Tough Question

We are now five days into Round 25.  Trent had some pretty severe pain on days 1-4 but today he is much better.  If we only had to deal with the chemo it would be much different.  The Neupogen shot is by far the most painful thing right now.  We are trying to make sure that he gets a couple of oxycodone about 15-20 minutes before he gets his shot, then stay on top of the pain after that.  

On Friday Trent had a horrible reaction when I gave him the Neupogen shot.  He just exploded in screams, sobbing because of the pain.  Mallory and Jonathan were watching the whole thing and I think it really worried them.  Jonathan came running and grabbed Trent's arm and told him he would be alright.  Mallory tried hard not to let us see she was crying.  The next night when it was time for the shot she made sure she was right there, holding Trent's hand.  She shyly admitted she was afraid he would be in pain again and wanted to comfort him.  When I left the room she asked Trent why God gave him cancer.  That is a tough question to answer for a seven year old.  Trent told her God didn't give him cancer but was helping him to be strong enough to handle it.  I can't imagine all the things that go through her little mind, trying to comprehend everything she sees and hears.  Poor little girl! 

All things considered, this chemo regiment is sooooo much better than what we have dealt with before.  It is not easy by any means, but still, a major improvement.  Trent can still participate in most anything he wants to, with a little planning and some good timing.  These are just a few of the things Trent has been up to lately...

1. Learning relief carving with his early, and self purchased, birthday present--a Dremel.  

 2. Turning 39!  We had a fun dinner for Trent.  I made him the biggest steak I have ever seen and some yummy carrot cake.  We sang like crazy and had lots of fun blowing out all those candles.

3. Chemo! While we were at the Huntsman on Wednesday, a volunteer played some beautiful violin music for us.  It was nice but it made it really hard to hear while I was answering the phone for work.  :(

 4. Shocking the heck out of the doctors and nurses when he comes back time after time, looking better than ever.  His labs were nearly perfect this week!

 5. Catching the premier showing of Hunger Games.  Zach even won a prize in the raffle.

5. Making his delicious RIBS!  Trent is quite the chef when it comes to grilling meat. We all really appreciate it too!

Hopefully we are past the worst of Round 25.  Once again, it seems he is getting one more good day in the cycle!  We have only two more rounds of chemo therapy before the next scan.  The docs are already talking surgery and possibly flying Dr. Friedberg from Pennsylvania to do the surgery.  The results of the next scan will determine the next step.  We are praying like crazy that this good trend continues!