Day Four: Turning A Corner

Finally, we have some good news to report.

Kean had an awesome day... compared to what we've experienced the past week and a half.

He seems to have turned a corner in the pain department-- he's still hurting but not at the

excruciating level.  And we even saw glimpses of our happy boy.

His nurse helped me give him a sponge bath, wash his hair and comb out the clumps of matted hair.

I was tempted to just cut out the clumps since he'll be losing it in a few weeks-- but the knots came out easier than I thought-- so phew, he still has his Sampson locks for a while longer (I like to think it gives him strength).

 The bath was exhausting so after a power nap, he woke up and was actually smiling a bit

and even willing to play with some toys. 

 The other good news is he actually ate some food today.  Here's the interesting part;  the nurses had warned me

once the steroids kick in he would be hungry and most likely crave salty, crunchy food.  They must know their stuff, because sure enough, he wouldn't have anything to do with his favorites (yogurt and blueberries) but he macked on

the Sun chips and some french fries I ordered. 

I'm noticing that his neck is looking thicker and he's swelling up-- partly from the steroids and probably partly from all the IV's they are pumping into him.  He is peeing like a racehorse.  I swear I've changed more diapers in the past few days than I typically change in a month.  But we are still waiting for him to poop.  Sorry to be so crass.  But this is a big deal in

here.  We have him on Miralax, Benefiber and prune juice when I can trick him into taking a sip.  All the heavy drugs he's been on-- Morphine and Codeine cause the already chronically constipated boy to be even more stopped up.  And now the chemo he's taking is notorious for clogging the ol' pipes. 

One other big change, he was ornery tonight... oh boy was he.  The doc had warned me one of the biggest side

effects of the steroids is that his evil twin brother will appear for the next 28 days and let's just say we were introduced this evening.  But I will gladly take Mr. Road Rage over watching him in horrific pain.

A few other notes, we got the results back on his Spinal Tap and are you ready for some really great news?  The Leukemia has not reached his brain.  That is huge in my book and I feel a direct answer to prayers.  So thank you again for all of the prayers uttered on our behalf!

Also, one of our favorite friends, Ken Firmage (who used to be the Bishop of our church congregation) came up to Kean's room this evening with his wife.  We had so much fun laughing and talking with them for several hours.  He ended the evening by giving both Byron and I blessings of comfort.  I can't tell you what a special experience that was for both of us and I feel like I can now move forward with faith and handle what is to come.

Kean is a fighter and we are in good hands.  So let's go get this over with!