Sunday, May 23, 2010

But I don't like pokes!

"Loving" on Trent

Grant wrapped up his steroids on Friday. We tried a new technique this week to help lessen the extremity of Grant's mood swings. I actually think it worked. We tried to cut all sugar from his diet. That meant no apple juice slushes among many other things. He was such a great sport. I explained what we were doing at the beginning of the week and why. He got on board and, not only was he cooperative, he was proactive. One day my mom suggested a fruit bar (Nutrigrain bar) for a snack. He told her, "No, I can't have that because I have leukemia and it has 12 grams of sugar in it!" He had heard me telling Rudy that when I was talking about how hard it is to completely eliminate sugar. All in all, I would say it was successful and will try to continue doing this when he has to take steroids. He can be very emotional ranging from lots of hugs to crying at the drop of a hat. But, we did not seem to lose him in fits of anger this week. Although he was trying to understand, he will need some more education as we go through this process. We were looking for a snack for him at a concession stand and he said, "oooo, Skittles, I don't think those have sugar mom!"

Grant's clinic visit on Monday went very well. He knew a couple of days prior that it was scheduled for Monday. But, Monday morning when we were getting ready to go he asked, "Mom, do I have to get a poke at the clinic today?" When I told him yes, he said, "Oh Mom, I don't really like pokes." So I began to search for an approach to this month's poke. First, I tried reverse psychology (which usually works like a charm). I bet you can't get your poke without crying....? He said, "No, I can't b/c it hurts." Hmm, that didn't work. So we talked about the fact that it does hurt and that's okay. Sometimes things hurt but we still have to be a big boy. So, I told him that it was okay to cry when it hurt, but it was not okay for him to throw a big fit and wiggle around making it difficult for the nurse and Mommy. It worked! When it was time to get his poke, he sat perfectly still on my lap and cried. It was awful! Usually I am so mad and frustrated trying to accomplish the task that I'm not too worried about how he is feeling. This time, he was completely cooperative and just had tears running down his face. It was so much harder b/c it was heartbreaking to watch him choose to endure the pain like a big boy. I was so proud and crushed all at the same time. Then, when it was time to take his bandage off to go home, he didn't even cry. What an amazing kid!!!
He also has asked me when does he not have to go to the clinic anymore. I told him he will have to be 6. So he is counting down.

He got a great report from Dr. Heym. He always comments on how good Grant looks. His counts were all okay. His ANC is actually too high. Can that be? This month his was around 4100 and they want it between 750-1500. This is the second month in a row that it has been too high. Dr. Heym believes this may be because Grant is growing or his body is metabolizing the chemo more easily. What does this mean? Most likely, if it is still up at the next visit, Dr. Heym will increase the dosages on his medication. Bummer! But, we want to do what is best for Grant. They want his bone marrow suppressed but not bottomed out like it was in earlier treatment. We will continue to follow Dr's orders on how best to care for Grant and God will take care of the rest.

Thank you for continuing to follow our journey and especially for the prayers. We really appreciate all of the amazing acts of kindness from friends and strangers alike. God is good!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Col. 3:17

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Hello Everybody....So Glad To See You



That is one of the songs that we sang at music class every week. Yesterday marked the end of our 16 week music class at TCU. This was something that was provided to us and some of our cancer friends by an organization associated with Cook Children's. It was a wonderful blessing to us and we are so thankful that we got to participate. It was really great b/c the whole family got to go together and Grant and Trent loved it.
We are headed back to the clinic tomorrow for Grant's scheduled visit. He will begin steroids in the morning.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!

Last year, we were just heading home from the hospital from our 2 week stay. At that time, it was the best mother's day gift I could have asked for. Our family has been so blessed. I am so thankful to have Grant and Trent as my precious gifts from God.
And, I have to take this opportunity to thank my mom for the tremendous help that she has been over the last year. I am so thankful that I have had her as my mom, Grant and Trent's Nana, chauffeur, errand-runner, clinic companion, prayer warrior, and especially friend.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

The Party's Over





We have been celebrating Grant for several days now. Yesterday, we had his kid birthday party. He was so excited he couldn't hardly stand it. It was so much fun to see Grant having such a great time. Thunderstorms were in the forecast so I had been praying for days for no rain. God answered and we had great weather for the kids to play outside on the playground and in the jump house. We had Sesame Street cupcakes...Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar, and Cookie Monster. Everyone had different colored icing smeared across their faces, except for Grant. He ate his cupcake with a fork and only 2 bites. However, when I asked him his favorite part of the party he said the cupcakes. I think he liked having everyone sing to him. Thanks to everyone that made this a special day for Grant!
Now he is wanting to know when he is going to turn 5.....