November 1999

The first stage of  chemotherapy was intended to destroy all of the cells in his bone marrow, some of the good cells ( called stem cells, which eventually turn into normal blood cells) and all of the bad cancer cells (called leukemic blast cells).  On Monday we passed an initial, small hurdle: the bone marrow biopsy did not reveal cancer cells or stem cells, as we were hoping.  Now we are praying for more good news in next one to two weeks: Hopefully, some of his stem cells will have returned and are able to produce a small amount of normal blood cells.

Since chemotherapy is intended to kill the fastest growing cells in the body, Nate is experiencing what many chemo patients experience: he's losing his hair.  He doesn't seem to mind since it gives him more in common with his father (picture to follow).

The most bothersome aspect of Nate's  condition is the infection which he has been fighting for the past two weeks.  Two days after the doctor's placed a tube in his chest, it was infected and had to be removed.  It is very sensitive and he has been on antibiotics to fight the infection.

Finally,  IF the infection clears AND he shows some return of stem cells, he may be able to come home for a couple days (maybe in the next week or so?!), which would make his family very, very, very happy.

November 13, 1999: We got a fantastic surprise today:  Nathaniel got to come home with us.  His white blood cells have made a significant enough rebound that the doctors thought a trip home would be good for him.  He has to go back on Monday for another bone marrow test, but, barring a worsening of his infection, he will get to stay home with us for about a week.   That probably won't be enough time to reverse all of the spoiling that has occurred in the hospital, but we're going to try. 

November 18, 1999:   Nate came again home from the hospital after a two day stay to take care of his infection.  If you didn't know any better (and couldn't see the wound which tunnels from his chest to his neck), you wouldn't know he was ill.  He is active and playful, curious and boisterous.  Since the infection no longer hurts as much, he is able to turn his head freely and is beginning to stand again and crawl around the house.  We have our little boy back!

With all of the haste and fear and worry of the past four weeks, we don't feel that we could have adequately expressed how moved we are by the support that we have received from our friends and family.  From prayers to meals, from housecleaning to gift baskets, we'd like to express our gratitude.  We are nourished each day by the cards and prayers (and fine meals!).  Thank you.

November 28, 1999:   We're very happy to have Nate at home again after a week in the hospital.   Thanksgiving was wonderful.  Although dad and Nate spent the day in the hospital room,  we were fortunate to have both of Nathaniel's grandparents in town, and Nate has developed a hankering for turkey. 

The next step (we hope) is some testing and probably a transfusion of blood cells and platelets on Tuesday.  It seems as though we trade each small victory with a new worry.  Nathaniel's chemo this past week went fine, however he has developed a troubling respiratory infection and an ear infection.  So while at home, we have to give him five medications at every mealtime.  Yikes.   At least the medications have provided him an opportunity to continue to develop the obstinate part of his personality.  And the freedom from the IV has given mom and dad plenty of exercise, as Nathaniel is crawling all over the household.

Nate developed a very cute smirk while in the hospital.  He would try so hard not to smile, but sometimes he just couldn't help it.

Nate, two days after Thanksgiving, is obviously very excited to see home again.  He's just resting up for his transformation into a minor whirlwind.