December 4, 2011

Last night, Stephen and Mandy stayed at the Renucci House again, and Grandma Cleary spent the night with SD. This morning, SD went for another wagon ride with Grandma Cleary - and he walked by himself for a few steps!

The nurses completely removed his IV this morning. Yesterday they had cut his fluids in half, but today they just took it completely out so he could move around more easily. They'll have to put his fluids back on again at midnight because SD has another procedure tomorrow that requires sedation.

SD is looking much better; his color is almost back to normal! He's also feeling more active; he's still exhausted a lot of the time, but he enjoys the wagon rides and tolerates walking when we make him do it.

One of the cashiers at the cafeteria (Beth) recognized Mandy when she had lunch there today. Actually, she recognized her as "Emma's Mom." Beth said that she prays for SD every night and will continue to do so. We've said it before: the staff here is unbelievable! Even the cafeteria staff!

A volunteer here named Kathy came in and told him the Christmas story, setting up a nativity scene. SD listened very well! She asked SD if he had any prayer requests, and he told her "outside" (a not uncommon request recently). So she said she'd pray that he would be able to go outside soon.

SD got his second set of visitors today! A family from our church has relatives who live in Grand Rapids, so they sent them over with a message and to be an encouragement to us. It has been humbling to learn about new groups of people praying for us every day. We are so thankful!

SD finally allowed us to read a book to him. Stephen read him "There's a Wocket in My Pocket," by Dr. Seuss.

Mandy got to lay on SD's bed with him for the first time since learning of his diagnosis. It was very comforting to do that after so long! This week we've really missed having the ability to hug him or hold him at any time. The hospital gave us a book about childhood leukemia; according to that book, after a family experiences leukemia, they often start hugging more. We already hug a lot, but when you go for a week without being able to hug, you remember how important it is.

SD is much more cuddly today. Mandy spent a while this afternoon just holding him on her lap. We think he's been in too much pain previously, and that's why he has been avoiding being held. We're so thankful that we can hold him again!

We have been under the impression that we would be staying here until at least Tuesday of this week, but we are now being told that we might be able to go home tomorrow (Monday)! SD does have a spinal tap scheduled for 11am, and he isn't very sure on his feet yet, so we are not counting on it. But it is a possibility. So far his body is handling the treatment quite well, thank God!