Delayed intensification

We officially started the fourth phase of Luis' treatment protocol called Delayed Intensification. This first week, we made two trips to London for chemo. Over the next 8 weeks or so, Luis will have weekly chemo treatments. He started receiving doxorubicin. It is a nasty drug that will likely result in him losing the rest of his hair and feeling nauseous. He has already complained about a sore tummy every day this week. Another expected side effect is a decrease in white blood cells that will make him neutropenic, in other words, compromise his immunity.

If you've been following the blog, you may remember seeing a photo progression of Luis. Well, I updated it with a more current picture from the end of the last phase, interim maintenance:

MAY - before Diagnosis; JUNE - end of Induction Phase; AUGUST - end of Consolidation Phase; OCTOBER - end of Interim Maintenance Phase

I'm kind of dreading what the picture will look like at the end of delayed intensification. I know Luis doesn't have the same pink cheeks and full face that he did before, but I usually don't see a cancer patient when I look at him. This week, there seemed to be more darkness around his eyes that was a little unsettling.

Since I was pregnant with Luis, I've discovered that I have a short memory. In some ways, it's a blessing. For example, if someone wronged me, I was quick to forgive and get on with my day. And it comes in handy when I'm taking care of Luis. I don't linger on the fact that he's sick and that he has what is known as a 'life-threatening' illness called T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma. I just think about the fact that he's feeling good, taking his medicine and he's happy. My short memory is almost a natural coping mechanism, although some might call it denial. Once Luis loses the rest of his hair, there's no doubt that his appearance will be a constant reminder of his cancer.

Anyway, to change the subject to brighter news. We finally got new next door neighbours. They have two boys, ages 4 and 1 years old! The same ages as my boys! There were NO kids in my neighbourhood my kids' ages until now. Can you believe that?? We met last week and today we knocked on their door and invited them out to play. The boys came over and were running around in the backyard together having a blast. Even the 1 year old (well, 15 months old) walked over to Julien and was playing with him and hugging him. I am so happy for my kids.

By the way, at the fundraiser, I showed a video of our journey from Luis' diagnosis through to the end of the interim maintenance phase. I posted the video on the blog on the Luis' journey video page. Seeing as I put it together, it wouldn't feel right for me to tell you how amazing it is...but that's what everyone tells me :) Ok, I'm joking (a little), but I am actually proud of how it came together and balances the good, the bad, and the ugly. It goes with my creative side and geeky love for computer programs. I would say "Enjoy!", but that doesn't seem right either. How about "Grab the kleenex".

--Mommy