4 months since diagnosis!

Carter cruising his room

Carter using his peaches as a phone

Wow! For most people the past four months have probably flown by, but for our family it has been the longest four months of our lives. Honestly, Matt and I feel like we've been living in a time warp! Our lives have turned upside down, and our view of the world has changed forever. I no longer get a lump in my throat when I see a child with cancer. I look them straight in the eyes and smile because I KNOW they are the bravest people there are. And I look at their parents with the utmost respect because I know their journey and the battle they are enduring as well. One view has not changed through this process, we still believe children should not have cancer! But these children are incredible and could teach the rest of us so much about courage, tenacity, love, and strength. Hopefully, our battle with cancer has come to an end and we will get Carter through these last two rounds of chemo with flying colors. But one thing Matt and I hope we always hold close is the feeling that every moment is precious and as long as we have our family and friends, we know we can conquer anything.

Speaking of conquering something, Carter (and Mom) had a hard time sleeping last night. It took him a long time to settle in. Then, the nurse and the aide were in and out all night long (seemed like more often than usual). Right when I'd get Carter back to sleep, they would come in and he'd wake up and the process started all over. This went on constantly from 1-4:30am. Finally, I sent the aide away at 5am and told him to not come back for Carter's vitals again until 7am. Some night nurses and aides are very sensitive to the fact that people are sleeping in the room, and some seem to not even realize. Plus, Carter's anti-rejection drug was increased a bit which has given him difficulty falling asleep in the past. We're hopeful tonight will be different. Dad is home with Bennett and Mom is doing the second night in a row at the hospital. Wish us luck.

Carter had a great day though. Liver levels seem to be about the same, and his energy level is better every day. Matt and I got him out of bed and walking around the room a bit (still with assistance). All the doctors on the transplant team came by today and think he looks great. Many of the doctors mentioned the D word today (DISCHARGE)! It sounds like it may be a possibility by the end of the week. We had told ourselves it would be three weeks, and we'll just be pleasantly surprised if it is sooner. Obviously, it's a day to day process and they want to feel comfortable about us going home when we do go. We know from past hospital experience, Carter will eat more and recover faster at home so we are anxious too. Plus, it would be nice for the four of us to spend a little time together before we become a Party of Five!