After Grady had terrible counts and needed blood and platelet transfusions, he recovered SO INCREDIBLY well! We were expecting him to need another transfusion or two, but he didn’t! His counts were still low for several weeks and we did have a “chemo hold”, but his counts were not critical. Everyone was pretty amazed at how well and how quickly he recovered on his own without needing any assistance 👏🏻 Again, a real live super hero! 

We were able to start THE LAST phase of the frontline a few weeks ago 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 This phase is essentially a repeat of a previous phase he has already completed. This phase, IM2 consists of two rounds of chemo every 10 days for two months and two spinal taps.  Two of the biggest concerns during this phase are mouth sores and constipation (he’s going to love that I’m writing about this one day, sorry bud 😂🤷🏼‍♀️).  Other than having one mouth sore at the beginning of IM1, Grady pretty much sailed though the phase.  We are already about half way through this phase and Grady has done wonderfully. Other than being a little nauseous the after treatment, he seems to feel well and has more energy than I know what to do with! 

The most exciting thing about this phase?! It’s the LAST phase of the frontline (can you tell I’m excited?!) I’ve gotten a lot of questions about what’s next for Grady....and a lot of people don’t realize this...after this phase Grady will go into a maintenance phase that he’ll remain in for TWO YEARS. Yes, we have two whole years left of treatment 😢 I’ll post more about maintenance when we get closer to that phase (y’all know I like to stay in the current phase), but from what we’ve been told is that it is a more manageable phase. Less clinic visits, more normal activities, etc. I’m excited to get there, yet terrified. 

The highlight of our October was definitely Halloween 👻 Grady dressed up as a scary ghost. We loved dressing up at clinic and seeing all of the nurses and doctors dressed up! We also attempted trick-or-treating. Not many people participated, but Grady got out there and walked to the six or so houses that did participate. He enjoyed himself and had fun so that is all that matters! 

Our highlight of November so far has been Grady’s 4th birthday 🎉🎈🥳  As suspected, it was an incredibly emotional week for me. We celebrated for an entire week straight and ate our share of cupcakes for an entire year. Grady seemed to feel so very special and loved. He is growing into this amazing little boy who is so sweet and kind. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put into words how proud I am of him 🧡

I won’t let this much time go in between posting again! Thank you for always reaching out, sending gifts, thoughts, you name it. Your support is what keeps us moving forward with a smile (most days)! We love y’all 🧡