Friday, February 17, 2012

Induction Day 29. Quilt, Black Eye, Back in the Hospital

Back in the Hospital
Well, we came in this morning for Lincoln's biopsy and now we'll be here for at least 48 hours because Lincoln has a fever. We started noticing a little runny nose on Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday it got worse and he started coughing. By yesterday he was complaining that his ear hurt too. He never had a fever until this morning. When kids with cancer get fevers it's serious and they get admitted. So, here we are. They still did the bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap they had scheduled for today, but we won't get the final results from the biopsy until next Friday. We are hoping for and expecting to see no cancerous cells. If that's the case, or even if it's less than 1% he will be considered in remission and we'll start the next phase of treatment - consolidation. If not, we intensify current treatment and stay in Induction phase.

Mom, Dad, and Sawyer came back
My parents and Sawyer came back to town on Tuesday. We knew they had mild colds, but decided to bring them back anyway and just be really careful. So who knows who Lincoln got sick from. I had a slight cold that started Sunday so it could have been from me, Sawyer, my mom or dad. It was probably me or Sawyer. My dad's cold was the worst and so we isolated him to the basement for the most part and he flew home on Tuesday. It was sad to see him go but he'll come back when he's better to help my mom drive their car home. He left us a dozen red roses. He's the best. My mom is staying indefinitely for now...we're just taking it one day at a time. We have been so lucky to have their help.

I think Sawyer was a little mad at me when he first came home. He wouldn't look at me for a while, but he forgave me soon enough, and now if I'm in the room he'll only let me hold him. Good thing I have two arms and only two babies. I'm so glad to have him home.

Dad shaved his head.
During the less than 24 hours my dad was here he decided he wanted to shave his head like Linclon's. When he showed Lincoln that their heads matched, Lincoln thought that was pretty cool.

I asked Lincoln the other day what happened to all of his hair and he said "daddy pulled it out". Which is true, Ryan did pull a lot of it out by constantly running his fingers through it. He doesn't seem to be bothered by his missing hair and has definitely seen himself in the mirror now.



Quilt
About a week ago a wonderful friend brought over a quilt she made for Lincoln. She had all the primary kids from Church and some leaders write little messages, draw pictures and trace their hands for Lincoln. I love it. When I look and it and wrap it around us I feel the warmth from the blanket and the strength, support, and love from those who made it. Thank you Susan and those who contributed.

No showed at the Gym
I had the worst night Monday night. My parents had just come back into town around 6 pm and at 7 I got a call from the fitness director at Urban Active. She asked me if I was supposed to be teaching a class right now. I gasped and apologized and told her I'd be right there. I had totally forgotten that I agreed to sub a pilates class that started at 6:45. Over 40 people were waiting for a me. I have never in 8 years of teaching just forgotten about a class. I.felt.awful. I can't even tell you how awful I felt and still feel about it. It was totally unacceptable and inexcusable. By the time I arrived at 7:15 two people were still there waiting. The director was pretty forgiving but I still feel so bad and can't believe I did that. Ryan's asked me to stop subbing classes. He keeps reminding me that we should be trying to simply our lives, not complicate them. I think he's probably right. Luckily I was able to get together with some of my girlfriends for some good old "Bachelor" watching later that night to lift my spirits. Thanks ladies.

Black Eye
A few days ago Sawyer and I were on the air mattress downstairs. He was being his usual rowdy self and decided to dive, full force with his scull right into my cheek. I can't believe a 25 pound body was able to cause me such pain. I thought he broke my cheek. I totally started bawling and Lincoln and Sawyer just stared at me. Now I have a nice big black eye. It's actually looks better than it did.
Lincoln's spirits in General
Lincoln has a really pretty good week until he got a cold. He had chemotherapy last Friday and I was anticipating a horrible weekend, but he really didn't seem to have to many side effects bothering him. It was so good to see him happy. One night he even slept 7 hours straight without me having to go and console him. Since he's had a cold he's been cranky and irritable and super clingy. We haven't slept much the past few nights. He still sleeps on the couch only.

Hope you all have a great holiday weekend. Thanks for all the continuing love and support. You all don't even know how helpful you've been through this. You make me want to be a better friend and person to others experiencing hard times. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

6 comments:

Lisa Weiler said...

Black eye!? Oh boy when it rains it pours. I'm excited to see the picture of the quilt. That is so nice. And that is so cute Dad shaved his head.

Kimberly Porter said...

My Nathan has totally slammed into my face several times. I've cried a few times, too, because it hurt so bad. I don't know why little boys do that. Well, not all of them, but maybe the ones who are bound to be football players. It is good to hear an update from you all. You are continually in my prayers and my mom adds your names to the temple each week that she goes. Keep strong. You are doing such a good job.

Sarah Keith said...

Wasn't that quilt amazing? Susan is so thoughtful. I am glad me and the kids were able to sign it. Lincoln still looks adorable even with no hair--seriously! Love you Cheryl!

Heather said...

I love that your dad shaved his head. What a fun way to support Lincoln!

Atrena Holm said...

I'm glad to see your update! I was thinking about you today and text to see how little Lincoln is doing. I'm glad you stay so positive and also vent your frustrations. You have some amazing parents!

Jill said...

I think that's cool that your dad shaved his head. I'm so glad that your parents are able to be such a support to you. You are so strong. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Love you Cheryl!