to stay on my chemo schedule and the faster I complete my chemo schedule the faster my cancer will be gone and I’ll be ready to go full blast again!
Mom and Dad took me to Clovis to buy groceries on Sunday. They made me wear my mask and ride in my stroller the whole time but I didn’t care. It was so good to do something normal again! There is still a world outside my house!
I also got to go to my Gramma and Granpops’ house on Sunday. Can you believe all my toys were still there? It was sooooo good to see them. Gramma even gave me a haircut – everyone tells me how much better my hair looks now and it doesn’t get in my eyes either.
I am doing really good – I wish you all could see me now! I just have to remember what mom and dad said about staying well and limiting my outside contacts and know that when I’m cancer free I’ll have a big party and invite all of you so I can personally THANK YOU for keeping me in your prayers all this time. Jesus is the reason I’m doing so good you know.
Mom is going to try to do better and email more often. She’ll make sure she keeps you updated during my next chemo round! I just don’t give her any free time at home anymore – I have a lot to learn to get back to my old self and think I need her constant attention and help to get me there!
I LOVE YOU ALL BUNCHES!
Jayci Joy
July 27, 2007
Hello Everybody! I’m doing GREAT! I did a good job at the hospital yesterday – that numbing cream works great! I really just cried at the presence of the nurses, not the stick to draw my blood. We still haven’t heard the results of the tests yet, but mama says no news is good news. We should hear something by this afternoon. I’ll make sure mama lets you know as soon as we find out!
I’ve been keeping everyone really busy around here. I think I should have constant attention and get really frustrated because I can’t do the stuff I used to be able to do. I am making progress though! I can sit up by myself for a little while and am rolling everywhere! Mom’s goal is to have me walking again by Christmas – she hopes I’ll be crawling in a couple months. Life will be so much easier when I regain some of my independence! The physical and speech therapists should start coming to my house next week. Hopefully, they’ll speed the learning process up even more!
I can’t wait to see all of you! It’s great to be home but I’m used to going places and seeing people all the time! As soon as my counts come back up I’ll be ready to play!
Gotta Go! This computer stuff is only fun for a little while!
Love,
Jayci Joy
July 24, 2007
What an AWESOME 48 hours I have had! I am doing so good! Being home is the BEST THERAPY any girl could have! I am rolling over and holding my head good now – I’m even trying to learn to walk again! My Granpops is going to come over tonight and start teaching me to walk again – he will hold my hands and walk me for hours you know! Grammy Ju and Gramma have me picking up my blocks and putting them in the container where they belong and doing all kinds of stuff like that. I’m going to be the strongest, smartest girl around before long! What can I say except: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”
I still don’t like taking my medicine and give mama and daddy a hard time every morning and night! They just don’t understand how bad that stuff tastes! Bath time is fun again! I just love the sponge Grammy Ju found for me to lay on. I’m glad I’m back in my old routine of taking 2 baths a day – they make me feel so much better!
I go back to the Dr. on Thursday for lab work – please pray it turns out good so I can come back home until my next chemo round!
I LOVE YOU ALL and can’t wait to see you!
-Jayci Joy
Jayci Joy amazes us everyday! I think she progressed 2 months in 2 days! She’s holding her head good, rolling over, sitting up in her chair at the bar, feeding herself, trying to relearn to walk. . .the list goes on and on! I can’t wait to show her off on Thursday! Her doctors will be so impressed!
The only side effect we’ve noticed from the last round of chemo was nausea – but only about 12 hours worth! PRAISE GOD! Our Jayci threw up her toenails night before last – but as quickly as she started throwing up, she stopped. GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!
Again, we are so blessed to live in a community so generous and caring. It seems like every time we turn around someone else has done something to help us out. We cannot THANK YOU enough for the food, cards, gifts, savings accounts, house and yard work, kind words. . .and especially the prayers!
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
We know he has GREAT PLANS for our Jayci and all of you!
God Bless You All!
Guy and Kimberly
July 22, 2007
I’M HOME! Chemo went GREAT Friday night and my doctor’s let me come home yesterday afternoon! WOW! You all must have prayed really hard for me! THANK YOU! It’s soooo good to be home again. I slept really good last night and have played all day. My house smells so good (thanks everyone for getting it ready for me) and my yard looks pretty too (thanks again)! I’m trying very hard to get up to speed again – my physical and speech therapists should start visiting me next week at home. I have to go to the doctor on Thursday for some lab work – if all looks good I should be able to stay out of the hospital until my next chemo round begins August 10th. I will have to go to doctor appointments every now and then though – they have to make sure I stay healthy! THANK YOU for all the prayers – my nurses and doctors are amazed at my progress – I just keep telling them I am a MIRACLE – an act of God!
Love,
Jayci Joy
WOW! The past 48 hours have been amazing! Our Jayci is doing WONDERFUL! Chemo went great – we can’t even tell she’s been through another round! She hasn’t thrown up too much, been fussy, slept more than usual or anything – GOD IS GREAT! We were so surprised the doctors released us yesterday! They continue to rave about Jayci’s progress – they and we know and tell all it is the prayers being sent up for her! She can hold her head for longer periods of time now and is starting to roll over. She can even feed herself! We still have a long way to go but have complete faith that God will heal her body and she will be the same Jayci she was before this all began. Unfortunately, Jayci will not be able to accept visitors until Thursday for sure, hopefully her white blood count will be back up to normal by then. Jayci is our biggest gift and accomplishment thus far in life and thanks to the power of prayer by everyone and by the grace of God she is slowly returning to normal. Thank you all from the whole of our hearts and please keep our daughter in your hearts, for our journey is not complete yet. God bless you all and please know how much we appreciate you.
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 19, 2007
“And now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM. (from the hospital, from tubes, from cancer. . .)” II Corinthians 3:17
This day was the best ever. Mom and dad took me on an adventure. First we went for a ride in the suburban to Chick-Fil-A; there was a certain wonderful comfort in being back in my car. We came back and I was able to visit the Ronald McDonald house where Grammy, Gamaw and sometimes mom and dad stay. It is great, especially the back yard where they have a nice swing set that me and mom swang in for a spell. After that, I had to come in to their room for a two hour nap. Being fully recharged, we walked down the hill from the house to the park with a river running through it. Dad pulled me in my new wagon with a canopy over it (thanks Gamaw) down the walkway to a nice shady tree where I sat in the grass by the river with mom and fed the ducks bread. Those ducks were so cool. Next, we finished celebrating my day out by blowing bubbles (thanks dodie and happy birthday love, love). I am eating and drinking like a horse and my arms and legs are cooperating more and more. I can sit up on my own for short periods and I rolled over all by myself. My hair is really starting to fall out but mom says that is part of it and it really doesn’t bother me. Well I have to get plenty of rest tonight because tomorrow I start round two of chemo, gotta whip that cancer you know. Oh by the way, mom and dad saw and compared today’s x-ray with the old one and they could see a significant shrinkage. Thank you Jesus, and thank all of you friends. Love you all, goodnight and god bless.
-Jayci Joy
July 17, 2007
HELLO! It’s been the greatest day ever! I slept really good last night, got to take a REAL, SPLASHY BATH this morning, got to wear my new, beautiful dress Aunt Billie Jean made for me all day, am getting stronger and feeling better everyday, and the best news – I HAVE A NEW BABY COUSIN!!!! Jonathan Eugen Smith (We’re gonna call him Gene) was born about 2:15 this afternoon. He weighed in at 8lbs. 3.4 ozs. and was 20 in. long! Uncle Timmie said Aunt Lidia and Baby Gene are doing great and they should be able to go home in the morning! Mema Betty is going to stay with them for awhile. I’m soooo jealous! I can’t wait ‘til I’m well enough to play with Ana again and I’m sure Baby Gene will be just as fun!
I have some other GREAT NEWS! I AM TUBE FREE! I pulled my feeding tube out during my bath this morning – it’s okay though ‘cause I’m drinking and taking my medicine like a big girl! I’m ready to eat too but Dr. Kim said I have to wait until tomorrow to do that. I’m looking forward to eating my yogurt and green beans again! It’s been nearly a month since I’ve eaten real food you know!
Dr. Habersang is back and has a nice tan from his trip. I blew him a kiss this morning! He thinks I’m doing great! Dr. Reguira is also proud of me. We are on schedule to begin round 2 of chemotherapy this weekend. Please pray that I don’t get sick or lose control of my arms again. I really, really want to come home next week! For now, I’ll have to settle for a day pass on Thursday. Dr. Kim said she’d let me out for the day as long as I wore my mask and promised not to go anywhere other than the Ronald McDonald House and outside. I can’t wait!
THANK YOU ALL SO SO MUCH FOR THE PRAYERS! The nurses and doctors agree I AM A MIRACLE! Jesus takes such good care of me!
It’s time for my evening on the balcony! Talk to you again tomorrow!
Love you lots!
Jayci Joy
Hello! Jayci has had the best day yet! She gets stronger by the minute! She is nearly able to roll over and can hold her head for a few minutes before letting it fall now. She is learning to blow kisses and wave bye-bye again – her smile melts all who meet her. She has captured the hearts of the entire hospital! I cannot go anywhere without being asked about my sweet Jayci. Her physical therapist works with her twice a day now – I’m sooooo proud of the effort Jayci puts into it. She WANTS to get better too! We are excited about feeding her real food tomorrow! I know she’s ready – tonight I was eating M&M’s in front of her and couldn’t figure out why she was crying. Grammy Ju was trying to calm her when Gramma picked up a package of M&M’s for herself – Jayci reached for the candy and let out a huge wail – we all felt terrible, yet relieved! Jayci’s favorite candy is M&M’s - God has shown me that Jayci will be whole again soon! All she needs is time.
We are all looking forward to Thursday! I cannot wait to take her for a walk around the park! It’s amazing how I cherish the simplest things these days!
We are continuously in awe of God’s AMAZING work! Jayci Joy is an angel on earth – we can’t wait to see the plans HE has for her! She has already touched so many lives in so many ways!
We’re praying for chemo to go well and hope we can come home next week. We know we still have a long road ahead of us but know that God will carry us through as long as we keep our FAITH and TRUST in him. We cannot thank you enough for your continued thoughts, prayers, kind words, etc. . .you are all like a fresh breath of air everyday!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 16, 2007
Hello everybody, I’ve made my mom and dad very happy today. I started off by sleeping nearly twelve hours last night. I am more alert to my surroundings and my arms and hands move more easily. I can reach out and grab stuff that I am interested in and I can nearly sit up by myself. I can almost roll over and my dad thinks that I will be able to hold myself up on all fours in a day or two. Oh yeah, we did a test today to see how well I can swallow today (which I was very good for, I didn’t cry or get mad even once) and well lets just say if it was a test in school, I would have made an A. They put me in a seat that looked and felt like my car-seat and it had an x-ray machine on both sides. They took an x-ray video of my mouth and throat while I ate and drank different things. The first thing mom let me try was chocolate pudding. I didn’t care what it was, I wanted it. I leaned forward toward the spoon and gobbled it up. I barely even tasted it before I swallowed it. Then I tried some applesauce and some Gatorade, I did great especially considering the fact that they were putting barium in my food and drink for the x-ray, that made it taste funny. When I got back to my room I drank four ounces of apple juice, it was so cool and sweet all I could do was smile. It sure felt great to have my bottle back and to finally have something wet to drink after twenty two days. I spent my two hours out on the deck tonight which I just love and I am now lying in bed waiting for Mr. Sandman to come. I’m getting sleepy now but I am excited about what tomorrow will bring hopefully I will grow much stronger and more mobile. Two other things are also on my list of hopefuls tomorrow, mom says I might get a real bath in the tub since they deaccessed my i.v. port today, and if I eat well and have a good bowel movement they will take out my feeding tube. That’s the last tube you know. Ok I can barely keep my eyes open now just want to say that I love you all and I appreciate you pulling and praying for me, I know that I am not alone.
And one more thing, would you mind praying for my Aunt Lidia tomorrow? They are supposed to induce labor so my new baby cousin, Gene, can make his appearance into the world!
Love,
Jayci Joy
July 15, 2007
HI! It’s been another GREAT DAY! I slept really good last night and got to see my Granpops, Grandad Jack, Papa, GiGi, Aunt Patti, Mema Betty, and Aunt Jan today! I also got to go out on the balcony for an hour and a half tonight! I’m really tired and have a big day tomorrow so I’m going to make it short and sweet tonight. Please pray that I pass my swallowing test tomorrow. When I do I’ll be TUBE FREE! No IV’s, no feeding tube, nothing! HOORAY! It would be awesome if I could eat on my own for a few days before I start chemo again on Friday. I also really need the doctors to figure out how to make me poop at least once a day before chemo. – keeping that chemical in your system for too long can cause ulcers and all kinds of tummy problems you know. Jesus is my strength and I’m getting closer to going home everyday! Maybe I’ll even make it by the end of the month!
Love you all!
Jayci Joy
Hello! Jayci has had another awesome day! Dr. Habersang should be back tomorrow – we are anxious to hear his comments on the events of the week. Jayci took her last dose of methadone tonight! PRAISE GOD! Now she only has to take Tylenol as needed and Magnesium Citrate and Zantac for her stomach as needed! When she passes her swallowing test tomorrow we’ll be able to start feeding her! Once she eats we’ll be able to deaccess her port until Friday and will take the feeding tube out for good! Our Jayci will be “TUBE FREE” for 4 WHOLE DAYS! I’m praying we’ll at least be able to take her on a walk around the park before chemo starts again. I’m so proud of the progress she’s made! She truly is a miracle!
Someone shared the following verse with us –
We thought we’d share with you.
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 14, 2007
HELLO! Today has been another GREAT DAY! I sucked on my pacifier all day, starting grabbing more stuff with my hands, and played with my hair all day long! I slept a lot today because I had a rough night. My tummy really hurt because I was way too full! I finally got relief this morning and rested most of the afternoon. Gramma took me on a long wagon ride and we’re going to sit on the balcony later! I LOVE getting out of my room! I’ve been in it soooo long, it kinda feels like a jail cell! Please keep the prayers coming! I get a little better everyday!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hi! We’ve had another good day! Jayci gets a little better everyday! She plays and laughs and tries a little harder to use her hands all the time! We are sooo proud of her! She is going to do a swallowing test on Monday and the doctors are going to let her start eating if – not if; WHEN - she passes it! We are all ready for the feeding tube to disappear! Dr. Habersang should be back by then too; we’re hoping she gets strong enough to at least go across the street and walk around the park before her next round of chemotherapy starts next Friday. Thank you all so much for your generosity – we will never be able to repay half what has been done for us!
GOD’S WORK IS AMAZING! Just look at the picture and short video of Jayci; we’re astonished at how far she’s come in the 10 short days she’s been off the ventilator! Please keep the prayers coming and God Bless!
-Guy and Kimberly
July 13, 2007
Well it’s been a great day, I feel a little better each day it seems. Today I can move my arms and hands a little more and I am less irritable. I got my pacifier back and figured out how to use it this afternoon which is great. I also got to go outside and meet some other cancer patients, they were very inspiring and gave me great confidence. We had a painting party together, their paintings were great and I feel that mine was pretty dog gone good too, especially considering the fact that I had to use my feet ‘cause my hands will not do what I tell them to yet. I also had special visitors today too. My cousin Kennedi came and it felt soooo good to see her, I hope to see all my youner cousins very soon too, I just have to get a little stronger first. Also I had a visitor all the way from Dallas. It was my aunt Patti Hunter, she brought mom and dad and me some nice gifts. And finally, I got to see my Poppa and G G Marilyn. That’s always a treat especially since Marilyn had surgery on her knee only yesterday. Ok I am starting to get tired now but like I said today has been great and I am growing confident that each day will make me stronger and more back to my old self. I love you all and miss you greatly.
Love,
Jayci Joy Nickels
P.S. (I start chemo again next Friday the 20th so I can still use those very thoughtful prayers.)
GOD IS GREAT! Today has been full of BLESSINGS! Jayci loves to suck her pacifier again, says “HI” and growls like she used to, and has started moving her arms even more! When Kennedi came she wouldn’t take her eyes off her – a sight Daddy and I both needed to see. She definitely knows the difference between friends and strangers. Dr. Nandu watched her interactions today and feels that maybe our Jayci just needs time. He also said he and the other doctors are unsure why her arms aren’t working they way they should. After today, Guy and I are confident she will make a complete recovery; it will just take time. THANK YOU for all the emails, letters, and PRAYERS! They make each day brighter! Please keep sending those prayers our way! We know GOD is the reason Jayci continues improving!
- Guy & Kimberly
(WRITTEN THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007)
HIDEE! I just have time for a quick update tonight. It's been a really busy day and I'm tuckered out! My MRI went good today; the doctors didn't see anything and they even said my Chiari malformation is smaller than it used to be. J
So. . .now it looks like we sit and wait and HOPE my arms continue to move more everyday and my interactions with people continue improving! The doctors don't think I have neuropathy from the chemotherapy anymore, they just think the nerves that control my hands and speech are numb or something. My dad can explain what they said soooo much better than I can; I'll get him to write as soon as he has time. I'll talk to you soon!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hello! Tonight our sweet angel interacted with us more than we could have hoped for! We were taking our evening walk and found a large mirror in the therapy room. We stopped to show Jayci and began talking to her in the mirror. She began smiling and kicking her legs. We constantly remind her of things she used to do and say and tonight she actually tried to complete one of her old tricks! For those of you who know Jayci, she plays with her tongue and makes a noise that sounds like: "Deedle, Deedle." Guy reminded her of it and she stuck her tongue in and out several times then smiled at her daddy! What a sweet, sweet sight! She was also able to find her daddy, mommy, and baby Jayci in the mirror when asked! God knew we both needed tonight! Our baby girl is getting better and we have been reassured she'll be up to her old tricks one of these days!
The MRI was clear today! PRAISE GOD! The doctors seem to think there is an issue with the nerves controlling Jayci's arms and speech – Dr. Turner and Dr. Nandu gave us a great explanation that Guy will have to tell you about when he gets a minute; Jayci was not exactly happy at the time and I was pretty distracted trying to console her. They don't think it is neuropathy anymore. The only bad news we heard today was the only thing they can do for her is to wait and hope things continue improving. How long? Who knows. . .we are hoping for days, weeks, or even months at the longest. Both Dr. Nandu and Dr. Reguira seem to think her symptoms are a result of the night her ventilator tube was pulled; a night I was hoping we would soon forget.
It looks like we are going to be in the hospital for quite awhile. Jayci is unable to swallow anything without aspirating. We are trying to get her to suck on her pacifier (something she was rarely seen without in the past) then we are hoping to try a bottle soon after. Once we can get her to eat I think we'll at least be able to bring her home.
Dr. Harbersang will be back next week; we are anxious to hear his opinion. After visiting with him Guy and I are going to decide whether we go to Dallas or stay here. Please pray for Jayci's continued improvement and for wisdom for the doctors and Guy and I to make the right decisions on Jayci's future care. God is GREAT and continues providing the strength we all need to make each day special!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 11, 2007
HIDEE! I have had a pretty good day! I only got in trouble breathing a couple times and the nurses were able to calm me down quickly and fix me with only a breathing treatment! HOORAY! The only bad thing is the nurses told me I couldn't go on wagon rides outside anymore for awhile – they think I'm allergic to something out there and that's why I get into breathing trouble. Darn! Dr. Nandu has been consulting with other doctors and they all said my MRI and EEG look good. They don't know why I can't move my arms or hold my head and body. They think it may be neuropathy (pardon my spelling) – something going on with my nerves. Dr. Nandu is talking to more doctors in Dallas and I might even get to go there if the doctors in Amarillo can't help me feel better! Dr. Nandu is going to run another MRI test with dye and do some kind of nerve test tomorrow. He has been working really, really hard to figure out how to help me get better! I am responding more and more and even smile and laugh at times! I've been pretty cranky today – Dr. Nandu thinks it's because I'm nearly completely off my pain killers and sedatives and am beginning to feel more. My throat really hurts and I try not to swallow which makes mama and daddy really upset. They are afraid I'm going to aspirate again. I am doing better and really appreciate all the prayers. Jesus helps me do better everyday!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hi! Jayci is using more higher level thinking skills everyday! THANK YOU JESUS! She shows emotion – cries appropriately, recognizes familiar faces, shows stranger anxiety, etc. Her doctors are working tediously to figure out why she has little strength in her arms.
They think it might be neuropathy (pardon my spelling – I haven't had time to do any research yet). By the way the doctors are talking, I think neuropathy is when the patient's nerves are inflamed and irritated and it can sometimes be degenerative. Jayci will have another MRI done at 4:00 tomorrow. This MRI will be done with dye – they are looking at her spinal column and a few other things. . .I'm so tired I can't remember everything he said! SORRY! I'll make sure to find out all the details before the test tomorrow! They are also going to do some kind of test on her nerves – not an EMG (it would be too dangerous because her white blood cell count is so low and the risk of infection from the needle pricks is too great). So. . .we sit and wait once again. We are hopeful the problem will be found and a treatment or therapy is available here. However, Dr. Nandu has recommended we go to Dallas Children's Hospital if appropriate care is unavailable here. Dallas has wonderful oncologists, pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, etc. all under one roof, AWESOME! We are ready to do whatever needs to be done to provide the best care for our sweet angel. Thank you again for the prayers! Things look better everyday. There isn't a tense or scary moment that passes when we don't feel some relief, some calming sensation and are reassured of God's presence in Jayci's room. He is healing our baby girl! We'll keep you informed of our situation as information becomes available!
Love, Guy and Kimberly
They think it might be neuropathy (pardon my spelling – I haven't had time to do any research yet). By the way the doctors are talking, I think neuropathy is when the patient's nerves are inflamed and irritated and it can sometimes be degenerative. Jayci will have another MRI done at 4:00 tomorrow. This MRI will be done with dye – they are looking at her spinal column and a few other things. . .I'm so tired I can't remember everything he said! SORRY! I'll make sure to find out all the details before the test tomorrow! They are also going to do some kind of test on her nerves – not an EMG (it would be too dangerous because her white blood cell count is so low and the risk of infection from the needle pricks is too great). So. . .we sit and wait once again. We are hopeful the problem will be found and a treatment or therapy is available here. However, Dr. Nandu has recommended we go to Dallas Children's Hospital if appropriate care is unavailable here. Dallas has wonderful oncologists, pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, etc. all under one roof - AWESOME! We are ready to do whatever needs to be done to provide the best care for our sweet angel.
Thank you again for the prayers! Things look better everyday. There isn't a tense or scary moment that passes when we don't feel some relief, some calming sensation and are reassured of God's presence in Jayci's room. He is healing our baby girl!
We'll keep you informed of our situation as information becomes available!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 10, 2007
Hello Friends! Today has been a good day! I actually got to go outside for a little while! Grammy Ju and Mama made me a little chariot (they put my carseat in a wagon) and pulled me all over the place. It was great seeing all my friends outside my room! The only bad thing about it was I had to wear a dumb mask – it's hard to breath with that thing on you know! My physical therapist even did my therapy outside! She is really nice and is teaching me how to hold my head and body and move my arms again. She was impressed at how much my eye tracking skills have improved since yesterday! I will continue working hard and know I'll be up to my old tricks eventually! I just keep telling mama and daddy to give me some time – I've been through a lot you know! I also got to wear my pretty new dresses the last couple days. I must look very pretty because everybody takes time to come visit me when I'm wearing them! I'm so lucky to have such wonderful doctors and nurses! They make sure I'm given the best care everyday! I need to take a little nap now – I know the doctors will want to do more tests later! Please keep praying for me!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hello Again! We received the preliminary EEG and MRI results and they both look good. The tech. who performed the EEG said he didn't see any seizure activity and Dr. Reguira said the MRI looked okay to him – he has a friend who is a pediatric neurologist in Austin who is looking at the MRI and Jayci's file with him. Hopefully we'll have a complete report back soon. Until then we will continue physical and speech therapy. Jayci finally let me hold her yesterday without crying or throwing up! She is even visually responding to us now! Today Judy and I got her to laugh by tickling her toes – such a sweet, sweet sound! Her vitals are picture perfect and we have gone nearly 36 hours without oxygen! The chemotherapy is working – the mass is less dense now and her white blood cell count is starting to increase again! GOD IS GREAT! Our concern now is neurological. We don't understand why she isn't moving her arms, sucking, trying to make sounds (besides crying) or responding very much to stimuli – she is very withdrawn. We have faith that God will give Jayci's incredible doctor's the knowledge they need to figure out what's going on. Sometime today would you take time to pray for all of us? Please pray for Jayci's body to continue to heal, for positive EEG and MRI test results, for Jayci to begin using her arms and trying to speak. Would you pray for strength for Guy and I; pray that we remain HOPE-FULL and patient as the doctor's run more tests on our precious angel. It is prayer that has kept Jayci with us and prayer that gets us through each day. Jayci has definitely taught us the importance of living each day as if it were the last! Again - we cannot thank you enough for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers! You are our strength!
Love,
Guy and Kimberly
July 9, 2007
Hidee!
I have been keeping my mom and dad really busy so I asked gramma to write this update for me. On Saturday, I had a pretty good day until late afternoon. I am having trouble swallowing and I choked. The doctors said it was like I was trying to drown, so my throat constricted - I gave everyone a real scare, they worked on me for several minutes and had to give me a combination of helium and oxygen to get me breathing again. Everyone was really worried - and the doctor had to give me steriods to help decrease the swelling in my throat. I had may last dose Sunday evening - The steriods have helped and now I am able to breathe on my own again. I still need mama to remind me to swallow, but I am getting better at it.
Today I will have a bunch of tests done - mama says one is an EEG and the other is an MRI - they are trying to see why I just can't seem to respond and move my body very good. Your prayers have helped so much and today I really need them - please keep sending them my way. I want to get better! Please pray for my mom and dad too - they are getting pretty tired and they need to see me get better.
I will let you know how my tests turn out - don't forget to pray today! Please forwatd this to all my friends.
Love,
Jayci Joy
July 6, 2007
Good Morning! I had a really good night last night because I finally pooped!!! I even let mama sleep in the chair beside my bed as long as she would hold my hand. I am breathing completely on my own now and only have to have breathing treatments every 4 hours - YEAH!!! I started physical and speech therapy yesterday and am already making some progress. I can move my head from side to side and am able to control my arms and legs a little. I am starting to move my mouth a little and mama keeps telling me I have to start sucking soon - she's been doing some crazy stuff to my face to build my facial muscles back up. I keep telling my mama and daddy that I have been in bed a long time and have been through tons of trauma - it's going to take some time and patience to get back going again. My bloodwork came back okay this morning except now everybody has to wear masks, aprons, and gloves when they come into my room. I thought they were all crazy until mama and daddy explained that my immune system is obsolete and I absolutely cannot be around other people's germs or I'll get really sick again. I definately don't want that to happen. I'm down to only 1 IV sedative and they are trying to wean me off of it too. I kinda liked not feeling pain and am having withdrawals from all the medications I've been on. My nurses told me that it would take a couple days for me to get better and not be so fussy. Gramma, Grammy Ju and Uncle Chris and Aunt Lora bought me some really toys to start stimulating my muscles and brain. My therapists said it was important for me to be stimulated to get my brain and body working again. Mama and Daddy are hopeful that I'll be able to hold my head and body again soon. I just keep telling them to give me time - a girl needs a break every now and then you know!
Please keep sending your prayers my way! I have a long road ahead of me and know I'll need Jesus to keep carrying me through!
Love,
Jayci Joy
Hello! Jayci is doing pretty good this morning! We finally got rid of enough tubes to see our sweet angel again! During the next 24 hours the dr.'s plan on weaning her off everything - good news! We just have to make it through withdrawal time. Constipation has become a big problem. The only way Jayci can flush her body of the chemicals from chemo. is through urinating and pooping. The dr.'s have said that the longer she goes between bowel movements the more likely she will develop ulcers in her stomach and bowel - not good. She started physical and speech therapy yesterday - Guy and I are working to stimulate her muscles and brain - Jayci doesn't exactly enjoy this, but she is already showing some improvement. She is like a newborn again; she has to learn how to hold her head and body, suck, etc. We are confident she will make a full recovery; it's just going to take awhile. Please continue sending up prayers for her - we would not be where we are without God's help! He continues to give us the strength and courage we need to help our sweet Jayci recover!
God Bless!
Guy and Kimberly
July 5, 2007
HIDEE! Today is the first day I've been really aware of the things that are happening around me and I don't like it one bit!!!! I have vampires for nurses and my doctors insist on showing up right after I fall asleep to poke and prod on the places that already hurt. My tummy hurts really bad because I haven't pooped in awhile and mommy and daddy said something called "chemo" was making it feel that way. I also don't understand why my arms and legs are limp - mama and daddy say it's because I've been asleep for over a week, but I think they must be making that up because I would NEVER, EVER sleep that long!!! My throat also hurts because I guess I've had a tube in it for several days as well. It just hurts everywhere!!! Mama and Daddy must have lost their minds to let all this happen to me! They keep telling me that everything will be okay and I'll get to feeling better soon. They also tell me that people all over the world are praying for me to feel better - that means I will feel better really, really soon because I've learned that Jesus heals all things. I think I need to take another quick nap before the vampires show back up. I miss all of you and can't wait to see you! Mama is going to type now.
LOVE, LOVE,
Jayci Joy
Today is the eleventh day of our hospital stay. Jayci becomes more responsive as the sedatives wear off and we are beginning to see some traits of our little angel's personality reappear. She is extremely weak and we know it will take quite awhile for her to regain her strength. Last night was pretty rough. She is alert enough now to know she is sick and doesn't understand what's going on. The chemo has made her nauseated and her muscles are flacid due to our long hospital stay. The hospital staff was very kind and brought in a regular hospital bed instead of a crib so Guy and I can hold and comfort her. It's so hard to see her sweet little body hurt. . .we find comfort knowing God is working extra hard to kill the sickness in her body. The x-ray's continue to improve, the bloodwork is picture perfect, now we just have to be patient and trust God to continue his miraculous work. THANK YOU all so much for everything you've done for our family. . .we know that the prayers are working and can't wait 'til Jayci is able to sit up, smile, and say "HIDEE" again. We'll continue keeping you all informed!
Love,
Kimberly
July 4, 2007
The dictionary defines a miracle as: such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.
Mama and Daddy tell me daily I am MIRACLE - a work of God. Every breath I take, every move I make, is proof that Jesus answers prayers.
I'm getting better everyday! My tubes are gradually disappearing - (YEAH!) - and I might even get to have my ventilator tube pulled this afternoon! I think that's the best INDEPENDENCE DAY gift any girl could receive. All of the swelling has disappeared; Mama says I look like Jayci again. I am very weak and am resting quite a bit. I'm also still heavily sedated - my nurse is surprised I'm moving around as much as I am. I am able to open my eyes and look around the room some - Lizzie, the "child life" specialist - brought me a DVD player so I can watch movies from bed. My body is reallly sore for all the poking and proding it's been through, but mama keeps saying she's going to hold me as soon as the ventilator is gone! I think both of us are past ready for that! (The mass in my right side continues shrinking - my lung has more capacity everyday!)
I hope you all have a HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Please keep praying for more MIRACLES for me - they continue occuring!
I LOVE YOU!
-Jayci Joy
July 3, 2007
Hide do! i just wanted to send you all an update to let you all know how terriffic I am doing! Yesterday I had an MRI done to check for brain damage from the respirator incident. It all went really well and I don't have any damage! Your prayers are working! They did however find out that I have something called Arnold-Chiari Malformation but it is nothing to worry about and if I do have any problems with it later in life we will deal with it then. They also did a coagulation test and there were no clots found anywhere. Right now my organs are all working very well and I am starting to open my eyes every now and then to take a peek at mom and dad to make sure they are still here. They are weaning me off of the ventilator and they will probably take me off of it tomorrow! Yeah! Clap.. Clap..! So keep praying because I really want to go home!
Thanks for everything!
Jayci Joy
July 2, 2007
ROUND ONE OF CHEMO. COMPLETE!!!! HOORAY! Today Dr. Habersang deaccessed my port so it has time to heal before my next round of chemo. beginning on July 20th. I am doing better - the more lines that disappear the better things get. :) I am beginning to wake up and move around some - Dr. Habersang continues decreasing my paralytic and sedative so I can get strong enough to wean off the ventilator. I am going to have an MRI done today to check my brain and size/position of my tumor. We know the chemo is working; the tumor is visibly smaller on x-ray. PRAYER IS POWERFUL!!!!
(Mama is working on setting me up a website for updates - she'll let you know when it's up and ready.)
I LOVE YOU ALL!
-Jayci Joy
July 1, 2007
Hello Friends!
I am slowly getting back to the point I was a few days ago. Mama and Daddy are very "HOPE-FULL" that I will make a full recovery after Saturday's early morning scare. (Jayci's ventilator tube was pulled out while the respiratory therapists were working on the heater to the ventilator. She is unable to breath on her own without it and CPR was performed for at least 10 minutes before Dr. Habersang was able to re-intubate her. It took quite a while to get her stable again.) Mama and Daddy were not handling the events very well yesterday morning and found themselves giving up hope. Around 8:30 mama had a strange, but calming feeling come over her; she got up, wiped her tears, and began putting her faith and trust back with God where it belonged. The power of prayer is AMAZING! From that moment we have only heard good news. It looks like I have good brain function despite the trauma - we'll know more after a few tests are run AND 72 hours pass. Last night was better. This morning mama seems to think we are back where we started a week ago - a BLESSING! She and Daddy are still scared and are being overprotective of my vent tube, but they both keep remembering God's word: "Fear not, for I am with you. I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, child you are mine. When you walk through the water I will be there, and through the fire. You'll not be burned. You'll not be drowned. For I am with you." Thank you all soooooo much for the PRAYERS, inspiring stories, and kind words. You have all become our life support and continue to remind us that miracles do and HAVE happened. I am a MIRACLE and the three of us are still being carried through the fire and water - there is still only ONE set of footprints in the sand. We are keeping our faith and trust in God and are "HOPE-FULL" things are back to normal soon. Mama wanted to send the following email to all of you - it really touched her and daddy.
I am praying for sweet Jaycie. Unbelieveable. But, this I know: God does all things well. He IS love. He will lead, all we are to do is follow. To go the same direction and to be likeminded with Him. I was talking with an 85 year old war vet and after detailing the traumatic events of his life, I asked him how he survived, quote " I placed my footsteps in the exact place of that of my captain, I did not look to the left or the right. Danger was on all sides. My survival was to follow close behind my commander, trusting him."
His name is Max, a precious Jewish gentleman. Even though He still isn't sure Jesus is the true Messiah, he related to my Chritian walk. I shared with Him "that" is how a true believer lives the Christ life. Placing our steps and trust in the One true Commander. Danger is on all sides, but Faith, Hope, and Love is our uniform.
I love the greek word for Hope often translated in His word;The happy anticipation of something good. Hope is an attitude. A happy one at that! My prayer for Guy and Kimberly and sweet Jaycie is this: Romans 15:13 Now may the God of our hope, so fill you with all joy and peace in believing(through the experiences of your falith) that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing(bubbling over with) HOPE. amp. Bible
Don't lose HOPE, as Emory says "if we lose hope those around us will lose hope as well."
Remaining HOPE-FULL for them.
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH AND WILL BE BACK PLAYING SOON!
-Jayci Joy
June 29, 2007
HI EVERYBODY! I asked my wonderful uncle Pisssssssssss to send a quick email to everyone to once again say "THANK YOU!!!! for the prayers, gifts, visits, phone calls. . ." and also to give you another update. Since this is uncle Pisssssss's first time at this make sure to see who all he sends this to and please fill in everyone he forgot. He said he didn't skip anyone on purpose, he just doesn't know how this works you know. I have also started sharing all the goodies you have sent with the nurses and doctors and they love the chocolate, especially my Dr. Habersang, he is my favorite you know. I think I have them all won over as well, because dad pulled the picture out of his wallet to share with everyone. Now everyone can't wait until they get to see me smile and play.
Since I will be starting chemo now, I won't be able to see you for a while now. The Dr's even told my Mom and Dad that they would have to stay all germ free for me too. Dad has even stopped smoking for me, so say some special prayers for him too. Mom has told me that everyone is really helping out with getting everything ready for me to come home even though it will be a while, so please keep sending your prayers my way - I can feel them working and I know they will help me get home quicker. Jesus loves me and all of you, you know.
Love, Jayci Joy
Here is a message from uncle Pissssssssss:
Hello! Jayci's tests are complete and we hope to know all the results by the end of next week. She just came out of surgery where they put the port in for the chemo, and they are hoping to start chemo as soon as possible. The surgery went well, but it took a little bit longer than expected because they had troubles getting everything perfect. They took some more x-rays and everything is perfect. They are just going to wait until she settles back down and then they will begin the chemo. Once again a good report from the doctors.
Jayci's vitals are all looking very good. She is still on the ventilator at 20% and is still heavily sedated and will remain that way for several more days. They will reduce the paralyzing drug so she can wiggle a little bit to help with the swelling. Other than that, the prayers are obviously working with her vitals and the way she is responding to the treatment thus far. Please continue to pray for the effectiveness of the chemo against the tumor. The quicker the response the quicker she can come off the ventilator and I know we are all waiting for that news. On behalf of Guy, Kimberly and the whole family, thanks for all your love, support, flowers, goodies, and most importantly the prayers. We definitely would not be where we are now if it wasn't for all of you. Thank you very much.
Love, Chris, aka Uncle Pisssssss
Jayci's vitals are all looking very good. She is still on the ventilator at 20% and is still heavily sedated and will remain that way for several more days. They will reduce the paralyzing drug so she can wiggle a little bit to help with the swelling. Other than that, the prayers are obviously working with her vitals and the way she is responding to the treatment thus far. Please continue to pray for the effectiveness of the chemo against the tumor. The quicker the response the quicker she can come off the ventilator and I know we are all waiting for that news. On behalf of Guy, Kimberly and the whole family, thanks for all your love, support, flowers, goodies, and most importantly the prayers. We definitely would not be where we are now if it wasn't for all of you. Thank you very much.
Love,
Chris, aka Uncle Pisssssss
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