It has been over six months since we left for San Francisco, but Jackson is finally back home in Team Jackson Country. As we are dusting off the cobwebs and trying to get things back in order at home, Keri and I are fretfully awaiting Jackson’s end-of-January MRI. (Frankly, it’s all we think about even though it’s only the beginning of January right now.) By the end of January, it will have been four weeks since the end of Jackson’s IMRT radiation treatment. The doctors, you’ll recall, told us that it would take at least four weeks, if not six weeks, to even be able to see any positive effects of the radiation treatment on an MRI scan. (They also say that even if it is working, it may only look exactly the same as when we started radiation, due to the nature of the radiation treatment). As Jack’s doctor put it a few days ago, right now the radiation is “still working,” meaning the radiation is somehow still in Jack’s head doing battle with the tumor on our behalf.
While this crucial battle of mammoth importance silently rages on inside baby Jackson’s brain, he is tired. Nay, he is absolutely exhausted. The radiation treatment has plain worn him out. He sleeps a full night each night. Then he follows that up by sleeping a good majority of the day. When he is awake, he sometimes plays with his toys or watches television, but more often he simply lies on the couch. Because of this, on the outside, he actually appears sicker than he did two weeks ago.
He looks a bit now like he did in this picture, taken six months ago in the hospital in San Francisco. Back then, like now, Wyatt made sure Jack knew he was there for him even when Jack was asleep.
As for me personally … I like to hope that on the inside the tumor is feeling as exhausted as Jackson looks right now, or more. That would be great. I like to envision that tumor with its back against the ropes, exhausted, unsuccessfully trying to keep its guard up, while our radiation relentlessly pounds its evil and unforgiving head in, again and again and again, until it can no longer threaten our son’s life.
Jackson, Wyatt, Keri, and I are thankful for your support and your prayers humble us. We are at the same time proud of, and reliant upon, Team Jackson. Thank you.
Friday, Jan 9, 2009
Kelly Jobe
Kelly Jobe
Team Jackson Country
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Hey there big guy...that picture can bring tears to anyones eyes, good tears of the endless love between brothers! We are hoping and continuing to pray for the end of this month to give us a miracle of no more tumor...and a start to a new life! As your parents have said that our prayers and support have humbled them, knowing you and who you are as a fighter, humbles all of us and keeps us on track to what is important in life. We love you lil Jackson and lil Wyatt, and hope to see you guys soon! xoxo
Hi Jobes- Thanks for taking the time to keep us all informed about Jack- I know it must be hard for you to put all of this into words, but you have kept us in the loop regularly- and thanks for putting all of the medical jargon into layman’s terms! The love and support for Jack in “Team Jackson Country” will continue to be strong every step of the way. Welcome Home, Jack!
Love,
Sam
How about this for some positive thinking? Picture Ali/radiation vs. Foreman/tumor, the rumble in the jungle, as Ali slowly but surely wore down big bad George until he ko’d him. That is what is going to happen. Prayers as always to the champ and his family.
In my office with very moist eyes looking at that photo! Awesome. Much love and prayers to young Jack and his family.
Dido to Kane’s comments,,,, tears in my eyes as well looking at that sweet picture.
Love you Jobe Family!!!!!
Hi Guys....we are so glad that you guys have finally made it back home....we know both boys are happier around their own stuff and their own rooms. We are keeping our fingers crossed that things look great on that MRI. And if it doesn’t look like much has changed, just keep in mind that the next MRI will more than likely look even better....and as time goes on and the radiation does it’s pummeling job on the tumor, then it will fade into nothing and won’t threaten Jack anymore. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers and we can’t wait to see all of you again. Much love goes out to you all. Maggie says “Hi” to Jack and she loves you guys very much. If it weren’t for the possibilty of germs, she would give Jack a drawing of the two of them together.....she’s learning to draw people in preschool...and Papa says she quite good. You guys take care and when the time is right, Maggie will get that drawing done for Jack!
Thank you for your beautiful journal, which has kept us all informed on Jackson’s fight. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
Morgan
Jackson and WyWy I send you all of my love with prayers from deep inside. Keri and Kelly such special parents you are, love you both. Special pics of 2 very special boys! Thank you!
Welcome home Jobe family! We are glad to have you home and are visualizing a successful battle. Sleep on, Jackson!
Welcome home Jobe family! That picture of the boys really says it all. We can’t begin to imagine what you have been through, but please know that Don, Kate and I are cheering for all of you.
Yea Jack’s back!!!! Sac was not the same without you. We certainly miss and think about you all the time. I heard you have been able to get out a bit for some fresh air in your double stroller with Wyatt. Enjoy the beautiful weather. We are thinking positive thoughts for your MRI at the end of the month. Hugs to all!
W-E-L-C-O-M-E H-O-M-E!!!!!
Team Jackson Country has missed the Jobes. Hopefully you all can get some better rest now sleeping in your own beds. And since Kane and Divine Gardening Services have been diligently mowing I am sure your home looks beautiful!!
Keep up the fight Jackson our TKO is around the corner!!!
Patricia, Juan, Tommy & Nicky
Welcome Home. You don’t know me Jack but i went to school with your mom.
When I heard the news, it brought tears to my eyes. As a cancer survivor and mother my heart feels for you all and I will think positive thoughts for you.
Children are so incredible. They are strong and resilient. He is back at home in the comforts of his toys, family and friends. You have such beautiful children and it truly shows how much they love each other.
If there is anything I can do please don’t hesitate to ask.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Gail
sleep is good. jackson knows what he needs to do to feel better. the photo of the boys is beyond words, but warm feelings go over the top when looking at it. along with many other folks, i want to say thank you for the time and energy you both devote to keeping us all in touch. here’s to the end of the bad, stupid, lousy tumor! ct
Hi Jack.. hope you are settling in and recovering well in your home sweet home. As you sleep and regain a new zest of wonderful childhood, we pray you’re kicking the horrible beast all at the same time. It’s so sweet of WyWy to be there for you. Hugs to you both from Davina.
Thanks to Keri and Kelly for your constant updates. Your journals give us such invaluable information. We appreciate your generosity. Hugs also to Gooma Doris.
Best wishes,
Frida.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davina1
Hi Jackson,
We are praying the MRI has positive results, and you are on the road to recovery. Hang in there kiddo. Love Drew and Carrie xoxoxoxoxoxxo
We think about you every day. We want you and Wyatte to come visit us in Utah again and dance your pants off