Things have been going well. This past Thursday, Nick had a clinic appointment and all his counts look good - WBC is around 5.9 (they are telling me normal is 5-15), so still a little low, but high enough to play with friends! He was cleared for school next month and told he didn't have to take his Bactrim on the weekends anymore. He was thrilled. His Nurse Practitioner has asked us to get some neuro testing done, not because there are any issues, but to keep on top of them should they arise down the road. The intrathecal methotrexate and ARA-C meds these kiddos get can cause developmental delays down the road. With Nick starting school next month (Kindergarten), they want to keep track of where he is and how he is doing a couple years later. From what we've heard, it can happen, it may not and sometimes you don't see it until a couple years down the road. The Education person that saw Nick said he seemed very intelligent and that she would fear if he dropped to a 'normal' level, a teacher may not think anything of it and she said, we want them to think something of it. The testing takes either a full day or two half days. We probably won't do it until the fall or whenever they call :).
We are still keeping busy and trying to stay out of the heat. The kids are continually wanting to play outside, but it is so hot, we have to limit - at least until nighttime and then we tend to bust out the little pool!
The puppy is coming along - WOW, that was an experience for a couple months. Don't get me wrong, he still has things to learn (like how to not jump on the counters and table to try to get food), but he has definitely started straightening up and I'm glad to report, he doesn't seem to be going to the potty in the house anymore!!
Next Friday, July 25, Nick will celebrate his 5th birthday. This time last year, we spent in the hospital. We feel so blessed that Nick is doing so well - a year ago, we were afraid he wouldn't even make it to 5. I remember coming home one night and just laying on his bed and sobbing - it seems so long ago, but yet still seems like yesterday. So, to end on a happy note - NICK WILL BE 5!!! And, he's having a Pirate Birthday - there's something about having skulls around that is creeping me out, but it was his choice.
I'll try to post new pictures soon - mine are always too big for this website and I have to resend them to myself - quite the pain! But, I promise to get some out here soon.
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer.
Thanks again for checking in on Nick and for the continued prayers. Please continue to keep all the children (and adults) fighting this in your prayers!
