NOTE: Briannas answer will be first, Jordans answer second.
1. What time did you get up this morning? 9:15am / 10:30am
2. Diamonds or Pearls? "Probably pearls because pearls can be eaten." / (In reply to Brianna,"What???") Diamonds.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? The mission impossible with Tom Cruise / Same
4. What is your favorite TV show? The Homeless (some japanese show) / Star Trek
5. What did you have for breakfast? Rice powder rolled in a ball with vegetable soup. / Chocolate
6. What is your middle name? Chinese people typically don't have middle names / McKay
7. What is your favorite Cuisine? Chinese Guangdong Province food / Rice and pork with spinage
8. What do you dislike? Hunger and being cold and sickness and being lonely / The question is broad enough that it would take me more time than I'm willing to spend trying to figure out some sort of a conclusive answer. If I just name a few things I dislike it would not really be an accurate representation. If I try to label a single thing I dislike I can always think of something I dislike more. For example, if I say "I dislike leg cramps" I then feel like erasing it and saying "I dislike it when my teeth hurt." (Since my teeth hurting is a larger problem than a leg cramp, not that either of them are large problems really.) But now I just noticed something, which is that both of the things I listed were types of physical pain. So I would say "Physical pain" as my answer except "leg cramps" and "hurting teeth" were only EXAMPLES and not actual things that I think of when I am thinking of things I dislike. Now you are beginning to see what happens though when I try to make a list of things I dislike (all these thoughts go through my head in like 2 seconds, over and over, in all sorts of variations) so I hope you can forgive me for not putting an answer to this question.
9. What is your favorite potato chip? Regular standard non flavored (but salted) chips / Probably KC Masterpiece or whatever it is flavored chips from America.
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Don't have CD / My WarCraft III CD.
11. What kind of car do you drive? Don't know how to drive and don't have a car / None, I take a taxi or what-have-you. We will buy a bicycle in the summer though, we think.
12. Favorite Sandwich? I don't eat sandwich / The one described in The Princess Bride, except substitute bacon for mutton.
13. What characteristics do you despise? Tons. Arrogance, Cruelty, I don't know now. / I would imagine most people don't realize that this question (along with many questions) are extremely vague. All the question asked is "What characteristics do you despise?" not "What characteristics do you despise, IN A PERSON." So I'm going to assume it is asking "What characteristics do you despise, in a bowl of rice." My answers, hardness, too hottiness, burnedness, not cooked well enoughness, and sogginess.
14. What are your favorite clothes? Stylish ones and good materials and fit me / My brown cargo pocket pants whatever those are called, and my green "lucky" shirt.
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? America / An undiscovered (in modern times) cave that has 15 billion dollars worth of jewels and gold and stuff in it, and I'm not trapped in it or anything..and there is nothing stopping me from cashing out on the contents or anything.
16. What color are your eyes? Brown / Green
17. Favorite brand of clothing? I don't know brands / I don't care
18. Where would you want to retire? Somewhere warm and clean with fresh air and beautiful / These theoretical questions are really tempting me. Where "would" you want.... it makes me want to type something like "A place where if I am there I instantly have infinity wishes and unlimited power." But I'll stick with a more normal answer and say "Where ever Brianna is."
19. Favorite time of day? Sleeping time / Sleeping time
20. Where were you born? Dongguan, Guangdong, China / Moses Lake, Washington, USA
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? Olympic games / Not sure
22. Who do you think will not send this back? Myself / I don't know... these questions are tricks anyways to try to get the people who fill these out to provoke others into sending them.
23. Person you expect to send it back first? Someone who hasn't done it yet / Whatever
24. Pepsi or Coke? Whats different between pepsi and coke? / None
25. Cats or Dogs? Dogs / Dogs, but I like cats too
26. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I was a morning person but I'm getting poisoned by Jordan / Night person
27. Pedicure or manicure? The one for your hands / whatever
28. Do you prefer funny or mushy cards? Funny / Funny
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? We are at home (what she means is we are at her parents home in Guangdong) / No.
30. What did you want to be when you were little? Model or a movie star / a computer guy
31. What do you have in your trunk right now? I don't have one / "What you gunna do with all that junk, all that junk inside that trunk?"
32. What is your best childhood memory? Dancing out on top of a big car on chinese valentines day / Forts and stuff.
33. What are the different jobs you have had in your life? Worked at Giordanno, taught foreigners english. and worked with Jordan at MMOVP.com / Grape handler, worked for Shane Christensen for a bit, Fed Ex package handler, home loan call center, qwest DSL tech support call center, Ipod support call center, worked on flash for knowligent.com, worked at a haunted house some, off and on worked for myself selling virtual currency, worked at an english teaching center in china, currently working for mmovp.com...probably some other stuff
34. Favorite Holiday? Mid autumn festival / New year
35. What is your favorite dessert? Watermelon juice / so many ... i don't know
36. Favorite Summer getaway? Somewhere with a lot of fruit to eat / China, LOL!
37. Ever been to Africa? No / No, but I did sleep at best western last night.
38. Glasses or Contacts? I'm wearing glasses but I'd rather use contacts but my eyes cant handle them / Glasses
39. Ever been toilet papering? No / No
40. Been in a car accident? No, but a motorcycle ran into my bike once / Not really..if so I don't really remember
41. Favorite day of the week? Friday / Sunday
42. Favorite restaurant? The Steak restaurant where we get tons of free fruit / The Steak restaurant where I eat a lot of steak
43. Favorite flower? I don't know much about flower / Lilac
44. Favorite movies? Asoka and some Chinese stuff...but I like TV series more / LOTR and STAR WARS and many others... sci fi is good, and spy movies, and movies about smart people
45. Favorite Pastime? Yoga, resting, watching good TV shows, eating good food, spending time with my family / computer
46. Favorite fast food restaurant? KFC, but I don't like it much and don't eat there often / prolly subway, none here though that I know of
47. How many times did you fail your drivers test? N/A / 0
48. From whom did you get your last email? Bonnie / Bonnie
49. Sandals or tennis shoes? Sandals / Sandals for freedom and shoes for being able to run fast and stuff
50. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I don't know much about credit card /http://www.newegg.com/
51. If the speed limit is 60 what is the fastest you will drive? I don't know speed, but if I could drive I would drive pretty slow / 65 or so
52. Bedtime? 1-3am / Same
53. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? Shane / Bill Gates
54. Last person you went to dinner with? Jordan / Brianna
55. What are you listening to right now? Listening to Jordan typing / Listening to Brianna telling me what to type
56. What is your favorite color? Probably green, all colors are good though / Green or blue or something, sometimes red maybe, but I think green is overall my favorite color.
57. How many tattoos do you have? 0 / 0
58. How many people are you sending this E-mail to? 1, and I'm going to ask her to please send it to anyone else "on the list"
59. What time did you finish this e-mail? / Not finished yet.
60. What animal would you be reincarnated as? Human / I would not choose to be reincarnated as an animal because the idea of reincarnation comes primarily from Buddhism, and I have studied Buddhism some and, GENERALLY SPEAKING, found that a human is only reincarnated as an animal if he was really stupid and evil during his life. It is worse than being reincarnated as a poor, sick, deformed human. So if I was reincarnated I would like to be reincarnated as a Buddha (except thats not an animal), and a human is arguably not an animal either, so I'm going to have to go with "smart, well groomed, long and happy lifed monkey."
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
More Than a Request
The trip is in jeopardy. Pain escalated today. As of this afternoon, Jordan started running a fever, the first in two weeks. All oral pain meds are discontinued, the morphine drip is being turned up. Blood cultures have been drawn, and more antibiotics begun. A priesthood blessing has been given. We look to heaven, awaiting relief.
Many have prayed with us. Some have combined fasting with prayer. Pleas continue.
Many have prayed with us. Some have combined fasting with prayer. Pleas continue.
Soaking Up Sunday
Saturday's counts were HGB, 11.3: WBC, .2 (I've been writing it incorrectly as .02); platelets 22K. This mornings: HGB, 9.8; WBC still .2; platelets 18K. Dr. Z. is giving some real thought to getting Jordan off the morphine drip and finding effective oral meds he can take instead, so that we can make the Seattle trip this week. We can't set off on an eight-hour drive if Jordan's experiencing uncontrolled pain, fevers, nosebleeds, or is in need of transfusions. It all has to come together just so to work out!
The drip is slowly being titrated downward. It's down from 8MG/H to 4MG/H. Both immediate release and sustained release morphine pills are being used. The meds are worrisome, but pain, more so. Thankfully, Jordan feels well enough to spend several hours each day on the computer. In most of his previous hospitalizations, weeks passed without his giving it a thought or a glance! The CBC's tell one story, but his computer usage tells quite another, and it's our preferred version.
The drip is slowly being titrated downward. It's down from 8MG/H to 4MG/H. Both immediate release and sustained release morphine pills are being used. The meds are worrisome, but pain, more so. Thankfully, Jordan feels well enough to spend several hours each day on the computer. In most of his previous hospitalizations, weeks passed without his giving it a thought or a glance! The CBC's tell one story, but his computer usage tells quite another, and it's our preferred version.
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Big 21
After last night's intense gaming session, this has been a quiet and restful day, a day for Jordan to be revitalized by the 32nd transfusion of platelets, and the 21st transfusion of packed red blood cells. With platelets at 12K, and HGB at 8.1,it was unquestionably time well spent. Boo hiss, LDH is on the climb, at 4,285.
Thanks to St. Luke's for giving Jordan, Brianna, Shane, Ryan and Audra the use of one of their conference rooms for all the fun, games, and snacks.
Thanks to St. Luke's for giving Jordan, Brianna, Shane, Ryan and Audra the use of one of their conference rooms for all the fun, games, and snacks.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Platelets, More Precious Than Gold
First, we have three pieces of good news to share.
1. Jordan's platelets seem slightly improved.
2. He's feeling a whole lot better.
3. We have an appointment with Dr. Hawkins in Seattle, on May 1st.
Jordan received his 31st platelet transfusion just before midnight on the 22nd.CBC's are drawn early each morning, so the new platelets were still fairly well represented a few hours later, at 33K. Today, they're down to 20K. WBC's are worrisome at .1. And hemoglobin is at 9.3. A little lower, typically 8.5 and below, and a transfusion of packed red blood cells is ordered. we'll predict transfusions of both kinds will be called for by tomorrow morning. Unless, of course, something even better happens,and the tide turns in a more favorable direction. Thank you for your prayers, we know they're making a difference. As a small reward, how about a primer on platelets, for your edification.
What are platelets?
Platelets are tiny cells that circulate in the blood and whose function is to take part in the clotting process.Inside each platelet are many granules, containing compounds that enhance the ability of platelets to stick to each other and also to the surface of a damaged blood vessel wall. The platelet count in the circulating blood is normally between 150 and 400millionper millilitre of blood. (Our lab lists it as between 150K and 400K). The average life span of a platelet in the blood is 10 days.
What do platelets do?
Platelets are essential in the formation of blood clots to prevent haemorrhage -bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel.An adequate number of normally functioning platelets is also needed to prevent leakage of red blood cells from apparently uninjured vessels. In the event of bleeding, muscles in the vessel wall contract and reduce blood flow.The platelets then stick to each other (aggregation) and hold on to the vessel wall(primary haemostasis). The coagulation factors are then activated, resulting in normally liquid blood becoming an insoluble clot or glue.
What are the risks of a low platelet count?
The main effect of a reduced platelet count is an increased risk of bleeding, but this rarely occurs until there are less than 80-100 million platelets per ml.There is not a close relationship between the number of platelets and the severity of bleeding, but there is an increasing risk of haemorrhage if platelet numbers fall or if platelet function is impaired (for example by aspirin, which reduces the 'stickiness' of the platelets). There is a particularly high risk of spontaneous bleeding once the platelet count drops below 10 million per ml. The bleeding is usually seen on the skin in the form of tiny pin-prick haemorrhages (purpura), or bruises (ecchymoses) following minor trauma.Bleeding from the nose and the gums is also quite common. More serious haemorrhage can occur at the back of the eye (retina), sometimes threatening sight.The most serious complication, which is potentially fatal, is spontaneous bleeding inside the head (intracranial) or from the lining of the gut (gastrointestinal).
For all of the above, and more, go to:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/thrombocytopenia.htm
1. Jordan's platelets seem slightly improved.
2. He's feeling a whole lot better.
3. We have an appointment with Dr. Hawkins in Seattle, on May 1st.
Jordan received his 31st platelet transfusion just before midnight on the 22nd.CBC's are drawn early each morning, so the new platelets were still fairly well represented a few hours later, at 33K. Today, they're down to 20K. WBC's are worrisome at .1. And hemoglobin is at 9.3. A little lower, typically 8.5 and below, and a transfusion of packed red blood cells is ordered. we'll predict transfusions of both kinds will be called for by tomorrow morning. Unless, of course, something even better happens,and the tide turns in a more favorable direction. Thank you for your prayers, we know they're making a difference. As a small reward, how about a primer on platelets, for your edification.
What are platelets?
Platelets are tiny cells that circulate in the blood and whose function is to take part in the clotting process.Inside each platelet are many granules, containing compounds that enhance the ability of platelets to stick to each other and also to the surface of a damaged blood vessel wall. The platelet count in the circulating blood is normally between 150 and 400millionper millilitre of blood. (Our lab lists it as between 150K and 400K). The average life span of a platelet in the blood is 10 days.
What do platelets do?
Platelets are essential in the formation of blood clots to prevent haemorrhage -bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel.An adequate number of normally functioning platelets is also needed to prevent leakage of red blood cells from apparently uninjured vessels. In the event of bleeding, muscles in the vessel wall contract and reduce blood flow.The platelets then stick to each other (aggregation) and hold on to the vessel wall(primary haemostasis). The coagulation factors are then activated, resulting in normally liquid blood becoming an insoluble clot or glue.
What are the risks of a low platelet count?
The main effect of a reduced platelet count is an increased risk of bleeding, but this rarely occurs until there are less than 80-100 million platelets per ml.There is not a close relationship between the number of platelets and the severity of bleeding, but there is an increasing risk of haemorrhage if platelet numbers fall or if platelet function is impaired (for example by aspirin, which reduces the 'stickiness' of the platelets). There is a particularly high risk of spontaneous bleeding once the platelet count drops below 10 million per ml. The bleeding is usually seen on the skin in the form of tiny pin-prick haemorrhages (purpura), or bruises (ecchymoses) following minor trauma.Bleeding from the nose and the gums is also quite common. More serious haemorrhage can occur at the back of the eye (retina), sometimes threatening sight.The most serious complication, which is potentially fatal, is spontaneous bleeding inside the head (intracranial) or from the lining of the gut (gastrointestinal).
For all of the above, and more, go to:
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/thrombocytopenia.htm
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Back in the Big House
Jordan was re-admitted to the hospital this morning. Oh! This is so old it's desiccated, antiquated, and we pray all meds will be potentiated. Also, we continue to pray for more platelets, and less pain! WBC's, .2; HGB, 10.1; platelets, 10K. No platelet transfusion today though. Just fluids, and morphine. The titrated morphine drip began at 6 mg/h. And the Neupogen injections have been discontinued.
"In the face of uncertainty, there is nothing wrong with hope." (from Love, Medicine and Miracles, by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.)
"...I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." (MSH 24:14)
"In the face of uncertainty, there is nothing wrong with hope." (from Love, Medicine and Miracles, by Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.)
"...I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions." (MSH 24:14)
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Little Snack...of Words
Did someone say that seeing Jordan's hemoglobin jump up to 13.0 was a nice surprise? Well, it wasn't. We've learned that the jump was a result of dehydration, which causes the blood to become concentrated, giving an artificially high HGB reading. Today's hemoglobin, after rehydration, was at 10.5; WBC's, .3; platelets were 13K. He had his third platelet transfusion in three days, the 30th. Pour on the prayers for platelet production, please!
He is home again though, for which we're all grateful. However, the dreaded, albeit necessary, Neupogen injections were begun yesterday, and already, he's needing Oxycodone, Tylenol, and Dilaudid to help with pain management. Ativan and Marinol are doing a good job keeping the nausea mostly at bay. He'll be receiving one liter of IV fluids each day when he goes in for labs, until it's certain that the dehydration is completely resolved.
Another great letter from the mission, from Pres. Johnson, was welcomed today, as were several phone calls, e-mails, comments, and other evidences of your friendship and concern. Love and thanks to each and every one of you, for all you do.
He is home again though, for which we're all grateful. However, the dreaded, albeit necessary, Neupogen injections were begun yesterday, and already, he's needing Oxycodone, Tylenol, and Dilaudid to help with pain management. Ativan and Marinol are doing a good job keeping the nausea mostly at bay. He'll be receiving one liter of IV fluids each day when he goes in for labs, until it's certain that the dehydration is completely resolved.
Another great letter from the mission, from Pres. Johnson, was welcomed today, as were several phone calls, e-mails, comments, and other evidences of your friendship and concern. Love and thanks to each and every one of you, for all you do.
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