The Vetter's: Weeks 13 & 14 (of 156ish)

We are really pleased with how well Levi is responding to his treatment in this phase. In weeks 13 & 14, he continued to feel good and handle his treatments well. His counts remain the same and to be honest, I haven't even grabbed his paperwork to document his counts -- they are basically the same as the previous weeks. Great news for Levi because he can continue to go and do (within means)!

It doesn't mean we're pooping rainbows over here...

Yes - Levi is doing great!

Yes - Levi has a really good diagnosis!

Yes - We have an extremely amazing support system!

Yes - Everything is going very well!

But keep in mind - none of this is easy. Levi is receiving chemotherapy - essentially toxins. His little body is fighting - EVERY. DAY. Levi was sedated this past Monday for another LP (spinal chemo). Levi is out of school - unable to be around his buddies. I just want to put that out there because yes, Levi's doing great right now...but he's still fighting for his life. He's just three years old. He's still losing his hair. He's still falling down, tripping because of the Vincristine (chemo). We are just choosing to focus on the positive (most of the time). But there's a reality that we are very aware of....and it's hard to forgot when you walk into pediatric oncology clinic and see MANY sick, little kids. Just this past Monday - as we were walking out, there sat a Mom holding her sick bald child...I cannot explain how my heart ached for her. There has to be more we can all do...

Enjoying the good days because tough days are ahead of us...

The next phase of treatment begins at the end of this month and is referred to as Delayed Intensification. It's a 2 month phase that's well...intensified treatment. So much so that we expect to see Levi's counts drop extremely low...to the point where no one with a cold can be near him. We expect to "hunker down" and just power through it and pray that he remains positive and well. When your counts are low, you are more susceptible to getting sick and if Levi gets a fever - he's headed to the hospital. And if he is admitted to the hospital when his counts are low - we may be there for days. I asked the doctor to define "days" and he said sometimes up to 10 days. Of course, it could mean 3 days too.

To be completely honest, this next phase terrifies me out. I am extremely anxious about it. There will be delays in Levi's treatment. This is expected -- it's part of the protocol. It's called Delayed Intensification for a reason they say...but with flu season, a one year old, winter months --- it's going to be difficult. That said - we will get through it. Levi will get through it...as his parents, it's OUR responsibility to make that happen.

#RunforLevi

Please don't stop hash tagging! #RunfoLevi is our way to SHOW Levi he has a lot of people supporting him and cheering him on! And in the meantime, we hope it inspires YOU to appreciate your OWN health! Every day is a blessing....I can only imagine how many sick kids would LOVE to get out and RUN, WALK, YOGA, etc. Share! Inspire! Levi LOVES it! He runs around our home with Ellie's baby stroller "running for Levi" - hahaha! It makes him happy and that makes me happy! Please join in - SPREAD THE WORD! SPREAD POSITIVE ENERGY!

And thank you. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for following Levi's story. Thank you for being there for us. Thank you....times a gazillion.