Thursday, January 17, 2008

You Know You've Got a Great Kid When . . .

Jacob (last night): "Mom, I may have cancer and that might suck, but I wouldn't trade being myself with anyone else."

Me: "Why is that?"

Jacob: "Because I'm just so happy."



Today's good news: At our weekly outpatient chemo session, the doctor checked the site of Jacob's teeth extraction and had me come look. The tumor has noticeably receded in just two weeks, leaving his gums looking like there were actually once teeth in there. I never thought I'd be so happy to look at empty tooth sockets, but when compared to the grayish-whitish swelling that's been there . . . Hooray!

Today's less good news: Jacob lost a kilo in the last week. (I know, I know, I'm not really a kilo person myself, though I'm considering becoming one since, after all, it would sound like I weigh a lot loss in kilos than pounds.) In any case, he's lost weight. Not good, especially when he's not suffering any significant side effects that inhibit eating. I guess the body just burns up a lot of energy fighting the cancer and we've got to pour in more calories than we'd think to keep him fueled. Jake took it well enough, decreeing that we should stop for a high-fat/high-calorie lunch on the way home. "Sure," I said. "That's all well and good for you. But no one's telling Mom that she needs to gain weight!" Still, as a good and kind mother, we ate at TGI Friday's.

Also not so great news: His blood counts have finally fallen. They tend to bottom out between 10-14 days after the inpatient chemo, yesterday was day 14. His platelets and hematocrit are still in the normal range, but white blood cells and the ANC (absolute neutrophil count) are both very low. So careful hygiene at our house this next week, and careful monitoring of Jacob.

Today's random fact: Vincristine is the fastest chemo drug to administer. It took us far longer just to get registered today and have his labs done. Once his port was accessed, the administration of the drug took less than 90 seconds.

4 comments:

Brooklyn said...

Jacob has such an awesome attitude. He's one plucky kid (just like his mom). Hang in there!

Munchkin Mom said...

Dear Laura,

I remember you from high school. I don't remember details about classes, activities, etc., but I do remember you as a friend. I was moved to tears while reading Jacob's Journey. You describe your trial in such a beautiful way that every mother in the world can share your pain and hope. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Love, Amy (Noss) Connelly

Becca Fitzpatrick said...

Thanks so much for keeping us up-to-date with Jake's progress. He looks a lot like his mom!

Jason Hansen said...

You do have a great kid there. I know that you realize that. We will be pulling for high ANC!!!