Steven is doing really well. He hasn't been on pain medications since before he went into chemo. His only complaint has been from the nerves in his leg. He is now on Neurontin, a nerve medication. When I ask Steven how it is working, he says, "Well, the nerves are getting better, but I don't know if it is the medicine or if they are just getting better." Good point.
In the couple of weeks after the surgery, he didn't want anyone to get close to his toes because he said the nerves would just start going crazy. His latest nerve complaint made me laugh: I got him a stack of books from the library the other day. He loves nonfiction books from the juvenile section, so I had all sorts of books, including some about bionics, medicine, and cells. He tried to read them, but he said that reading them made his leg hurt, especially the book that talked about the history of surgery. Maybe the thought of amputation without anesthesia is just too much right now.
We've had to start up the nuepogen shots again. He seems to have lost all trust in his mother for giving shots. We had some shaky moments last time around, but I think we have got it down now. They are working--his ANC was over 7000 this morning. It will probably dive down to zero by Thursday, though. His platelets and red blood counts (which aren't helped by the neupogen) are going down.
On Sunday morning I was looking at him and thought--what is different here? It looked like he had eyeliner on. I realized that his eyelashes were coming back. I guess the chemo break let his hair grown in a bit. It will be gone in a week or so, but at least we know it will come back fast.
He's getting around better now, too. I wasn't home, but he tells me that yesterday he hopped from his chair in the living room into my room and back without crutches or holding onto anything. He told me that he is going to be very good at yoga when this will all over.
I am always amazed at the things that i read about Steven.... playing chess? I never would have thought that Gloria was old enough, so now I have been looking for a chess board so I can introduce it to her!! And books on surgery? Wow!! Watching CNN!! Writing poems that are very good!! I always knew Steven was a smart kid, but just hearing all the things that he does makes me think that he is some sort of genius!! Glad to hear he is getting around. We are still praying for him daily, we've now included his hearing. I keep thinking how hard this must be for you, it tears me apart inside, and he isn't my first born child!! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteHe has such a great attitude. What an example. We pray for him and your family every day!
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