Done with Chemo for this Round

Everett made it through another round of treatment, Consolidation 2, with flying colors.  He got 6 doses of Ara-c by IV, 2 doses of Mitoxantrone also by IV, and a dose of Ara-C by intrathecal injection (this is just a fancy way of saying they gave him a shot into his spinal fluid).  Everett spiked a fever of 102 on Thursday after his nap and was feeling pretty lethargic and out of sorts for most of the afternoon/evening.  Fever is a common side effect of the Ara-c, and after some tylenol and steroids, his fever was gone and he was his usual playful self.  He also had 2 episodes of nausea and vomiting this week, but these also passed quickly and minutes later he was back in the playroom.  His only complaint now is a very itchy head, which the doctors are treating with benadryl.  Today Everett got disconnected from his IV's, which means he isn't tethered to an IV pole and can run free.  He is loving his freedom and mom is happy not to have to chase after him with his IV pole in tow:)

I see kids here every day who look so sick.  They've lost their hair.  Their little faces are pale and their eyes are sunken.  They are skinny and you can tell they feel terrible.  Then I look at Everett, and I know he is a miracle already.  He's smiling and happy.  He's enjoying every minute of every day.  He has made it through 3 rounds of treatment almost completely side-effect free.   If that isn't a gift from God, I don't know what is.

The very best part of week 1 of this round was a visit from daddy and Avery, and from Grammy Connie and Great Grammy.  Everett and Avery had a great time playing and got to meet Biscuit the dog (pics to follow).  Both boys were exhausted after a busy day playing and when I put Avery in Grammy's car for the ride home, he looked ready to pass out.  Everett was soon to follow and was asleep before 7.  Most nights here I'm lucky to get that kid to bed by 10, so I know he had a great day! 

Daddy just left for another week at home with Avery, working and taking care of things in OC.  It was HARD to watch him leave and both Everett and I were in tears.  I can tell he misses his dad and brother because he asks where they are and what they are doing many times each day and I miss John and Avery so much it hurts sometimes.  Cancer sucks.  Everything about it is the worst.  I hate it.  And I hate the time is has stolen from our family.  For all our family and friends who read this blog--hug your wives, your husbands, your kids...appreciate the gift of time with them, just being a family.  Don't waste any more time worrying about the things in life that seem so important but really aren't in the grand scheme of things.  Life is precious and you never know when it will change forever. 

Val