Check-up

Grant's check-up at the clinic went well yesterday. His red blood count responded really well to the blood he got on Friday. His other numbers were a little low, but still ok. He seems to be feeling well. He is finishing up some oral chemo at home this week and then he will have some time off. He was scheduled to start again on the 21st, but, kindly, Dr. Heym said we could wait until the 28th. Yay! No more treatments until after Christmas. He will still be going in at least weekly for blood checks and will receive transfusions as needed. Thank you for your prayers during this intense and difficult phase of treatment. God is good!

Christmas Party

Grant did return to the clinic on Friday to receive blood. He has had PLENTY of energy since then. Grant's friend at the the clinic, Cathie (a volunteer), was so sweet to give him the Grinch movie. So, we had a fun night Friday, ordering pizza and watching the Grinch together.

Today we got to go to the Cook Children's hemotology/oncology Christmas party. We went to the ICE exhibit at the Gaylord, which happened to be Grinch-themed. It is 9 degrees inside the exhibit, so they give you giant parkas to wear. There were also ice slides for the boys to go down. Trent did, but then he looked like the kid from The Christmas Story b/c he just laid there on his back until someone stood him up. It was hilarious. Then, we had donuts and hot chocolate and the boys got to decorate a gingerbread man. They definitely ate more candy than they put on the gingerbread man. It was in a large room that only had tables set up in the front part. So, the kids had fun running around (and burning off the candy energy). All of Grant's friends from the clinic were there, including his doctors. It was a lot of fun and we are so thankful for all of the things that are provided for us to do.

Grant will return to the clinic tomorrow for a blood count and to see Dr. Heym.

Staying Busy

If this tells you anything about our week....I know it's been a while since I updated. It just seems like we are always having to do something.
We had a nice, uneventful Thanksgiving....just the way we wanted it. Grant and Daddy left for the hospital about 7:30 and returned home about 11:30. We headed over to my parents' for the rest of the afternoon and a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I actually wanted to blog that day about so many things I am thankful for right now. But, I got too emotional just thinking about it to actually be able to type it out. In short, we know we are blessed!
Grant has gone to the clinic every day this week so far. He goes for his last day of treatment tomorrow. But, depending on his blood counts, may have to go back on Friday for a blood transfusion. His counts have been on the decline and the transfusion is likely.
He had a tough day being accessed on Monday, but he only had to do it once. He just stays accessed all week when we have to go everyday. That night he had a nightmare and was sitting in his bed screaming, "No no, that hurts! Stop!" Heartbreaking!! He also had to get his H1N1 shot today. Not fun! Monday was also interesting b/c Trent went to the doctor and was diagnosed with croup. He has been on a 3 day steriod. Croup is contagious so we are being extra extra careful. I think Grant was a little excited that somebody else was taking medicine.
We are getting so close to maintenance. Grant is taking oral chemo at home. He will go back to the clinic for blood checks for a couple of weeks. Then, when he "makes numbers" again, he will start maintenance.
Grant is very excited about Christmas! We put up our Christmas tree and got the house decorated. He has been playing with his nativity scene endlessly. He puts Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in the stable and then lines all the other people up to look at Jesus. So perfect. I can't wait to be in that line!

Grant made numbers!

Grant went to the clinic today and was able to start treatment. He kept telling people all day, "I have a pole today, b/c I made numbers. Hee Hee!" It was really funny to hear Grant talk so grown up about "making numbers". Sadly, he probably knew exactly what he was talking about. He got several chemo drugs and a spinal tap. He had a pretty good day, especially considering how long it was. We got there at 10 and left at 5:30. Since he had a spinal tap, he took the loopy pill, so that made him pretty mellow and silly. He watched several movies and did some painting. He will go back to the clinic tomorrow and Wednesday for more chemo. Then, he will go to the hospital on Thanksgiving for an outpatient treatment to finish off this week. He will go back to the clinic Monday - Thursday of next week as well.

Go Grant's Big Adventure!

Rudy and I were invited to attend an awards ceremony and celebration with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at a Dallas Stars game tonight. We knew that it was to show appreciation for how well our team did with the Light the Night walk. But, we didn't realize how great it really was. Grant's Big Adventure came in 5th overall out of North Texas teams, which includes 120 counties. The North Texas walks included 9600 walkers that raised $950,000. Our team raised almost $10,000. We are so proud of our team and hope to do as well next year. Great job Grant's Big Adventure!

We Will Wait

Grant went to the clinic today anticipating starting the rest of this phase of treatment. However, he was not ready. His ANC needed to be at the magic 750 and it was at 150. So, we will have a week off and try again next Monday. Please pray that his body can recover quickly. He is feeling much better and all of his other numbers were fine.

Go Rangers!

Grant having fun with the mascot!

Trent running the bases with Ian Kinsler and Kristie (child life).

This last one is just a hilarious picture of Trent wearing Rudy's shoes.

We were invited to participate in a special event with Child Life and the Sunshine Kids (an organization that sponsors events for kids with cancer) at the Ballpark in Arlington with the Texas Rangers. We went to the stadium this morning and the kids got to have a "play day" on the field. They got to field balls with Rusty Greer, take batting practice in the batting cages, and run the bases. They had an autograph session with some of the players...Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Kevin Millwood and others. And we were provided lunch on the patio....hamburgers and hot dogs, of course. Grant still isn't feeling well, so it took him a while to warm up. But, Trent had a blast!