Induction is OVER, what's next?

At 5 PM, yesterday, we finally left the hospital. It was supposed to be the usual procedure - the bone marrow, spinal tap and chemo that Carson has had 3 times before. The procedure itself went fine, it was the events leading up to the actual procedure that caused it to begin over 4 hours late. I will spare you all the details. Let's just say, Carson was extremely mad/sad/tired for most of the day in large part because he had to go without food or drink for 15 hours! I cannot blame him one bit. Paul and I were mad/sad/tired too!

It's 4:30pm. Minutes after waking up from anesthesia, Carson inhales a cup of Cheerios, an entire peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and a bag of Sun chips. Then we went to dinner.

We survived, though, and we got those important tests done! After it was all over, Carson ate and ate and ate and ate and ate some more while still in recovery. Sorry, no slow going after anesthesia from this boy! After an hour of that, we then got released from the hospital and took him to "Pizza Joe's" where he ate and ate and ate some more. And when we got home, he asked for Nachos. ¿Que? 15 plus hours of no food makes a 3 year old a little hungry.

This morning, it is the same thing. Aren't those steroids wearing off yet? Oh well, I am happy to give him any food he desires after having to tell him no over and over again yesterday.

Paul and I have an appointment with the doctor this Friday. We will find out all the test results and then move into the next phase of treatment called Consolidation. Consolidation is not the same for everyone, it depends on test results and it also depends on how you are "randomized". Carson is part of a study. During consolidation he will receive a chemotherapy protocol and then randomized so that he may or may not receive a new experimental medication.

It's amazing how far science has brought us. And it's amazing how much we still don't know. Our doctors won't know if Carson is receiving the experimental medication or just a placebo. And there's no guarantee that if he does receive the new medication that it will help...or for that matter a guarantee that it won't hurt.

The only thing that we know works...is prayer. We have a long way to go. Please keep praying for Carson.

-Jennifer