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.

The Shannon Family - Clinic Today

Hello. I know it's been awhile since we last posted. Last week was a little crazy, trying to juggle the hospital visit and catch up on work. Nick spent most of the week sleeping and did not have a lot of energy. He went to school on Friday for a Valentine's Day party. I think he had fun. He was definitely tired out from all the fun because he took a 4 hour nap after. He seemed much more perky this weekend and we had the Love family over Saturday night for some fun. On Sunday we decided to take a drive and headed to Marina Bay for lunch on the water. We feel like we are holed up in our house for so long and just needed the fresh air. It is tough sometimes for Nick because he can not go places with the rest of the kids. McD's is out for now and the weather has been so cold, that Nick just hangs at home. I tell Nick that spring is just around the corner..... Greg took Nick to clinic today. We were hoping to start another round of chemo. (again, it is the 3 wk treatment, this would be #4, out of 10), but after his blood work came back, we were told his 'counts' were not high enough. We have to go back on Friday and hope the counts are back up. Hopefully we will not be set back too much. He did receive the shot in the leg today..... 11 down, 19 to go.