Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Click on the photo above for a larger view.

Happy Holidays!!!!

Parker saw his respiratory doctor and he is doing ok. He indicated left lung sounds good but the right still shows signs of damage and he was a little worse than his last checkup in July. Allergies are the culprit but we haven't had to do many breathing treatments at home so it is manageable. Next appointment will be in January.

Parker went camping (yes, I let him go) last weekend (10/26) on another boy scout camp out. He made it all weekend and had a GREAT time! His cast was still on his arm so I felt he would be protected.

Orthopedic appointment was Monday (10/29) and they removed his cast and pins. They were trying to decide if one of the pins was a record! I think it was!! He has a removable splint that we are suppose to be completely out of by next week. Next and probably last appointment will be after Thanksgiving.

We would like to wish all of our wonderful friends a very blessed Thanksgiving and hope that you are surrounded by your friends and family for the holidays! Love, The Jenkins

CASTED & Back to School!

Parker's doctor appointment today was good.

Everything is lined up straight so they put a full arm cast on today.

Red, of course, for his favorite team color!!

He didn't complain of any pain this evening so maybe having the arm in a stable cast is helping! The next doctor appointment will be Oct. 29 and they are suppose to remove the cast.

As you can tell from the picture he is still celebrating the win over the Longhorns!

Thanks for all your prayers......Love, Kay

Arm Update!

Parker is resting comfortably but still having a little pain. The next doctor appointment will be Tuesday (10/9) and they should put a full cast on his arm. Then he will be able to return to school. He has figured out how to play his Playstation games so that helps to pass the time. I picked up schoolwork today for him which he is anxious to start working on. Your prayers are very much appreciated and we are so blessed! Love, Kay

arm update

As of 6pm Saturday evening, Parker is home and resting.
He is in pain so keep praying for comfort and rest for everyone.

PRAYERS, PLEASE!

PARKER FELL AND BROKE HIS LEFT ARM WHILE AT BOY SCOUT CAMP IN LAWTON.
HE'S HEADED FOR SURGERY FIRST THING THIS MORNING
FOR A COUPLE OF PINS TO HELP.
HE IS AT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN THE ER (AS THE ROOMS ARE FULL.)
THEY'VE BEEN THERE SINCE 11 LAST NIGHT.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE, COMFORT,
REST FOR EVERYONE AND A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY.
I'LL UPDATE AGAIN WHEN I KNOW MORE.
7:45am 9-30-07

Parker has two pins. Surgery went well and everyone should be home this afternoon!
PRAISE GOD. They need some rest.
11am 9-30

BACK TO SCHOOL!

First day of 5th grade! A little sad (for Mom), it is our last 1st day of elementary school. Parker was so excited to be going back to school. And they were all excited to see him back. Several of his buddies are in his class so that is good. Mrs. Stiles is his teacher and we have heard great things about her.

We are looking forward to a great year!

Parker is feeling great after a flare up of allergies last week that gave him a sore throat for a few days. I think sore throats scare him and probably will for a while! We won't be seeing the respiratory doctor for a few months but will be getting a vaccine for pneumonia (it has a long name but this is the simplest way to explain) in the next month.

Wishing all those going back to school a blessed and healthy year!

Love, Kay

Half Birthday!

Yesterday was August 7 and it was a special day for Parker. About a month ago Parker realized that we didn't celebrate his Dad's birthday, February 7. It was important to Parker that Robert have a party therefore we made plans to surprise him with a party on his half birthday. The party started with dinner at Yamato and ended with birthday cake at home! Anytime we can have cake is a good thing!! Parker is doing so good.

We have not felt that he has needed any breathing treatments. Allergies have been a nuisance for him but nothing that is getting him down!

He will be starting back to school next week on the 15th! Can't believe it is already here. Parker is excited to go back but several of his friends are not! They haven't had an eight month break from school like Parker!

Wishing you a blessed week! Love, Kay

Good NEWS!

Let the Fireworks BEGIN!

GREAT NEWS!
The CT taken on 7/9 showed much improvement over the last
(which was 2/23) and that many of the abnormalities are now resolved!!!

Our prayers are being answered! Love, Kay

July 17

Parker had his CT scan on 7/9 as planned. The first IV blew out, probably a little painful but he never complained, so they had to put another one in which worked great. When Dr. Reyes office called to confirm our appointment we learned that he was going to be out of the office Thursday & Friday and we would be seeing the PA. We like his PA but since we were getting the results from the CT I wanted to be able to visit with Dr. Reyes. Therefore, we had our appointment today. He had a chest Xray and breathing test today. The Xray showed signs of improvement over the last one (taken on 5/31) and the test indicated that his lung capacity has improved a lot!! Dr. Reyes had Parker do a breathing treatment and then do the breathing test over again. There was only a slight change in the lung capacity so he felt that we could stop breathing treatments and do them only on a need as basis. As far as the results from the CT scan we still don't have them because the hospital hadn't sent the report to the doctor! The nurse called the office to have them fax it and they indicated it would be on its way but it never came! Dr. Reyes indicated he would call us when he received it. We will do an update as soon as we get the results but we are feeling good about it since the Xray and lungs have improved! God is good!

We made it to the Logumall Inn for the Fireworks Follies Festivities. Parker was the lucky guy who "started" the fireworks! Stay tuned for pictures of that. (Big Jerry had told Parker when he was in the hospital that he had to get better so he could "light the first firework". He was true to his word!)

Thank you for all your prayers and support! Love, Kay

July 5th!

We hope everyone had a great 4th of July! Parker's Boy Scout Pack 569 participated in the Bethany parade. This is their 3rd year and last year their float won 1st place. Haven't heard about this year yet. As you can see from the pictures Parker thoroughly enjoyed the parade!

We've been working on organizing cards from our hospital stay. We are happy to report that Parker received 520 cards while he was there. THANK YOU for your prayers and support!

Parker will be having a CT scan at Outpatient on Monday and then we will see the doctor on Thursday to find out the results. Our prayer is that this scan will show improvement and that he will not have bronchlectasis as the doctor suspects. We will update the blog next week after the visit.

We are happy to report that Wendi Humes, our blog master, tests results are back and everything is fine! Thank you for all your prayers for her and family during this time. Their little baby boy will be making his arrival in early November.

Parker's lastest appearance on KOCO5 we are still watching just wish they would lose the footage of me!! You might not have seen Parker on the Saturday before. We went to the blood drive at the Edmond's Farmers Market and Rick put Parker on so it was live and hilarious!! Parker let them know he was going to take Rusty McCranie's job!

If you saw Monday's segment you learned that Rick lost his Mother due to injuries sustained in a car accident. We were saddened by the news and know what a difficult time this has been for him and his family. It has been a little over a year that we lost my Dad due to a car accident so when we heard this news it brought back the memories of those emotions and know how heavy their hearts are. Please keep Rick and his family in your prayers.

Have a blessed week......Love, Kay

TV STAR AGAIN!

Parker will be a TV Star again.

Rick Mitchell

visited Parker at his home today.

They filmed a new segment that will air

Monday night (6-25)

at 5, 6 & 10

so watch

KOCO 5

(or channel 8 on cable)

for Rick's "Save A Life" campaign

as they do an update on Parker!

PARKER'S SUPER BOWL PARTY 6/14/07

Yes, you read it correctly! Not an NBA championship party, even though we did watch that game after the Super Bowl. Aunt Penney had bought all the party ware to have a party in the hospital but Parker was still on the ventilator and sedated. A friend recorded the game so that when he was awake and was feeling better he could watch it. We waited for Aunt Penney to return to Oklahoma so we could have our party. The party was complete with Super Bowl snacks!! All of Parker's favorites!

Parker had looked so forward to seeing the Super Bowl this year. In his class, at school, they each were assigned a team to follow through the season and they had assignments to complete on their teams after they played. Parker's team was the Detroit Lions. His aunt had bought him a Lions jacket and hat to wear during the Super Bowl. So they both were dressed in their team colors tonight, (her team Minnesota Vikings which she is excited that 2 OU players will be on the team next year).

It was a great party, rain and all!

Now for an update. Parker is still doing breathing treatments 3 X a day and his coughing at night has stopped. So they must be helping. With the days getting hotter we are looking at taking walks at the malls for exercise. Extreme heat and cold are hard on him.

PRAYER REQUEST - Parker has been blessed to have such a huge and powerful prayer network that has truly blessed our family. It is because we know what amazing prayer warriors you are that we would like to ask you to add our dear friend and "blog keeper", Wendi and her family to your prayers. They are expecting a little boy in November and Wendi had an amniocentesis this afternoon. Please keep her family and the little baby in your prayers as they wait for the results which will take 2 weeks.

Love to all, Kay

Pray!

Today we saw Dr. Reyes, respiratory doctor, for our regular scheduled appointment. We were anxious to have another chest X-ray to see if there would be a change considering the last 4 weeks of battling some kind of infection. The X-ray was worse than the previous one and he indicated he was hearing a little wheezing. Therefore he has recommended that we start breathing treatments (at home, twice a day), antibiotics and antihistamine/decongestant for several weeks. This will be the first time to do breathing treatments since leaving the hospital. Our next appointment will be in 6 weeks and he has ordered a CT scan a few days before that appointment. He is concerned that he might possibly have bronchiectasis. Nurse Jenkins (that's me) believes that we are just battling normal allergies that we do every year! So breathing treatments and his other medicines should take care of the problem!

Parker's school home bound services will continue for the summer! So he should be back on track when school starts again.

Have a great week! Love, Kay

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PARKER!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PARKER!

Parker is celebrating his 11th birthday today. Woo hoo!

THIRD ROUND! What a roller coaster ride (on a smaller scale this time) since May 7. Thursday evening brought another night battling 101 & 102 temp. Same thing as last time 2 days off antibiotics and boom fever again! So back to the doctor we go. The doctor doesn't want to keep putting him on strong antibiotics every time, need to reserve them so he doesn't build up an immunity to them. The doctor switched to a lower antibiotic that he will take longer. He looks great but I can tell these episodes have weakened him a little.

When Parker got sick on Thursday night he was upset and cried that he wouldn't be able to make his sister's graduation on Sunday.

Kalyn graduated on Sunday and Parker was there to cheer her on!

Parker last night with his beautiful newly graduated sister!

Have a great week! Love, Kay

UPDATE WEEK 1?

Parker responded to the antibiotics last week quickly and was doing good by Tuesday evening. It was a little relief to know that he could have an illness and recover from it with antibiotics. We stayed in last week, took it easy and let him get lots of rest!

This week he visited school for a few hours the past couple of days. Tonight he has a temperature of 101 and now 2 hours later with Motrin given he is 102! We were due back at the doctors, anyway, for a strep test to make sure it is negative after finishing the antibiotics.

I think we are through trying to get him back into school! Love, Kay

ALL's WELL

Parker ready for the LAND RUN!

Breathing easier after a good nights rest and fever has stayed gone! Looks like we are only going to have strep this time around which we can handle.

Took Parker to the doctors office Tuesday so they could do another pulse/ox test on him because he was a point lower than they like on Monday. I'm happy to report he was 3 points higher today so we are in the normal range!!

I have realized that Parker remembers more from that night when he first got sick than I thought. Last night when he was getting ready for bed he started crying, he didn't want to sleep in his bed because he was afraid he would become sick like last time. So he slept with Dad and I slept in his bed!

Monday morning when Parker woke me, scared me more than I ever thought I could be. After packing him with ice packs I laid beside him and watched him breath for hours and wasn't sleepy for a moment. Without caffeine, that's amazing!!

We are singing praises to God!! Love, Kay

PRAY!!! (4-30-07)

UPDATE: 4-30 afternoon
Kalyn and Parker both have STREP.
Parker & Kalyn are doing better and Kay feels better having a diagnosis.
They had some brother/sister bonding time today and watched movies together!
KEEP PRAYING for everyone!


Pray for Parker & Kay!

I received the following email from Kay at 2am...

Parker woke me up at 1:15am with 104 temp plus you are suppose to add 1 degree and he had thrown up in his bed. Hasn't thrown up since. I immediately got ice packs and meds in him. Waited and took temp again 102. Out of Motrin in the house so I just got back from Walgreen's buying that plus a new thermometer, in case ours wasn't working properly. Fever now reads 100.9. Called the PICU at Baptist to ask how soon I could give the Motrin. You know I'm scared if I called them but I knew they would be awake and alert!

I am sick at my stomach to say the least!!

WEEK 15

Today Parker was invited to KOCO, Channel 5 as OBI presented Rick with a plaque for his Save A Life challenge. The blood drive was successful and raised a lot of awareness in the community. If you could have seen Parker's face! He was looking at every piece of equipment and everything going on in the studio absorbing it all in his brain for later use!! Rick took us into the newsroom and gave Parker a look at what goes on to get prepared for the newscast. They did show it on the 5 & 6 newscasts tonight so we will have another DVD to watch over and over!
(You can click on the picture above to see a larger image.)

Parker will be going to school tomorrow (4/27) for the land run. He met with his group to decorate the wagon this afternoon. Should be fun!

We made a visit to the doctor Monday morning because he was complaining of a scratchy throat. I was thinking allergies but didn't want to take any chances! I'm leaving it up to the doctors to tell me what medicines to buy or put him on. The doctor confirmed it was allergies!

Kay!

UPDATE! Week 13

Parker saw the respiratory doctor on Thursday. His oxygen level is maintaining at a normal rate. Xray still shows scar tissue in the lungs but that was to be expected. The doctor indicated we could ease him back into school within the next few weeks so we are hoping this wet, cold weather will change to dry, warmer weather!! When I asked the doctor if Parker was to get a respiratory infection at this point could his body fight it and he said NO. So that is why we are wanting warmer weather to get rid of some germs/bugs that are lingering around, or at least give me a little peace of mind when sending him back to school!! Our return visit to the doctor is not for 6 weeks so that is a good sign!

Thanks again to everyone for all your support and prayers during Parker's illness. We love you.....Kay

10 weeks and LOOKING GOOD!

Today we had a brief appointment with his respiratory doctor and he indicated that Parker could come off the oxygen! We are definitely singing praises! All he checked today was his oxygen level. In 2 weeks we will get a full check up to see how he is progressing. I could have told the doctor Parker could handle being off oxygen because his portable tank had been off for 2 hours this morning! We put Dad in charge of the oxygen tank this morning, as we were going out the door, and he forgot to turn the gage on. So we had already done a true test of going without oxygen!

Parker is very excited! He was starting to get a little frustrated about getting around the house and the tubes getting hung up. Love, Kay

Week 9 update

Parker's school was taking class pictures on the 14th so we discussed it with the pediatrician to see if it would be OK to "dash in & out" to take the picture. He indicated that sometimes we need to 'feed the spirit'! The day before he was having a lot of anxiety about going and I finally realized that it was because of being on oxygen. He was afraid the kids would make fun of him, which they wouldn't but I couldn't convince him of that. I assured him that we would leave it in the truck so it would be close by if he needed it. The secretaries of the school met us at the Kindergarten door so that he wouldn't have to walk so far. They had a bottle of Dennis Dolphin water for him! Parker was always one of their best customers in the mornings to buy water. The class gave him a "hip, hip, hooray" as he got into the cafeteria! They were so excited to see him and Parker was too! It definitely was a great moral booster for Parker!

Spring break is here so we are renting movies and taking walks while the weather is nice. Rain is suppose to move in later this week. Kalyn, Parker's sister, is in San Francisco for spring break with her friend Claire and her Dad, Kevin. A big thanks to Kevin for being a trooper taking 2 girls shopping and sightseeing!! We're glad to see Kalyn getting to have some fun! This has definitely been a trying time for her also.

Parker's tutor for the homebound program started this week. His second grade teacher, Mrs. Watson, is the tutor. Parker is very excited about working with her and most of all doing school work! We are getting back to a more normal schedule, no more staying up late to watch movies.

UPDATE FROM DOCTORS APPT.

Xray looked better, fluid is gone or almost gone. As far as the damage to the lungs that is still present in the lungs and it will be a while before we start to see improvement. The doctor lowered the level on his oxygen so hopefully in a few weeks he will be off oxygen! Hooray! We brought up the question about possibly getting back to school and he indicated that he may be able to return, half days at first, in about 3 weeks. We will see the doctor briefly next week to see how Parker is doing at the lower level of oxygen and then again in 3 weeks. Great news!!

Have a blessed and safe week (for those of you traveling over spring break). Love, Kay

Birthday Surprise!

Parker surprised me tonight by stopping by my birthday party!

We were partying at the new Cafe*Bakery, Red Moon
when I saw a big red "MATER" truck pull into the parking lot.
The best surprise ever! Parker, walker & oxygen tank free!

Thank you for the best birthday present...YOU!

Parker, thanks for making my birthday SO special!
Love, Wendi

Week 8 Update

As I write this update today, this past week has been a time of deep reflection on the past year and half of our lives. This week was the anniversary of my father's tragic accident that took his life, our daughter having a wreck and injured which required her first surgery, and the past 8 weeks with Parker's illness. If I hadn't lived it myself I would probably wonder how anyone could possibly get through it. But since it has been my life I can honestly say that my faith has kept me strong. God has a plan and we may not always know what it is but he will guide us through these difficult times.

I received an email today that said "Wrap your loved ones in God's Word!"
These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children... You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV That our homes should be a meaningful, enriching haven surrounded by blessings and inspiration from Scripture! As I reflect back to last year the one thing that was put in the ambulance with my Father was his Bible, my Father took his Bible with him everyday! This is what my parents and grandparents have given me they wrapped me in God's Word and that has been my foundation.

The overwhelming support, prayers and love that has been extended to our family during the past weeks has been a strength to see us through. Another layer of being wrapped in God's love!

Please keep Wendi (our "blog keeper") and her family in your prayers as her grandmother passed away yesterday, her Aunt lost her mother-in-law the day before and another Aunt lost her father-in-law today (both Aunts are daughters of the grandmother).

Therefore, Parker's blog will not be updated until next week. He continues to improve and is getting stronger each day. I take him back to the respiratory doctor on the 21st so we will give an update after the appointment.

Love, Kay

Day 52, 3-10-7

Last night brought my first scare since being home,
Parker was running a little bit of a fever.
This morning there is no fever and he seems to be fine.
Any other time I probably wouldn't be alarmed to a low fever!

I was able to go back to work for one day this past week, which was great therapy for me! Robert currently is working on drawing house plans so he is able to be at home more.
Maybe after spring break I can get back to all my work days.

Love, Kay

3-8-7

Parker had his follow up visit with our pediatrician and everything seems to be progressing good. I think we made our pediatrician famous in the area for having the patient with the worst case of the season! We are just so thankful that he was quick to make the decision that the hospital was the place to go!

I was at Baptist this morning and stopped by the PICU unit. We've only been gone 2 weeks and they put up new privacy curtains in each of the units! How dare them redecorate after we leave! Maybe all of Parker's cards lining the walls inspired them to brighten the place. I visited with Dr. Khichi (this is the correct spelling) and he felt that what Parker is going through each night could be a result of coming off the drugs. The little guy was on such high doses of meds and for so long.

Tonight Parker's Webelo (Cub Scout) den came over for their meeting. (Gave them all a squirt of GermX when they came in the door!) None of the boys had seen Parker since he had gotten sick. Parker certainly enjoyed getting to see them! (L to R Jordan, Parker, Brandon & Alex)

"Rick said it would....." be bad for a few days if you suffer from cedar allergies until we get some rain. I'm praying for rain because I can't breathe!! Hope everyone else is getting out and enjoying this great weather! Love, Kay

3-6-7

click on picture to enlarge

Parker and I had a fun afternoon making a cake that some dear friends brought to him yesterday. It is a "Celebration Cake" kit. You mix the cake in the container, microwave to bake, decorate it and then celebration time! Kit is complete with mini mixing spoon, cake mix, frosting & sprinkles along with party favors - balloon, happy face button and noise maker all in one container.

Cute idea!

Praise Report:
Continuing to have good days and getting stronger everyday.

He doesn't use the walker anymore when we go for walks.

Keep Praying:

Read prayer to the right...

Day 47, 3-5-7

you can click on the picture to make it biggerToday, I took Parker to get a haircut.
He was so excited!
His hairdresser was so sweet to do it
at a time when the salon wasn't busy.
We try avoiding exposure to a lot of germs!

Parker had a good day on Sunday
and since the weather was great
we ventured outside for a walk.
We will be taking another walk outside today
because it is a gorgeous day!
Parker has also enjoyed playing his PlayStation games.

Parker is still struggling at night.
Don't know if it is weaning off the
drugs or him worried or scared.
He cries when I put him to bed and
wants me to lay down with him.
That is not Parker, he has always been the one
that loves his space, his bed and doesn't
want anyone in there with him.
Something is weighing heavy on his little mind.
Please pray for Parker that his fears will be gone.

Love, Kay


Parker got to choose his haircut
so I thought for sure he'd get
'Miss Wendi' shaved into the
side of his head. Oh well, there's
always next time, Parker!
You look like a different boy with
your new do! You are VERY handsome!
Love ya, Wendi

3-3-7 Update...

Thursday brought another day of lowering the dose of medicines and with that Parker shows signs of adjustment. Normally by the second day the signs are gone but last night he was still having a hard time with it. Other than that he is feeling better and stronger each day. Putnam City has a home bound program and they will be starting soon with home schooling him. This will allow us to get him caught up and back on track until he is able to go back to school.

Day 43, 3-1-7

Parker had a good nights rest last night and slept for about 14 hours. His oxygen tube only came out once during the night. The night before it seemed to be every 2 hours and I was up putting it back on. After dinner tonight he went to the "math room" (Dad's office) and they did a few math problems!
Making progress every day.

In honor of Parker's faith and his love of the weather I thought the
lyrics of this Michael W. Smith song appropriate...
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer
to this old town
Rich and poor,
weak and strong
It's bringing mercy,
it won't be long
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer
to the lost and found
Tears of joy,
and tears of shame
Are washed forever
in Jesus' name
Healing rain,
it comes with fire
So let it fall
and take us higher
Healing rain,
I'm not afraid
To be washed
in Heaven's rain
Lift your heads,
let us return
To the mercy seat
where time began
And in your eyes,
I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart
with healing rain
And only You,
the Son of man
Can take a leper
and let him stand
So lift your hands,
they can be held
By someone greater,
the great I Am
Healing rain,
it comes with fire
So let it fall
and take us higher
Healing rain,
I'm not afraid
To be washed
in Heaven's rain
To be washed
in Heaven's rain...
Healing rain
is falling down
Healing rain
is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...

2-28-7

Parker had his appointment with the pulmonologist. They did a chest Xray and his lungs are still very abnormal which we expected. It will probably be months before we start seeing good chest Xrays. He is still improving so that is important. They ran several other tests today and one was for cystic fibrosis. My heart sank immediately! Not knowing much about this disease I wondered if you could get it from having an illness. It was only as a precautionary measure because some people don't find out until later in life that they have it. Parker was normal!

He is still on oxygen and will go to oral antibiotics tomorrow. They are removing the pic line from his arm this evening after our last dose of antibiotics ordered by the IDD doctor.

Parker received a book about Canada today and an awesome card from Shell (in Canada).
We only know of her through the blog.
It's such a great card we had to share it with you too!

CARD:
Jesus loves you this I know!
I pray that the Lord will heal your toe,
your head, your kidneys and your spleen,
and all the places in between !!!
(Inside) Get well soon...
or I'll make up another song!

A merry heart does good, like medicine. Proverbs 17:22 NKJV

Thank you so much.

Doctor & Nurses & Update, 2-27-7

Monday was another good day. He slept his 14 hours that night. We went outside and walked down a couple of houses and then back. His appetite is still pretty good. At least he wants to eat something because in the hospital he really didn't want anything.

We are weaning him off his medicines which we were told he might have some withdrawal symptoms. He is showing a few signs of withdrawal but it is not bad. Just needs Mom to hold him and then we are good! We pray that this is the worst it will be.

You can tell he is getting better, he is back doing the weather and newscast (from the rocking chair though). His lungs must be getting stronger because he can talk longer now.

Parker has an appointment tomorrow with the respiratory doctor so we will give an update after that on his progress.

Love, Kay


Here are some pictures of Parker with Dr. Griggs
(everyone's favorite 'Grey's Anatomy' look-a-like)
and some of Parker's favorite nurses.
Everyone below is from PICU where Parker spent most of his days.
Thanks for taking such great care of Parker!


If you have pictures of you and Parker to share email them to
shawentim@yahoo.com

How to help the family...

KEEP PRAYING,
For Parker to improve daily.
For Parker's lungs to NOT be permanently damamged.
For the transition of being home to continue smoothly.

Want to help the family by providing a meal?
email
shawentim@yahoo.com

What to help financially?
go by any Bank of Oklahoma and ask for the $ to go to
Parker Jenkins Donation Fund

Day 39, 2-25-7

It is great to be home and settling into a routine. Parker has slept good the past 2 nights about 14 hours each night. Looking better each day. He actually had an appetite last night so hopefully that will continue because nutrition is vital to his recovery. We have his medicine schedule on 12 & 6 so that I don't have to get up in the middle of the night. I was a little nervous about me giving the meds in his pic line but after a crash course from home health it has been ok. Probably watching the nurses for 5 weeks helped prepare me!

What timing that was to go home on the day that Channel 5 was airing their "Save a Life" campaign and Parker's story! And the big surprise of them filming Parker's going home from the hospital. It made the end to a lengthy hospital stay fun and exciting for Parker!

It has been great to see where all the comments and prayers are coming from. Parker's special spirit has touched a lot of people. Parker's Cubmaster wrote this to our dear friend and "Blog master", Wendi, "It goes to show that the strength of God’s family will persevere through the toughest of times, and the healing presence of the Holy Spirit has been with Parker and his family. I firmly believe God’s will is for Parker to achieve great things, and I firmly believe he will!"

Ok, I was just informed by the patient, Parker, that it is 2:00 which is time for medicine. You know that he is feeling better if he keeping us on schedule!
Love to all, Kay




Parker's Butterfly/4 year old teacher at Warm World uses her plate to remember to pray for Parker daily. Kay painted the plate of Mrs. Les and her students in 2001! What a special way to remember to pray for Parker! Thanks, Mrs. Les!

Mrs. Les wrote...
"Who knew at that time in 2001 that my gift plate would affirm God’s power and healing through prayer, and be a reminder for us to keep on praying? God works in wondrous ways. "



Do you have a special Parker story, picture &/or experience you want to share on the blog?
If so email the info to shawentim@yahoo.com .

WHAT A STAR!!!

WOW!
2 Segments on Parker last night.
2 Re-run segments on Parker this morning.
Lots of talk about Parker by the news anchors.

There is not a clip of Parker's segment on http://www.koco.com/
but you can see Rick Mitchell donate blood...
http://www.koco.com/news/11048810/detail.html

Parker had a great first night home.
He got a lot of sleep.
So did Kay sleeping in her bed for the first night in 37 days.
I didn't ask her specifically but I'm pretty sure her bed
was a little more comfy than the chair she'd been sleeping in
at the hospital. Although you never heard her complain.
What an inspiration she is.

KEEP PRAYING,
For Parker to improve daily.
For Parker's lungs to improve.
For Kay who is being mom/nurse/anything else needed.
For the transition of being home to continue smoothly.
For Robert who is picking/cleaning up.
For Kalyn's transition of having every one home again.

Parker has instructions to check the blog today for your comments
so let's leave him LOTS.
Here's how if you need help...
Click on the word 'comments' below and another screen
will pop up. Type your comment, name and place in the box.
Select Anonymous. Then click 'publish your comment'
It's that easy!

HE'S HOME! Day 37, 2-23-7

KOCO was there to film the "heading home" process.
So be sure to watch at 5 & 6.


YEAH! Thank you to some VERY friendly neighbors who decorated the door.

Zoe & Bella, the two culprits of one of the bacteria in Parker's blood!

prayers are coming from...

Oklahoma

Rick Mitchell

Bob Stoops

Iraq

Canada

Beyond Chance

PCN Cheer

Florida

Texas

Kentucky

Israel

Colorado

Post a comment and tell Parker where you are praying

(Parker can see the blog for the first time today)

Click on the word 'comments' below and another screen

will pop up. Type your comment, name and place in the box.

Select Anonymous. Then click 'publish your comment'

It's that easy!

TODAY IS A BIG DAY FOR PARKER! Day 37, 2-23-7

PARKER IS HEADED HOME TODAY!
(I'll post an update as soon as he gets home too)

PARKER GETS TO DO A NEWS STORY WITH
HIS HERO, RICK MITCHELL!
watch at 5 & 6 &/or visit the website
http://www.koco.com/news/11048810/detail.html

Rick will donate blood (for the first time) LIVE and
he's donating in Parker's name!

There's EVEN a link to this blog on the KOCO site.
HOW COOL IS THAT!

We've all known what a special guy Parker is,
NOW the whole KOCO area will know too!

There's a section to the left marked PRICELESS
this is what it says...
PRICELESS
23 days on a ventilator $$$$$$
30 days in PICU $$$$$
37 days at Integris $$$$$$
37+ days of your Prayers & Support - PRICELESS

What it doesn't say is where prayers are coming from.
We know prayers are coming from...

Oklahoma
Rick Mitchell
Bob Stoops
Iraq
Canada
Beyond Chance
PCN Cheer
Florida
Texas
Kentucky

Post a comment
and tell Parker where you are praying
(Parker will be able to see the blog for the first time today)
Click on the word 'comments' below and another screen will pop up.
Type your comment, name and place in the box. Select Anonymous.
Then click 'publish your comment'
It's that easy!

Day 36, 2-22-7

Kay's son will come out, tomorrow!
(are you singing like Annie?)

Parker's HEADED HOME on Friday, 2-23!
PRAISE GOD!
Thank you SOOOOOOOO much for your prayers!

What a blessing it is to all!

He should be home in time to see his special
KOCO segment with Rick Mitchell.

Don't forget to tune in to
KOCO 5 (Cox channel 8)
and watch at
5pm and 6pm Friday night.
If you're out of the OKC area you can try their website
www.koco.com there will be a clip to watch.


Here's the current website for "Rick Says You Should Save A Life"
http://www.koco.com/news/11048810/detail.html


Just because he's going home doesn't
mean the blog will stop.
Stay tuned for updates and pictures.

Day 35, 2-21-7

Wendi provided the update from last evening
(see below) and the only thing to add is we wore him out!
He crashed about 7:30 pm and slept the rest of the evening.

I wanted Wendi to post a picture of her and Parker on the blog so those who don't know who she is can put a face with this amazing person! Wendi was one of Parker's teachers at Warm World and that is how we came to know and love her! Or I should say she & her family fell in love with Parker!! We are so thankful to her for setting up and maintaining the blog for us, never knew what a blog was till now! What a huge blessing this has been for our family during this time. Thanks Wendi for being our angel!!

While on the elevator Monday morning a woman who worked on another floor started visiting with me about the balloons I was taking to Parker. She asked me if I had a sick child in the hospital and I told her how long our journey had been but that he was getting better! She walked over and gave me a big hug and said "breaks your heart when you hear that children are suffering but praise the Lord he is getting better". Brought tears to my eyes that a stranger would reach out with love and kindness!

If I could I would hug each and everyone of you for all your support, love and kindness you have extended to Parker and our family during this time. Love, Kay

2-20, Wendi's Update

I (Wendi) was able to visit Parker tonight.

He looks GREAT!

When I saw him my first words were,

"Parker, you look like a real boy!"

I watched him WALK out of his room,

down the hall and push the elevator button.

Then he rode in his wheelchair to the

cafeteria where he enjoyed some dinner

(the ride was a little too bumpy thanks

to my driving).

He was able to eat some chicken strips, curly fries

and a jamocha shake. He almost got the whole shake

down before we started laughing. I couldn't even

tell you what we were laughing at but neither of us

could stop.

If laughter really is the best medicine

he should be going home VERY soon :)

Here's a picture Kay took of Parker & me

right after our laughing spell...

Day 34, 2-20-7

The progress Parker has made from when he took his first steps on Friday morning with physical therapy to the steps he took yesterday is AMAZING! Yesterday morning he and his Dad got a wheelchair, portable oxygen tank and Parker walked (pushing the wheelchair) from 10 West to 10 East to see his friends. Then he sat in the wheelchair and Dad took him downstairs and around the hospital. He enjoyed getting to see outdoors and the model of the hospital! Too windy to go outside yesterday but that is on the agenda for this afternoon. What a beautiful day!

CT scan tomorrow and we only need 9 more days of antibiotics since it has been almost 5 weeks that he has been on them so we maybe headed home or rehab very soon!

Great medicine and lots of prayers have gotten us to this day! Praise God! Love, Kay

Day 33, 2-19-7

You have been so good to me.
In spite of all you know of me.
By day I feel the warmth of your embrace.
And in the night time I rest in your grace.
You are so good to me.

Another good day! Physical therapy doesn't come on the weekends so Dad got him up and walked him to the nurses station and back. Several rest stops along the way but great progress. Then he sat in the chair for the rest of the day. After they do the CT scan this week we should know what our next plan will be. Love, Kay

Day 32, 2-18-7

Parker sat in a reclining chair from noon till about 7 pm. He did sleep part of that time in the chair but he was good to have him up in a chair! They put the feeding tube back in his nose last night. Parker doesn't have much of an appetite and nutrition is so vital for his body's therapy so it was necessary to put back in. They will feed through the tube during the night and then he can still eat during the day.

This has been quite a journey so far but being at Baptist has definitely been a comfort to me. Our ties to Baptist and the wonderful nurses & doctors began almost 6 years ago with my Mother. The last months of her life she spent two lengthy stays at Baptist on 10 East. Her final weeks were actually in the PICU unit because the other intensive care units were full. Parker and I spent every afternoon at the hospital with her and he became a favorite of the nurses and doctors that treated my Mom. They weren't just nurses/doctors to us they became our friends! Parker's 5th birthday was during this time and they threw a birthday party for him! Pictures of the party still hang in their break room today! The first morning after Parker was admitted I went to 10 East to see if any of the nurses were still there and they all were! So they have been checking on him and have been there to comfort us during the ups and downs. Then after the first few days in PICU and seeing the nurses in the unit I recognized that several were my Mom's nurses when she was in the unit. We started visiting with them and they remembered us being there. It's not often that they have adults in the pediatric unit. Many of them have been there for 8 or more years. I think that speaks volumes for the doctor and man that Dr. Griggs is that these nurses have stayed in this unit for so long. I gained a great respect and admired their dedication and knowledge for what they did in this unit. Never imagined that I would someday need their services. So you never know when that circle may come back around!

Have a blessed day....Love, Kay

Day 31, 2-17-7

Parker had a very special visitor yesterday, Rick Mitchell! And Chris Lee was there filming. Parker follows Chris during storm season because he is out chasing the storms. He had a smile on his face the entire time!
Rick and Channel 5 next Friday (2/23) at 5:00 pm will be doing a segment on Believe in Oklahoma about the Oklahoma Blood Institute and the importance of donating blood and credit donations to save lives. Part of his visit with Parker and Parker's interest in Rick will be part of the story. So don't forget to watch to see our guy, Parker!

Now for the update.

He is still progressing just fine. Thought we had a little scare during the night the nurse came in and said his levels were too low and we need to get him coughing to improve his breathing. After several minutes and trying different things we decided to change his finger monitor (whatever it is called) to see if that was the problem. Just as the nurse was changing it I got a good look at his face and noticed that his oxygen tube was on his cheek not in his nose! Next time I will check the tube first! Needless to say, we slept in a little this morning.

Next week sometime we should have a plan for the next steps that we need to take. Whether that means we can come straight home or we will have to go to rehab for a little while. The pulmonologist wants to do a CT scan middle of the week to see how we are progressing.

Thanks for all you support and prayers. Love, Kay

Day 30, 2-16-7

Parker is resting comfortably and continues to improve. He is starting to eat a little, appetite hasn't really returned yet. All his cards are hanging in the new room and we only had to make 3 trips to get it all moved! The nurses in PICU were impressed that he had gotten a "big" card from the PC North cheerleaders with their picture in it! So he got a lot of teasing and attention about that, which he loved!!

A little step closer to getting home....Love, Kay

NEW ROOM

Parker is in a
NEW Room
IT'S NOT PICU!
WOO HOO


Visitor rules still apply.
(Call first)

If you send him a card
(AND PLEASE DO)

He's in room 1016


https://www.integris-health.com/INTEGRIS/en-US/Locations/okcNorth/BMC-okc/GetWellandEcards/IBMCEcard.htm


You can send him at least one a day!
(card hint: in the signature section do not use ',' or '&' and it will go through)


Let's make all four walls look like this one...

Day 29, 2-15-7

4 WEEKS!
Hard to believe that it has been 4 weeks in PICU for us.
There is word this morning that we may be moving to a regular room today (blog will be updated later if we move). I'm glad we are moving because it means he is improving but we will be moving to a busy floor so that brings all new concerns.
As a Mom I would like to keep him in a bubble to protect him from anything else!
The CT scan yesterday showed signs of improvement but also showed scarring in his lungs from the illness. Parker can recover from this but it won't be a few weeks it will be months.
We will be talking with a pulmonologist in the next few days to get a plan of action for his recovery. He will have to be on antibiotics and oxygen when we go home.
Love, Kay


from the comments...
Shell said...
I don't know Parker, I have only "met" him through this blog. I have added my prayers to those of many others for his recovery. I live thousands of miles away in a different country but one can feel the love and joy that Parker inspires in others.I am a nurse and I know the challenges that Parker and his family have faced, yet never do I get the feeling that their faith has wavered or that they have asked God "Why". You have all inspired me.....and I continue to pray for Parker's healing and recovery.

WOW!

Day 28, VALENTINE'S DAY

Parker sat up in a chair twice and we managed to keep him awake more during the day. They are adjusting some of his meds to see if we can't keep him awake longer during the day. He ate a little breakfast and dinner, couldn't keep him awake to eat lunch. Parker got a Sonic slush last night, his favorite drink!

They are talking about steps we will need to take to go home. "Home" a great word to hear. A line was put in so that he can receive antibiotics when we go home. Today on the agenda is a CAT or CT scan, whichever it is called. They are wanting to make sure there are no pockets around the right lung still that could be causing his fever. It is comforting to know that they are checking everything to insure that we get to the source of any new or existing problem so that we can get him well and keep him that way!

Happy Valentines Day to all! You are truly loved by the Jenkins family. Love, Kay

Day 27, 2-13-7

Chest tube was removed yesterday afternoon!
Yea!!
They lowered his oxygen level last night and
he seemed to be doing fine with it. Yes, his
fever keeps coming back. The minute I say
there is no fever it comes back so I will quit
reporting on fever and maybe it will go away
for good! They are trying to give him all of his
meds orally so that they can remove the tube
in his nose. The more we get out the better!
He was awake from 3pm till 9 pm watching
shows and listening to us talk so he slept good
last night.
Love, Kay

Day 26, 2-12-07

Parker had a rough night on Saturday
so Sunday morning they increased his
oxygen level (he just has a tube at his nose).
Saturday morning they had lowered it
to a very low setting which might have
been a little ambitious considering how
damaged his lungs are. He had a great
day on Sunday. We sat him up in a chair
twice during the day and kept him
upright in his bed for about 4 or 5 hours.
Wore him out so he took a very good
nap in the afternoon (so did I)!
No fever all night long!
We pray that this continues.
Love, Kay

As of this afternoon Parker does have
a bit of a fever. But he's looking good.
He smiled with me and talked with me.
He was watching "Danger Mouse" on DVD
from his chair. Then he wanted back in bed.
After watching the whole "back to bed"
ordeal I learned that Kay knows
TOO much. She knows which tubes to unplug,
how to unplug and plug them back. When "tips"
need to be changed and where to find them.
She should be a nurse!

Day 25, 2-11-7

Parker had a good day.
In the afternoon they got him out
of bed and let him set up in a chair.
We will probably try to do that
several times today. It is important
now to get him up so that he can
start coughing and clearing his
lungs on his own. He still has his
chest tube in. I'm hoping that will
come out the first of the week.
The more we can get out the
better he will be!
Love, Kay

Day 24, 2-10-7

Great day and night! Removing the vent was very smooth and he did a lot better than they expected. Parker definitely is a fighter and always puts in 110% to get the job done! I think they were surprised how well he did. This morning he will be getting a breakfast tray with clear liquids and maybe jello. He will probably just be happy to get to eat.

Parker will probably be in PICU for about 3 more days before he is moved to a regular room. The PICU unit is the slowest it has been since we arrived 3 weeks ago, they only had 4 patients last night but the pediatric floor is full of children.

You all are awesome, thanks for everything! Love, Kay

Here is a prayer someone left on the comment page.
THANK YOU!
Today, Lord, on this beautiful day,
we hold out Parker's life to you,
an empty vessel for you to fill and feed.
We thank you for giving him the
gift of this new morning. In your mercy,
may Parker continue to grow in your
mighty strength, strong once again to
dream dreams, reflect your love,
do your work, and taste your peace
and healing. Lord, of this day,
we worship and thank you. AMEN

SO FAR SO GREAT!

***8 hours out and everything is GREAT***
One of his heroes, Dr. Neaves, went to visit him
today and he got a HUGE smile from Parker.
He is on the ROAD TO RECOVERY!
PRAISE OUR AWESOME GOD!
***************************************

He's 4 hours off the vent and doing GRAND!
He's smiling and loves having that thing OUT of his mouth!

Headed for the 8 hour mark. (5:45pm CST)
Let's keep praying, cause it's WORKING!

God is GOOD, all the time.
All the time, God is GOOD!

PRAYERS NEEDED

PRAISE GOD!
The ventilator will come out at 9am Friday morning.

PRAY FOR...
Parker to relax,
take deep breaths,
for the "vent-time" to be over
and for everything to go smoothly.
(The first 4-8 hours are crucial.
Most people have a 20% chance the
vent will be put back in.
Because of Parker's condition his
odds increase to 50% so PLEASE pray.)

MORE PRAISES!
Kay's sister was able to sneak Kay out of the hospital today
while Robert was "man-on-deck".
Kay was able to get a pedicure, manicure and take in a movie.

Day 22, 2-8-7

Parker continues to do well on the lower setting of his ventilator. The doctor wants to give him time to get stronger at his breathing so it might be Friday or the weekend before they remove the ventilator. I want this to be as smooth a transition for him so we will have patience and wait.

He will be receiving a blood transfusion this morning as his counts are low. Fever is still present so they are removing another antibiotic and he is still battling an upset stomach.

I spent the afternoon yesterday moving his things (over 200 cards!!) to his new room. I don't think I sat down all afternoon so it felt good to be up doing something. Now when he is awake he can see all of his cards depending on which way they turn him. They fill almost every inch of blank wall space there was in the room. We actually have room to put more up! They had offered me space in their pediatric storage room, I don't think they thought I could get it all in his room.

Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.
Love, Kay

Day 21, 2-7-7 - Moving

Today is Parker's Dad's Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROBERT!

Last evening around 6 pm they put Parker's ventilator on a "test" mode which allows him to do the breathing on his own! This is the last mode before removing the tube. Parker has done very well in this mode. Ventilator may be coming out today or tomorrow!! Aside from that great news he had a rough night because he was sick at him stomach again. They were giving him Pediasure and his body is not tolerating it as before. Checking with the doctor to put him on something that his system can handle.

It will be great to see his face without a tube and tape on it! Love, Kay

As of 3pm today Parker is moving from bed 1 of the PICU

to bed 4 of the PICU.

This is important if you are taking the family a meal or

send Parker an ecard. (cards: 1001 bed 4)

Another child needs his current "suite" more than he does.

The ventilator should come off tomorrow!

Please pray this goes smoothly

as Kay saw another little boy today have a

HARD time coming off of his ventilator.

Day 20, 2-6-07

They started reducing Parker's sedation medications on Monday afternoon. They are giving him meds to help with this process. It was so good to see him smile and laugh (as well as he could with a tube in his mouth)! He doesn't have to be suctioned out as often which is a good sign.

Yesterday I was riding in an elevator with a woman and her friends. When her friends got off she looked at me and said it is so great to have friends. Amen! I know that we could have never made it through this without the abundance of support and love we have received from friends and family!

I think I'm like the resident "floor Mom" of the PICU unit since we have been here so long! Not a title I would have ever wanted but it has been quite a learning experience. The staff of the PICU are so awesome! They not only have given Parker the best care but they have become friends and give us a lot of comfort during this time. I have great respect for these workers who can work with critically ill babies and children. It breaks my heart with each new story or family I meet that a child is suffering. The pain and heavy hearts you see on their parents faces and I wonder if my pain shows also. I've seen a lot of families make it out of the unit and on the road to recovery. WE WILL BE NEXT!!

Our God is an AWESOME God!
Love, Kay


Let's send Parker LOTS of cards as he is "coming to"

https://www.integris-health.com/INTEGRIS/en-US/Locations/okcNorth/BMC-okc/GetWellandEcards/IBMCEcard.htm

tip: you can't put "&" in the signature line, use "and" instead.

PRAISE GOD!

They have lessened the sedation and

Parker has smiled and laughed tonight

Laughed his mom to tears!

GOD IS SOOOOOOO GOOD!

Day 19, 2-5-07

Parker had a restful weekend. He went 12 hours with only a low grade fever and then it spiked yesterday evening for a while. This morning it was back under 100. They lowered the pressures on his ventilator some because he is doing more on his own. At this writing they have not started reducing the sedation meds. The doctor has been busy this morning on another case so we haven't been able to talk to him to see what our plan for the next couple of days is. We will update later when we get a report for the doctor.
Love, Kay

UPDATE* The IDD (Infectious Disease Doctor) said the fever may be a drug related fever. So they are switching Parker's antibiotics. The IDD prefers the current antibiotic but feels the switch will help take care of the fever.


Someone left this prayer as a comment on the blog.
I thought it was AMAZING and everyone should read it.
Thank you, whoever you are for writing this...

Jesus, our Living Water, ease Parker's thirst with springs of fresh healing and sustenance. Lord, cleanse and sweeten the springs of Parker's being, and allow your goodness and love to flow in abundance. Restore and renew Kay and Robert's worried and tired hearts and bring new and blessed hope for Parker's wholeness. We pray these things in your precious name.
AMEN