Round 3

Today we started the third round of chemotherapy.  I think today it happened the way it was supposed to.  Here's a rough outline of the first day of this round of chemo.

A Moment to Rest

The last several days have been a great blessing.  J has been feeling pretty well.  He still gets some pains related to the kidney stones or the stent, and he still isn't what he was before this all began, but in the last two months he has not been better than these last few days.  He takes medicine without a fight.  He reads books (including finishing two books in three days from a series his class from school gave to him).  He plays games with his siblings.  He laughs.  He eats.  He eats more.  He went to his sisters' violin and cello recital.  He is even planning on attending part of church tomorrow.  It's sad that we go back in for the next round of chemotherapy on Monday and beat him down again.  But this moment is a cherished treasure for us, and a reminder that eventually life can become more normal.  It will never be the same as it was because every experience will change us for better or for worse.  And who says that we want to be the same as we were before?

The Stent

Surgery was quite successful, and the best surgery that we have had so far (no incisions to heal).  They put a scope in the bladder so they could have a look around and looked in the ureter on the side of pain.  They found quite a few little stones.  Not a surprise because that's what we expected.

Happy Birthday to Mom!

Today was Mom's birthday.  J wanted to be part of the excitement.  He joined us for an omelet breakfast, although he could only eat a small part of it.  He gave a surprise gift with his labs showing that his white blood cells were back to normal range and that his platelets were improving.  Hemoglobin (a measure of red blood cells) on the other hand is still going down, almost low enough to receive a blood transfusion.  He joined the family for a trip to a cave in the region.  I don't know what happened from that point, but he seemed intent on no longer joining the family in birthday activities.

Happy Easter

J's energy is improving.  His mouth is getting a little better and he has uttered some words.  His color is improving.  Looks like we are coming out of the pit.  Nice to have a season of peace.  Nice to have a moment for some reflection.

Epistaxis

It has been so nice to be free from the hospital for over a week now.  Last night Mom and I were enjoying a little quiet time watching a movie for date night.  J came down around 10:30 with a whimper and tissue plastered to his nose.  He had a nosebleed, or epistaxis (your guess is as good as mine as to the correct pronunciation).

One Miserable Little Boy

I must say that being home in the weeks between chemotherapy is better than being in the hospital, but poor J may disagree.  This is a quick rundown of his woes.