The Doc

I wish I had a lot of great news to share, but we really don't know much more than we did before Jack's appointment with the immunologist. After an extensive history and physical, Dr. Atkinson said we were probably headed down the path of the "do-nothing" approach. He said that Jack would probably spend the next couple of years as sickly as he has been over the past year (27 illnesses and infections in case you forgot!) He said that around the age of four years old, the other parts of the immune system begin to compensate for the weakened IgG component. But when he saw in his history that Jack actually contracted chicken pox from the chicken pox vaccine, his demeanor changed a bit. We still don't know exactly what the cause for concern is, though. It sounds like that signals a potential additional problem or a greater severity of problem than what we originally thought. He ordered 8 additional sets of tests to be completed, and we go back in one month (November 11) to talk with him about the results of those tests.
The visit to the lab for Jack's blood draw was really rough. There were lots of tears shed, and it took two sticks (one in his hand and one in his arm) to get enough blood. Actually, the nurse said she drew the maximum amount allowed for Jack's weight and still didn't have enough for all the tests that were being run on it...she said the lab will have to learn to share!
Jack "talked" about his boo-boos for a little while after we got home, but then he learned that he got bigger reactions when he added a super-sad face to the story. We would ask him if he had to get "shots" today, and he would make a little pouty face and nod "yes." Then we would ask him if it hurt, and he would kick up the pitiful-factor and nod "yes" again (but with more of a dramatic flair!) Then he would break into a big, huge smile!! He knew he was being cute. As you can tell from this picture from dinner tonight, though, he's feeling just fine now.

Thank you for all the phone calls and e-mails today to check on Jack. Please forgive us if we didn't get back to you...we have a lot of balls in the air right now, but we really appreciate your thinking of us and praying for Jack's appointment. Josh has another interview tomorrow at 4:00, so please pray for him during that time.


Love,

allison