The Shannon Family -- chemo today

We decided to go to clinic today (instead of tomorrow) and hoping Nick's counts were good enough to receive chemo. We made it and he received the chemo. He was not very happy about accessing his port again and waiting for the medicine but Colby was with us to keep us active. We have been asked again about what 'counts' mean and it is hard to describe for the beginners. The blood counts are read in different ways and depending on the treatment, the doctors look for the right counts. During Nick's consolidation phase II (now) we look at the APC level. This level has to be above 1000 to receive chemo on the 3 week cycle. If it is not, it means his body has not recovered from the last cycle (or a virus). So we continue to wait until his body is ready, which can put us behind the 30 week treatment. (again every 3 wk process for 30 wks). We can not pin point why he has been so tired lately (going on 2 wks) but we think it is due to radiation and the combination of this phase. His spirits are great and he tries so hard to enjoy himself while he has the energy. He has also learned the comfort of his bed when he gets tired. We feel we are on a roller coaster ride but for a 4 year old you wonder how they are. To see Nick, we know he is fighting the downs and living the ups of energy. Sounding like a broken record player..... we are back on steroids.