Holding Pattern

Fionn had a special treat today.  Due to a federal government snow day, Conor was able to take Fionn to clinic.  He was so excited, folks.  So excited.

However, special escort aside, Fionny did not make counts today at clinic.  Although his platelets were sky high and his hemoglobin looked good, his ANC was only in the 200s.  It needs to be 750 to begin Maintenance.

As a result, we are in a bit of a limbo situation over here.  We are done with Phase 4, but we have not yet made it into Phase 5 (or Maintenance).  But here's the weird thing about Maintenance.  It doesn't really matter when we start because we already have our finish line.  Fionn's last day of cancer treatment will be October 6, 2017.  Whether we start Maintenance next week or 3 weeks from now...the end point will always be the same.  So really...what's the rush?  As long as Fionn is feeling awesome (and, oh, he is!) and his counts are on the rise, I could care less when we actually pass into the final phase.  I like that his little body is getting a much-needed rest from chemo meds.

This might be a good time to clarify Maintenance a bit because I've had a few questions.  Maintenance, unfortunately, does not mean that Fionn is done w/ chemo.  Far from it.  We have another 2.5 years of chemo meds ahead of us.  However, during Maintenance, the doses are small and should not have much if anything in terms of side effects.  Fionn's hair will grow back.  We can resume traveling.   Clinic visits will switch from weekly to monthly.  Life should start to feel basically normal again (or 90% normal as another cancer mom friend told me recently).  Sounds pretty great to me!

That said, I have to say that Fionn has been acting so much like a normal kid lately, it's hard to remember sometimes that he is fighting cancer.  The shiny, bald head.  That, of course, is the one true giveaway. Otherwise...our boy is full of life.  So very full of life.  Here are a few pictures from the long weekend.  It was packed with special time as a family and with some friends too.  What a life we have.  What a wonderful life.

Shopping with Mommy -- he pushed his own little cart!

Bath time with brother

Udvar Hazy with Daddy and Dex

Cream cheese bagel this morning at clinic

I want to close with a happy birthday shout-out to Conor's sister, Meaghan, whose birthday is today.  Oh, we love our very special Auntie.  There are so many things to say about Meaghan, but here is just one.  Since Fionn received his diagnosis, Meaghan has texted him (well, okay, me) every single morning to let him know she is thinking about him through this journey.  Sometimes she sends a You Tube video link.  Sometimes she tells us about a goofy holiday (such as Happy Hippo Day).  We love you, Meaghan!  Thank you for always having us on your mind.

That's all for now, folks.  We'll check in again next week!