A Hero's work is never done...

Yesterday was a very busy day yesterday for Joseph, starting with inviting Mom to sleep with him at about 3am and then waking up with a bit of leg pain which is completely normal with the treatment and with the illness but it was nothing that some pain meds, some heating pads, getting propped up in Mom and Dad's big bed and cartoons, couldn't handle. Just getting a little down time before heading in for the blood draw.

As for the blood draw, it went ok but JoJo wasn't a huge fan of having his bandages removed and the needle that had been in for the last six days. Although it certainly made things easier when it came to administering meds and taking blood, it had to be done in order to keep everything nice and clean. After all that had been taken care of, Team Taylor met with Joseph's clinic attending, Dr. Blythe Thompson. She was giving the stamp of approval. She took a look at JoJo and his blood and determined all the numbers and everything else are consistent with someone going through this treatment but caution being the better part of valor, Mom and Dad are going to still keep Joseph is full R&R mode. One bit of news from the blood tests was that the Hematocrit was approaching going below 20.0 (it was at 20.3) our hero will be undertaking another blood transfusion. The doctor's say it's not a big deal and a normal part of the process so we've got to trust them (especially since most of us probably didn't know what Hematocrit was until we checked out the link.)

Upon arriving home, Mom received a call from the hospital asking that they come back to the hospital to take a little more blood as they needed it for matching for the blood transfusion. Mom wasn't having that and very politely informed them that Joseph would be relaxing for the remainder of the day and all of Thursday but would be willing to get in earlier on Friday. The nurse agreed, and instead of going in at 2pm on Friday JoJo will be heading in at 9am to get the blood stuff done, the Vinicristine treatment and the bone marrow sedation and test.

As we've mentioned before, the "Day 8" bone marrow is a pretty big deal. It will determine whether our Hero is in rapid remission, average remission or slow moving. (Say your prayers and send your vibes for rapid remission!) Regardless of what the tests show, these are some of the best doctors in the world and know they can deal well with any class of treatment. But we're all pulling for the 'easiest' class. Incidentally, Daddy's a bit irritated and thinks it's a bit unfair that Joseph is getting his treatment done Friday afternoon when technically the treatment didn't start until last Friday evening. Don't worry Dad, it will just make it that much more impressive when it comes back in rapid remission.

But through all of this everyone still sees the glimmers of our Hero, pre-treatment. For example he loved seeing Star Wars explode into his living room as he enjoyed seeing Mommy (Padme,) Daddy (Anakin Skywalker,) Uncle Brian (Boba Fett) and Aunt Kelly (Princess Lea.) Big Brother Paul, the resident skeleton, took to collecting candy (132 pieces!) for both he and JoJo. The Brothers Taylor then engaged in a bit of hijinx by tossing each piece of candy counted at Yiayia - an experience Joe announced he wanted to 're-enact' when Nonnie came in the morning. Have fun Nonnie! Prior to taking his first shower in a week, JoJo also made the statement that he would do the trick or treating next year and Paul could stay home sick.

This morning, he woke with a bit of the leg pain again and the same protocol was put into place - heating, rubbing and a bit of pain medication. Thus far he's only gotten it in the morning so hopefully it's just a morning thing. But the bright side is the doc says that the first month is tough on even our Hero's body, but after that they go back to acting like themselves. Start preparing yourselves for the full return of Mr. Rough-and-Tumble.

A few final reminders, please do keep the thoughts and prayers coming - we want rapid remission!!! Also, JoJo and the family love reading the comments so click on the 'comments' link below and leave a little hello, or a question or anything - a joke, whatever.

Stay tuned...