#GabeStrong: Day 23-29

Isolation continues.  Our days consist of appointments for blood work, chemo, and then hanging out in our hotel room.  We may come off of isolation on Monday, but we will find out when we see Dr. Karol.  There has not been a huge change since my last blog entry, but at this point in his treatment, Gabe is receiving chemo four to five days a week, which usually wipes him out.  He has been on steroids all this time, (he’s up to 38 lbs) and yesterday was his last dose!  We are eager to see if his sometimes “hulk” behavior will subside.

A sweet friend of the family, The Cookie Lady, baked us a beautiful plate of iced cookies to give to Gabe’s care team as a thank you for everything that have done for Gabe. He really is in the best of hands here, and we are truly grateful for them.  We could never repay them for what they have done for us.  The level of care, compassion, dedication, and determination is evident in everything they do.  I can’t even begin to explain to you how amazing this hospital is.  I will be a supporter for life.

We are nearing the end of the “Induction” period of treatment.  We have one week of chemo left, and then they will take him off of it to let all of his levels return.  Once those get to where they approve, we will be able to go home for the next portion of treatment! The next phase is, “consolidation” and we will be returning to Memphis once a week for labs, and then the next week, we will come for 3-4 days which will include 24 hours of chemo, and a spinal tap.  This phase will last for 8 weeks as well.

Jacob and I are ready to be back at home.  We are ready for our family to be back to together, and try to find some sense of normalcy, if that can be found at all.  I’m so thankful that so far, Gabe has not been sick during this phase and I’m praying that the next one will not be hard on him.  He has been such a trooper, and he amazes me everyday.  I’m anxious about being home, as well as being so far away from the hospital.  This will become a whole new world for us, and infection is my biggest worry.  Gabe has no immune system right now, and by the time we go home, it will come up some, but we will have to be very careful.  No large crowds, and of course, not around anyone who is sick.  However, I’m looking forward to when his counts are better (and warm weather) so we can take him to the zoo.

I spent a couple days at home this week, getting our house ready for when we get to come home, and to spend time with Daniel and Bella.  We enjoyed our time together, and it was over way too soon! Jacob’s mom came to stay with Jacob and Gabe while I was in KY, and when I got back, so told us to go and enjoy a dinner just the two of us.  We went over to the pyramid, and walked around the Bass Pro Shop, (that place is so huge!) and ate dinner at one of the restaurants (which has a bowling alley in it) and Jacob also challenged me to a shooting contest and of course he beat me. (I think he’s had a little bit more practice) and in my defense, I’ve never used an open sighted gun.  I told him that when we get home; I was going to practice and beat him.  😉

 

 

We enjoyed dinner, plotted my next book series, and talked about our 15 year Anniversary coming up next month.

Please continue to pray for us and for Gabe! We will update more after we meet with Dr. Karol on Monday.

#GabeStrong