September 7, 2012

SD went to his first clinic in Traverse City today! When Mandy was getting him ready, he kept saying that he didn't want to go to the doctor. This has been becoming more of his attitude lately, but we still aren't used to it.

When we arrived, SD was given a giant coloring book, so he colored in that while we waited. Just as we were called to go in, Mandy realized that she had forgotten to put on SD's numbing cream! Normally, we have to apply numbing cream to SD's port an hour or so before he is accessed, and we stop to do it on the way to Grand Rapids. Since we were only going across town, we didn't even think of applying it at home! Fortunately, we were able to move through our appointment with no greater inconvenience than a slight rearranging of procedures, but Mommy felt badly over the decreased time the cream had to work.

SD's ANC was only 900, but he was able to get his chemo since it isn't one that affects his counts as much. We were instructed to keep his at-home chemo at the same dosages and won't be expected back for another month. This makes us a little nervous because of his greater risk of infection and because of how he handled 6-MP in January, but so far he continues strong and active.

Stephen went back to work after the appointment and Mandy brought SD grocery shopping to prepare for the Endless Appetite that comes with steroids. When they were done and headed for home, SD told Mandy that he wanted to go back to the doctor. I guess the anticipation was worse than the fact. :)

So far, it looks like SD will have one pulse of steroids each month, beginning on the Saturday after clinic and ending Wednesday. Prayers are appreciated, as always!