Day 100 and Counting

Going strong on day 100!

That's right. Today is our 100th day of fighting leukemia...can you believe it? Is it just us, or does it seem like we've been doing this for years? It sure feels that way to us. In reality, though, we are just getting going. Jennifer and I were talking just the other day about this. We were trying to remember what Carson was like before diagnosis. Life pre-leukemia seems so long ago.

To mark our centennial milestone we are forwarding on some random thoughts on the things we've learned in the past 100 days:

• We can now speak a different language - we speak leukemia. We can rattle off medical terms and talk of blood abnormalities with impressive ease.

• We can crush, dilute, and flavor medicine...and then expertly squirt the concoction into Carson's mouth at just the right angle so as to minimize the after taste. Thank goodness there is such a thing as Hershey's strawberry syrup. And thank goodness Carson likes it!
  

• Ports and tubes are great inventions for administering medications without IVs, but can still be problematic. We have the problematic version.

• 'Roid rage is not a myth!

• Carson is one tough cookie!

• Even when things look there worst, there's always something to be thankful for.

• The doctors and nurses have been absolutely awesome! When it comes to the billing departments, however, most have vast room for improvement.

• Special note to Inova Fairfax Hospital - the company you guys use for pathology can't seem to get a single bill right...and they are totally rude! In fact, they are so bad that when you call them up this is their first menu option: "If you are calling from an attorney's office, please press 1." No joke.

• DONATE BLOOD and PLATELETS!! It goes to real people who really need it. We are using it...as are a number of other kids.
  

• We've learned how to blog. (Although some may say that is debatable.)

• Don't think too far ahead; each and every day is a blessing.

• Our family, friends, and church have been the pillars of our support. People have poured out of the woodwork to pray and provide support for us. We are forever grateful. Without them, I don't know where we'd be.

• Leukemia sucks. Cancer sucks.
  

Carson enjoys a "picnic" in front of the fireplace. When's it going to warm up?!?

For our 101st day tomorrow we are going back to the clinic. Carson is already talking about it...looking forward to it, in fact. He will have his port accessed, his blood checked, and receive chemo. Over the past day or two we've noticed a bunch of small bruises on his legs...which means his platelets are probably low. If I were a betting man, I'd put money on getting a platelet infusion tomorrow.

Paul.

P.S. Yes, I realize CENTENNIAL refers to 100 years...and it feels like 100 years. Truth of the matter is, I don't know what 100 days would be called. Centdies? Centediei? Heck if I know! Any scholars out there know that one?