Well, it's three hours to puck drop time and excitement is building in our house. Nope, it's not one of the kids' games, but rather Canada vs. USA at the Olympics. Dane has been diligently watching this week, especially when "his" Sharks are playing ... Thornton, Heatley and Marleau. He was VERY pleased that they accounted for both of Canada's regulation goals in the game against Switzerland on Thursday. Big Joe T. has had some good chances - we just need him to capitalize and Dane will really be cheering. GO CANADA GO!!!
Now for the latest on the kids hockey & ringette. Dane's team went on a good run last week and won the gold medal at an outdoor tournament. The boys were all pumped and proud of their efforts. They've been having a bit of a tougher time in the league though and finished the regular season with a 5-4 loss yesterday. Ashley's team ended the season on a positive note, going 2-0-1 in their last three games. Playoffs begin next weekend for both of them so we'll be running from one rink to another. Many thanks to all their fans who cheered them on yesterday ... your support is much appreciated. I know to some of you we may have seemed a bit over zealous, however hockey is really our best barometer of Dane's energy level. Until yesterday's game he had really been flying the past couple of weeks and this warms both our hearts. When he's flat, it's tough on us because it's a reminder that unlike a "normal" kid (one without leukemia), Dane's system reacts more acutely to fatigue. It's kind of hard to describe to people, but we know instantly whether he's got "zip" in a particular game. When he doesn't, our internal anxiety rises pretty quickly and we just want to see our son skate like we know his body can when it's well. We are not focused on goals or wins, we just love watching him play the game he loves because it helps ease the pain we feel about him having cancer.
Onto something more positive ... we received word that Dane's trip to Vancouver to watch two more NHL games is a go. The Believe in the Goal Foundation has made arrangements for Dirk & Dane to fly to Vancouver in mid-March to watch the Canucks play the Sharks and then the Red Wings. Ashley, Clare and I will be joining them and we are very excited!
Dane's neutrophils have rebounded nicely in the past couple of weeks and at his appointment on Tuesday they were 2.81. I can't remember the last time they were this high and we are hopeful it's a sign he has kicked this winter's cold virus once and for all. He is back on 100% dosages of his chemo medicines and on March 1, he will complete his second 84 day Maintenance treatment cycle. So, two down and about nine more cycles to go!
As always, thanks for tuning into our happenings - Janie & Dirk
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