So Creide is finished with his intense 2 weeks of treatment.  Last Monday he needed platelets and Thursday he needed blood both because his numbers were low but that was expected due to the high amount of chemo.  On Thursday his numbers were down to 220.  This is the lowest he has been.  This means he is very susceptible to illness and he should not be around anyone ill or a lot of people.

Last Monday docs even said to expect a hospitalization during this time.  So far so good!  You would never know his numbers were so low, he continues to play and be his busy old self.  He will start the maintenance phase the day after Labor day as long as all continues to go well.  The only problem now is that he wants us to sleep with him!!!!!  A habit we started by accident in the hospital and after because he was so ill for a while.  If exhaustion is all we will take it.

Last Monday the 10th we were at Hope Childrens hospital for his 1st day of Delayed Intensification.  We were there 8-5:30 as he needed a spinal tap, 3 chemo’s and 4 hours of fluids for the new chemo he received.  The Ronald McDonald house was full; we were put on a waiting list.  We stayed at a hotel near by so we didn’t have to make the drive home and then right back the next morning.  The next morning he had to get a shot of chemo and then we were on our way home.  That night he did get sick from the chemo.  Anyone know how to get red goldfish vomit out of a carpet??  TMI, sorry.

We give him chemo at night as well.  We traveled up there Wed and Thursday as well for the 5 minute shot of chemo but luckily he did not get sick any more.  He hates the thought of getting in the car and going up there.  He knows where we are going because I put numbing cream on his leg for the shot.  He screams in protest much of the way so I just try to distract him during the hour long drive.  And he is now running from the nurses for fear of the shot.  Three of us hold him down, he is very strong!  He has been handling the meds just fine playing as usual and continues to surprise and amaze all of us with his  strength.  Craig took him up for treatment again today as this week is another 4 days.

Love and best wishes,
Craig, Carrie, Connor and Creide