We officially have begun Delayed Intensification. I feel like I have to much to post on and catch up on, so here I go! So we had three weeks off between the end of the last phase and yesterday. Jack really seemed to enjoy himself, not having to go to the Dr. so frequently, but I dare say, I do not think he even noticed. The three weeks was more a break for me from the constant visits to the Dr's office.
In that three weeks, we had a visit to the beach with some friends (pictures coming soon), have been strawberry picking, saw my little sister graduate from University of MD, Dylan turned 6 months and started sitting up, Jordan completed the Pastors College at Sovereign Grace Ministries, we said goodbye to many dear friends, and started up going to our new church in Arlington VA. It has been busy and a very sweet time. A good distraction for me for what was ahead.
This past Monday, was supposed to be start of DI, where Jack was going to be getting a higher dose of chemo, some new meds, and back on steroids again. When we went in for his scheduled spinal tap and start of all this, he spiked a fever and was having difficulty breathing. The Dr. observed him for an hour, and decided to hold off on the spinal tap and make a decision about the need for him to be admitted. A few hours later, oxygen levels dropping and wheezing continuing, they decided to admit him for potential pneumonia and since he was dependant on the O2 machine, they decided he had to be transported via ambulance.
We were admitted into the ER at Children's Hospital around 330 and got taken up to a room in Oncology some time around 7. Jack has gotten to the age where he does not want to sit still and have an oxygen mask on for more than a few minutes, and certainly does not want to sit in a room all day. Needless to say, he was a handful to occupy and keep calm and happy. It was a long 12 hour day for me, and when I got home at 9:30 I crashed. Jordan stayed the night with Jack at Children's, and I was so grateful that he came to save me!
The next day it was determined that he did NOT have pneumonia and they were eager to start him on DI. He began chemo and steroids yesterday. I picked Jordan and Jack up around 5 after he got his chemo and other meds and headed home. Today was day 2 of DI and I have to say, he has not been as joyful and playful as usual. I have noticed things about his personality already change, an unfortunate side effect of the steroids. I wasn't expecting it so soon. I had forgotten that he was on double the dose he was on previously, and just thought it would take a little longer to see the effects of this.
So, yes, today was very hard for me. There was a moment in the middle of the day, when all three kids were screaming/crying, and I just felt so helpless. I wrestle with trying to discern how much of Jack being obstinate and angry is just a 2 year old not getting his way, or the steroids causing him to act out. Either way, it is not easy. I am praying that tomorrow, I am filled with more grace to love him patiently and wisdom on how to care for him.
We go in on Friday for a dose of chemo shot into his thigh, and then back again on Monday for the spinal tap and another dose of the chemo he got yesterday. He will be on steroids until Sunday. Little guy has lost two pounds the past few weeks. He hasn't really been up to eating much. I am not sure if the combination of steroids and this chemo will have him hungry, not hungry or what. But I am praying he keeps eating a little!
Even as all of this has been happening, we have been so aware of the many people praying for our Jack and our family. I cannot fully comprehend the fullness of the love of God for us to lay our family on so many hearts, that have served us so heroically. We are still being brought meals, which have been a tremendous blessing, even when we were at the hospital Monday night and Tuesday morning! We keep getting hats sent in the mail for our sweet boy, and each time I am undone that so many would faithfully carry us on their hearts.
I know this is meager, and by no means will ever adequately express the depth of our deep gratefulness.... but I thank you, I am filled with tears of gratefulness even as I type this, for all you friends have done on our behalf. You have been the Lord's hands and feet to us, and I am undone.
I have just begun to get pictures on our computer from the past month, so I hope to get some up on the blog soon. More updates to come as well. Thank you for the prayers friends!
In that three weeks, we had a visit to the beach with some friends (pictures coming soon), have been strawberry picking, saw my little sister graduate from University of MD, Dylan turned 6 months and started sitting up, Jordan completed the Pastors College at Sovereign Grace Ministries, we said goodbye to many dear friends, and started up going to our new church in Arlington VA. It has been busy and a very sweet time. A good distraction for me for what was ahead.
This past Monday, was supposed to be start of DI, where Jack was going to be getting a higher dose of chemo, some new meds, and back on steroids again. When we went in for his scheduled spinal tap and start of all this, he spiked a fever and was having difficulty breathing. The Dr. observed him for an hour, and decided to hold off on the spinal tap and make a decision about the need for him to be admitted. A few hours later, oxygen levels dropping and wheezing continuing, they decided to admit him for potential pneumonia and since he was dependant on the O2 machine, they decided he had to be transported via ambulance.
We were admitted into the ER at Children's Hospital around 330 and got taken up to a room in Oncology some time around 7. Jack has gotten to the age where he does not want to sit still and have an oxygen mask on for more than a few minutes, and certainly does not want to sit in a room all day. Needless to say, he was a handful to occupy and keep calm and happy. It was a long 12 hour day for me, and when I got home at 9:30 I crashed. Jordan stayed the night with Jack at Children's, and I was so grateful that he came to save me!
The next day it was determined that he did NOT have pneumonia and they were eager to start him on DI. He began chemo and steroids yesterday. I picked Jordan and Jack up around 5 after he got his chemo and other meds and headed home. Today was day 2 of DI and I have to say, he has not been as joyful and playful as usual. I have noticed things about his personality already change, an unfortunate side effect of the steroids. I wasn't expecting it so soon. I had forgotten that he was on double the dose he was on previously, and just thought it would take a little longer to see the effects of this.
So, yes, today was very hard for me. There was a moment in the middle of the day, when all three kids were screaming/crying, and I just felt so helpless. I wrestle with trying to discern how much of Jack being obstinate and angry is just a 2 year old not getting his way, or the steroids causing him to act out. Either way, it is not easy. I am praying that tomorrow, I am filled with more grace to love him patiently and wisdom on how to care for him.
We go in on Friday for a dose of chemo shot into his thigh, and then back again on Monday for the spinal tap and another dose of the chemo he got yesterday. He will be on steroids until Sunday. Little guy has lost two pounds the past few weeks. He hasn't really been up to eating much. I am not sure if the combination of steroids and this chemo will have him hungry, not hungry or what. But I am praying he keeps eating a little!
Even as all of this has been happening, we have been so aware of the many people praying for our Jack and our family. I cannot fully comprehend the fullness of the love of God for us to lay our family on so many hearts, that have served us so heroically. We are still being brought meals, which have been a tremendous blessing, even when we were at the hospital Monday night and Tuesday morning! We keep getting hats sent in the mail for our sweet boy, and each time I am undone that so many would faithfully carry us on their hearts.
I know this is meager, and by no means will ever adequately express the depth of our deep gratefulness.... but I thank you, I am filled with tears of gratefulness even as I type this, for all you friends have done on our behalf. You have been the Lord's hands and feet to us, and I am undone.
I have just begun to get pictures on our computer from the past month, so I hope to get some up on the blog soon. More updates to come as well. Thank you for the prayers friends!
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Much love, Liz