Chemo begins today

Today we begin the long road to recovery. The first phase of treatment is called induction. It will last for 28 days and is designed to put Jordan into remission. He will be started on oral steroids twice daily which will have the side effects of a ravenous appetite and moodiness. He will also recieve a dose of chemo into his spinal cord today while sedated. He will receive weekly IV chemo and will have bone marrow biopsies on day 7, 14, and 28. His blood counts are good right now following multiple transfusions and if they remain high enough he may be able to come home for a few days this weekend. Now let me try to address the many questions people have been asking:
Should we donate blood? For now the answer is no. The quantities required for children is very small and the doctors are very confident in the safety of the blood they use. Hopefully Jordan will never need a bone marrow transplant but if does the bone marrow needs to be blood cells that his body has never seen before. Once this is over, we will definately become a huge advocates of blood donation and we are so thankful to the anonymous donors that have given to Jordan.
Can we visit? Yes! since Jordan has no immune system right now we ask that no children and no adults with any cold symptoms vist. Otherwise we LOVE company. Our days are really very boring and we love the encouraging words and hugs of our friends and family. We are in room 3270 and you don't even need to call first.
How is Jordan doing? He is doing great. He loves riding the halls of the ward on a tricycle called the "Green Machine" with mom or dad racing behind with his IV stand. We had to get longer IV tubing because he has turned his room into his own personal jungle gym! Noah came to visit yesterday and they were kicking eachother and laughing like normal. He also loves the guy with the snack cart.
That's all I can think of for now. We love you all and we are so appreciative of all the prayers! Lara and Jim