An Update on Us

Thank you everyone for your support over the past several years, we have had the opportunity to visit with many new people.  We have laughed and loved with many, and we have cried with some as well.  The caring that we have encountered has been overwhelming. 

I would like to update you on where we are at in our lives now.  On the side you will see some updated pictures of the boys.  Amazing how quickly they grow up, I know it has been several years since I built this site, but I still sometimes see them as they looked then.  I know most parents will agree with me that it is hard to admit the kids are growing up.

Let's start with Jacob and what is going on with him.  Jacob is now 12 years old and in middle school.  We have switched CF clinics and have found a great connection with our care team.  The care team has determined that Jacob is behind in his growth, and he seems to have stalled out.  He is putting on weight with his nightly feeding tube supplements, but he does not seem to be truly growing.  Testing reveals that he is indeed behind in his growth, significant enough that he is set to begin treatment with Human Growth Hormone.  We are hopeful that this will work to his benefit and keep him on the path of health.  Jacob has been participating in basketball and soccer during the year and really enjoys participating in as many activities as he can find.  His most recent announcement has been his desire to join the Golf team next year, I know that his Grandpa will be thrilled to hear that!  Jacob has had a few changes to his treatments over the past few years.  The two big changes were the placing of a Port-a-Cath and a Mic-Key button feeding tube.  The Port allows us to better manage his IV therapy when necessary and the feeding tube allows us to supplement the calories that he needs.  We continue to do the daily breathing treatments with Pulmozyme and Albuterol and have added Hypertonic Saline and Pulmicort to his therapies.  His overall medicines have been relatively stable for the past several years with some increases and slight alterations. 

Derek has been running a very similar course to Jacob.  Derek is now 10 years old and still in grade school.  His overall health has remained stable with only a few setbacks along the way.  Derek had a Port-a-Cath and Mic-Key button placed one year after Jacob.  He also receives overnight feedings to supplement his calorie needs.  His breathing treatments have remainded stable as well with only the addition of Hypertonic saline.  Derek enjoys playing basketball and soccer for physical activity, and is striving to reach new heights in Accelerated Reading points. 

A new addition to our story of medical experiences has been our older son's battle with Aplastic Anemia.  You can find more of his story at aplasticanemia.faithandawareness.com  His treatment has worked very well and he has tapered off of his medications.  We will continue to monitor him and his blood levels for the rest of his life, but we have avoided many of the problems that could have come up.  We will continue to pray for his health and steady blood levels.

Again, I thank you for your prayers and support, and hope that you enjoyed this brief update.