3 months today

Not exactly how we wanted to mark the third month of treatment, but Hayden spiked a fever today and went in to the hospital. Did I jinx him in my last post? Nah...it was bound to happen. How can you be neutropenic (low on infection-fighting blood cells) that long and not pick up SOMETHING? So the Survivor party was canceled but we watched it anyway (go JT!). And, as is the customary, I picked up Goosebumps movies for tomorrow.

Hayden will be in until at least Sunday. He has to be fever-free for 48 hours before he can go home. Plus it takes about that long for the blood cultures to grow and tell us exactly what kind of infection he has (if any). He's on antibiotics and is getting another blood transfusion. Several nurses remarked that, seeing as this is the first time he's back since December, he's doing very well. It's a small consolation but we'll take it....so long as it's not another blood infection (staph aureous). ooiiyyyy

So the roller coaster ride continues. To overuse another analogy....I recently told someone that H is like the tide. When he's up, everything rises with him. And when he's down, we all go down. The good news is that, following the induction phase, we've levelled out somewhat. I know of children who have been diagnosed with leukemia after Hayden and my heart breaks for them. If you're reading this, please have faith that it gets better. Your normal child will return when the steroids leave their system. My little sweet pea once hurled a puke pan at my head because I failed to completely dry it after I washed it. Funny huh? Sure, but not so much at the time.

In the first month, we worried endlessly about his inability to walk (or even move at times) and possible damage caused by that dreaded blood infection. We still worry, of c0urse (that will likely never change) but we're more accustomed to living with cancer. When I think about it, it's absolutely mindboggling that spinal taps, blood transfusions, thigh injections, home care nurses, central lines (remember the Iron Man port), blood tests, and chemo have become a routine part of our lives. It's good, I guess. Hayden's resolve still amazes us. Whatever it takes to beat cancer!

Once again, thank you to everyone who has included Hayden in their prayers and thoughts. So many people have joined us in this battle...we sincerely appreciate it. You keep us strong.