Mind, Body and Spirit

First on the list, for our Hero this week was 'the body.' He continues to do very well, even after last week's big treatments. Always sharing and in an effort not to let his little brother get too big for his britches, Paul kindly shared his cold with Joe. But even the common cold is thus far finding JoJo a formidable foe as it doesn't seem to be hitting him as hard as it's hitting Paul. There isn't any fever thus far and it hasn't gotten to his chest, right now just manifesting itself in the form of the sniffles. Here is to prayers and positive thoughts that that is as far as it gets and goes away quickly - for both the boys.

Next on the docket for JoJo, was 'the mind.' The doc shared with Team Taylor that the next couple of months were going to be much easier on our Hero, she suggested going back to school as the blood levels would allow. That information coincided with a trip that took Mom and Joe near school and Joe asked if he could visit his class. Needless to say, he was welcomed like... well... a returning hero. His hunger for knowledge immediately piqued and he quickly asked Mom if she could leave so he could "work for a while." Back to it then professor...

Last on his list was 'the spirit' which showed itself in three ways. First, in the form of learning what makes this less than fun process a little more tolerable for JoJo. In a word - control. When you are always being told where to go and what to do, a little empowerment can go a long way. Whether it's determining whether he takes his medicine crushed or whole, take his temp in the ear or under the tongue or choosing what to eat - any control over this situation can be of the utmost importance. Second, Team Taylor has found that spirit is strengthened by a familiar voice and face in the face of Nurse Jean (sister of Mom's friend Jenny.) So comforting was her presence that Joe asked to 'stay' and if Jean could help him next time too. Finally, what is a strong spirit if you can't share it with others in need, which Joe did by playing a bit with Hayden, a new patient who seems to be just starting the process. (Hayden was greeted with uproarious laughter when he asked JoJo if he liked Star Wars.)

The schedule for the week is pretty short and hopefully easy with labs and Vincristine tomorrow (Wednesday the 30th.) But just a reminder, good vibes and prayers for an end to the cold bug! Stay tuned...

**UPDATE** 1:00AM - Tuesday: It looks like the cold bug had a little bit more bite than hoped and JoJo has a bit of a fever so he was admitted and will be in for 48 hours. Keep the prayers and positive thoughts coming...

**UPDATE #2** 7:30 - Wednesday: The hospital confirmed Paulie had generously shared his Influenza B with little Joe but it was caught early and treated with a bit of Tamaflu so he is still in the hospital but feeling better (playing vids with Dad) but served as a good reminder that even though JoJo's spirit is superhuman his young blood is still a little susceptible to all the chemo he'd been doing. But the good thing is he has a long break before the next set of treatment so his levels will be getting stronger and stronger each day! Keep the prayers coming while our Hero rests up a little in the hospital to keep clean and safe and puts the end to the flu bug...