Finished with Consolidation 1

Well we've made it through a month of Induction, waited 3 more weeks to start Consolidation, and made it through 5 weeks of Consolidation 1a.  It's hard to believe that we've been through 3 months of treatments already.  Everett's ANC was 1500 this week (the highest I can remember it being).  We are getting a three week 'break' (he will still need his medication and changes of his bandages where his broviac line is) as a family. 

After this, Consolidation 1b starts and is 5 more weeks just like this round.  After another 2 week break, Consolidation 2 starts, which is only 2 weeks long, we'll have another 2 week break, and Consolidation 3 will start yet another 2 week treatment.  Unfortunately Consolidation 2 and 3 will be inpatient and may last longer than 2 weeks as we will have to wait for his ANC to reach a certain level again before he can come home.  At least with Consolidation 1 we're outpatient so we never stay overnight in the hospital.  Being back in the hospital will be tough for all of us.  I hope he can have an enjoyable Spring and his counts recover quickly.

Everett has inspired us in many ways.  Over the last week alone, Val and I have given blood (my first time), got typed for bone marrow donation, and have made donations to charity.  We encourage everyone to give blood, to get typed for bone marrow, and find a good charity.  We have met so many families that have gotten life saving bone marrow transplants.  We know that some day they will call and our bone marrow will be used to directly save a life.  There is also a chance that Everett could need bone marrow during one of his later treatments so how could we ask for something that we're not willing to give?  If you would like more information on the bone marrow registry or would like to join, click here:  http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/. 

As for Avery, he has been struggling as of late.  He seems to have had enough with the constant changes with mom and dad leaving every week.  Last week he had 3 different people help watch him.  Watching him break down every time one of us has to leave, and even sometimes when I go upstairs to work, really breaks our hearts.  This week after I told him Megan would be watching him and I had to go to work, he didn't say a word or make a noise, but the tears just started rolling down his face.  It's like he was trying to be tough for me but just couldn't hold it in (very much like dad).

We ask that you continue to pray for Everett, our strength, and for Avery as well.  Mom and Dad are going out tonight to try and have some alone time.  Love you all.