Day 20 of 29 Days of Induction

On October 3, 2012 by Michelle Love

It’s Wednesday, day 20 of the first phase of treatment that lasts for 29 days. The next phases of treatment are actually harder that this first phase. The next one is 4 weeks of chemo given in the spinal fluid, plus another type that will be given by shot at home (because we are able to do this at home), and medication given by mouth. This one will repeat for 4 weeks after the first 4 weeks are over. The phase after that is even more tough. He will be given chemo as an inpatient at the hospital that will require a stay of 52 hours each time … “until the chemo is out of his system, and can’t do any more damage to his body.” Well doesn’t that scare you to death… I know they know what they’re doing, but it’s my child they’re doing it to. And for some reason, I was under the impression that it would get easier for him.

With the exception of last night, BJ has been feeling better each day. Yesterday, we had to go to the clinic for labs. His ANC was 340…the number that tells us how his immune system is working. When the ANC is under 500, it’s not working, and he can’t be in a place with circulated air without a mask on. To be safe, we just try to stay at home. However, yesterday was fall picture day at his school. He didn’t want to miss being in the yearbook, and because he felt ok and wanted to, I took him to school to get his picture made. His hair is beginning to thin, but he still looked good. Some of his friends saw us in the office, and I heard the word spread that “BJ’s here!” BJ was embarrassed at having to wear the mask, and was trying to stand where no one could see him. But they saw and word spread down the 6th grade hallway. After we got his picture made, he finally realized that no one cared about the mask…they cared about seeing him. His teachers came and met us in the hallway on the way out, and told BJ that everyone asks about him every day, and they are praying for him every day. He’s so proud to be a part of such a great team of classmates. North Lincoln Middle is truly an awesome school.

We still look for the good in all this, and as hard as it is to see sometimes, it’s very evident when we see how the compassion for an 11 year old boy brings people together.