Good Numbers Again

Ben had his blood check and Vincristine today. He was wonderful as usual. His numbers are great - white blood count 2.2, hemoglobin 12, platelets 225,000 and polys 1415. We are so relieved that he didn't catch the strep throat that David has suffered with over the past week.

We did find out something new that explains a lot. During a discussion about what he wants to be when he grows up, Ben said that his first choice is a professional hockey player (second choice is veterinarian). The doctor commented about how that might be tough and that it is astounding that he can play hockey now. She explained that the Vincristine messes with your nerves and makes the patient lose their reflexes. She then tested Ben's reflexes...and he basically has none. I commented that his running is totally different and his general athletic abilities have decreased. The doctor said that this is normal and that many people on Vincristine cannot run or play any sports because their coordination is completely off. Hopefully, his coordination and reflexes will return when treatment is done...but there is no guarantee of this. Some patients do not recover this ability so we will just have to wait and see.

Go Away Cough!

Ben has a bit of a cold and also a bit of a temperature (99.4). We are really hoping it doesn't creep up (we are safe until it hits 100.4). We don't want to take an unexpected trip to the hospital this weekend. Thankfully, he is in bright spirits and is feeling better than he did this morning so we are optimistic that all will be fine. We will keep you posted!

Ben's Big Game

We are so proud of Ben and his team for making it to the championship game this past weekend. They worked together so well and the coach is just absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, they did not win the game, but they played hard and were still happy with their 2nd place medals. I feel so fortunate that Ben was able to have such a great season. To think of how different his life is now compared to a year and a half ago is pretty amazing.

All I can say is Go Ben Go and Go Purple Team Go!!!!

We are off for a couple of weeks and then a new season will be starting up again. We can't wait!

New Pet

First, and most importantly, we all survived another month of steroids and Ben is feeling great!

Second, somehow the boys talked us into getting another pet (although anyone who knows me well knows that it is pretty easy to talk me into getting anything with fur - and honestly I can pretty much guarantee that the boys will talk me into a lizard or snake as soon as Ben is done with treatment and can have one). The new pet is an incredibly cute dwarf hamster and his name is Snuggles. He is a small but fun addition to the family.