Gotta get through it...

"The best way out is always through." - Robert Frost

Most of you are celebrating a New Year while our family is preparing for a new phase of treatment. A phase that kicked off January 4, referred to as Delayed Intensification. The name of this phase alone freaks me out and has even been described as just as hard as the first month/phase. I simply cannot believe that to be true, but I understand that it will be difficult for Levi. So far, Levi's little body has been hit with the following:

• dexamethasone (DEX) (this is the steriod)
• vincristine 
• doxorubicin 
• PEG-asparaginase 
• intrathecal methotrexate 

These are intense medicines that essentially wipe out everything in it's path - chemo cannot tell which cells are cancer and which are good so it's a clean sweep. The goal is to kill any leukemia cells that may be hiding out in Levi's body. Levi's immunity will be more compromised than ever, so we have to take more precautions in this phase...without living in a bubble. I have yet to figure out how we'll balance this all out...but we will with the support of our doctors/nurses and family.

Week One went well. Levi handled the chemo like a Superhero but it's starting to take a toll here in Week Two. He's tired and the effects of the steroid have kicked in so his appetite and desire for processed foods has definitely increased. We're off the steroid for a week and then back on again...we've been told the steroid effects shouldn't get as bad as the first month. Levi's also experiencing tired legs - he wants to be carried more. We have about 6 more weeks and I don't even know what February will hold..........deep breath.....one day at a time. I just hope he is well enough to celebrate his 4th birthday on February 21. 

Please continue to send prayers for sweet Levi....we really appreciate it.

Levi --- Never doubt your strength. You have proven it time and time again --- you really have a drive inside of you, one that will not allow you to give up. Take that with you through life! Mommy & Daddy are so proud of you. We love you so BIG!

Being poked through his port is never easy, no matter how many times he has to go through it

Another day at clinic...waiting on more chemo

Amazing nurses and Child Life Specialist (Helen!) who keep Levi happy with painting or toys

These silly glasses are also from one of the nurses - anything to help pass the time when you're 3!

Coloring beside Mommy with my Moms in Training headband on

Ellie is our baby girl - Levi loves making her smile and calling her Sweetie :) I owe an Ellie update soon too!