Day 20 Already

It's been a little while since we posted anything, mostly because there's very little change in JR and he's been handling things beautifully. Doctors, technicians, receptionists, etc. are constantly commenting on how well he's doing. A little tummy stuff once in a while but we have medication to combat nausea and it works like a dream. The problem we have is holding him back - his energy level hasn't dropped at all as evidenced by some massive neighborhood-wide "manhunt" games that require hours of running (and screaming??) and great weather activities that need to be done while they can. After several hours in a car and at doctor's appointments, he just wants to play outside. I'm a believer in outdoor exercise as a cure for most ailments so we'll see if I'm correct here. So far, blood counts are normal and he has all of his hair, so all we're seeing is a little lack of appetite and some fatigue, something only his parents would probably notice. We're almost at the half-way point for his chemo (tonight it's 20/42) and for radiation we're at 14 out of 33 for this round. He's truly remarkable.
Our wonderful driver has been such a comfort and can beat any traffic anywhere. Like me, he likes to find alternate routes so I like to pay attention to learn new ways to get in and out of Manhattan and bypass Merritt and 95 traffic. Bravo to J.P. We're never late for an appointment and when we're finished, we have a polite and sweet person there waiting to take us home. We're very blessed.
JR had his homebound tutor start today. Miss Tobin is a Kindergarten teacher at Holmes School (JR's school) who has an outstanding reputation amongst us parents. She'll be here each day from 3:20 to 4:20. Very thankful to have her!! Don't really understand the home school thing - I was hopeless.
We had a busy week with extra appointments last week and therefore extra meals organized by my incredible neighbor. Thanks again to Fitzsimmons, Keevers, Van de Graafs, Pasierbs, Guttusos, Hurleys and Donnellys to name a few. We are storing up for the winter in style.
Jim and I finally started back at yoga which for us was a milestone. Our yoga group has taken us in as family and has been unbelievably generous to us so that helps bring peace within.
All is well and we thank everyone for their continued positive thoughts.

Still Doing Great!

We're now 8 days into JR's treatment and he's still as happy and strong as ever. We've seen a wonderful change in JR - he's been sweeter - that's the only way to describe it. Adeline's been the unsung hero - just going with it and no complaints. She's in awe of her big brother!
We've been enjoying our guest status with the car and driver. What a difference it makes to be driven in and out of NY. You don't know how exhausting it is until you stop. We are so grateful for that.
We're also so grateful for all of our wonderful neighbors and other friends who keep sending in all this crazy-good food. Thanks to the Russells, the Brooks, the Barlows and, once again, the Servas family for keeping us well-fed (and getting our extra winter pounds on early!!).
I don't have much else to say except that things are really going great. Anyone who sees JR can't believe he's going through radiation and chemo - he seems just like his old self. He typically has his radiation around 10:30 a.m. and we give him his anti-nausea and chemo before bed. He's had a few extra appointments to get an inhaler for this antibiotic that helps prevent a special type of pneumonia to which he's particularly susceptible. We also have weekly meetings with the oncologist (that's Wednesdays when he gets his finger stick and blood counts which BTW are great) and the radiologist (that's Thursdays so we'll see her today).
School work is not exactly a breeze but we've been trying to keep up (I don't see a future as a "home schooling mom"). He's been as cooperative as can be expected for a typical 3rd grade boy.
Today's a no school day so we'll all go in for his appointments and try to squeeze in a fun city event if we can. Adeline is excited to go in with us. Thanks again to all for such overwhelming love and support.

Day 2 of Treatments

JR has completed his second day of treatments which involve daily radiation at Sloan Kettering and chemotherapy each night at bedtime. He's as normal and happy as ever and even admits that he misses being at school with his friends. We plan on waiting for a while to consider sending him back to school as we have no idea how the cumulative treatment will effect him, but so far, it's been very smooth sailing and his radiologist is very pleased with the set up and how JR is reacting to everything. He's been totally calm during the radiation treatments which involve wearing this tight-fitting scary mask over his face (to position his head exactly) and lying completely still while the process takes place. From now on, the radiation should only take about 5 minutes and he is excited to bring his new CD's to play his favorite music while he's in the room. There is also an intercom where we can talk to him and tell him he's doing great. He truly is my little hero. As mentioned before, he has oral chemo so he is able to just take a pill before he goes to bed and it hasn't given him any noticeable side-effects as of today.
We've been commuting into Manhattan each day which we've used to take advantage of some of the things that NY has to offer. We've had pizza every day for lunch at the same place (Famiglia for those of you who have joined us!) and lots of walks around, etc. (A second trip to Dylan's Candy Bar happened today along with many Webkinz stores). Our neighbor, Kimberly, was our guest passenger today and our other neighbor Patricia will ride shotgun tomorrow. It's fun for JR to have company in the back of the car. A major commuting development was dropped into my lap though Uncle Ron the other day. His best friend has kindly donated his personal car service to us for JR's treatments. It's truly unbelievable how many people have stepped up to help us and it is truly humbling. I am truly blessed and in awe. If you think for one minute that this world is not filled with absolutely wonderful people, think again. I'll set you straight!! Our family and friends and many acquaintances have shown their true colors.
Servas family, Hone Family and Eglebergs - we've eaten very well this week and thanks again.
We got a pile of schoolwork to do from JR's teacher today which is great since we really want him to stay on top of things. We'll be getting a home tutor in about 2 weeks so let's keep our fingers crossed that he'll stay in such great health.
The gifts and well-wishes and prayers keep pouring in. Thanks for putting in a good word with the big guy. It's working.