Mighty Max's Cancer Journey: Low Blood Counts

So, I am normally horrible about taking pictures and capturing the moments I want to remember. But since Max was diagnosed, I have been taking pictures of everything, even the moments we don't necessarily want to remember, but need to remember. For example, pictures of Max's port being accessed is heartbreaking, but we need to remember just how brave he was at this time in his life.

This week went okay. Sam has been better behaved since I've been trying to give him more individual attention. I got myself on some meds to help my stress (which was out of control!) And Max has been sleeping a lot due to his low blood counts, so that makes my life just a little easier. Max did great Monday getting chemo. The child life specialist, Rachelle, came in again to distract him while he was getting his port accessed and play with him while we talked to the doctor. He does so much better with her there, and he only cried for a few seconds once the needle went in. He's so brave. He had a great time playing with an airplane toy with Dr. Barnette. He had us all laughing at how cute he was being. He received both medicines this week, which worries me a bit because his blood counts came back low before he got his chemo, so I'm sure they're getting even lower throughout the week. The dactinomycin tends to lower his ANC level and lower his immune system. If his blood counts don't go up by next Monday, they will have to do a blood transfusion. So, we are mostly staying in this week and away from people. Our 4th of July will be spent hanging out inside until Nate and I take the boys to my parents while we enjoy a night out at the Stadium of Fire. Which I'm beyond excited for!!!

Max has received tons of packages and letters this week. He got a cute heart with a doggy sticker on it from another family whose child has cancer, as well as another letter with a dog picture on it from another family, a fun care package with a sand bucket and shovel and other little toys, a beanie bear and bracelet and bubbles, and a super hero packet with a mask and stickers. All from different families who have had a child with cancer. People are amazing me with how thoughtful and caring they are. I received a package from one of the families that sent Max and Sam a package and it had a beautiful bracelet with a child cancer ribbon charm that says "hope" on it. Such sweet things that have helped brighten our days. I can't thank these people enough and plan to show how grateful we are by paying it forward when we are through all this.

Thank you again to everyone who reads my blog posts and has been following along on this journey with us. And thank you to everyone who loves and supports us. We love you all!