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)

We entered a world unknown to us: diagnosis, treatment options, chemotherapy, childhood cancer.

Quickly we learned this would affect our entire family: Tyler 8, Jeff 7, Jeremy 4, and Ryan 5 mo.

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.

With bone marrow transplant not an

option, Ryan received 3 rounds of high doses of chemotherapy.

Ryan’s Primary Oncologist:Dr. Susan Sensor

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.

Through it all, Ryan managed to thrive, develop, and capture the hearts of the staff.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,

and faithful in prayer.”

(Romans 12:12)

Finding rest at home between rounds of chemotherapy.

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)

A new hospital.

A new staff.

Child Life specialists helped us cope, and gave our kids a chance to work out their fears of transplant.

Transplant day arrives. Day 0!

A blessing service…

New marrow…NEW LIFE!

The challenges of transplant were evident from the start.

ATG

Ryan ‘celebrated’ his first birthday one week after transplant!

Waiting for counts…

Discharge day…Day 33.

Homecoming after such a long process was such a joy!

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.

Due to the damage to his lungs, he needed an oscillating ventilator, and a nitrous oxygen machine.

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!

Clinic visits were daily for several weeks…

July 5th, 2003 brought our final discharge from the ‘U’. We looked forward to weaning Ryan’s transplant drugs over the coming months.

Our last official clinic visit at the ‘U’.Thank you Dr. Ramsay (Our primary BMT doctor.)

1st Haircut Post-Transplant!

Ryan helping Mommy with his last dose of CSA!

Yippee, my last dressing change!

Celebration of 1 year post transplant.Ryan remains cancer free!

I am proof that God still is working MIRACLES!

Why participate in Pennies for Patients?

Because the statistics that Ryan faced are still at the 30% survival rate!

Ryan Today…Cured!

Thank you students…

Thank you staff…

Thank you Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

FIND A CURE!