Time Marches On…

It’s hard to believe it has been just a little over five months since Gage was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ***A.L.L.*** in those first few weeks of his diagnoses, this phase of treatment seemed so far away, like we’d never get here. Though this has been the longest, hardest journey our family has ever been through so far; we have made it here still in tact.

Gage is doing so well, I’m almost afraid to write anything in fear I’m going to jinx it all. I took Gagers to his chemo appointment today, he had to have a lumbar puncture with intrathecal Methotrexate. Always a party when Gage goes anywhere, especially the clinic. No matter how many times he goes through one of these procedures, I will never get used to having to hold him down with all of my strength and still needing two other nurses to help me to keep him still. Did I mention that while he gets his lumbar puncture, he gets versed and fentanyl a fun cocktail, that makes Gage loopy and lovey to anybody with kiss blowing distance.

I guess there really was one issue with the appointment today, and that was Gage has a hickman line in his chest ***good times*** and last week he pulled off the dressing and started to tug it out, so I was left to re-dress the site myself; which if frowned upon by the docs, as Gage can pull it out at any moment. So, as I was hurriedly cleaning the site, when I do this I need to let his chest “air dry” for at least sixty seconds, and that’s with four hands not just my two. I must have rushed, because when we took off the dressings today Gage had five tiny blisters around his hickman line. The doctor took more lab samples to verify that it’s not something horrific***which I won’t even go into*** or just blistering from the chloraprep not being able to dry all the way, before I re-dresses the area.***Please let that be the case*** We go back on Thursday, to recheck the site.

Gage before his lumbar puncture and chemo, all kissy face.

Gage after his lumbar puncture and chemo. Poor kid was out of it for the rest of the day, he took a four hour nap and then went to bed an hour before his usual time. I hope he’s feeling better tomorrow.