Honestly, I've never been a big procrastinator (ok, the odd task gets pushed to the back burner) but this is really bad! It's been six weeks since I last "blogged" - even I didn't realize it had been soooo long. The good news is nobody has emailed asking me if my delinquency means something is wrong. The great news is Dane is doing excellent and with all of life's business, I just haven't sat down to type.
The news ...
Dane started another cycle in early February and his treatment was another milestone in his journey. He was scheduled for two appts that week - his regular monthly check-up on Tuesday and his every three month spinal tap on Wednesday. The problem ... he had a track meet on the Wed and he qualified for several events - even one in an older grade - and there wasn't a hope he was missing out. The appt couldn't be rescheduled but he could have the spinal done in the Clinic on the Tuesday, however with no sedation (a first). He thought about it - but really not for that long - and declared "I will NOT miss the track meet so I'll do the spinal without being put to sleep." There was no changing his mind and although I was nervous (so was he a bit), we proceeded and it went off without a hitch. He lay there so still, the small area on his back frozen and the doctor did her thing. He never moved and afterward said he didn't feel much at all, especially no pain. It was great and now there is likely no turning back. It seemed to make his recovery time shorter because he didn't have to contend with the effects of the sedation. That kid is one tough bugger!!!
An indication of how far I am behind with my writing is we go back to clinic this coming Tuesday for his next monthly checkup. The timing is good as he has no games during the week so he should be well rested by the next weekend for playoffs. It's also steroid time again so we've got that to look forward to - NOT! That said, the past couple of months have definitely been better and we are all thankful that's the case. It's hard to believe we've been at this for over two years. Some days we are both "fed up to here" with leukemia, pills and Dane's fatigue but what can we do? We walk a fine line with him still because when he doesn't show much energy or interest we don't know if it's the meds or Dane just being Dane. We look forward to the day when we know it's just his attitude because at least it will be obvious.
Tons of hockey & ringette still being played. Dane's team just finished the regular season and a tourney - they played 7 games last week and Dane held his own. They start playoffs tomorrow night and then get a week's reprieve. Ashley's playoff journey began today on a winning note and they are back at it this Monday night. After playoffs it's one final year end tourney for both and then we are done for a week or so before spring season starts!
We are heading out on a family ski trip to Montana in March and are very excited! We have not skied since 2008, the spring before Dane got sick and little Ms. Clare arrived. We are heading to Big Sky - a hill I grew up at but haven't been too in about 25 years. Should be lots of fun.
Clare is great! She is nearly 22 months old, getting tall and talking a lot. And not to jinx it but FINALLY sleeping better. We moved her into a bed about a month ago and after a hard transition, she seems to love it and most nights she sleeps through. You can't even imagine how wonderful it is not to feel sleep deprived most of the time - that goes for both Dirk & I. It's amazing how you function so much better with some decent shut-eye!
Well, I've crammed a lot into this blog because I'm mindful it might be a bit until I "post" again. I'll have to put a big, bright sticky note on my face to remind myself! Until next time, take care and hope life is good for all.
Janie & Dirk
