Sky's Friends & Family Updates

Memorial - UPDATE

2010-01-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

PLEASE READ ENTIRE POST

Many of you know by now that my brother Sky courageously lost his battle to cancer last Sunday morning. He is living peacefully and pain free again and will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held on Jan 23, 2010 at the Lincoln Theater at the Vet's home in Yountville , CA from 11-3. THIS IS A SOBER EVENT. ANYONE showing up intoxicated WILL NOT be let in.

Here is a potluck sign-up sheet if you plan on attending. We have almost no heat source so unless you bring your dish in a crock pot or chafing dish with Sterno cans a cold/room temp dish may be best. I created spaces for 100 for each category but we will undoubted need more to sign up. Anything you can bring will be GREATLY appreciated. Serving utensils will not be provided so please bring your own and either mark them with your name or bring something disposable.

If all four sign up sheets don't show up on the first page you can click on "older posts" at the bottom and other sign-up sheets should show up. You may need to keep scrolling through. Place a comment on the bottom of the category with what you would like to bring and I'll add your name to the list above.

We have 960 sodas being donated by Pyramid Brewing Company (A HUGE thank you) but we may need more - doesn't include cola. We will also need bottles of water.

Also, the Sky Jackson Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo is now up. If you wish to contribute you can go into any Wells Fargo bank and donate funds into the Sky Jackson Memorial Fund. Any excess funds after service expenses will roll over into a trust for Zion and/or one of his cancer foundations. Thank you all for support.

I may update this post periodically so check back. I will try to say UPDATE in the title. Thank you all and if you have any question please feel free to email me at nacj96@aol.com.

UPDATE - For the plates and napkins we are going to do them themed. So if you would like to bring a package of plates/napkins just pick one out that reminds you of Sky, i.e. surfing, golf, fish, 49ers, A's, etc... I know Party City has 49er and A's ones online. Today I picked up some that look like bandanas. Just make sure you let me know that you got some and how many. Thanks!!!

Potluck sign-up beverages

2010-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Beverages
1Jen/Brian Bator - soda (960)
2 Jessica/Terry Gilbert - 2 cases water
3 Amanda/Gabe Palmquist - 2 cases water, mixed case soda
4 Sarah/Elliott Paddock - water and soda
5 Lara/Dan Reynoso - 2 cases water
6 Jessica Jackson - water and soda
7 Lacey Mahoney -Iced tea
8 Melanie Dymer - drinks
9 Jamie Kessler - 2 cases water
10 Mary (Kelly's mom) - water
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Potluck sign-up dessert

2010-01-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

Dessert
1 Lindsay Hansen - cupcakes (96)
2 Jessica Gilbert's mom- cobblers
3 Jessica Gilbert - lots of chocolate chip cookies
4 Sarah/Elliott Paddock - cookies
5 Brittany Chilton/Joe Mangiaracina - brownies (80)
6 Carly's madre - brownies
7 Abraham Rodriguez - dessert
8 Eric Neff - Brownies bites
9 Amanda/George White - Rice crispy treats (80)
10 Jessica Jackson - cupcakes or cake
11 Angel/Kevin McKay - cookies
12 Jill Mally - choc. peanut better chip cookies and pound cake
13 Lacey Mahoney - brownies
14 Lara Reynoso - cookies
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Potluck sign-up side dish

2010-01-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Side Dish
1 Carisa Jackson - cold pasta salad
2 Carly Montalbono - cheesy potatoes
3 Nicole Johnson - cabbage salad
4 Jessica Gilbert's sister - very big pasta salad
5 Anna Drumright - 7 Layer dip (2)
6 Staci Raab - Wieners and Meatballs
7 Amanda/Gabe Palmquist - really big green salad
8 Brittany Chilton/Joe Mangiaracina - Deviled eggs (100-150)
9 Jessica/Terry Gilbert - Black beans
10 Jessica Gilbert's cousin - Greenbean casserole
11 Abraham Rodriguez -Veggie tray (3)
12 Tracy LaPoint/Kenny Jones - tortilla rolls
13 Tim Knox - potato and pasta salad
14 Genevieve Janovich
15 Siobhan Gagon - large fuit salad
16 Sarah Navarro - chips and salsa
17 Angel/Kevin McKay - Twice baked potato salad and pesto pasta salad
18 Judy Ohliger Filippoff - southwestern salad
19 Lacey Mahoney - pasta salad
20 Nikki Calleja - chips
21 Debbie Williams - potato salad
22 Angie Hutchinson - 7 layer dip and chips
23 Melanie Dymer- Salad and spinach dip with bread
24 Lara Reynoso - fruit or veggie tray
25 Steve O'Dell - potato salad
26 Ray/Robin - meat, cheese, cracker tray & veggie tray
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Potluck sign-up Main dish

2010-01-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

Main Dish
1Crystal M -Chili
2 Nicole Paddock - Chicken Fried Rice
3 Amanda/Gabe Palmquist - Shredded pork/beef w/ tortillas
4 Tish Holguin - Chili
5 Jamie Petrakis - enchiladas & lasagna
6 Megan/Mike Martinez - Drumsticks
7 Geilfuss Family (Nikki C) - Pesto Penne and Jambalaya
8 Clara Willis - Tray of sandwich makings w/ rolls
9 Eric Neff - Platter of sandwiches
10 Aaron Williams
11 Aaron Paddock - bbq beef roast or something
12 Kyle - Casserole
13 Jill Mally - cold spaghetti salad and chicken and broccoli casserole
14 Nikki Calleja - platter of sandwiches
15 Kathryn and Mary - pulled chicken and tortillas
16 Angela White - chicken and beef
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good news

2009-08-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

The did a pet scan which shows all the live cancer left in the body and it came back that my liver is now clear, and also my chest and bone are clear. So now we pray for surgery very soon and maybe beat this aggressive cancer. Pray for me its working slowly but surly its going to work. I love you all, Sky

stem cell transplant update

2009-06-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

Well my tumors did not shrink to the size they wanted to start the transplant so we will continue more chemo then it looks like surgery then stemcell transplant if we can't get the surgery we will do a low dose chemo so I can live as long as possible the say a year to a year and a half. so I will keep pushing whoever I need to push to get everything done and try to be cancer free. One day at a time. ttyl luv you all Sky.

stem cell transplant

2009-05-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Trevors stem cells are a perfect match now we just need the tumors to shrink to 95 percent and my heart to stay at 56 percent and were a go in about two weeks. We might just beat this thing. I'm in the hospital now with my second round of the new chemo and I handle this pretty well so I think the stem cell might be ok also. luv you all. sky.

last pet scan

2009-05-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

as I posted I'm at city of hope now, unfortunately I'm back in the hospital because I got a little sick and all my blood counts were really low. They have been giving me transfusion for the last couple of days and my body has excepted it with no problems. So starting of from a couple months ago, My kaiser doctor had finished up pretty much all the chemo she could give me so they transfered me here to city of hope, I'm so very happy to be here, there a very high ranked cancer hospital. When I got here they ran a new pet scan to see what cancer was alive, they told me that the cancer is gone from my lungs and my lymph nods and my glands. so now were going threw a very hard chemo because my liver hasn't healed enough to do surgery. But it looks like this chemo will do a good job and then I'll do a stem cell transplant and if my brothers blood is a perfect match I should have minimum complications. The transplant isn't very easy I'll be hospitalized for at least 4 to 6 weeks. so the plan is this last chemo then stem cell transplant then surgery which i might be going to the best surgeon for my cancer in our nation, he is located at sloan-kettering in New York. then after they remove all the tumors we will do a whole abdominal radiation. Then its hopefully cancer free. I've been doing good untill yesteday but so far it ust looks like I got a light infection and I should be going home tomorrow. well I'm getting tiered so I'll write back shortly thanks for all the prayers and love, love you all Sky.

city of hope

2009-04-29T17:33:00.001-07:00

sorry everyone for the delay. I had to move and then it took a while to get my internet hooked up. There is so much new news, I'm now at City of Hope not at kaiser. I love it here I'm actually here right now for a week receiving a new chemo and it takes a week to administer it to me. There are so many different things here that prove this hospital to be a caring hospital that makes you feel so good about being a patent here. The plan as of right now is to do this aggressive chemo then in 6 weeks we will then do the stem cell transplant that will take about 4-6 weeks for me to recover but after that hopefully surgery and maybe chemo or radiation to cancer free, thats our plan. I'm busy right now but tonight I'll write back to explain whats been going on in better detail again I'm sorry I haven't been able to keep up but I will do my best to write as much as possible. love everyone for your prayers and thoughts. love Sky

T Ball

2009-01-20T15:59:00.000-08:00

So tonight we get started on my sons baseball career. I'm going to manage the team and my brother is going to help coach its going to be a blast. I've had a rough couple of weeks with pain and everything but I'm feeling a lot better know. My toes and now my fingers are starting to get numb and thats a bad sign since i just started this chemo less then two weeks ago but I'm not telling my doctor for now cause there barely numb. I don't want to be forced to stop the chemo after that its clinical trials and thats kinda a crap shoot. We talked about surgery and she seems so doubtful since its in my bone, lung, liver, spline and omentum. So were just taking things one day at a time. I'm stoked for T Ball though its going to be fun chasing around 13 five yr olds. ttyl love sky

the new news

2009-01-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

O.k. so a pathologist at Harvard University has tested my biopsy and came to the conclusion that it is desmoplastic small round cell tumor and I have started a new chemo as of yesterday. This chemo is called a v.a.c. combo and were going for 4 to 6 cycles then to clinical trials at city of hope. I hurt a lot right now and my liver is bad but I think it will all change with this cycle. I'm in high hopes and I'm excited to see how this new chemo will do. As far as my personal life I'm going to be the manager of my sons tee ball team and my brother is going to help so its going to be a good time. Thanks for everyones support love sky.

sorry for the delay

2008-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

I just got all my tests back and they tests came back that my chromosomes were normal witch rules out the desmoplastic tumor. So now were back to square one but on the good side right now I feel great and just had another ct scan and it came back that the tumors are still shrinking and I haven't done any chemo in two months. My eyebrows have grown back and I feel much better about myself, that was the only little thing that bugged me stupid huh. So our plan with kaiser is to maybe start 3 more rounds of the same chemo then we go to trials. My heart is at the lowest of normal strength wise, a normal heart is 50 to 75 percent mines 52 so were going to try and strengthen it up a little more but over all my quality of life is much better thanks to all my wonderful friends for being there for me. love you all sky.

What a great Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

I had a great thanksgiving all the fam was there we had great food great time good wine, it was awesome. I got back this morning and started today with my heart scan they want to see if my heart is still strong and ready for the next chemo. I won't get the results for a week, but I have a biopsy where they take samples of the cancer and test it tomorrow. Then I have a pet scan on wed to see how much of the cancer is alive. so we have a busy week lots to learn. so I will write back as soon as we get all the results and I talk to my doctor and get the game plan probably fri. I love you all, Sky

they now know what I have

2008-11-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor

What is it? Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor. This cancer almost always arises in the abdomen, but other primary sites have been described. This form of cancer spreads locally to lymph nodes and lining of the abdomen. It can also spread to the lungs, liver and bones. This cancer is more common in males and usually affects adolescents and young adults. The tumor has a characteristic genetic finding called a translocation. A portion of chromosome 11 is translocated to a portion of chromosome 22. Identifying this translocation is useful in confirming the diagnosis.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms depend on the primary site of disease and the extent of disease at diagnosis. Patients with abdominal primaries often present with an enlarged abdomen and abdominal pain. They may also present with vomiting and weight loss.

How is it treated? Desmoplastic small round cell tumors are often treated with aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It is important to surgically resect (remove) all sites of disease in order to eradicate the cancer. Unfortunately, this is often not possible. Using chemotherapy to shrink the disease prior to attempted resection is a reasonable approach. Some patients with DSRCT may benefit from more intensive therapy with autologous peripheral blood transplants, especially if they respond well to more standard therapy regimens.

What is the outcome? The overall prognosis for patients with DSRCTs is poor with less than 20% of patients expected to live more than 5 years after diagnosis. However, it depends largely on the ability to surgically remove all tumors.

bad news

2008-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

We have stopped chemo for a while until I get sick again then we will do a two drug combo and see how that works. I got more cancer now, it looks like its in my kidneys also and the bone cancer has spread more in my pelvis and now in my spine. I just got done with a bone scan today and from what I seen was the top half of my spine looked like it was full of cancer and my ribs and a lot more in my pelvis, I'm not a doctor so we will see in a week or less what they say and I'll try to write as soon as I find out. But on a good note i look good and feel good so at least I'm enjoying my life even when its hard to keep going I always change my attitude pretty fast and try to be a positive optimistic man. Just so everyone I love all my family and friends more then this whole world, and I will always be with everyone of you forever. Love sky

yesterday was a beautiful day

2008-11-05T09:30:00.001-08:00

I started out the day working out and building my strength. then Aaron and I went and voted, go Obama. But it looks like prop 8 in cali will pass and thats sad, everyone deserves to love and have the right to marry and be together no mater who they are. If you took away my right I would fight you till the end. But on a bigger note president Obama is going to be in the white house and most people are happy about that we've shown that we are a changing country and there is hope restored and if he keeps the momentum going we can hopefully look forward to a better U.S.A. Congrats to the African American people this was a big day. But after voting I went to talk to my tattoo artist and were working on my arm soon I'm excited to get started. I'll put up pictures when were done. Then Aaron and I went and drove down pacific coast highway to a hippie taco shop in Laguna Beach that had some good taco's. It was a beautiful day, one to remember. Sky

one day at a time

2008-11-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

Today has been much better, I woke up with very little pain so I was grateful for that. I have been working out as much as I can and I'm getting much stronger. My toes have been numb now for close to 2 weeks and still remain the same, I've gotten use to it now. I haven't felt it in my fingers yet so I think were all good. I was down and out for a while but emotionally I feel so much better today. I realize that the things that I thought matter sometimes just don't matter at all life is to short for the small stuff. I'm just so happy to be in good enough health to enjoy myself and be able to enjoy my family and friends this thanksgiving. Theres so much to be thankful for. I love you all,Sky

Halloween

2008-10-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished the last of my IV yesterday for round six and today my legs and bones hurt bad, I got my pain meds upped to a higher dose but the pain is still there. I'm going to walk with my son tonight trick or treating as long as I can. I love to be with my son on Halloween he has so much fun every year. This year he's Iron Man, and has worn the costume since we bought it. Its this time of year when the holidays come that I enjoy the most. October is one of my favorite months, then its gabes bday then thanksgiving, then christmas, then we start a new fresh year. I love you all, Sky

29th

2008-10-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

I've had a rough week this last week and am now starting round six. My toes are numb and are a sign of the chemo taking a long term side effect and will cause permanent nerve damage to my fingers and toes. so at this point they will be forced to stop chemo. I'm very upset and feel like keeping to myself, but I know thats unhealthy. On a good note I took my son over to see one of my bestfriend house to see his son and we had a nice BBQ and today I took him to his first golf game on a big course and we had such a good time. I feel so confused my body feels so much stronger but my will feels so much lower. It just gets hard to have physical pain most of the time just to keep me aware at all times I'm sick. I also wanted to say to robert carter I hope your doing better and try to keep your head up I know hospitals are rough but there will be brighter days. Thanks for everyones support. I love you all, Sky

I'm 28

2008-10-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

so October 15th I turned 28 it was a fun day. I spent the day with my beautiful girlfriend and my brother and his girlfriend and Aaron and Joe and my cousin Crystal and Sarah and my beautiful son and Sarah and Elliotts son Noah. We went to Knotts berry farm and got tossed around by all the rides it was great. Then we had a nice dinner at buco de pepo. I've been doing good and haven't had any new news about my cancer. I start round 6 on the 28th then we will have another ct scan about 3 weeks after that. I will be done with this chemo session around christmas and I plan on spending some time in Italy when I get my chemo break. I've been gaining muscle and feel much stronger. I'm going to go to the sports store and get some weights and start to put on more muscle. I'm sorry I don't write enough I just haven't received any new info on my health. Thanks to all the people that support me, I am grateful to everyone thats been there for me. Love Sky

wed, the 1st.

2008-10-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

This last week I got to relax and have fun with some of my best friends and my girlfriend. I had so much fun at the golf tournament the four of us had such a blast, Zeb, Jon, Aaron, and I played a good game. I just got home from my little vacation to nor cal. and I'm working out trying to build my strength back, there is a 5 mile walk for breast and ovarian cancer on oct. 4 and I have full intentions on finishing with no problem. Then its off to disneyland with the kids for the day on sunday. Over all I feel the best I've felt in a long time, I have no new news on my cancer yet except that I feel so much better. I go in for my next round of chemo on the 6th. It will be the start of my fifth round out of eight. I want to thank all my family and friends for all your support and love, I love you all back. TTYL, Sky

sorry everyone

2008-09-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to everyone for not updating my computer wasn"t working I've been very busy and just got it back online. Ok so lets start with the ct scan, after my third session of chemo they wanted me to be at around 50 percent remission but I'm more around 25 percent. So there is improvement just not as much as we hoped. My quality of life has gone way up I feel good and am happy in my life right now. So now were hoping that the next 3 cycles will be as effective as possible and then my doctor thinks we will hit a plateau and that will be as far as we go with kaiser. We will do 8 total then a pet scan to see how much of the cancer is dead and how much is alive. At that point we will probably take thous results to rational therapeutics and see what he can do. Now about life my cousin just got married and the wedding was beautiful we had such a good time and I felt great all weekend. The ceremony was great and we danced and danced. Amanda my new cousin looked so beautiful it was breathtaking, gabe your a lucky man. And I got to kiss one of the most beautiful girls in the world so I had a great time. I love you all, talk to you soon, sky.

fri

2008-08-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

I've had a good week to weekend so far. So I set up a CT scan for the 4th and that will determine the amount of remission I'm in. Also since I got the new bone IV in my chemo pack i get to get my teeth all updated they need to be in good health for the side effects of the bone meds. Because of the OD from this last IV I've had to take twice as many injections to pick it back up. I had to miss my friends wedding this weekend and a small benefit beacause of the OD its kept my blood cells way to low. Sorry Ell and Sara I'm sure no matter what its going to be a good day. Sorry to all the people I can't get up to see at the tehachapea benefit, I wish i could sorry. I love you all, Sky

sunday

2008-08-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

So when I went in and got my chemo they changed my etoposide from pill form to a new iv and when they did they did the math wrong and gave me a three day session. After the second session the next morning the doctor called me and told me they messed up one the dosage and have already gave me 30 percent to much, good thing I didn't get the third session. They also started a bone strengthner and the pains were everywhere in my all my bones but it only lasted two days. I felt good today and gabe and amanda came down for the weekend and they cooked the best meal since thanksgiving. Our local boy out of Napa brought home the bronze medal from beijing in BMX good job donnie robinson. Also I got to go golfing and Aaron had a great game and killed me. But we had a great time and I'm feeling good. I just had to be careful not to get sick because of the over dose. It seems I should be in the clear and my blood cells I think are up. So love everyone, Sky

golf tournament

2008-08-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Sky Jackson Cancer Foundation

Date to remember. Thursday, September 25th we will be having our first annual Sky Jackson Golf Tournament Fund Raiser at Vintners Golf course in Yountville. I will have more details for you at the end of the week. Feel free to email me or Jason Smith with any questions. Thanks Lisa.

Jason@skyjacksoncancerfoundation.com
Lisa@skyjacksoncancerfoundation.com

Thanks everyone.

round three

2008-08-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

I got done with round three yesterday and they ran out of my ten day pill regiment I was taking so we substituted it with more iv so i go in for three extra days for that but its fast and not to hard. This last round went well ant round three I hope will do the same. I fell excellent today and am going golfing right now. My sons mom came home so were working on being a family again which feels real good I'm happy to have the memories of all of us together. I've lost about 7 inches around my belly and my doctor feels really good about it so that makes me happy. She had mentioned that there was a chance for a full recovery which was not mentioned before so again I'm very happy. I think were going to bet this and when its gone were having the biggest party ever for like a month or something. Ok well I'm off to golf love everyone and I'll talk to you soon, love sky.

good ol friday

2008-08-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

well I had my Colonoscopy today last night was a very bad long night. But I got it over with they said they would sedate me but the maximum sedation didn't feel like anything scents i have been on pain relievers, so it was rough. Now I feel good and ready to have a great weekend, there catching tuna real close to long beach so me and Trevor might go fishing sunday. Oh and the result for the colonoscopy was negative so thats good except we still don't have an origin yet. Well my plan is to have a great weekend and get ready for round 3. I feel very positive that the cancer is shrinking, and I'm going to bet this. Its going to be a long road but I'm ready. I love you all, Sky

hump day

2008-08-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to my lung doc and he seemed pretty optimistic, he had said that they had a big meeting about me and the head oncologist "my doctor" has never seen anything like this and was asking all other input from all other cancer doctors. But he also said that he thinks chemo is working and my lung has a chance to be cancer free. I was happy to hear some positive words from him, Even though its a long way away from happing at least he had hope also. He reschedule me for another meeting in 4 months, I said lets make it 16 month. So it looks like less fluid then what was left from the last procedure which leds to believe chemo is killing the cancer and reducing the liquid.
But on the other note I'm fifty fifty about my cancer maybe my cancer will die easily with the chemo because they don't know any thing about it, I just kinda want a doctor that seen my kind of case and knows how to cure me, But I really like my oncoligest she so nice and optimistic but I need someone that ready for this and knows what to do.
As far as today I feel good and I think i
I'm going to rematch Aaron at golf. I love everyone,Sky

monday monday

2008-08-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

The benefit was good I was very weak but I pulled through the entire night. We had Zion selling kisses on the cheek for 2 bucks and he did real well. I want to give a special thanks to Carisa, Jenn, Lauren, And all the help at McAlan's, also all the help in rancho from promoting to helping the event to donating, Thank you all I had such a great time. I would also like to thank April and Lisa for driving all this was and helping so much without any time for themselves the have dedicated months of there spare time to keep me alive that makes me cry with happiness that I have friends like that. Also thanks to Jason Smith and my big bro for there help they worked real hard to put the event together. We raised somewhere around 6 thousand last night and had a good time doing it. Each event is getting us closer and closer to securing a plan to keep me alive. Thank you to everyone thats been there for me you guys and girls are the driving force behind me. I Love you all, Sky

Saturday

2008-08-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be short I got very sick last night and I'm very weak. I think that the chemo when it all hits me causes my intestines to swell and evacuate everything in me, then it wont alow me to eat or hold anything down. Last time it was a week so I'm hoping it wont be as bad this week. I love you all, Sky

Thursday

2008-08-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of my chemo pills this cycle now I start my immune booster for 3 days and ill be back to full health by sunday. I posted on tuesday and then fell back asleep I slept a total of close to 36 hours. I feeling better now with a little more energy. Today Aaron Trevor and Jason Smith got my Lincoln continental running I was very grateful for that. Football preseason started today so thats good also I'm excited to beat the raiders tomorrow, go niners! My dear friend lost her father to cancer the other day, I love you meg and my heart goes out to you and your family. Cancer sucks and I feel for all those that lost there fights, We just gotta keep on fighting and keeping our hope and faith high. I have cancer but cancer doesn't have me. I love you all, Sky

2008-08-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

I started to feel sick last night well not really sick but very different, so I slept in I got 15 hours last night but still feel a little strange so I'm being very careful not to get sick. So far this chemo has been good. The benefit in So Cal is on the 10th at Mcallans Pub in Rancho Cucamonga 6321 haven ave. alta loma. So if you can we would love to see everyone there I'm very tiered today so i need to go. ttyl love sky.

Saturday August 2nd

2008-08-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

My pain has grown in my stomach but it's nothing I can't handle. I had a good day. I went to the MMA expo where I met a lot of good fighters. We got Pat Militech, Jens Pulver, BJ Penn, Nathan Diaz and more to support our cause which I'm really excited about. I got to play golf with Ray, Steve and Keaton. We played a good game, it was a beautiful day. Now we are all enjoying a game of Apples to Apples.

I have high hopes that I will be able to make it through this chemo just fine.

Thank you everyone for all of your love support.

in the bones

2008-07-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I received a call from my oncologist and they have spotted cancer in my bones, they suspect it to be in my left pelvis, my right back 6th rib, and maybe my shoulder joints. It doesn't change much I guess except I have to take more meds to strengthen my bones so it wont spread. Today I feel good I got my mary jane club card and that is helping me put some weight on and keeps me from getting nauseous. Its good that California give the option for patients to use there medicines without being a criminal. We deserve it. I slept a lot today I'm not sure if its the chemo or the week catching up but i feel pretty good over all, I have some stomach pains and liver pains but nothing i can't handle. I'm very excited about the upcoming events, I'm stoked on the golf tournament coming up later August which sounds like a lot of fun in the sun and good golfing. We will be getting started on the golf event very shortly. I hope everyone is doing well today and will talk to you again shortly. Love Sky.

earthquake

2008-07-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so yesterday we have an earthquake while I was in chemo and the quake starts me and my sister look at each other and say EARTHQUAKE and we go racing for the door, I get about half way and my iv stand was still plugged in to the wall I had to go back and free it then race back under the door. It made our hospital visit very interesting got our adrenaline pumping. The overall visit was good I found out I have one of the hardest chemo's on the body for side effects so this week will be the true test of how it effects me. Right now I feel the best I have felt in over 3 months. Im gaining weight right now and my body functions are normal Im eating and digesting food well. I'm happy and positive right now so over all I feel great and is ready to fight through the hard time to come. I'm ready to kick some cancer ass. I love you all for all your support everyone of you keep my head were it needs to be in a positive and happy place full of hope and love. So you all know my plan it looks like we will go two more chemo cycles then retest and see were we are, if all is going well we will continue the total amount of cycles which is 8 total. Then we have a local doctor who practices in specializing in chemo for the individual not for the symptom which kaiser ony goes by the book for the symptom. If you would like you can look at some of his wed stuff his name of his clinic is Rational Therapeutics. His name is Robert Nagourney, and there are some good testimonials and interviews you can look at, www.rationaltherapeutics.com. Then our next mission is MD Anderson in texas there said to be the cancer gods. So I think were up to date with my plans, so I love you all and will talk to you tomorrow. Love Sky.

wow

2008-07-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

First things first, to everyone who put their lives and hearts into this event to make it happen, I wish I could thank you enough. There simply aren't the words to express my gratitude. I want to give a special thanks to Jason, Lisa and April. You three went above and beyond any one's expectations and produced and orchestrated something that is nothing short of an amazing movement. I also send a very heartfelt thanks to Bret and his family for hosting my benefit. Your willingness to allow us free reign of your place and everything you donated - use of your space, free pool for the night, and the proceedes of all non-alcoholic drinks - is truly beyond generous. To those who donated, from the bands to the bartenders to the individuals and establishments who gave gift certificates and all the other items (there are far too many to list), your generosity is overwhelming. I appreciate every single one of you who showed up. This would not have been a success without you. With all the love I received this weekend I know we are going to do what it takes to beat this cancer. As our shirts say F*CK CANCER! Please write a comment and let me know how your night was. I hope you all had as good a time as I did.

We are here!

2008-07-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

Aaron-

Sky headed out to Napa yesterday. Everyone loaded into the Fight Cancer rented RV, and started the long drive to Napa after sky had some tests done at the hospital. I could tell he was still in good spirits during the drive when i got the phone update (i had left with David 3 hours earlier) , jokingly telling me about his testicular exam and a an old Iranian doctor(i will let you use your imagination)!

So i received the call late after i had already arrived that they had indeed made it too the Bay Area and all was well. I will be doing my best to keep this site updated during the busy weekend. We hope to see all of you at the event.

I really wanna say thanks to everyone commenting everyday and leaving words of hope and encouragement. He feeds off of these comments and looks forward to reading them. As praise was given in the previous post i also want to thank you all for the tons of support you have given Sky, It is truly amazing to me that people can still rally together in times of hardships. BLESS YOU ALL!

Feeling good

2008-07-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Aaron-

Sky wanted me to tell everyone that the last two days have been much better and he is gaining his strength and his appetite is coming coming back. He is really looking forward to seeing everyone at the event on Sunday at Billco's. What everyone has done has been amazing, a miracle in itself. To all who have went above and beyond, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please keep the comments coming as they help keep his spirits up to know that people are still thinking of him and wising him well.

I wish to personally thank Nicole, Crystal, Carly, and Joyce for being here and doing everything around the house and taking care of Sky. To be honest you all are angels, and anyone would be hard pressed to find people as caring and loving as all of you. Please send some thanks to these great ladies for really doing all the hard things.

Home again!

2008-07-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

sky came home yesterday and is feeling much better! today sky and i went for a walk around the block and everything was great. We are looking forward to coming to Napa and seeing everyone as well as thanking everyone who has helped with the fundraiser. I will post again when i get some more information. I will also be trying to post a permanent link for the bank account number.

Thanks everyone.
Aaron

Saturday July 19th

2008-07-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sky--

It's been a hard week, Im sorry i havent had the strength to keep the blog up to date, i am hoping that i will be at home soon and back on track. Thanks everyone for all your support

Aaron--

Sky is still in the hospital, looks to be here until at least monday. We are hoping that he will be out then, but the doctor wants him to be eating solid foods without felling sick to his stomach. The early prognosis is that the first cycle of chemotherapy is doing its job as the oncologist has said she feels the tumor has gotten a little smaller. We are encouraged by the news and hope that the next cycle will bring better news with a CT scan of the tumor hopefully showing signs of more shrinkage. Not much else to say, he wishes he could see everyone who is coming to visit, but he is on nuetropenic precautions and his white blood cells are still low and he is very susceptible to infection with his immune system this low. a kind and encouraging word on the blog will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone again, you find out how amazing people can be during times like these.
We love you all.
Aaron

Good News to report!

2008-07-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

Aaron--

Well, i am happy to say that sky had a much better day today! He was in good spirits and joking with the nurses and all of us. His nausea has subsided for the most part, and he took his last chemotherapy pill of this cycle today as well too. His white blood cell count was low, but that was to be expected, and the doctor gave him a shot to speed up the process of rebuilding the white blood cells. I don't wanna get everyone's hopes up too much, but the doctor even gave Sky permission to attend the benefit, seeing as it will fall on the same weekend as what is scheduled to be his strongest days, right before his next chemotherapy cycle. So everyone pray that he will be feeling good enough to go up to Napa.
Right now he is still in the hospital, but the good news being that he was finally moved up to the oncology ward, and away from the idiots he was surrounded by before. We are hoping for a release from the hospital soon, but he has to be having bowel movements and keeping food down as well as not having any fever, which he had last night.
It was just great to see him being Sky today, as opposed to yesterday. We love you buddy! Cant wait to have you home again.

yesterday's update today.

2008-07-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Aaron--

Ok, sorry for the late post but we wanted to try and give the most updated news and things kept changing yesterday.

Sky is still in the hospital, but has had some "relief", in fact the last i had heard, was that he passed a solid movement! Which is great because the x-rays yesterday showed that he still had a solid block in the small intestines.

Ok, so the tumor is pressing on his lower intestines making it very difficult for him too pass any stool, this is a problem we are hoping to solve with the Chemotherapy hopefully shrinking the size of the tumor to release the restriction.

Sky was very tired yesterday, and in quite a bit of pain at sometimes, but i blame the crappy ass hospital he is in. seriously, you would not believe the level of incompetence at this hospital.
Nobody is on the same page, absolutely no one is on the same page.
His spirits are low as far as i could gather so maybe some extra prayers are needed today.
Thanks everyone i will post more when i know.

Tuesday 15th details

2008-07-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

Aaron--

Today sky still wasn't feeling to well, he was tired in the morning but as the afternoon wore on, he was able to pass some stool which was promising. He had to go to the doctor to have blood taken to check on the status of his chemotherapy and decided that it would be a good idea to head over to the E.R. to discuss his bowel obstruction. The good news is that they have decided not to have surgery, but instead try to flush it out. He will be staying the night tonight at the hospital and get an I.V. to get some much needed nourishment into his system that has been depleted due to the chemo. That is really all the information i have. Nicole and Joyce are with him now and i will be heading over to bring some comforting things to him for his stay tonight. Sorry there isn't more info right now, but i will update as soon as i hear more.

Thanks for all the positive feedback please keep it coming, Sky loves you all and was joking on the phone with me earlier from the E.R. room.

Thanks and One Love.

Hoping for relief

2008-07-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

From Aaron:

Sky has already gone to sleep today, he was very tired and uncomfortable for most of it. Tomorrow he may have to be admitted the the hospital because he is having difficulty passing bowel movements and it is making him very uncomfortable. The tests came back on his lungs, and he indeed has cancer spots in his lungs as well. I know the news posted today is not great, but we thought that everyone would still appreciate the update, good or bad. Nicole and Crystal are here taking care of Sky, and Joyce arrived tonight too, so he is well taken care of. We are praying that all goes well tomorrow, and he gets the relief he needs. Sky, we all love you very much.

Also, we need to get volunteers together for the event, so if you have time on Sunday the 27th, and would like to donate it to a worthy cause, please contact Jason or Lisa to let them know.

We have received over $1,500.00 in donations through the website and countless donations from businesses, individuals, friends and family. The amount of work all of you are putting in makes me choke up. All of you are the definition of true friends.

Wamu Account #

2008-07-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Washington Mutual lied to me, they told me all you needed to do was say the name of the fund, wrong! Here is the account number # 940-062171-3 . Sky Jackson Medical Fund.
Once agian, thanks everyone.

Saturday July 12, 2008

2008-07-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

I feel much better today, I'm just really tired. I slept a lot. My family and friends had a cleaning party today, I don't think my house has ever been this clean. My sister has been amazing, I don't know what I would be doing without her right now. She has been staying with me every night and making sure I get all of my meds on time. Crystal, Amanda, Carly, Gabe and Lara have been have been so helpful with everything and doing what women are suppose to do. I wish they were all my wives, except maybe Crystal and Gabe (cause that would be weird and illegal). Beaver bought me a screen door today, Trevor and Anthony installed it. It only took them three hours but it works great. I'm hoping for a good day again tomorrow and I appreciate all the comments and love everyone has been sending me.

MYSPACE CAUSE

2008-07-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Aaron--
We are very happy to announce that there are so many people helping sky now that it has gotten beyond my control. Although I'm very excited that everyone is doing so much to help, i have some concerns.

The Cause started on Myspace.com, does not donate directly to sky's fund like it says, but rather to the American Cancer Society, a noble cause to say the least, but right now, its not gonna help Sky.
We ask that you do not donate to the cause page, and also that the person who started it, please contact me as i'd like some thing changed on the main page.
as of right now, the only safe places to donate to sky's fund are on his blog through paypal which is completely secure, and at Washington Mutual itself. That is straight from the source, those are the only places you should donate cash too.

Friday 11th

2008-07-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Today has been the roughest day I have had so far. The chemotherapy has caught up to me and I am feeling very ill and tired. I am still remaining positive that I can beat this, it is just going to be a tough fight. With all the support I have been getting I know I can defy the odds. I am thankful to have such a supportive group of friends and family. Please keep the comments coming, it brightens my day.

Donations are coming in!!

2008-07-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Aaron-
Again i want to extend my thanks to everyone helping out, you have all been fantastic! We have been receiving a trickle of Paypal donations and are just a few hundred shy of our first thousand!! We will need much more money for outside treatment so please for those who have yet to donate we implore you to dig down and try to find a way to help out in these hard times. You can be assured that all proceeds will be going to Sky's treatment.
Once again to all those who have donated and left kind words of encouragement, God Bless,
Sky will update his blog later tonight for all of you wanting to know about his day.

wed the 9th.

2008-07-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. I doubled up on the morphine and got to go golfing with my brother, mother, James, Zeb, Jeff, and Aaron. I had a great time. I also got to get the fluid drained from around my lungs today and my breathing is great so thats good. They took 2 liters out. On the bad side of that it looked like it was cancer in the lung lining, its not for sure yet we'll know next mon or tues. At this point its not a big set back since I'm already set back quite a bit. We have a benefit concert and silent auction in Napa arranged on Sunday, July 27. Brett at Billco's generously agreed to host the evening from 3-midnight, located at 1234 3rd st. If you would like to get involved or donate to the auction please contact Jason Smith at 707-812-4954 or Lisa Blackman at 707-815-3689. More details will be posted shortly. I personally, from the bottom of my heart, feel so blessed to have friends and family like I do. I love each and everyone of you. You have made this whole process so much easier on me. I am as strong as I can possibly be right now, and a lot of that I owe to you. Thanks. Talk to you tomorrow.

Donate added

2008-07-08T23:36:00.001-07:00

Aaron---I added the secure donation button, it will link to sky's medical fund. Please use often :)

Donation and Visiting Information

2008-07-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

AARON---Sky started his first Chemotherapy today and it went well. His spirits are very high and we are desperately trying to raise money for a second opinion at an established cancer center. We have set up an account at Washington Mutual Bank, "Sky Jackson Medical Fund" is all that is needs to be said at any branch and it will get to his account. We are also trying to gather donations from businesses for two different silent auctions to be held in Napa and Orange County as well. For Napa donations contact Lisa Blackmon, and for orange county donations contact me or Trevor.
We will soon have a link on here to paypal donations online.

Anyone planning to visit Sky in the coming weeks has to take precautions, if you have been sick recently or have been around anyone sick we would have to ask that you keep your support to phone calls and internet posts until you are better since Sky's chemo has reduced his immune system. Those with small children should be aware that runny noses and coughs can cause serious health risks for Sky.

Sorry for the long post, but we have a few more requests:
If you are coming to visit, and we hope you are, please only bring things that are on the following list as increased people here puts a strain our resources.
Here is the list:
Bottled water********
paper towels
toilet paper
hand sanitizer-(must be used to see him)
surgical masks-(must be used to see him)
100% fruit juices.

For now that is all we need, please dont bring anything extra as we are on a surplus of trash here.

Thanks everyone so much, we really appreciate your help and love.

First day of my new life

2008-07-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

I woke up feeling great. I had a good night rest. I feel really good about today. I am excited to get started on beating this cancers ass! Today we do a chest CT, possibly drain the fluids around my lung, and shortly after we start chemo. I have high expectations this chemo is going to work. I feel like it is going to work. I'll write as soon as I'm done.

monday brings no better news

2008-07-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

we have finally had the oncology meeting. The news was unsatisfying and hard to swallow. I start chemo tomorrow morning. I was diagnosed with "POORLY DIFFERENTIATED CARCINOMA WITH UNKNOWN ORIGIN" at a stage 4. AKA "THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IT REALLY IS NOW". The time frame to keep looking for answers is limited and we are jumping straight into treatment. They gave me statistics for 70 patients 50% did not get past 6 months. 35% made it over a year. 15% have made it close to 3 years. with no remittance. we plan to change statistics permanently.

July 6th

2008-07-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

-sky-Today went by fairly fast, got to see good friends and am now getting anxious for tomorrows doctor visit. everyone please keep your prayers coming and your fingers crossed. I will update tomorrow's news when i get home from the doctor and will let everyone know good or bad.

-aaron- Sky ate some food in the afternoon after a tough morning again. Carisa's friends and family who know sky came by today and visited with him. James also came over for a bit. Nicole and Joyce have been awesome and have been staying with sky at night. God bless all of you who have showed support and love, it is greatly appreciated. We are continuing to remain positive that tomorrow will bring better news and more hope that we can start a solid treatment plan for recovery. We love you all.

One Love.

Saturday

2008-07-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

There is a pain in my chest that is bad. It has been one of the more painful days. I'm praying that I don't have cancer anywhere in my chest, but it sure does feel like it. Overall mentally I am holding up well. With it constantly hurting I don't get a chance to forget it. On the positive side I think I have gained three pounds and I have been eating great. I'm tired so I am headed to bed now.

Happy 4th

2008-07-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

I wish all my friends and family a Happy 4th of July. It's a beautiful day and is going to be a beautiful evening. I feel good today and I am thankful for all of my family and friends. I hope everyone enjoys the fireworks tonight.

Heard from the Doctor

2008-07-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

I heard from the doctor today. I have been officially diagnosed with cancer but still do not know what type it is or where it originated from. We will not get anymore information until Monday. I feel good today, vicodin works.

Wednesday

2008-07-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

I got some good naps in today. It was a lot slower pace than the other days, which was nice. I found out that I don't like percocet. My mom and my sister are trying to trick me into going to the hospital, but I'm smarter than them. I know all of the hiding spots. My liver hurt today and breathing was a little uncomfortable but other than that I'm doing good. Still no news from the doctor, hoping to hear from them tomorrow. Aaron cooked a good meal tonight.

Looking forward to a good night sleep.

tuesday

2008-07-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

I found out today that the test results are not coming in till maybe thurs at the latest monday. Today's pain was a little worse but I'm tough and Its getting better now. I have the best family and friends possible. The waiting around is starting to wear on me. I'm getting a lot in order with help from my family. And I have been eating good trying to gain some weight. Jeff Beaver bought me a recliner and it has helped me so much with my comfort he's a good friend. We had a BBQ and it was nice it was at the top of long beach views over look the ocean and L.A. to Catilina Island. Time for bed I'll write tomorrow.

monday monday

2008-06-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

today was good so far I got an appointment with my oncologist on the 7th but my sister isn't having it she is calling everyone cracking the whip. Also the girls are cleaning my house its awesome it going to be the nicer then ever. My mom and sister and friends stocked my fridge with so much good food. With everyone's help and support I've got through this weekend easy. Just got to wait now for the answer and I'll update asap.

Today was a good day.

2008-06-29T18:54:00.000-07:00

I've started this blog to communicate with everyone about my cancer battle. Today was good i felt good we took the boat out and having a BBQ. My stomach didn't hurt much today and a lot of people have been here to help support. As far as the cancer goes I have not been diagnosed two weeks to live. we do not have any info on the type of cancer or what to expect, we will know sometime mid week this up coming week. Thanks for everyones support, LOVE SKY.