Chemo Day Delay

Waiting for the antibiotics to finish dripping

ANC 5.1
WBC 5.3
HGB 11.6
PLT 212

Jaylon had an eventful day at City of Hope this afternoon. His white counts were a little elevated due to him battling a cough all week. The nurse heard some crackling in his lungs and saw that his throat was irritated. She ordered chest x-rays, a nasal sample, and a breathing treatment. The doctor recommended Jaylon delay his chemo and steroids this week in order investigate if there is an infection. He did take his monthly pentamidine and was given antibiotics.

Jaylon's entourage was present to lend their support. They kept busy by doing homework, playing with their iTouch and tablet. It was a long day as we were the last ones to leave the clinic. Jaylon will be back in a week to finish his round of chemo.

Pennies for Patients - Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

As one of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Honored Heroes, Jaylon kicked off the Pennies for Patients program at his school by delivering a speech about the importance of raising funds for childhood cancer research. Visit LLS' School and Youth Programs or LLS Greater L.A. Chapter for more information.

The Year of Our Dragon Warrior

Gung Hay Fat Choy! The Year of the Dragon is upon us and it's so fitting that Jaylon, according to the Chinese horoscope, is himself a Dragon. He is truly our Dragon Warrior always rising above immense adversity.

Here's what is said about Dragons:

"Dragons have something important to contribute. The power of Dragons lies in their refusal to give up. To the Dragon way of thinking, there is always a solution to be found. Dragons are happiest when they have a good cause where they can focus their energy." -Horoscope.com

Bone Marrow Aspiraton, Spinal Tap, and Chemo [UPDATED 1/23/12]

Blood and bone marrow samples

[UPDATE 1/23/12]: Bone marrow results are CLEAR. White blood cell in CNS showed no evidence of leukemia blasts!


ANC 1.5
WBC 2.1
HGB 11.3
PLT 279K

Jaylon underwent a bone marrow aspiration and another spinal tap today due to the abnormal cell present in his last test results. They are sending his blood, bone marrow, and CSF samples to a special lab in Seattle to further detect any recurrence. The lab in Seattle has one of the most sensitive devices that can scan for the tiniest presence of leukemia cells. 

Today's lab results looked good and the preliminary CSF showed 1 white blood cell. We will find out more details when the final results come in on Monday. Jaylon was lively and in good spirits this morning. Everything went on as planned with no surprises.

The bone aspiration was an excruciating sight and not for the faint of heart. Imagine opening a bottle of wine with a corkscrew. Now imagine instead of a wine bottle, it is your back side. The doctor violent drives the corkscrew-like tool into his back and pushes it in deep and rocks side to side until the spongy bone marrow is retrieved.

We are now back in wait mode. Although worrisome we are very optimistic because all other results look great. Jay is a bit sore and is experiencing some discomfort as expected. With all that he is starting his steroids week again.

Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes.

Youthee Awards at Youth1.com

Jaylon is a finalist for the Youth1 Youthee Award for Story of the Year. Please CLICK HERE to vote for Jaylon.

From the Youth1.com website:

On Wednesday, February 1st, we will announce the winners, and each will be based on two important criteria.

1-    VOTING: Go to Youth1.com or TheYouthees.com to vote for your nominee! Youth1 will only accept one vote per person so get the word out to get as many votes as possible.
2-    FACEBOOK SUPPORT: We want to see your support for your nominee on Facebook.com/youth1media.  Make your case. Brag for your nominee. Tell us why he/she should win. Post pictures and post video.

Follow on Facebook and Twitter

Jaylon Fights Leukemia

This is going to be a BIG year for Jaylon's Fight against Leukemia. Please help him get more 'Likes' by sharing his FB page Jaylon Fights Leukemia with all of your friends. You can also follow his journey on Twitter at @JaylonFong. Thank you for your support.


Follow @JaylonFong

Mandy's Locks of Love Donation

Mandy decided to cut her hair and donate it to Locks of Love. She willingly cut 10 inches of her hair so that other children who have hair loss may use her hair to restore self-esteem and confidence. This is her 2nd donation since 2009.

Happy 2012!

Hope, Love, Strength, and Peace in 2012. Happy New Year!

1 Suspicious Cell

Jay's CSF samples from 12/22/11

Jaylon's doctor called this morning to inform us there was one suspicious cell in his cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from the last lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Back in November 2010 there was a similar cell found right before we were to leave for our Make-A-Wish trip. A subsequent spinal tap and bone marrow was done a few weeks later and revealed everything was clear. Since then a more aggressive protocol was followed for his lumbar punctures.

Because of this history another spinal tap and bone marrow aspiration will be done in the middle of January to ensure there are no other abnormal cells. We are hoping for good results again. Jaylon right now is having a rough time with his decadron(steroids), but overall is doing better.

Great Grandfather 'Lolo Ray' passes away at 92

Jaylon and Lolo Ray in San Diego 12/6/09

We are saddened to report that Jaylon's great grandfather Raymundo Manangan Ortaliza (Lolo Ray) passed away at 2:20pm today at the age of 92 at Sharp Hospital in Chula Vista following a brief illness. Lolo Ray was surrounded by his family. He is survived by his sister, 4 daughters, 4 sons, 25 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Lolo Ray will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace. We love you Lolo Ray.