On to Consolidation 1b

I think I was remiss in my last post in saying we were 'finished' with Consolidation 1.   Technically, Consolidation 1 has 2 - 5 week outpatient treatments and as of today we have started part 2 of Consolidation 1.  (It will be the middle of May before Consolidation 1 is complete)  The process is the same as before:  Val and I are taking turns each week being at the Ronald McDonald house while Everett gets his Arsenic every day for 5 weeks and ATRA for the first 2 weeks.  The parent not in Pittsburgh gets to enjoy some one-on-one time with Avery Caker.

We know what to expect this round and we don't have the fears we had the first go-round.  We try to take it a day at a time but we know once this round is over we'll be back inpatient with high doses of Cytarabine and Mitoxantrone, including injection into Everett's spinal cord.  Knowing that his treatments will most likely consume the whole summer and will leave him frequently with a poor immune system we are struggling coming up with ideas for him to enjoy the nice weather and doing the things a 'normal kid' can do.  Dad is doing his best this week to gate in our deck and maybe next weekend we'll get a sandbox for the boys to play in.

For now we wear our "My Son is my Hero" shirts proudly and know that we're blessed to have Everett with us.  Like new parents, we still check to make sure Everett is breathing every night before we go to bed.

Below are some pictures from the Children's Museum in Erie where Avery and Everett had an amazing time last weekend.

Much love to all those who have and continued to support us.  Your thoughts, blessings, and prayers get us through each day when we need that little boost.  One day, hopefully soon, Everett will thank all of you personally.  God bless.