On to Phase 2

The 1st month of Leukemia treatment (Induction) is now over.  At Day 8 they tested for what they call Minimal Residual Disease (MRD).  They like the leukemia cells to be less than 1%. Derek's came back at 1.4%.  What does that mean?  Good question.  All we know is that he will be put on the "high risk" course of treatment, perhaps the "very high risk" depending on his MRD value after this 1st month.  We get that result tomorrow.  At this point we know that means is Derek will get higher doses of chemotherapy, a few more hospital stays, and I'm not sure what else. 

The crazy part: he's hardly been sick.  He's not his usual active self, but is still happy, does stuff, plays with Legos, colors, reads, etc.  Yes, we went through a phase where I was continually coaxing him off the couch, but no longer (he probably tired of my nagging).  His oncologist said it's super rare for a child to not really be sick like he's been.  We are beyond grateful!  However, she also said this next phase or 2 of treatment can be pretty harsh.  So, guess we'll brace ourselves.  He's done with the appetite-increasing steroid, for now.  The oncologist said it can be a good thing that the children put on weight from it since the next phase can seriously decrease appetite, so it's like they've built up some fat stores for what's ahead.  Oh boy...

School starts in a few weeks.  Apparently the district has a program for children with chronic conditions so the children can get their assignments, work somewhat with the teachers, etc.  I'm not entirely sure how it works, but will soon find out.  I figure we'll get a taste of home school to see how we like it?...

We met a family at a soccer game whose son just finished his 3 years of treatment.  Apparently the mom saw the funny way Derek's buzzed hair sits on his head and immediately recognized it as a "chemo head."  Needless to say, we became instant friends. 

Derek turned 6 yesterday.  He has a new love for Spiderman and therefore got a Spiderman hat, toy, mask, balloon, and cake (Tyler did a pretty awesome job decorating it).  He requested hot dogs, mashed potatoes, and oven fries for his birthday dinner.  Hello potatoes!  He also got more Legos.  No surprise there!

Benjamin and Zachary are their cute, normal selves.  Zachary is a size of a 6-9 month old (at 11 weeks) and the most delicious baby.  Period.  Benjamin loves playing in the tub and the other evening we overheard him, "Where. Is. My. Supersuit?"  (from "The Incredibles") He got a new Dusty Crophopper backpack for preschool and wore it through the store.  Tyler sat him up on the belt for the person at the cash register to scan it without Ben having to take it off.  What a good dad!

Sometimes I tell myself it's a good thing I run marathons thus giving me an idea of enduring things that are long, arduous, and grueling.  Then again, I know we have no clue what we're in for.  One treatment at a time, one day at a time, one moment at a time.  All with the Lord by our side.