Scott is 40!

Today is my 40th birthday. Nicole and the boys made me an incredible DVD with a bunch of home movies and photos taken over the past several years. In addition to lots of birthday parties, play sessions and puppy and kitten craziness, the DVD really brought back memories of what it was like to go through the intense phases of Ben's chemo. There were lots of photos of movies of Ben losing his hair, the boys cutting mine off, and Ben and me doing things as bald guys. Needless to say, it was pretty emotional and I cried a lot.

Thanks so much to everyone for your support during this difficult period in our lives. Your thoughts and prayers have meant the world to us.

They shoot, they score!

Both fighting a cough that doesn't want to go away, Ben and David were terrific today in their games. Nicole's parents were there to see both games, which was a nice treat for the boys and for them.

David, playing soccer, started things off scoring his team's only goal in a 1-1 tie. He came very close to getting a second goal and also played great defense. He's got amazing speed and is very competitive out there -- backs down from no one!

Then Ben, playing hockey, scored his first goal of the season! He was incredibly excited, as there are some other kids on his team who have been playing longer than him and have more developed skills. Ben really is getting better from week to week. He's been very good at keeping the puck in his team's offensive zone and driving to the net. His team won 9-0!

The boys tell me that it's OK if I don't score a goal in my hockey game tonight, but I'm hoping for a family hat trick!

Numbers

Ben's numbers were great yet again! Hemoglobin 13.8, Platelets 289,000 and ANC 2607. Since I had to miss this hospital visit due to David's bad cough (we didn't want to subject the patients at the cancer center to a coughing kid!) I had to get the full rundown from Scott, Ben and the oncology nurse. Everything continues to be great and the doctors and nurses are happy with how things are going so things remain calm. Yeah!

Ben started his steroids for the month yesterday morning so we are hoping that his emotions aren't too tough on him this weekend.

Another Infusion Done

I took a turn taking Ben in for his Vincristine today. I was really impressed with how he handled it -- he's a really strong, brave kid! I understand from Nicole that his numbers were great -- she may post some details on that later.

Watch out, David Beckham!

Looks like there is a new soccer superstar in Los Angeles. David had a hat trick today, 3 goals plus an assist, as his team won 6-0 (unofficially, of course -- they don't keep score in this league). He also had a bunch of great defensive plays. His team is really improving from week-to-week, so the coaches are very pleased.

Ben was a great brother, cheering wildly for David from the sidelines. Ben plays hockey this afternoon.

Fight leukemia by playing video games!

Check out this great fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Ben and David will!

http://lls.play2cures.org/