Carson is on a "blood high" this weekend thanks to a transfusion on Friday. He is way too busy playing cars to eat, to sleep, or to notice the sores in his mouth. His little bald head is a flash of light as he runs back and forth between the play room and the living room, carrying different cars and trucks with which to play, setting up fire and police stations all over the couches and coffee table. I hear later today he'll be running a marathon - his mouth already has a head start - it has been running constantly!
I hope he saves some of his energy for the busy week we have in store. Monday is scheduled as another clinic day. Carson will receive another chemo treatment in the spine and an IV push of Ara-C. We'll continue the Ara-C at home Tuesday and Wednesday, then head back to the clinic on Thursday for a counts check and one more of the Ara-C treatments.
Friday is a new day, however. We will all trek to the hospital to get prepared for cranial radiation. Carson will be sedated, they will make a special mask for his face and mark the exact spots where he'll receive his radiation. He won't receive any radiation on this day, but it will mark our entry into this phase of treatment. Needless to say, we are very anxious. There are so many risks to radiation, but we really have no choice in the matter. The central nervous system is one place where leukemia cells can hide out for awhile, then reappear later on. We can't take the risk of leaving that area untreated. A strange upside to all of this is that when radiation is over....we will be done with the heavy treatment. We'll move into the 3 year maintenance cycle and our life might actually be less complicated!
So, until then, please keep praying with us. Pray for the energy to see this thing through. Pray for Carson's continued good spirits, energy and appetite. Pray for both Friday March 5 and March 15-25, the scheduled dates of our radiation appointments. Pray for calmness on all of our parts and pray for the doctors, technicians and nurses. I see some light appearing at the end of this dark tunnel. God's goodness and strength, your prayers and support have carried us through.
-Jennifer
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Working!
Thanks for the prayers today. At home chemo treatment number one was completed quite easily because "tubey" worked. (and Carson was still because he was watching his new favorite movie "The Sandlot")
We have one more treatment at home, so if you're praying around 2:00 o'clock tomorrow, please keep us in mind!
-Jennifer
We have one more treatment at home, so if you're praying around 2:00 o'clock tomorrow, please keep us in mind!
-Jennifer
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Final Stretch
We headed to the clinic today....early. Carson was due for a spinal tap if his ANC was high enough and he hadn't been able to eat or drink anything since he woke up. If you'd like to experience 'roid rage at its finest, just tell a 4 year old that is taking them that he can't eat. Then, stand back and prepare for various objects to come hurling your way.
'Roid Boy partakes of a mid-morning snack...after scarfing down a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, toast, jello, and macaroni and cheese...to name a few.
So anyway, we trekked to the clinic, expecting Carson not to make counts and fully expecting that he could eat and go home. It never happens the way I intend...you would think I'd learn after this long. Carson DID make counts and thus began Day 29 or our latest treatment cycle.
It was a long day at the clinic, but SO much better than being at the hospital. Carson had his spinal tap and chemo flush, some pre-chemo hydration, a 1 hour or so of IV chemo, some more hydration and then another IV push of chemo. We got home about 5:00 this evening and decided that Papa John's pizza was in order. That suited Carson just fine since one of his fixations since chemo began back in the summer has been "Pizza John's" cheesesticks.
Tomorrow and Wednesday we have chemo that I will attempt to administer here at home. (Yes, we're back to praying that "tubey" will work again and we can at least go a few days without going back to the clinic.) Thursday we're scheduled for another IV push and a possible blood transfusion.
"The Czar" visits Francesca's school and, after much negotiation, provides a brief smile that was miraculously captured in this photograph with Mr. Lands.
In other news.....we managed to have some fun last week and over the weekend.
-Jennifer
'Roid Boy partakes of a mid-morning snack...after scarfing down a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, toast, jello, and macaroni and cheese...to name a few.So anyway, we trekked to the clinic, expecting Carson not to make counts and fully expecting that he could eat and go home. It never happens the way I intend...you would think I'd learn after this long. Carson DID make counts and thus began Day 29 or our latest treatment cycle.
It was a long day at the clinic, but SO much better than being at the hospital. Carson had his spinal tap and chemo flush, some pre-chemo hydration, a 1 hour or so of IV chemo, some more hydration and then another IV push of chemo. We got home about 5:00 this evening and decided that Papa John's pizza was in order. That suited Carson just fine since one of his fixations since chemo began back in the summer has been "Pizza John's" cheesesticks.
Tomorrow and Wednesday we have chemo that I will attempt to administer here at home. (Yes, we're back to praying that "tubey" will work again and we can at least go a few days without going back to the clinic.) Thursday we're scheduled for another IV push and a possible blood transfusion.
"The Czar" visits Francesca's school and, after much negotiation, provides a brief smile that was miraculously captured in this photograph with Mr. Lands.In other news.....we managed to have some fun last week and over the weekend.
- Wednesday, help arrived in the form of Nona
- We took lunch to Mr. Lands at Francesca's school.
- Carson spent part of Saturday and Sunday out riding the hog
- Francesca and I took Shade to visit her foster parents and to meet their latest foster dog "Taz".
-Jennifer
Monday, February 15, 2010
Daisy (1992 - 2010)
In the midst of everything else, today we said goodbye to a very special member of our family. Daisy has been around for almost as long as Jennifer and I have been married. She has traveled the world with us, accompanying us on all of our adventures.
Daisy was there the day we brought home Francesca...and Francesca always referred to Daisy as her sister. Unless of course Francesca had Daisy locked in her room for a session of "school", in which case Daisy would begrudgingly assume the role of attentive student.
Daisy, from the 2004 photo shoot which landed her the title of "Miss October 12th" in the 2006 edition of the 365 Days of Dogs calendar.
From her years as my running partner, a spry 9-year old Daisy sticking out her tongue for this Easter 2002 photo.
So tonight we went out for dinner and reminisced on the love and companionship that was Daisy. And then we laughed when we started to name off all the things she chewed up. That part actually took up a good portion of our dinner...and it was a long dinner!
We are thankful for the time we had together and comforted knowing she is not in pain anymore. Daisy was a true family member and will be sorely missed.
Paul.
Daisy was there the day we brought home Francesca...and Francesca always referred to Daisy as her sister. Unless of course Francesca had Daisy locked in her room for a session of "school", in which case Daisy would begrudgingly assume the role of attentive student.
Daisy, from the 2004 photo shoot which landed her the title of "Miss October 12th" in the 2006 edition of the 365 Days of Dogs calendar.
From her years as my running partner, a spry 9-year old Daisy sticking out her tongue for this Easter 2002 photo.We are thankful for the time we had together and comforted knowing she is not in pain anymore. Daisy was a true family member and will be sorely missed.
Paul.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Groundhog Days and Dog Days
February 8-12
Groundhog Days
Paul and I feel like we're living in the movie "Groundhog Day". Shovel snow during the day, wake up the next morning, shovel snow, wake up again, shovel snow. Stay tuned for more pics of what else? SNOW!
Carson has chosen to sleep through most of this latest winter blast. He's feeling very tired indeed, but wakes up to watch a movie, eat a little bit and talk more about his latest food and/or restaurant fixation (thank you steroids!).
February 12 - ??
Dog Day(s)
At first it was not a dog day. Paul went to work, we took Francesca to swim practice; and afterward, we took Carson to "Pie-Tanza's" for the third time this week. When we got home Carson started to have stomach issues which were severe enough that I had to call the doctor to see about whether he would have to go in to the hospital. Thankfully, after a few hours that all stopped.
At the same time, however, while Carson was having his problems, Daisy, our 17 year old Brittany lost her ability to stand and walk. She struggled to get mobile all afternoon and night. We took her into the vet this morning assuming that this was the end of the road for her, but it turned out she will have some more time with us. She is going to begin a high dose of steroids (the same ones Carson was on his first month of treatment). She appears to have blown a disc in her back. Over the next few days we will know more and will wait at least that long to see if she improves.
We spent this morning remembering what an adventure Daisy's life has been. She has lived in Virginia 3 times, Rome, Texas and Florida. She's been there to sniff and inspect our kids when we brought them home from the hospital. For the first half of Francesca's life, she thought Daisy was her sister. Actually, she still sees Daisy as her sister. What dog can say they've been swimming in the fountains at Piazza Navona, rode the train to Florence and visited Pompeii?? Daisy! She even gave me the pleasure of using the excuse of "the dog ate my library book"! She really did!
A lot of you who have known us over the years even have your own Daisy stories. Please add her to your prayer list this week, in addition to us. We don't know what the next few days will hold, but we want to have the wisdom to do what is best for her and keep her as happy and as comfortable as we can.
-Jennifer
Groundhog Days
Paul and I feel like we're living in the movie "Groundhog Day". Shovel snow during the day, wake up the next morning, shovel snow, wake up again, shovel snow. Stay tuned for more pics of what else? SNOW!
Carson has chosen to sleep through most of this latest winter blast. He's feeling very tired indeed, but wakes up to watch a movie, eat a little bit and talk more about his latest food and/or restaurant fixation (thank you steroids!).
February 12 - ??
Dog Day(s)
At first it was not a dog day. Paul went to work, we took Francesca to swim practice; and afterward, we took Carson to "Pie-Tanza's" for the third time this week. When we got home Carson started to have stomach issues which were severe enough that I had to call the doctor to see about whether he would have to go in to the hospital. Thankfully, after a few hours that all stopped.
At the same time, however, while Carson was having his problems, Daisy, our 17 year old Brittany lost her ability to stand and walk. She struggled to get mobile all afternoon and night. We took her into the vet this morning assuming that this was the end of the road for her, but it turned out she will have some more time with us. She is going to begin a high dose of steroids (the same ones Carson was on his first month of treatment). She appears to have blown a disc in her back. Over the next few days we will know more and will wait at least that long to see if she improves.
We spent this morning remembering what an adventure Daisy's life has been. She has lived in Virginia 3 times, Rome, Texas and Florida. She's been there to sniff and inspect our kids when we brought them home from the hospital. For the first half of Francesca's life, she thought Daisy was her sister. Actually, she still sees Daisy as her sister. What dog can say they've been swimming in the fountains at Piazza Navona, rode the train to Florence and visited Pompeii?? Daisy! She even gave me the pleasure of using the excuse of "the dog ate my library book"! She really did!
A lot of you who have known us over the years even have your own Daisy stories. Please add her to your prayer list this week, in addition to us. We don't know what the next few days will hold, but we want to have the wisdom to do what is best for her and keep her as happy and as comfortable as we can.
-Jennifer
Sunday, February 7, 2010
O Summer Where for Art Thou?
Treatment continues....
We went to the clinic on Friday for Carson's third round of chemo. Unlike the last two phases, Carson continues treatment for most of the phase regardless of his counts. His ANC was 50 and his hemoglobin was on the low side, but we had chemo anyway. I anticipated that this time, we might see greater side effects, but so far it is the same. He is REALLY tired - which could be the chemo or the low hemoglobin. We will find out tomorrow when we head back to the clinic for a "counts check". I wouldn't be surprised if he needs to be topped off with some red blood.
In the meantime, we continue to dig out from our 28 inch "snowmageddon".
In addition to the clearing the sidewalk and driveway, with this storm we had to shovel the roof over the balcony.
Paul's lower back was quick to point out that it was a heavy snow. Yet with mountains of snow to move, he shoveled on.
My "little" ride sees the light of day...thanks to a heavy dose of Advil for Paul.
Of course the snow can be fun, too. How often can you travel to the store on a sled? How cool is that??
With the road to themselves, Carson and Nils enjoy a spin on the sled.
I think it's important that we focus on the fun that the snow brings. (I also think it's important that Paul keep the heating pad on his back!)
Check out the video from our neighborhood at the Falls Church Times.
-Jennifer
We went to the clinic on Friday for Carson's third round of chemo. Unlike the last two phases, Carson continues treatment for most of the phase regardless of his counts. His ANC was 50 and his hemoglobin was on the low side, but we had chemo anyway. I anticipated that this time, we might see greater side effects, but so far it is the same. He is REALLY tired - which could be the chemo or the low hemoglobin. We will find out tomorrow when we head back to the clinic for a "counts check". I wouldn't be surprised if he needs to be topped off with some red blood.
In the meantime, we continue to dig out from our 28 inch "snowmageddon".
In addition to the clearing the sidewalk and driveway, with this storm we had to shovel the roof over the balcony.Paul's lower back was quick to point out that it was a heavy snow. Yet with mountains of snow to move, he shoveled on.
My "little" ride sees the light of day...thanks to a heavy dose of Advil for Paul.Of course the snow can be fun, too. How often can you travel to the store on a sled? How cool is that??
With the road to themselves, Carson and Nils enjoy a spin on the sled.I think it's important that we focus on the fun that the snow brings. (I also think it's important that Paul keep the heating pad on his back!)
Check out the video from our neighborhood at the Falls Church Times.
-Jennifer
Monday, February 1, 2010
Taking a Break
Day 206 of our war of leukemia!
It's Monday evening and I've just come back from running errands. Let's see, I got the car inspected, returned some shoes to the store (they were Jennifer's...and yes, they were unworn!), checked off the grocery list at the grocery store, and filled up Jennifer's car at the gas station. So ends my day "off" work.
Friday and Monday were teacher in-service days at school, so I took them off to spend some time at home - especially with Francesca. Okay, so doing the errands doesn't really count for spending time with Francesca...but Jennifer's happy.
Friday was the big day - I took Francesca and a friend downtown to the convention center for auto show. I realize there may be some debate on whether this day trip was for Francesca's benefit or mine...especially since she's only 12 years old.
Those of you who doubt my intentions probably have not raised the subject of automobiles with Francesca in the past year. Francesca has grown into a connoisseur in every sense of the word, devouring all aspects automotive. Here are a few pics (taken before the battery in my camera went dead):
The convertible New Beetle...this picture makes my head hurt.
Francesca at the helm of a Ford F150 pulling a trailer. This lasted approximately 10 seconds before she crashed. Thank goodness for simulators!
Julia smokes the simulator, besting most of the men standing around. Way to go!
In front of the "Transformers" car. If only I could transform them back to when they were five years old!
Francesca's friend Julia had a good time, too. She isn't quite the car fanatic like Francesca. No, Julia is the definition of normal...at least she was until she spent the day with us.
As for Carson...we are off all medications and don't have to go back to the clinic until Friday, when he'll get another round of chemo. He has been feeling GREAT. He is full of energy and playing nonstop...and talking nonstop, too!
We are so thankful that he is feeling so good!!
Paul.
It's Monday evening and I've just come back from running errands. Let's see, I got the car inspected, returned some shoes to the store (they were Jennifer's...and yes, they were unworn!), checked off the grocery list at the grocery store, and filled up Jennifer's car at the gas station. So ends my day "off" work.
Friday and Monday were teacher in-service days at school, so I took them off to spend some time at home - especially with Francesca. Okay, so doing the errands doesn't really count for spending time with Francesca...but Jennifer's happy.
Friday was the big day - I took Francesca and a friend downtown to the convention center for auto show. I realize there may be some debate on whether this day trip was for Francesca's benefit or mine...especially since she's only 12 years old.
Those of you who doubt my intentions probably have not raised the subject of automobiles with Francesca in the past year. Francesca has grown into a connoisseur in every sense of the word, devouring all aspects automotive. Here are a few pics (taken before the battery in my camera went dead):
The convertible New Beetle...this picture makes my head hurt.
Francesca at the helm of a Ford F150 pulling a trailer. This lasted approximately 10 seconds before she crashed. Thank goodness for simulators!
Julia smokes the simulator, besting most of the men standing around. Way to go!
In front of the "Transformers" car. If only I could transform them back to when they were five years old!Francesca's friend Julia had a good time, too. She isn't quite the car fanatic like Francesca. No, Julia is the definition of normal...at least she was until she spent the day with us.
As for Carson...we are off all medications and don't have to go back to the clinic until Friday, when he'll get another round of chemo. He has been feeling GREAT. He is full of energy and playing nonstop...and talking nonstop, too!
We are so thankful that he is feeling so good!!
Paul.
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