February 1 - Delayed Intensification - Day 19

We came home after receiving a treatment on Wednesday. Nicholas was so excited not to be tethered to the IV machine. He was literally running the halls. It was very cute. The next day, was the first time we saw him showing any signs of being tired and it was pure exhaustion. This is the timne we can say that all the treatments have finally caught up with him. It was hard to see, but expected. We know that this is the toughest phase and with each day we get through, we are one day closer to maintenance. We went back to the clinic on Friday andI somewhat expected to get readmitted. He was totally zonked. The doctor thought for sure he was going to need blood and I thought the same, but his labs came back good - way better than when we left on Wednesday even. So even though I was hoping for something that would give him some kind of boost, it was reassuring to know that he was just tired and his body was really fighting back. He perked up friday afternoon through now, but definitely not at the same level he was just last week. It is okay though as we are just kind of staying warm in front of the TV anyway. I just wish he would eat more. He lost 3 pounds while in the hospital and when you only weighed 28 pounds to begin with, that is a lot. I don't like feeling the bones...he asks for everything, but only picks. He is back on the steriods which should make him eat more, but hasn't really taken effect yet.

We go back tomorrow and again on Wednesday for a lab check. Maybe on Friday too (based on Monday and Wednesday's results), but will not have another treatment until Feb 11. This will give him a chance to get ahead again. But, the Feb 11th treatment is a big on that will require at least an overnight hospital stay. The drug he gets that day will make him lose all of his hair, so all those hats will be put to good use! The date could be pushed back though (they kind of expect it to) due to not making counts.

Please continue your prayers. We feel them and appreciate them.