We are Officially in Continuation Phase

Greg, Colby & Nick all went to clinic today. Nicholas is now in continuation phase. This is the last and longest phase of his treatment, at least 70 weeks. This phase is similar to the previous phase, in which we work off of 3 wk intervals. Day 1 (of 3 wks) Nick receives Vincristine and Methotrexate via port, he is on 5 days of steroids and 14 days of 6MP-chemo pill. He is not on any medicine days 15-21. Then we repeat the cycle above. The only big change (and we hope to see a change) is the steroids. The steroids are reduced down by 2/3. We are hoping this change will alleviate some of the pain, moodiness and cravings he has been experiencing throughout the last phase. He has been in physical therapy for the past few weeks and the times in the pool have helped him to. We are SLOWLY seeing improvement in his leg movement, but that is only when his counts are up. Nick definitely has a different outlook at clinic. He does not cry to have his port accessed and he holds still. (very important when you get a needle stuck in you). Nick knowing that he does not have to get a shot in his leg, has made things easier for all of us. Who could blame him for acting so unhappy all those weeks. He is fighter and that's why he pushes our buttons. Nick started camp last week. He goes 3 days a week, 1/2 day only. Colby goes to the same place, but 3 full days. They both loved it and had so much fun. It was actually weird for me to have Nick gone 3 days in a row. We have adjusted to him being home everyday (except the occasional visit to daycare every once in a while) since October. It is also a good feeling to know he is trying to get back into his 5 year old body and enjoy time with his friends. I know he needs, that because Mommy can be pretty boring while she works during the day. Take care everyone, Karen