Monday, June 27, 2011

Cancer


Leaving for the hospital this morning was difficult. We know we are making the right choice to fight this cancer- but even knowing that it's the right thing, we still question our decision. Today we admitted our 5 year old to the hospital for chemotherapy. Today we took a visibly healthy child to the hospital so that the doctors can pump his little body full of poison. Poison that we are hoping will kill the cancer that is growing inside of his little body.

Cancer. Every time I hear that word it is like a slap in the face. A slap in the face that takes my breath away every time. I am learning how to cope. Perhaps being slapped so many times helps you get used to it, yet again, maybe I'll never get used to it.

Today was technically day 0 of chemotherapy. We had no idea what to expect- we still don't know what to expect. We sat in the hospital room for 8 hours today while Jackson was given IV fluids. His urine has to have a certain pH balance before they can start the chemo drugs. Eight hours of waiting to get started.

We spent some time together at the hospital as a family- thanks to my mom for bringing little sis up. It is surreal to think that hospital visits will become our new normal.

Jackson is starting chemo with two different drugs today. One is yellow- called methotrexate- it's side effects are so many I can't remember them, but Kidney damage, hair loss, nausea, mouth sores and dizziness are all some of them. Because of the possibility of kidney damage Jackson will have to go to the bathroom to pee every two hours so that the drug doesn't sit in his bladder or kidneys too long. Being on this drug makes Jackson "bio hazardous".



Driving home tonight I kept wondering if this could somehow be a horrible dream that I will wake up from. I keep wondering if this is real, but I know that it absolutely is real. This pain and heartache is real. The effect it is already having on our family is real, and the impact is devastating at times.

Tomorrow is officially day 1 of chemotherapy.

4 comments:

  1. We love you guys. I hope Jackson will feel comfort and peace while his body goes through so much. He is an amazing little boy and I miss him being home already. I keep expecting him to show up on the doorstep asking if Lucy can ride bikes. Keep fighting Jack! We are all on your team!

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  2. You guys are amazing. I can't stop thinking about you and Jackson. What a tough time with so much information coming your way, side effects to think about, days sitting in a hospital...
    If you need anything please let us know. We keep Jackson and your family in our prayers. I hope treatment goes well and with as little side effect as possible! Hang in there and like janeen said: we are all on your team!

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  3. Hang in there! We (and I'm sure more people than we could ever count) are praying for Jackson and your family.

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    Love, Melanie and Ava

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  4. I know it's hard to say but just keep pluggin' along, you guys are strong! We're are thinking of you guys always and will continue to pray for all of you especially Jack! Let us know what we can do to help!

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Thank you for taking time to comment. I read each and every comment to Jackson and they brighten his spirits. He loves that you are supporting him through reading his blog.