Doing great...

Knock on wood. It's hard for me to say things like this, because then it seems like something happens... However, we went in Monday and counts were holding so we went in again on Thursday. Although his ANC was still low around 300, he seemed to be on the climb back up. Cutting his cisplatin in half sure has helped this round. I can't remember a treatment wherein he only needed one blood and platelet transfusion and didn't have an unplanned stay in the hospital. PRAY it stays that way. If so, we have till June 30th before he goes in for his last round of cyclophosphamide.

He's definitely still weak but not very nauseous and in good spirits. Like I mentioned before, he dropped weight, but I was relying on him too much and doing less feeds than I should have been. When he's not fresh off the chemo he does a great job eating on his own. He'll probably put the weight back on in the next couple weeks.

So there you have it. Almost through it!!!

Love to all.

Ear infection

We came in last Tuesday and his ear was infected, but the meds for it have worked great. He was also bordering low counts so we returned last Thursday and got blood and platelets. Plus, he got his vincristine again last week.

Over the weekend he did fairly well. Seems a little weak and tired, but not terribly. He has vomited a little. He's also cut weight. We're in the clinic right now and I was surprised to hear he is only 43 lbs today. Back to three cans instead of two in addition to what he eats on his own.

All else is well. It's very hot around here these days. It's a lot like AZ. It's frustrating because you have to wait till evening before you can get the kids outdoors. However, there is always a nice breeze that helps relieve some of the heat.

If counts are good today, we won't have to come back for three weeks. We are just waiting to hear.

Hope you all had a great weekend and have a wonderful week. <3

Update

It's Sunday afternoon. We're just hanging out at the house. It's very hot here in San Antonio.

Ethan has done well so far, although his ear has been draining a bit. A bit of blood here and there, so we will go in first thing tomorrow to be sure his platelets are not too low. He seems to have a bit more energy this time since his dose of cisplatin was cut in half.

I'm really excited that we are nearing the end of his chemotherapy. This has been an intense year. Like many before us and after us, we value the simple things in life much more now. Money, jobs, foreclosures- they can't shake you like this!

After his last treatment, we will continue to see the doctor frequently to make sure all continues to be well. Then, hopefully, slowly, we will resume some "normalcy." I can't wait for Ethan to feel good again.

As always, thank you to everyone who reads these posts and prays for Ethan. Seems to me that is the most important and most powerful thing you can do for someone you love.

Alright, enough, enough. Hope you all are well. Love to all!

Eight down, one more to go...

We checked out at 10:30 am! Everything went smoothly. He didn't vomit once while in hospital, but made sure to as soon as we got home! Then, he spiked a low grade fever two hours after getting home. Nothing since though, so hopefully he maintains and we don't have to head back. If you're the praying type, please say a prayer that he starts feeling very good, doesn't get an infection, and gets to stay home all the way to the next round - six weeks or more from now. Please and thank you :)

We love you all. Thank you for all your support; prayers, energy, and positivity.

Almost to the end and we can't wait.

Love,

Nikki

Chemo is going...

I thought we might have to wait another week, but, no, his counts were good. He's been doing pretty good but not as steady on his feet. He continues to improve in all areas though. His most recent hearing test continued to show a decline, so they cut his Cisplatin in half this round. Maybe he won't be as pukey! He also had an eye exam yesterday. For those of you who don't know, since surgery, his eyes cross at times and don't track out (to the sides). The doctor discussed surgery, post chemo, to correct the crossing but probably won't fix the lateral outward tracking. Erg, another surgery... But if it will help his eyes, it's worth it. Vision in both seemed to be 20\40 but they'll test that again to be sure.

I think that sums it up...

Will check in again soon.

Love to all.

Delayed!

Ethan's counts are too low to get chemo. He's actually borderline, so we're going to delay it one week. I did think he was a little more tired than usual, but I was still surprised when they told us his counts.

Things this morning were moving along fast, they had prehydration going within the half hour we got here. Hope it goes that smoothly next week!

P.S. Looks like a tornado is about to touch down out here!

Almost there...

Second to last treatment underway. We just got to the hospital, hope everything goes smoothly. Praying for no unplanned, extra stays this round.

All has been going well the last few weeks. Ethan eats most of his food by mouth now. He'll prob go back to formula after the chemo is administered, but only for a few weeks I'm sure.

I'll update with any changes.

Nikki