A Miraculous Journey of Faith The Story of Ryan’s Battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
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Transcript of A Miraculous Journey of Faith The Story of Ryan’s Battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.
Ryan David JacobsBorn January 31,
2002
During a standard visit to our pediatrician on July 1,
2002 to investigate common cold symptoms, a simple blood test indicated the possibility of leukemia.
Extensive testing at Children’s Hospital
in Minneapolis confirmed that
Ryan had leukemia.
He was diagnosed with acute
myelogenous leukemia (AML)
Ryan’s 3 brothers were tested to determine if they were potential bone marrow matches. None were.
All 4 of the boys had unique HLA types.
The medical staff at Children’s Hospital gave us much more than just medical
care during each of our 3 month-long inpatient hospital
stays.
After completing all 3 rounds of chemotherapy remarkably well, and just 7 days shy of
being ‘done’ with the process – tragedy struck
again…
Leukemic cells were found in his spinal fluid…
Ryan’s leukemia had relapsed.
It was quickly determined that Ryan’s only chance at life was
an unrelated, cord blood, stem cell
transplant at Fairview University Medical
Center.
“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we
know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.” (Romans 5, 2-5)
Child Life specialists helped us cope, and gave our kids a chance to work out their fears of transplant.
Our house was transformed into a pharmacy. Balancing all of the medicines
at home was a full time job!
While immuno-suppressed, Ryan battled several bacterial infections,
and had to be re-admitted to the hospital 7 times over 5 months.
The worst and most serious occasion involved an infection attacking his
lungs. He had severe bronchial hemorrhaging, and was forced onto
life support.
Shortly after this picture, Ryan was removed from the ventilator. As the tube was removed he looked up in a
raspy voice and said, “MAMA”. What a beautiful miracle!
July 5th, 2003 brought our final discharge from the ‘U’. We looked forward to weaning Ryan’s transplant drugs over the coming months.
Why participate in Pennies for Patients?
Because the statistics that Ryan faced are still at the 30% survival rate!