Start of Cycle 4: Delay and Unexpected Blessings

Kameron did not make counts (not enough of certain blood cells) last week to resume with the projected chemotherapy plan for his osteosarcoma. It's hard to say whether we were happy or disappointed in this news. Both, maybe? It was a welcome break, as Kam has had a lot of setbacks, complications, and difficulties as of late. Instead of a hospital stay and another round of chemo, he got to spend last weekend playing video games for hours with his 3 little brothers. The giggling from the living room was a welcome sense of normalcy we haven't had in some time. We took walks with Kameron in a wheelchair, due to the painful sores he has on his feet, and got some light exercise and fresh air as a family. He also worked on one of his Lego cars with his dad. It did all our hearts some good to have that family time and for Kam to have some more time to recover from all he has been through. The downside is that any delay in treatment pushes Kameron's final chemotherapy date a week closer to his birthday. He has had his heart set on being done before his birthday (December 21st) and Christmas.

Kameron cuddling his cat Petey

Noah sporting a Childhood Cancer Awareness Ribbon

This past Friday, Kameron's blood cells made a miraculous comeback and he was able to resume his chemotherapy. He was admitted, but there was a slight delay getting him onto the hospital oncology floor. As some of you may know, our state (Idaho) is operating under Crisis Care measures due the the COVID-19 pandemic. We do not know what the cause of the delay in his admission was, but we do know that staffing everywhere is scarce/low. The amazing staff and providers at Kameron's oncology clinic were incredible. They started him on IV fluids (as step one of chemotherapy is adequate hydration to protect the kidneys) in clinic so he wouldn't ultimately have to stay in the hospital longer and his chemotherapy could begin on schedule. And they brought him a free Lego to work on to pass the time. Kameron was thrilled! This was made possible by a non-profit organization called Brody's Bricks. Our wait to be admitted to the hospital was much shorter than expected and we were quickly transported over to the hospital within the hour. 

As we awaited Kam to meet chemotherapy parameters, we decided to have a Lego build off. He building his new Lego, and me one I had brought that Kam had given to me as an unexpected gift. Four hours later, I (mom) was the victor by a mere 15 minutes! He'd swear to you the reason for his loss was that he stopped to be a gentleman and help me find a missing Lego piece. Always the kind hearted young man. 💕 

So long as Kameron stays nice and boring, he should be discharged from the hospital on Sunday. Then he gets a two week break from treatment, barring any unexpected complications. His nose bleeds have stopped. He has put back on some weight last week and used the break to eat well. And Kam has been so incredibly generous to all of us. As Kameron told me last week, "Mom, when you go through a really hard time that's when you realize who is really there for you. Who really loves you." Oh, sweet man cub, ain't that the truth!