Jaclyn Petrow

Dear Family and Friends,
I have decided to update our Intro Message in honor of the new chapter we are starting. The past six years have been the most difficult and yet rewarding time in our life. When you hear that your child has cancer, there are no words that can come close to the sheer terror that runs through your body. What we never expected to happen did. But, along with the terror came an unbelievable faith and trust in God. We, as a family have been on an amazing journey this past year. Through our terror we learned that we had a faith that was so profound that it could sustain us through the darkest days of our lives. Our faith and love for the Lord is immeasurable. Our gratitude to our family and friends is incredible. We are blessed. We thank each and everyone of you for the prayers that you have been saying for Jaclyn. We know that you will continue to pray for her and for our entire family. Thank you.

Jaclyn’s Medical History

Jaclyn was diagnosed with AML on 10/10/02. She was first diagnosed at Morristown Memorial Hospital and was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on 10/12/02. She spent her first 6 days at CHOP in the PICU (pediatric ICU) and then was sent down to the Oncology Floor. She finished her first round of chemo, achieved remission and went home on 11/18/02 and returned to CHOP on 12/02/02 for her second round of treatment. On December 14th. Jaclyn got a severe infection that attacked her brain. On December 16th, the doctors gave her 7-10 days to live due to this severe infection. We had every single person we knew praying for Jaclyn. On 12/22/02 she got worse and was transferred to PICU, but stabilized after a few days and was transferred back to 3 East ( oncology) on 12/26. Things remained stable and Jaclyn did NOT die but continued to slowly improve. On 1/18/03 Jaclyn went into heart failure and was transferred back up to PICU. She spent 2 weeks there and again was not expected to survive, but surprised everyone and pulled through once again. During that time, Jaclyn had a lung infection and had part of her left lung removed. We almost lost her again during surgery, but God continued to watch over her. She continued to slowly improve enough and on March 1 was transferred to the Seashore House for intensive rehab. On March 3,2003 Jaclyn had what appeared to be a massive stroke and was once again sent to PICU. We prayed throughout the night for the Lord to reach down His healing hands and He did. Four days later, Jaclyn was sent back to 3 East pretty much like nothing had happened. The miracles just kept coming! Jaclyn was then transferred back to rehab and started intensive therapies. We brought her home on April 17, 2003. At this point, she couldn’t walk, she had lost her hearing and most of her vision. But, Jaclyn was determined to get her life back. She started taking steps in September of 03. She returned to CHOP for her 3rd and final round of chemo in October and was able to WALK onto the Oncology Floor. Our miracle. Jaclyn continues to amaze everyone. She received a cochlear implant in May 2004. Jaclyn received a second cochlear implant in December of 2005. She is now a freshman and college and considerd cured! We know that God has wonderful plans for her. Please don’t let a day go by that you don’t pray for our miracle.


Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God

Journal

Wednesday, May 5, 2010 3:52 PM CDT

Hello Everyone,

I know that it has been a LONG time since I last updated...that is always good news:)
We were at CHOP today for a check-up and Stephanie reminded me that I hadn't updated in a very long time...so Stephanie...here you go:)

There have been lots of changes going on here at the Petrow's.

First, Jaclyn is doing great. She just completed her sophomore year of college...where has the time gone? She has adjusted well and continues to amaze us with her determination:). She is still dating the same guy...Nick and he is a sweetheart.

She is continuing with her political science and English major in hopes of one day lobbying congress for pediatric cancer.

Her life holds so much promise and we feel so blessed that she is able to do all that she has done and continues to do. One of her more exciting happenings is that on Monday, she is leaving for Europe!! She will spend 4 weeks there, visiting 5 countries and earning 6 college credits...wow..what an amazing opportunity for her.

Lisa is now 22 and recently got engaged!!! She and Scott are planning on marrying next summer...plans are in the very early stages.

Nicholas is finishing up his junior year of high school and looking at colleges. I still can't believe that all of my kids are so grown up:)

As for me...well, it is time for me to go back to work...my work here is pretty much done and so I am going back to teaching...it is truly what I LOVE to do. Being in the classroom brings me such joy and happiness. I am starting a maternity leave next week in a kindergarten class and hope to get a contract for the next school year. As with everything in my life, I leave it in God's hands.

Don is continuing commuting to NYC and happy that he has a job in this crazy economy.

Well, that pretty much is everything. We hope that you are all well and still thank God every day for each of you in our lives that have prayed for our family over the years.

Please continue to pray for all the children that are fighting this terrible disease.

Love and Blessings

Read Journal History

Hospital Information:

Home Sweet Home

Links:

E-mail Author: mdpetrow@aol.com

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