Day 23 - The Shannon Family

We are always excited when we here the news that Nick can leave the hospital. He learned how to swallow pills while in the hospital this time. (The liquid medicines did NOT taste good) It makes the event go much smoother and tastes better when we coat the pills with melted starbursts. Nick is very strong and tries as hard as he can to be an active 4 year old. He plays and rides his bike, but does tire very easily these days due to the chemo. We have been told in the hospital that it gets worse before it will get better. Nick's hair has fallen out and it is our challenge as parents to encourage him and let him know it is okay. He is feeling 'different' right now with how he looks and how people perceive him. He continues to be a jokster, even about himself. Greg shaved his head down to a #3 and told Nick he go lower when Nick says the word. For now, we cross our fingers that Nick does not spike another fever through the induction phase. Today he feels very tired and has slept most of the afternoon away. Monday is his next chemo treatment and then one week left for induction.

Aunt Amy update - Nick's Home

Nick was released from hospital yesterday. His spirits are good and he is ready to be home with the family. Cousin Joey will be visiting today to play some 'toontown' and keep nick busy. It's day 21 of 32 days to go. Nick will be admitted back to the hospital on day 32 for the final 3 days of the induction period. Nick continues to amaze all of us, with his smiling face and outgoing personality. The family looks forward to some quiet time at home. And as always, keep Nick in your thoughts and we prayers.

Day 19 - The Shannon Family

Nick was able to come home for 8 days. The doctors say that is a long time for patients in the 'Induction' phase of his treatment. He received another dose of chemo today and would like to go home. If his fever stays low we might be able to leave in the next day or two. Today was a big day for Nick. Our child life supporter in the hospital helped Nick learn how to swallow pills using candy. He did a great job.... eating all the candy, but it was still difficult at night time when it came time for the actual pills. Everyday is a new day for us and we try to make things as easy as possible for Nick. He really has few choices on his treatment and the course it will take him. He played today with his new friend Sean, who also has ALL. Sean lifted his spirits for the time they played.

An update from Aunt Christa

Nick was admitted to the hospital late last night because of a fever he was running. After a blood test, it was determined he needed a blood transfusion. So far, there is no sign of infection and his fever has been within normal range. He has to stay in the hospital for at least 48 fever free hours. He is READY to go when the doctors give him the okay. He is scheduled for some more treatment, a spinal and a bone marrow aspiration on tuesday. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts. Nick has proven he is a tough boy and will fight like crazy to get to hear those wonderful words "you can go home now". Thanks for your support.

Day 17 - The Shannon Family

Hello and checkin in:
Nick had a great week and even went to the Halloween party at Prospect Hill (daycare). His friends were very excited to see him and he dressed as spiderman. The kids trick or treated through each room and enjoyed the junk food after. He was tired after all the activities and we left a little early to go home and rest. The weekend has been challenging because his medications makes him tired, moody and active. The leg cramps and tiredness are new and we are working on helping him with the pain. Nick has shown us he has a high tolerence for pain. He is not afraid to give his orders to us and let us carry him to the bathroom. He spiked a slight fever tonight and we are waiting it out to see if we need to go to the emergency room. More to come.
We enjoyed getting together with our family today after Thomas's baptism.