Nathan 1, Chemo 0

We were dreading this weekend and the possible side effects that might make an appearance.  And guess what?  Aside from a little jaw pain and fatigue from the vincristine, Nathan is F-I-N-E.  No nausea or vomiting or GI issues at all.  He is, in fact, eating like a standard issue 13 year-old boy, (i.e. "Is there any more pizza??" "Hey, is that Chex Mix??"  "Where did the brownies come from??" "If Clare isn't going to finish that, can I have it??").  We know that every week will be different, and this may be only a temporary reprieve, but you know what?  We'll take it.

And now, reader questions:
Q. Isn't ACH a depressing place?  All those sick kids...
A. Not just no, my friends - HELL, NO.  I am filled with gratitude every time I see a child at ACH because he or she is receiving the best care possible from compassionate and skilled people who are dedicated to healing little ones.  Of course, I am also the rare mommy who did not cry when her baby received shots  and howled - I thank God I live in a time when my child can be protected from diseases that used to kill children.  What makes me cry is thinking of the kids who need medical care and don't receive it.

Q. Can we see a photo of the actual chemo process?
A. You bet.  We were a little slow on the draw last week (thanks, Xanax!), but this week, Dan is planning to take photos and show you how not-scary this is, compared to what the imagination can drum up.

Q. So, how about the hot oncologist? You're taking photos of her, too?
A. As long as she's cool with it.

Thanks for keeping us company - keep those prayers and good thoughts coming!
MA