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June 21, 2007 - update from Tim Hi there! It's time for somewhat of a final update, and a great deal of good news. Jared is definitely cancer-free today! Jared looks and feels good. He's gained weight and his eyelashes and eyebrows have returned. His hair is coming in too, but it’s no longer black. It looks like it might be a dark blond or sandy brown now. Here are the words from his Mom and Dad after the latest trip to the hospital for PET and CAT scans:
Jared and his family have now moved back home to Tipsico Lake Road since the home improvement projects are now complete. I know the thought of returning cancer will linger in Brian and Tracy’s mind for a very long time, but, for now, they wish to share this great news with all of us and extended friends beyond my network. Pass along the great news and thank the Lord for all these wondrous deeds!! And, MANY THANKS from Jared, Brian and Tracy, and Josh, Lexie and Noah too! April 23, 2007 - update from Tim Howdy Scout Leaders - please pass along to your dens. As our final meeting of the year approaches, I'm hoping Jared can come and advance to Webelos! At the moment, Mr. Marsh reports that Jared is back in the hospital working through the fallout from his last and final round of chemo treatments. The regular clinic visit last Monday showed that Jared was pretty low on platelets. He returned Wednesday for a red blood cell transfusion and a platelet transfusion. He ended up staying in the hospital and continues there, fighting off some type of pneumonia. This is a very serious condition for someone with his weakened immune system. He has had to have an additional platelet transfusion, as well as another red blood cell transfusion. His heart rate was substantially elevated most of the day yesterday because his heart was working extra hard to pump around the anemic blood. After the transfusion, it did drop a solid 20-25 beats a minute. All of these things are the fallout of chemotherapy - each one quite serious. Again, that is how Jared and his family spend many of their days. I hope he can join us for some simple fun at the pack meeting. Say a prayer for Jared''s speedy recovery from this setback. And please, let me remind you, MANY THANKS
from Jared, and Brian, Tracy, Josh, Lexie and Noah too! April 4, 2007 - update from Tim Hey there Cub Scouters and Friends of the Marsh Family! Sorry it has been a while since I provided an update on Jared, but I saw him today and he is doing well! He is approaching his final chemo treatment! Yes, you got that right; the last one! The doctors at Children's Hospital indicate he is near clinical remission. Brian and Tracy are, of course, incredibly happy. This represents the best case scenario! Jared has responded well to the chemo treatment and things are looking pretty good as he approaches the final round. I know this is the greatest of news. Continue your prayers for Jared's continued health and strength over the final weeks of his planned treatments. I also wanted to add that he'll be heading home to Tipsico Lake Road around the 3rd week of April. A lot of the work on Jared's house is nearing completion and I will provide a separate update on that shortly. Stay tuned and please be certain, that Brian, Tracy and Jared are very, very grateful for all that you have done to
help them through the past months. March 13, 2007 - update from Tim Hey there Cub Scouts and friends of the Marsh family... Today, I am happy to include a thank you note from Jared Marsh – please share it with the Cubs in your den. Keep those cards coming! Jared will be entering his 5th round of chemo on March 19th. For now, he is up and about; in fact, he even attended our Den 81 meeting last night and did a little whittling! Jared was quite concerned about the germs he might encounter, but I trust he had a bit of fun. All the Cubs were glad to see him. Over the next week, blood work and imaging diagnostic tests will consume Jared's time. Say a prayer for Jared's
continued progress with his battle to overcome this illness. In the past few weeks, I've been reporting reasonably
good news – let's keep it that way! The Lord has a plan for Jared beyond our understanding, but we can all pray for
his good health and speedy recovery. March 2, 2007 - update from Tim Hey there Cub Scouters and friends of the Marsh family, I'm certain you realize how thankful Brian and Tracy are for all your support – I've even attached 2 thank you notes – written straight to all of you ! Here is an update on Jared – straight from Mr. Marsh. "Well, we have finished round 4! Jared appears to have had no additional kidney damage this time around. We anticipated being discharged this morning, but his potassium was too low (an ongoing issue from the kidney failure), so after an IV, we are hoping to be out this afternoon. We were originally scheduled for 7 rounds, but the doctors are now anticipating at least 2 more rounds barring any complications or setbacks. This will take us though until June in a best-case scenario. Because of the remaining places on his liver, he will very likely have to have a liver biopsy after the next round. It's our hope that things will clear up between now and then and maybe we can avoid that. Jared remains in excellent spirits. His resiliency is remarkable. On a couple of occasions, he got out of bed and went to visit new patients to try and make them feel better. He tells them not to worry; that it isn't that bad once you get use to it. For anyone who wants to visit with him, it's actually better to do it as soon as possible, say within the first 3 or 4 days, and only if you have been healthy please. His immune system gradually drops and within a week after the chemotherapy, he becomes nutrapenic and is susceptible to just about anything. He can't even eat pepper during that period as the naturally occurring bacteria can cause him to have an infection. Tracy spends huge amounts of time writing thank you notes, but I would also like to thank everyone for everything you have done for him. We won't really have any idea of how we are progressing until sometime after the next round when we do more imaging, but as some of you saw at the taco dinner, he looks really good. I know that isn't the best way to judge these things, but considering how much cancer he had when we started, I find it helps ease my mind. Thanks again, Brian and Tracy Marsh February 23, 2007 update Hey there Cub Scouters and friends of the Marsh family, My info on Jared may be a day or two old, but here is what I know. Jared is about to start his 4th round of chemo. Brain and Tracy remain concerned that the difficulties Jared faced with his kidneys will return during this treatment. I believe the key drug is methotrexate and Jared's body's ability to handle this particular drug is the prime concern. The dose this time around depends, in part, on how well Jared's kidneys are working. Pray that complications are avoided and the drug can stop the growth of the cancer cells. I visited Jared last week at their temporary home in Swartz Creek. Once again, Jared was in tip-top shape for my visit. He enjoyed 20 or 30 cards from our Scouts and their brothers and sisters. I got to give him a hug, see his room and listen to many stories of how people from everywhere are stepping into his life with love and support. Volunteering: We need volunteers and you can volunteer by lending a hand at Jared's house every Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm until "Project 1" is complete. Call 810-965-1366 with your talents and ability to join the work. This weekend, we will be taking off the siding and cleaning up minor debris from the drywall removal several weeks ago. Even an hour, with your son or daughter or your mom or dad, will make a difference. "Lets Eat" Fundraiser – Taco Dinner this Saturday February 24th from 4pm to 7pm. Flyer attached. Flint Generals' night at the Perani Arena is March 3rd. Hockey game time is 7:30pm. Flyer to follow. I'm learning a lot through this experience. One thing is that you should help wherever you can and accept help from
your friends when you are in need. Love moves around that way. February 9, 2007 update
Jared has completed his 3rd round of chemo in good shape. I last reported that his treatment was off schedule after round 2. Diagnostic tests completed over the last week confirm Jared's cancer was impacted by the chemo and his condition is headed in the right direction – improving. At this point, Jared has some long term kidney damage which may be a factor later on. Jared returned to his temporary home, the home of Sensei Nelson, just this past Wednesday only to have his brother Josh get the flu bug. That means that Jared had to depart and find a germ-free place to stay – Grandpa's. Jared is very excited to be out of the hospital and looks forward to this break before his hospital return in 14 days. He will have to make multiple trips to the hospital cancer clinic, but they shouldn't last for more than 8 hours or so on any given trip. Side note: Children's Hospital is undergoing renovations so Jared had to double up in a room. He got the inside bed for his last hospital stay with no window. Seven days in a hospital bed; please have your scouts drop him a note. Jared's mailbox remains at the foot of my drive and I‘ll make sure the cards get to him. I‘ve included a couple of pictures of Jared from a recent visit with Cub Scout Chris Shaw. There is still our happy
Jared underneath that Pistons cap! January 30, 2007 update Hello Cub Scouters and friends of the Marsh family, Leaders – pass this along to your dens. Here is an update on Jared. Let's begin with some good news! Johnny and I went to visit Jared at Children's Hospital this past Friday and it was a good visit. Jared was up and about; actually preparing to be temporarily discharged from the hospital. Jared spent the weekend with his family who were altogether for the first time since being diagnosed over a month ago on December 18, 2006! The family was reunited at Mr. Jim Nelson's home in Swartz Creek. What an incredible gift from the Marsh's Karate Instructor! Sensei Nelson has offered the use of his home to bring this family back together in the near term. I pray that Brian, Tracy and their family had a good chance to reconnect and recharge this past weekend. I ask you to join me in that prayer. On Wednesday, the third chemotherapy session begins and it is certain to be tough on Jared. In update #5, I mentioned setbacks had occurred during the second chemotherapy. Well, those setbacks actually resulted in an incomplete administering of the cancer-fighting drugs. Jared's treatment is behind schedule and this is weighing very heavy on the minds of Brian and Tracy. I also wanted to invite you to review www.bringjaredhome.org. It is an informational web site coordinating a fund-raising effort to get Jared's home ready for his return. Their living arrangements in Swartz Creek are only temporary. Each time Jared returns from the hospital to recover from chemo, we'd like for him to be reunited with his family. The "Bring Jared Home" Foundation will permanently reunite his family and will provide the best environment for Jared to recover in. Many of you have asked about donations. You can support the Bring Jared Home Project by donating through the PayPal button on the web site or by sending donations to RestorationNet Project 1, PO Box 561, Flushing, Michigan 48433. If you wish to donate to some other specific need, please send your donation through the same PO Box. Please keep the cards to Jared coming; they really boost his spirits! The Pack 270 Dinner Patrol is on hold until we can get the Marsh's reunited in their home in Fenton. Many thanks to all of you from Brian and Tracy Marsh! January 21, 2007 update Hello Cub Scouters, Leaders, again, thanks for passing this along to your dens. The first of several setbacks have occurred with Jared's chemotherapy treatment. Over the past week, Jared's condition has worsened, and then improved. Jared's reaction to the chemotherapy drugs led to temporary kidney failure and a trip to ICU for dialysis. At the moment, he is resting and recovering, trying to regain his strength so the second course of chemo treatments may resume. Brian, Tracy and Jared continue to stay at Children's Hospital; the rest of the Marsh family is separated and staying with friends and relatives. This will be the manner in which the Marsh family spends the next 6 months. Donations, well wishes and prayers continue. For these, Brain and Tracy are grateful. Let me address fundraising directly so you know the status.
In our last leader meeting, we discussed other fundraiser activities. We should pursue these throughout the next 6 months to give the Marsh's the best and most consistent support. I can coordinate direct individual donations if you would like to make those or if you come across them from your dens. In the near future, this will be coordinated through the web site. Please pray for Jared's recovery, for strength for Brian and Tracy, and for the time soon when their family can be reunited. Finally, we recorded the whole derby race for Jared to watch, thanks to the Shaw family and specifically Mr. Tom Tebo. That's it for now. Again, many thanks to all of you from Brian and Tracy Marsh! January 12, 2007 update Hello Cub Scouters, Leaders - pass this along to your dens. Jared is right in the middle of his second significant chemotherapy treatment and it has not been nearly as smooth as the first. Jared is back at Children's Hospital and will continue to be there for the next 4 or 5 days because his reaction to the chemotherapy drugs has not worked out entirely as the doctors had planned. The cancer cells are being reduced for sure, but the toll on Jared's body is adding up. Last night, Brian informed me that there was a chance Jared would end up in the ICU for potential kidney dialysis until his reaction to the drugs could be stabilized. Please pray for Jared's recovery, for strength for Brian and Tracy, and for the time soon when their family can be
reunited. January 7, 2007 update Hello Cub Scouters, Leaders – pass this along to your dens. Jared is doing as well as could be expected. He has had good response to treatments and recovery from intestinal surgery. That is good news for the Marsh family. Jared continues resting at his grandparents' house in Farmington Hills, Michigan in between frequent return visits to Children's Hospital in Detroit. Jared will begin his second round of chemotherapy treatments starting January 10, 2007. That will put him back in the hospital for about a week. I reported last week that there would very likely be setbacks over the next 7 months of planned treatment; but, so far so good, although Jared has had a few unexpected side effects from the chemo. Thanks for all the responses for the Dinner Patrol! I believe we might start them up during the week of January 8, 2007. Half of the family is staying with Brian as he works to prepare their house for Jared's return. A new roof went up over the weekend. The Marsh's may need some financial support in the coming weeks and months. I'll keep you posted on that. The best way to reach Jared is through cards, letters and prayers; keeping his spirits up is key. I have installed a special mailbox at the foot of my driveway for letters and well wishes to Jared. Just drop by and I‘ll make sure they are delivered. My address is 10520 Jayne Valley Lane, (south of town off Denton Hill Road), about 1.7 miles south of the French Laundry. Take Adelaide south; it turns into Denton Hill Road. Take a left onto Jayne Valley Lane. Again, please pass this email to your Den member families and ask each cub for prayers on Jared‘s behalf. December 30, 2006 update Hello all! Leaders – pass this along to your dens. Jared has completed his first round of chemotherapy treatments and has been released from the hospital. He is responding well to treatments and is now resting at his grandparents' house in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Brian reports that all tumors/lesions on his liver, kidneys, spleen and intestines appear to be reducing in size so the chemo is working! The other important piece of information is his white blood cell count - it is in a good range for now. I reported last week that Brian and Tracy were searching desperately for good news. Well, for the moment, they are cautiously optimistic. It is very likely there will be setbacks over the next 7 months of planned treatment so prayers of thanksgiving are in order for Jared's progress so far. Thank you for all the responses to the Dinner Patrol! We are still on hold. Brian is working to prepare their house for Jared's return and Tracy is staying in Farmington Hills. The rest of the family is staying with various relatives. The Marsh's may need some financial support in the coming weeks and months. I'll keep you posted on that. The best way to reach Jared is through cards, letters and prayers; keeping his spirits up is key. I have installed a special mailbox at the foot of my driveway for letters and well wishes to Jared. Just drop by and I‘ll make sure they are delivered. My address is 10520 Jayne Valley Lane, (south of town off Denton Hill Road), about 1.7 miles south of the French Laundry. Take Adelaide south; it turns into Denton Hill Road. Take a left onto Jayne Valley Lane. Again, please pass this email on to your Den member families and ask each cub for prayers on Jared‘s behalf. December 21, 2006 update Here is a follow-up to my phone call on Jared Marsh. Jared is 8 years old and a Bear Cub in Den 81. His dad, Brian, has been his Akela and Den leader for this den for the past 3 years. As you know, Brian left a message on my home phone indicating Jared has been diagnosed with Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma just this past Wednesday. 1. His family continues to ask for your prayers, and they will need a lot of them. I just returned from my first visit with the Marsh family at Children's Hospital of Michigan at the Detroit Medical Center. Jared has already undergone surgery for a biopsy and intestinal tumor removal. More surgery is planned for today. All indications are that this is most serious. The Marsh's will have their first consultation with the oncologist this evening where they will learn how far the cancer has progressed. 2. Please pass this email to your Den member families and ask each cub for prayers on Jared's behalf. Brian and Tracy Marsh are the parents of Lexi, Josh, Jared and Noah. At this point, the kids are with grandparents, while Brian and Tracy are solely focused on Jared's care at the hospital in Detroit. When they return to Fenton, they will need a lot of help and support. 3. I‘d like to get our cubs writing some letters wishing Jared a speedy recovery. I can deliver them if you would put them in my mailbox. 4. Also, I‘d like some volunteers for family dinners beginning the week after Christmas; the Marsh's plan to celebrate Christmas in the hospital room. I don't expect they will be home until around December 27th, 2006 at the earliest. I figure 5 to 10 volunteers cooking 2 dinners each will help the Marsh's for a good 3 weeks. That‘s a start. I will provide more updates. Any of you interested in joining me on a trip for a hospital visit, I'm
going to go again Friday at 1:00pm.
Many thanks to all of you from Brian and Tracy Marsh! | ||||||||
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I only have a few moments for the update today; here goes.
