Update:

Nicholas finished treatment on 11/18/2010. He will continue to go for blood work for the next 3 years. He is still in remission.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Neuropsychology Test

Nick had his IQ test on Wednesday. It was a long full day of testing and he was very exhuasted by the end of the day. The IQ test is done because Nick received total brain radiation back in December of 2008. It was part of his protocol to treat his leukemia because it had spread to his brain/spinal (CNS) when dx. Radiation can cause long term side effects such as learning disabilities, tiredness and can even lead to new cancers. Our goal was to treat the leukemia and you deal with the side effects later. Nick is healthy but he will continue to have follow up neuro testing done to see how he is progressing. The good news is that he was off the charts smart back in 2008 and the doctor said you will probably see some decline but hopefully not a lot. Nick missed a lot of school in Kindergarten and some in 1st grade so that can contribute to it as well. The testing will give us guidance if we should pursue a tutor for the summer and where we need to focus on for 2nd grade. Nick was a trooper during testing, he wanted to go home many times but he continued with it. I had to bribe him with Go-Gos, but he made it through.
This weekend is his last baseball game. I think he likes socializing on the bench more than playing, but that's okay because at least he is out there and being a kid again. I can't believe it has been 7 months since Nick finished treatment. It still amazes me and I have not forgotten everything he went through. I stopped in at clinic while Nick was in testing to make an appt. for his next blood work and I saw so many kids in the waiting room.... battling some disease. It breaks my heart to see these kids knowing the battle they are facing. Please continue to pray for all the kids who are battling this disease. Take Care Karen