Things are good today--Steven was home by 10:00am this morning. We all went to church as a family--a rare thing these days. His labs looked really good. The oncologist that discharged us today looked at his lab results and said, "A perfectly healthy boy." I thought it was kind of weird since, oh yeah, he has cancer.
If it weren't for the hair, I could have almost forgot that fact for most of the day. He was in great spirits and we got to have a big family dinner at Rob's parent's house. By 7:00, he was tired and wanted to go home. I guess waking up every couple of hours for three nights in a row, along with chemo, can wear you down. He is planning to go to school this week and we are gearing up for the big surgery on the 10th of May.
His surgeon called yesterday to set up a time to meet with us this week. He said he hadn't seen the scans yet but he had heard good things about them. I liked the sound of that! I mentioned to Steven that we would be coming to meet with the doctor again this week and he said, really matter-of-factly, "Well, I don't need to come. I'm not worried about the surgery." He really doesn't seem to be too worried. That makes me even more worried, is he not processing this? But this is the kid who hasn't missed a thing since he was little so he must understand. We've talked about it at great lengths. He has read books about surgery. He certainly seems to have a lot of faith. I don't know if he has faith in the doctor, in us, in God, in modern medicine or just a big mixture of all of it.
We are hoping to have lots of fun this week to make up for the week stuck in the hospital. I am struck tonight with how lucky we are to be in the hospital for such a short time with methotrexate. The nurse told me that some kids stay for 5 days and then go home for one and come back for the next round. She also told me that most kids need twice the amount of fluids that Steven does to be able to clear it. They call him a "fast clearer." How did we get so lucky? But then, we have cancer, so how did we get so unlucky? It's hard to wrap my mind around things, but in the end, the cancer is here, so I will try to be grateful for the little things that make it easier.
And part of what makes this easier is the love that so many people have shown to us. I don't always have time to thank you or respond to emails or comments, but everything you say and do is so appreciated.
So glad you are home! WE hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I can relate to the "perfectly healthy" comment. I remember the first few days in there, a doctor saying something like, "So... he's got a tumor on his testicle, under his eye, he's retaining fluids, he's got some pain from his central line, he's got a diaper rash, but uh,... otherwise healthy?" Healthy? What? But it really is a big deal that Steven has a good heart, and a good set of lungs. In fact, that's a really big deal.
ReplyDeleteI can also really relate to the fact that we've felt really blessed so far. You really have such an inspiring attitude about it all.
Can we pee the cancer out too?
ReplyDeleteTender mercies everywhere! The biggest one...a boy with so much faith. GO Steven! I'm so glad things are going as well as possible. It's going to be a big month for you all. We'll be praying.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear the blessings are pouring down upon your family! You guys deserve it! I hope that you are able to have a great week! Sending prayers your way as always.
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to have you all at the house with all the family. Steven will do well next week because the little miricles will keep coming. He has the faith needed.
ReplyDeleteTim just met with Dr. J this morning about his surgery tomorrow! I am so glad that Tim went and heard all the doc had to say and answered any and all questions we had for him. I thought Tim was doing well with everything until he broke down last night and cried while holding the leg that will be different by this time tomorrow. Take Steven to the doc even if he says he "okay" and "knows" what is going to happen. Tim needed that extra talking to! And, they are not okay, if if they say they are. No one is when faced with the decisions that have been made and will be made. But, we will get through this!!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, you are right. He has to go even if he doesn't want to. I don't think any of us can really predict how this will affect us. Good luck to Tim!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Steven has learned a lot about faith from watching his parents. You guys are amazing...such great examples.
ReplyDeleteYou are in our prayers.
This is Kristin's sister by the way. :)