Thursday, August 14, 2008
Biopsy Results
Sometimes it's very difficult to send updates. This is one of those times. We needed a few days to digest what we heard and try to figure a way to let you all know. The pathology results of Garrett's biopsy were not what we had hoped. Garrett's heart does have an area infiltrated by lymphocytes, a group of little search and destroy blood cells that try to kill foreign bodies within our own.
The game plan right now is to let his otherwise healthy body try to fight this rejection, and to closely watch him. If he shows any signs of fatigue, etc, we will have to take a much more aggressive approach. The doctor feels that the chemo type medications can be counterproductive because they are so hard on other parts of the body. He wants to wait a while. Either way, he has to have a very extensive biopsy surgery in just a couple of months, again. He does not know, and I do not want the kids to know right now. He has had too many nights of worrying if his new heart will last. I want him to think he can climb the highest mountain and jump the tallest building. He is a warrior and needs to keep a warrior's mind set.
For now, I ask that you keep the prayers coming. We have not been in a fight yet we cannot win. By the Grace of God, we will win this one, too.
God bless you,
JD
Posted by JD at Thursday, August 14, 2008 0 comments
Monday, August 11, 2008
August 11, 2008
Today was surgery #21. It never get’s any easier, just more familiar.We spent the weekend in the mountains drowning worms to get Garrett’s mind off of the impending date with the surgeon. God brought us some much needed rain while we were there, but it didn’t dampen our spirits, only the ground. Garrett and Jessi made quite a discovery up there. He brought me back a few “cool looking rocks”. They were actually flint chips, which are created when the Indians were flint knapping tools and arrow heads. I had him take me to where he found them and we did a little digging. Our archaeological adventure turned up quite a few flint chips, a few small arrow heads and a broken flint knife. The kids got quite a kick out of digging for these when they understood that their ancestors (Ute Indian Tribe) may have camped along the river near where we found these.The weekend was a good routine breaker because Garrett had his date with the surgeon this morning for another biopsy. It was needed to ensure that everything is still going as it should be. He was scared, but cowboy’d up just like the little warrior he is. I carried him to the operating table, same as I have some 20 other times. And just as I have the other times, I wiped the 1st tear off of his cheek and rubbed it on my own. I can’t take his pain and fear from him, but at least I can help carry his tears.The doctor came out a short while ago and told us that visually, everything looked good. They got several good “bites” from inside his heart. Afterward, Jessi made the most incredible comment. She said the doctor "didn't look sad this time”. She remembered the look on his face when he came out in February to tell us Garrett was dying. She is an amazing little girl.Tomorrow we should have the results of the biopsy. If all goes well, we should get to take him home tonight, because they only have to go in through the groin area instead of opening him clear up. He’ll have to stay relatively calm for a few days, but God willing, will be up and aggravating his sister within a day or two.As I sit here next to him while he sleeps in the recovery room, I can’t help but think of how fortunate I am and how I appreciate all of the continued prayers and intentions. We have so much to be grateful for this year, even though the journey is far from complete. The love and friendship of so many continue to humble me daily, and I will never tire thanking our Lord Jesus for the blessings I truly don’t deserve.Until next time, may He shine upon your path, keep your horses gentle and keep your tanks full.God bless,JD
Posted by JD at Monday, August 11, 2008 0 comments
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 1, 2008
Summer is quickly growing to a close, and Garrett has stayed busy. With the exception of a few scary bumps a couple weeks ago, he has been doing great! We were fortunate enough to spend the weekend with Darren's family in Wyoming, and to see Garrett interacting with Darren's siblings is very emotional. Garrett's been riding horses, buckin' barrels, roping the dummy, shooting the bow, playing catch, chasin' kitties and dogs and pestering his sister and mom. No two days are the same, and each day is a new adventure. He hates to sleep, won't ever admit that he's tired and leaves toys and clothes scattered all over the house and yard. Pretty much a normal little boy!August 11th will be a test for him. He has another biopsy surgery ordered, and is already starting to get scared. Surgery #21 should not hold any surprises, but please keep the prayers coming. We didn't expect any in February, either.With all the blessings we've had, we expect Garrett to be able to attend school this fall and be able to play around other kids again, with some minor adjustments. God is good and He shines every day in the life of this child and our family.God Bless,JD
Posted by JD at Friday, August 01, 2008 1 comments
Labels: Summer 08
Aug 16, 2008
Jul 5, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy 4th of July
We have had a very blessed 4th. A special treat was Darren's mom and two of his sisters came in from out of state to spend the weekend with us. They are such incredible people, and we will obviously be eternally grateful that they heard God direct them to donate Darren's heart to Garrett. With what I have jokingly referred to as a diesel powered engine running inside of my littlest Cowboy's chest, he has more energy than we could have imagined at this point. His check ups continue to be positive and he is able to enjoy his summer the way little boys should.We've been playing catch, roping the dummy, riding horses and are planning a fishing trip. Life is so wonderful for us right now. It's easy to put aside the unknowing and fears that constantly try to break our concentration and spirit. We're just doing our level best to be as "normal" as possible and appreciate every day as a new victory.This weekend we're taking care of a friend's place, and among other things such as feeding their horses and goats, they have a sick calf. Garrett jumps right in there and helps daddy get the job done. Jessi holds the medicine, I rope the calf by the head and one leg and Garrett walks up behind him and ropes his hind feet. He's so proud of himself and he just beams when I make over what a great loop he threw and how I couldn't do it without him. You can't cut me with a diamond!I hope you are all enjoying your families right now as much as I am enjoying mine. Each day is just a little more special than the one before, and the little things that go out of whack, just don't seem important anymore.For those interested, the local paper here ran another story on children with congenital heart disease. There is a photo of Garrett and a nice spin to the story about the need for organ donors.
http://www.newfalconherald.com/DisplayArticle.php?ArticleID=4400
Some wonderful friends have also started putting together a benefit rodeo/family dance. You can read about it on their website:
http://www.heart4garrettross.com/
God Bless you all and Stay Safe!
In Him,JD
Happy 4th of July
We have had a very blessed 4th. A special treat was Darren's mom and two of his sisters came in from out of state to spend the weekend with us. They are such incredible people, and we will obviously be eternally grateful that they heard God direct them to donate Darren's heart to Garrett. With what I have jokingly referred to as a diesel powered engine running inside of my littlest Cowboy's chest, he has more energy than we could have imagined at this point. His check ups continue to be positive and he is able to enjoy his summer the way little boys should.We've been playing catch, roping the dummy, riding horses and are planning a fishing trip. Life is so wonderful for us right now. It's easy to put aside the unknowing and fears that constantly try to break our concentration and spirit. We're just doing our level best to be as "normal" as possible and appreciate every day as a new victory.This weekend we're taking care of a friend's place, and among other things such as feeding their horses and goats, they have a sick calf. Garrett jumps right in there and helps daddy get the job done. Jessi holds the medicine, I rope the calf by the head and one leg and Garrett walks up behind him and ropes his hind feet. He's so proud of himself and he just beams when I make over what a great loop he threw and how I couldn't do it without him. You can't cut me with a diamond!I hope you are all enjoying your families right now as much as I am enjoying mine. Each day is just a little more special than the one before, and the little things that go out of whack, just don't seem important anymore.For those interested, the local paper here ran another story on children with congenital heart disease. There is a photo of Garrett and a nice spin to the story about the need for organ donors.
http://www.newfalconherald.com/DisplayArticle.php?ArticleID=4400
Some wonderful friends have also started putting together a benefit rodeo/family dance. You can read about it on their website:
http://www.heart4garrettross.com/
God Bless you all and Stay Safe!
In Him,JD
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy 4th of July
We have had a very blessed 4th. A special treat was Darren's mom and two of his sisters came in from out of state to spend the weekend with us. They are such incredible people, and we will obviously be eternally grateful that they heard God direct them to donate Darren's heart to Garrett. With what I have jokingly referred to as a diesel powered engine running inside of my littlest Cowboy's chest, he has more energy than we could have imagined at this point. His check ups continue to be positive and he is able to enjoy his summer the way little boys should.We've been playing catch, roping the dummy, riding horses and are planning a fishing trip. Life is so wonderful for us right now. It's easy to put aside the unknowing and fears that constantly try to break our concentration and spirit. We're just doing our level best to be as "normal" as possible and appreciate every day as a new victory.This weekend we're taking care of a friend's place, and among other things such as feeding their horses and goats, they have a sick calf. Garrett jumps right in there and helps daddy get the job done. Jessi holds the medicine, I rope the calf by the head and one leg and Garrett walks up behind him and ropes his hind feet. He's so proud of himself and he just beams when I make over what a great loop he threw and how I couldn't do it without him. You can't cut me with a diamond!I hope you are all enjoying your families right now as much as I am enjoying mine. Each day is just a little more special than the one before, and the little things that go out of whack, just don't seem important anymore.For those interested, the local paper here ran another story on children with congenital heart disease. There is a photo of Garrett and a nice spin to the story about the need for organ donors.
http://www.newfalconherald.com/DisplayArticle.php?ArticleID=4400
Some wonderful friends have also started putting together a benefit rodeo/family dance. You can read about it on their website:
http://www.heart4garrettross.com/
God Bless you all and Stay Safe!In Him,JD
Happy 4th of July
We have had a very blessed 4th. A special treat was Darren's mom and two of his sisters came in from out of state to spend the weekend with us. They are such incredible people, and we will obviously be eternally grateful that they heard God direct them to donate Darren's heart to Garrett. With what I have jokingly referred to as a diesel powered engine running inside of my littlest Cowboy's chest, he has more energy than we could have imagined at this point. His check ups continue to be positive and he is able to enjoy his summer the way little boys should.We've been playing catch, roping the dummy, riding horses and are planning a fishing trip. Life is so wonderful for us right now. It's easy to put aside the unknowing and fears that constantly try to break our concentration and spirit. We're just doing our level best to be as "normal" as possible and appreciate every day as a new victory.This weekend we're taking care of a friend's place, and among other things such as feeding their horses and goats, they have a sick calf. Garrett jumps right in there and helps daddy get the job done. Jessi holds the medicine, I rope the calf by the head and one leg and Garrett walks up behind him and ropes his hind feet. He's so proud of himself and he just beams when I make over what a great loop he threw and how I couldn't do it without him. You can't cut me with a diamond!I hope you are all enjoying your families right now as much as I am enjoying mine. Each day is just a little more special than the one before, and the little things that go out of whack, just don't seem important anymore.For those interested, the local paper here ran another story on children with congenital heart disease. There is a photo of Garrett and a nice spin to the story about the need for organ donors.
http://www.newfalconherald.com/DisplayArticle.php?ArticleID=4400
Some wonderful friends have also started putting together a benefit rodeo/family dance. You can read about it on their website:
http://www.heart4garrettross.com/
God Bless you all and Stay Safe!In Him,JD
Jul 2, 2008
JUNE 23, 2008
Well, I have been bad by not posting for a while. We have been so enjoying our new found "freedom" at home, that I haven't been inside much. Here is the short story of our last month.We've had plenty of challenges, but overall they are minor. Garrett is doing great! His health is holding up and with a few small changes to his medicine, he's been getting A's from his check-ups. We had a little scare when he got an upper respiratory thing, but it turned out to be allergies and no hospitalization was needed. We continue to guard that carefully, as he's months from having a good immune system.Kathy and I have been very protective of the kids, physically and emotionally. I have tried to prevent any major emotional trauma to them, as they have had enough to last a while. Just after we got home, one of the kids' dogs got kicked by a horse and broke his leg. Then a few days later, one of the other dogs got poisoned. They both required stays at the vet, and one surgery, but both are recovering well. Then we had a pasture fire that could easily have burned down the buildings, but the wind changed suddenly and pulled the fire in another direction. We lost a few acres, but dodged another bullet. Last weekend I thought our luck had finally run out. Garrett's been doing so well and everyone is healing inside so nicely, and then I got a call at work. Kathy had run the horses in and Garrett's mare had developed a huge tumor inside of her left nostril. I sent a vet over and he called me with bad news. The tumor is a rare one, but a fatal one. We had no choice but to put her down.The news brought tears to my eyes. I asked him to have until Saturday so I could prepare the kids and let them say goodbye. I knew this would crush their spirit. They had been through so much and could not wait to get home to their animals and had already almost lost two. Garrett had cried only days earlier, wanting to ride his horse. He was getting to the point we were going to let him, as she is a gentle old soul who is great with the kids. He'd lost a good horse a year ago Christmas, then Jessi lost her horse last fall. They didn't need another hit right now. Saturday morning came and as Garrett and I went out to feed and I prepared to tell him the news, he excitedly said "daddy, she's better!". The tumor had fallen out of her head and was laying on the ground. It was the size of a summer sausage and weighed over a pound. The vet came and said it was a "one in a billion" chance. In all his years as a vet, he had never seen it happen. This truly was another gift from God!With all we have seen this year, we continue to be blessed every step we take. I am absolutely the luckiest man. I have been given so many extra chances with my children, and they continue to bring joy to all they meet.We continue to bring Garrett up to the hospital every week for a full goin'-over, but so far, so good.Thanks for all the continued prayers and good thoughts. We serve a fantastic, loving God!May He smile on you all as much as he has us.
JD
Well, I have been bad by not posting for a while. We have been so enjoying our new found "freedom" at home, that I haven't been inside much. Here is the short story of our last month.We've had plenty of challenges, but overall they are minor. Garrett is doing great! His health is holding up and with a few small changes to his medicine, he's been getting A's from his check-ups. We had a little scare when he got an upper respiratory thing, but it turned out to be allergies and no hospitalization was needed. We continue to guard that carefully, as he's months from having a good immune system.Kathy and I have been very protective of the kids, physically and emotionally. I have tried to prevent any major emotional trauma to them, as they have had enough to last a while. Just after we got home, one of the kids' dogs got kicked by a horse and broke his leg. Then a few days later, one of the other dogs got poisoned. They both required stays at the vet, and one surgery, but both are recovering well. Then we had a pasture fire that could easily have burned down the buildings, but the wind changed suddenly and pulled the fire in another direction. We lost a few acres, but dodged another bullet. Last weekend I thought our luck had finally run out. Garrett's been doing so well and everyone is healing inside so nicely, and then I got a call at work. Kathy had run the horses in and Garrett's mare had developed a huge tumor inside of her left nostril. I sent a vet over and he called me with bad news. The tumor is a rare one, but a fatal one. We had no choice but to put her down.The news brought tears to my eyes. I asked him to have until Saturday so I could prepare the kids and let them say goodbye. I knew this would crush their spirit. They had been through so much and could not wait to get home to their animals and had already almost lost two. Garrett had cried only days earlier, wanting to ride his horse. He was getting to the point we were going to let him, as she is a gentle old soul who is great with the kids. He'd lost a good horse a year ago Christmas, then Jessi lost her horse last fall. They didn't need another hit right now. Saturday morning came and as Garrett and I went out to feed and I prepared to tell him the news, he excitedly said "daddy, she's better!". The tumor had fallen out of her head and was laying on the ground. It was the size of a summer sausage and weighed over a pound. The vet came and said it was a "one in a billion" chance. In all his years as a vet, he had never seen it happen. This truly was another gift from God!With all we have seen this year, we continue to be blessed every step we take. I am absolutely the luckiest man. I have been given so many extra chances with my children, and they continue to bring joy to all they meet.We continue to bring Garrett up to the hospital every week for a full goin'-over, but so far, so good.Thanks for all the continued prayers and good thoughts. We serve a fantastic, loving God!May He smile on you all as much as he has us.
JD
May 18, 2008
WE'RE HOME!!!!!
By the Grace of God and special favors from the doctors, we were allowed to come home this week! After Garrett's biopsy, they surprised us by letting us come home a few days ago. The doctors have been very understanding, realizing the stress on the family being away from home. They are so pleased with Garrett's progress, that they decided to let us sleep under our own roof. Since the roads are good now, we can commute to the hospital from here. They also said they are doing this because we have been through it before and they don't have to "train" us about what to look for or do if Garrett has sudden problems. The rules of the game stay the same, in that we have to be back to Denver frequently for blood work and a complete check ups. In those cases, we will just stay in a hotel overnight to be at the hospital 1st thing the next morning and spend the day there. Most likely it will be 2-3 times a week.
I cannot express the overwhelming feelings we have all experienced in the past few days. Listening to the kids laugh and yelp as they play with their new barn kittens and just run around the yard. I can tell you that beautiful sound has brought moisture to this old cowboy's eyes. It has been though, and a little challenging to convince Garrett that just because he's home, doesn't mean he can do everything and go anywhere. He still cannot be around crowds of people or anyone with even a cold. But just being able to sleep in our own home is amazing! The Little Warrior is charging forward with his family in tow. We never imagined they would let us come home so early, but it is yet another testimony to the power of prayer and the answer being "YES". Momma's a little nervous, but I know this move is a very good sign.
Now we'll just try to remember what it was like to be here. Lotsa cobwebs, dirty pens and dead grass to clean up. Never had so much fun cleaning up the place. As spring brings new life to our part of the planet, we get to have a new beginning with it. And it is that much sweeter because of all of your support and love. Thank you!'
Ain't God great?!
By the Grace of God and special favors from the doctors, we were allowed to come home this week! After Garrett's biopsy, they surprised us by letting us come home a few days ago. The doctors have been very understanding, realizing the stress on the family being away from home. They are so pleased with Garrett's progress, that they decided to let us sleep under our own roof. Since the roads are good now, we can commute to the hospital from here. They also said they are doing this because we have been through it before and they don't have to "train" us about what to look for or do if Garrett has sudden problems. The rules of the game stay the same, in that we have to be back to Denver frequently for blood work and a complete check ups. In those cases, we will just stay in a hotel overnight to be at the hospital 1st thing the next morning and spend the day there. Most likely it will be 2-3 times a week.
I cannot express the overwhelming feelings we have all experienced in the past few days. Listening to the kids laugh and yelp as they play with their new barn kittens and just run around the yard. I can tell you that beautiful sound has brought moisture to this old cowboy's eyes. It has been though, and a little challenging to convince Garrett that just because he's home, doesn't mean he can do everything and go anywhere. He still cannot be around crowds of people or anyone with even a cold. But just being able to sleep in our own home is amazing! The Little Warrior is charging forward with his family in tow. We never imagined they would let us come home so early, but it is yet another testimony to the power of prayer and the answer being "YES". Momma's a little nervous, but I know this move is a very good sign.
Now we'll just try to remember what it was like to be here. Lotsa cobwebs, dirty pens and dead grass to clean up. Never had so much fun cleaning up the place. As spring brings new life to our part of the planet, we get to have a new beginning with it. And it is that much sweeter because of all of your support and love. Thank you!'
Ain't God great?!
May 8, 2008
May 7, 2008
Well, great news today! The hospital called and Garrett's pathology from the biopsy was read as an R-1, which is "fantastic". There were only a few little cells of concern, but not enough to treat for now. He will have another biopsy in 4-6 months. Overall, the results of the surgery were as much as we could hope for. God is good!!!!!!!!
Garrett's body is accepting his new heart really well. We'll adjust his medication a little to bring his levels up to par and continue to come in a few times a week for blood work and a thorough diagnostic, but now it looks as though we can start to heal emotionally and seek some 'normal' living, with obvious restrictions. At least there will be no immediate anticipation of any more surgery for a while.
We had a little bit of an anxious last few days, hoping and praying that everything would turn out well, and our prayers were answered with a resounding "Yes". Garrett didn't even have nightmares last night, which were expected from some of the medication he had to be on yesterday. He did see little orange butterflies when he woke from surgery and it was kind of funny as he drowsily tried to reach up and catch one in the recovery room. But at least he didn't have any giant gnomes or grizzly bears chasing him! :-)
These past few days have been filled with emotional highs and lows. Garrett was so scared for the surgery, and we tried to stay positive but also deeply prayed for no rejection. We also learned of the sudden passing of a very good friend. He epitomized the term "Cowboy Gentleman". Please keep Frank's family in your prayers. I know he is in paradise today.Life is so very fragile, and we are blessed to have this little life charging forward with no signs of slowing down. The future looks very bright.More good news soon. God bless you all and thank you again for all the continued support.
JD
Well, great news today! The hospital called and Garrett's pathology from the biopsy was read as an R-1, which is "fantastic". There were only a few little cells of concern, but not enough to treat for now. He will have another biopsy in 4-6 months. Overall, the results of the surgery were as much as we could hope for. God is good!!!!!!!!
Garrett's body is accepting his new heart really well. We'll adjust his medication a little to bring his levels up to par and continue to come in a few times a week for blood work and a thorough diagnostic, but now it looks as though we can start to heal emotionally and seek some 'normal' living, with obvious restrictions. At least there will be no immediate anticipation of any more surgery for a while.
We had a little bit of an anxious last few days, hoping and praying that everything would turn out well, and our prayers were answered with a resounding "Yes". Garrett didn't even have nightmares last night, which were expected from some of the medication he had to be on yesterday. He did see little orange butterflies when he woke from surgery and it was kind of funny as he drowsily tried to reach up and catch one in the recovery room. But at least he didn't have any giant gnomes or grizzly bears chasing him! :-)
These past few days have been filled with emotional highs and lows. Garrett was so scared for the surgery, and we tried to stay positive but also deeply prayed for no rejection. We also learned of the sudden passing of a very good friend. He epitomized the term "Cowboy Gentleman". Please keep Frank's family in your prayers. I know he is in paradise today.Life is so very fragile, and we are blessed to have this little life charging forward with no signs of slowing down. The future looks very bright.More good news soon. God bless you all and thank you again for all the continued support.
JD
May 6, 2008
Praise be to God and thanks for the prayers! Garrett came through his biopsy surgery very well today. It was a tough start as they poked 4 holes trying to start an IV with no luck. Then they gave him a shot in the fanny to put him out, and ended up putting an IV in his leg.Doctors came out after a few hours and said everything went well and all looks good. We should have information on the pathology from the biopsy tomorrow sometime.
We have to go back in the morning for a blood draw, but other than that it will be a day of rest.
Last thing Garrett said he remembers before they put him out today was "you (daddy) and me saying it was time to cowboy up". Gotta love it.God Bless,JD
Praise be to God and thanks for the prayers! Garrett came through his biopsy surgery very well today. It was a tough start as they poked 4 holes trying to start an IV with no luck. Then they gave him a shot in the fanny to put him out, and ended up putting an IV in his leg.Doctors came out after a few hours and said everything went well and all looks good. We should have information on the pathology from the biopsy tomorrow sometime.
We have to go back in the morning for a blood draw, but other than that it will be a day of rest.
Last thing Garrett said he remembers before they put him out today was "you (daddy) and me saying it was time to cowboy up". Gotta love it.God Bless,JD
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