Status Updates

Wow!  I can't believe how long it has been since I updated the blog.  These past few weeks have been extremely busy.  With Thanksgiving, Christmas prep, and out of town travel for work, haven't had much time, but that is no excuse, and I apologize to anyone that checked for an update only to find the stale November 8 post.  Well, look at the bright side, more to catch up on this post.  We just returned from clinic for a count check, Oliver's ANC was almost 7,000!!!  We did not anticipate such a high number as two weeks ago his chemo was increased significantly and he wasnt feeling well the past couple of days.  This is a great number and works well for our upcoming travel plans, unfortunately, I would be short sighted to be completely relieved.  The doctors would prefer the ANC to be lower (around 1,000) to keep his immune system (and the cancer) suppressed, so I fully anticipate an increase in chemo at our next visit in two weeks. 

We had our first ER scare about a month ago when we had to rush Oliver to the ER with an extremely high fever. Oliver recieved  antibiotics immediately.  Fortunately, it was just a bug going around and Oliver recovered quickly.  I was out of town when Oliver went to the ER and details are not always easy to obtain.  When I got home, Oliver gave me a complete play by play of the entire visit and even knew all of the medical terminology - platelet counts, port access, etc.  I was amazed. His counts have remained consistent over the past few weeks. Oliver continues to excel in school, athletics and "brotherhood".  He is so kind and generous with his sister.  We are so proud of our little boy.  It is hard to believe how fast life can change. 

When Oliver was diagnosed, Larry and I both decided we weren't going to make a huge deal of it for Oliver's sake.  He actually has no idea that he has cancer.  When he lost his hair, he didnt seem to notice other than frustration from it getting in his way and in his mouth.  Granted, not one part of this process has been easy and I would never choose it in a million years.  But after reflecting on Oliver's leukemia, I must admit, it has brought us closer together as a family and truly appreciative of each other and each minute that we spend together.  Oliver said it best when I asked him if he could wish for anything what would it be, to which he replied "I dont need a wish, I have my family".  I wish that for all of you reading this, that you truly value life and have fun in every fleeting moment.  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and many good things in this New Year!!