Everett did really well with his first round of chemo and ATRA yesterday. Grammy Miller, Aunt Carrie and "brother" came to visit yesterday too! Everett and Avery ran around playing most of the day...you would never know that our little man is as sick as he is. He did get sick once during the night, but the nurses are giving him medicine to help with the upset stomach and so far today he seems to be feeling great.
Everett got today off from chemo treatments and only got ATRA. ATRA isn't chemo, but still kills cancer cells and can make him feel a little sick in addition to potentially causing a side effect called retinoic acid syndrome, which causes fluid build-up around the lungs and heart, BP issues and swelling. Today Everett's blood pressure has been a little high so they doctors are keeping a close eye on him, but otherwise he seems to be feeling well.
Everett will get a second dose of chemo tomorrow morning and we are praying that he responds as well as he did on day 1. It's scary to think that he is being given a poison, but we know that it is meant to kill his leukemia cells so we try not to focus on the fear.
Everett has gotten lots of great presents, emails and cards in the past few days from all of our wonderful friends and family, and from some people who have never even met him. It is truly amazing to see how many people there are out there who care about him and us and want to do what they can to help us through the worst time of our lives. John and I are so very touched by everyones' prayers and words of inspiration and hope. We are keeping notes so someday we can tell Everett about all the people who love him and got him and us through his leukemia.
Wish us luck on day 3!
(Val)
Good Luck guys! I come to this blog several times a day. Thank you for doing it so we can all be easily updated! We think about and pray for you guys everyday!!
ReplyDeletePlease tell your little boy that we are thinking about him (nonstop) and praying for him. My little boy who is 3 1/2 is talking about playing monster trucks with Everett. Stay strong and positive... All the best, Jen.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to all of you. I am sending prayers from one cancer survivor to him (and you). Chemo is truly, shall we say an eye opening experience.May god bless you and keep him safe in his loving hands,and remember that if god brought you to it he WILL bring you through it!Prayers and prayers to all of you in this rough ordeal!!! God bless.
ReplyDeleteHi My name is Anna Herrick I am a friend of Laura's i want to wish you and your Family All the luck and I I say a prayer every day for your little boy Everett .Merry Christmas and I hope he has a easy recovery !!!
ReplyDeleteVal, we are praying for Everett and all of you. I know that someday Everett will love reading this blog and seeing the comments from everyone. Go Everett! Keep fighting the good fight!
ReplyDeleteLove, Jeanine, Greg, Brenden and Gianna
Keeping Everett and your family in my prayers. Continue to stay strong and positive. Everett's a fighter, so I know he'll get through this. Please let me know if you need anything and thanks for keeping this blog updated.
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas wish is for Everett! Please let him be blessed with healing......and throw in some extra presents too Santa!
ReplyDelete