Day 3 - The Shannon Family (Consolidation 1)

Hello to everyone. We have made it through the induction phase and now Nicholas is in 'remission'. It is weird how they say remission because he will be going through the toughest part of his whole treatment over the next 6-8 months. T-cell leukemia requires the strongest chemo treatment, radiation and spinals during our next phase. We have been told to get ready for the rollacoaster of side effects to the drugs he will be getting. At least he gets to take a break from the steroids for a while. The last week of his induction phase was definitely challenging with the mood swings and feeding schedule. We know the changes in him that we did see was from the meds and not who he really is. We are ready to have our Nick back.
We have been in the hospital since Tuesday for 3 chemo treatments, the start of consolidation phase 1. This phase lasts for 14 days and then he has a week off before the next phase. So far his body has done well with the chemo. He spiked a fever today and as long as it is down for 24 hours, we could go home tomorrow late afternoon. I know Nick is ready to go home. He is playing Lego Star Wars on the Xbox right now. I had to give up playing with him.... I think I am too old to learn this stuff. We did enjoy some family time at the hospital today. Colby skipped school and Tom made the nurses day with his smiling face.
Our time at the hospital has been very supportive since Nick's friend Sean was admitted on Tuesday as well. The two boys have become good friends and really enjoy their playtime together. It was great for Nick to see another 4 yr. old with a port and having to take medicine, even though he did not want to. I am sure we will meet many more strong kids during our journey.