Day 10/Day 3 (Consolidation)

Zane started Consolidation on Tuesday.  Zane had the early appointment on Tuesday since he was having the chemo that requires the hydration requirement.  We got their at 7 and he got his labs, office visit with his team, started getting hydrated before going to the OR for his lumbar puncture, and about an hour after we got back to the clinic he met his hydration requirements.  He got his chemo, hydration for two hours afterwards and they he also got some blood since his hemoglobin was low.

Zac got to sleep in since he wasn't scheduled to arrive at the hospital until 11:15.  However, as I was getting ready to take Zane to the OR the nurse told me an earlier spot in the OR opened up and if Bob could get him to the hospital quickly they could squeeze him in.  By the time Zane went back Bob was at the hospital with Zac.  I was able to join him for labs, office visit, and then headed to the OR with him.  As Bob was checking in Zac for his lumbar procedure I was being paged to recovery for Zane.  Zac's hemoglobin was also low, so after he procedure he got some blood and then he received his chemo treatment.

The boys also ended up entertaining the nurses and doctors in the clinic.  Zac acted out scenes from Frozen and Zane was a little comedian.  The doctors and nurses loved seeing their personalities come out.  It was a long day and the boys did great.  We didn't leave the hospital until after 6pm.

Zane checking out his TMNT egg while waiting for lab results.  

Eating his carnitas from Chipotle and cookies after is procedure.   He hung out in the wheelchair the whole time we were in clinic.  He was ready to make his getaway. 

Zac adding stickers to his iGuy.

The finished product.

Zane with his Easter basket.

Today was a great day.  Zane has been pretty weak from the treatments and hasn't been able to walk.  His legs got so weak that he would crumble to the floor.  This morning I took him downstairs and after eating his breakfast he said he want to walk.  He was able to take a few steps without falling.  Then with my aide he was able to walk to the kitchen where he wanted to make muffins.  Baking is a passion of his and the last time he had any energy to bake was on March 1st.  We made some blueberry muffins and then he wanted to go into the office and play with his trains.  He hasn't played with his trains in weeks.  Zac spent the majority of the day playing with Zoe in a box.  They played the big bad wolf with grandpa and had a picnic in the box.  Then tonight at bath time the boys actually played instead of hurrying out of the tub.  They have not been liking bath time since they got their ports and it was so nice to see them playing like they used to.

Zane adding the whisk attachment to the mixer.

Folding in the blueberries.

Zac in the box.

The boys in the tub playing.

Our Weekend (in Pictures)

The boys at the neighborhood Easter egg hunt.  They were running low on energy so I ended up collecting a few eggs for them.

"Mommy, my friends took all of my eggs!"

Zac checking out his eggs.

Zane and his eggs.

Zoe before church.  It was our first time back since February 10th.  

Zoe having a slumber party with Zac.

Zane had a rough day yesterday and spent most of the day sleeping.

Zane this morning at the clinic.  We took him in just to make sure he didn't need any blood.  His numbers look good and we got the call that his MRD came back negative!!  (He's in remission.)

Day 2 Consolidation/Day 29 Induction

Yesterday was Zac's first day of consolidation.  It was a long day, to say the least.  We arrived at 7 am for labs, they had to make sure he met the lab requirements for consolidation.  He met them with flying colors.  The chemo he was supposed to get yesterday has certain hydration requirements so they started him on fluids since he was was NPO as of midnight for his lumbar procedure.  They were hoping he would meet requirements before his procedure but he didn't.  At noon he had his lumbar procedure and then it was back to the clinic.  They gave him more fluids and he still wasn't meeting his requirements. The chemo he was supposed to get also requires two hours of hydration afterwards. So a little before 5 pm we decided we would come back in the morning.

Today Zane had his last day of induction.  We got to the hospital around 7:30 for labs.  His numbers looked good for his lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy so he didn't need any blood or platelets.  So after he had his check up we went to hang out with Zac and Bob in the infusion area while Zac got more fluids.  Zane had to report to the OR at 10:00 and while we were there Zac finally met his hydration requirements.  Zane's procedure went well and I made sure to bring his fish crackers, cookies, and lifesaver gummies back into the recovery room.  When he woke up the first thing he asked for was food.  He ate his fish crackers and cookies while we waited to be discharged.  Zac had another hour of hydration left so Zane and I went to Chipotle while Bob hung out with Zac.

Once we got home we had a home nurse come over to show us how to give shots to Zac.  Part of his consolidation chemo regiment involves shots at home.  I can not stand needles so Bob will be giving Zac his shots.  The next three days should be interesting.

Zac waiting for his lab results yesterday.

Zac after his procedure.  He was really tired from his early morning wake up call.

Zane today waiting for his labs.

Zac was in a great mood this morning, full of smiles.

Zane before he woke up from his procedure.

Still sleepy but eating his fish crackers.

Zoe all dressed for a walk with Papa.

Bob sent me this picture of Zac and his sweet smile.

Papa and Zoe playing with the resurrection eggs.

Our Weekend (in pictures)

Zane is almost at the end of his Induction treatment and is feeling pretty weak.  Zac was the same way so we are hopeful Zane's energy level will return in a week or so.  

Why play with the new toys when you can play in the box.

Zane did get to break out of the house for a quick run to Target to buy some bacon.

Zac has been in such a good mood the past couple of days.  Its nice to see him acting more and more like himself.

Zoe and her Papa

Watching TV while waiting on her Papa.  

Papa taught her how to play with her cheese.  This is her new tongue.

Zac, my happy little boy.

Day 24

Zane's appetite is starting to pick up.  This morning he had bacon, pizza, gummies and fish crackers for breakfast.  He wanted Chipotle for breakfast and got a little upset when he found out it didn't open for three more hours.  We did get some Chipotle for a afternoon snack.  He has been requesting high calorie foods and I am more than happy to get it for him.
It feels like we have established our new routine and we are adjusting to our new normal.  We are still taking things one day at a time.  I'm amazed by these little guys and how well they are handling everything.  Zoe has been a trooper and wants to help take care of the boys.  We are still overwhelmed by the love and support given to us.  We are forever grateful for every prayer, text, phone call, letter, package, meal, and on the list goes on.  Once again thank you for loving our family.

Zac enjoying some rice from Chipotle.

Zane and his "beans."  (He calls carnitas beans.)

The view from our backyard yesterday morning.  

Zac made sure all of his penguins had their "eggs" to take care of.  

Zoe working on one of her art projects today.  

Day 23 (Zane/Induction)

Zane had chemo on Monday and Wednesday of this week.  Zane has been losing weight and we need him to gain some weight for the next phase of treatment.  I was talking with the doctor and nurse practitioner about him gaining weight as Zane was eating a bag of bacon.  A nutritionist came in to give ideas on how to add more calories to his diet.  Next Wednesday Zane will have his lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy.  Once again prayers for these results and his weight gain are greatly appreciated.
We got Zac's results yesterday and his MRD his negative (cancer is in remission).  He is responding great to treatment.  As long as they keep responding to treatment they will not need a bone marrow transplant.  Zac gets a break this week and doesn't have to go back in for treatment until Tuesday.

Having fun while getting his chemo on Monday.  

What do you mean we have to go back home.  He did not want to leave when it was time to go.

Zac making eggs for breakfast.

Zane after his bath.  He loves being wrapped up in the towels.

Zac after bath time making us laugh.

A little update

Yesterday was Zac's last day of Induction.  He will move onto Consolidation on March 22nd.  He gets next week off from the clinic.  Zane will be in the clinic twice next week (Monday and Wednesday) for two rounds of chemo.
Once again we are taking the weekend to relax.  Zoe and I are planning to go to church tonight.  She misses her teacher and her friends.

Ever since Zac has been home he has been asking to go to Target.  I asked the doctor on Wednesday when he would be able to go to Target.  She said his counts are looking good and as long as he wears a mask we can take him to Target.  Here he is with his penguin at the Starbucks inside of Target.  He was telling me he wanted to buy hot dogs with his gift certificate.  

Zoe playing with her baby.  She was getting ready to make it some food.

Zane is starting to experience the same aches that Zac did.  He likes to keep warm by wrapping himself in a towel.  The extra warmth provides some relief from the aches.

Zac in pre-op yesterday before his bone marrow biopsy.  He was watching Frozen and asking for hot dogs, french fries, and pizza.

After his procedure.  He's looking out the windows for my car.

Zac last night smiling away.  

Zac and Zoe this morning.  They were watching a show on the iPad and not happy about taking a picture so early in the morning.