Sorry about the delay in updates lately. That “short bout of stomach flu” lasted a lot longer than I was anticipating. I still have a faint lingering cough, but my nose seems to have cleared up. Les also is still struggling with a runny nose. We’ve tried double dose of antibiotics and Sudafed, but none of it has helped. The doctor says it’s probably going to go away on its own – someday. Please pray that “someday” is TODAY, otherwise I will need to purchase stock in Kleenex tissue – we are going through them like crazy.
The big news since the last update is that Les is now 5 years old. He had two birthday parties. On his actual birthday (3/14) he got to go to the local family fun center and ride bumper boats with Gammie, go-carts with Daddy, a small train (by himself), and some spinning teacups with Grandpa Martin. After that we headed over to a favorite pizza parlor that also has a nice little kid friendly arcade. Les opened presents while we ate and then got to go play a bunch of games with Uncle Billy and Grandpa Barry. Mommy and baby cousin Jazmine were also along for the party, but mommy was too tired to participate much and baby Jazmine slept through most the fun. Oh, and he got to help construct a “Bob the Builder” birthday cake, though he didn’t participate in eating it.
The next birthday party was down in San Diego at Great-grandma’s house. 15 of us had gone to the San Diego Zoo earlier in the day and went on a VIP behind the scenes tour. We got to get up close and fed some giraffes and pet a huge camel. We had our own tour bus with a guide and even got to cut in line at the panda exhibit. We concluded our day back at grandma’s with some dinner and cake and presents.
Les wants to let everyone know that he had a good birthday and would like to see you all soon.
Les and I spent two nights in the hospital this last week to start the third to the last round of chemo. The end is in sight! Les was so perky and energetic the whole time even though he had no naps and little sleep each night. He is the delight of everyone he comes in contact with (as are most of the kids down there). They are continuing to give him 50% of the full dose of chemo. I’m so glad. He’s been so much more “alive” these last couple rounds since they started his decreased dose.
Les continues to get a shot of Aranesp each week to help boost his hemoglobin counts, and once a month he gets the PEG G-CSF shot to help boost his white cell count. We are continuing our technique of poking him at night while he’s asleep. It seems to be the least traumatic method and Les never remembers it in the morning.
We are in the process of getting Les back into physical therapy. Hopefully that will start up in the next couple weeks. The good news is we won’t have to drive to San Diego for it (over an hour drive South of our house); the bad news is we will have to drive to Corona (30 minute drive North of our house). For the next couple months we will be a little busier driving to appointments in two different directions, but in the summer when treatment is over we will just have to continue the drive to Corona.
On a more serious note, we just received new information regarding cousin Matt’s condition. His brain tumor is spreading in spite of the chemo. Please check his link for more information and continue to keep him and his family in your prayers.