Chemo Effects

Alex's energy level is reducing, as the Chemo does its work. Yesterday, Alex went to school, and had a great time - but it wore him out.

Alex had a bit of a cold over the weekend, and has the lingering "clear" runny nose, and a bit of a cough. When I took him to school yesterday, I had a talk with his teacher about his illness, and what parents should do to help keep him safe. I really love the community at his preschool, and everyone is concerned for him, and they don't want to possibly do something that could put him back in the hospital.

I explained to his teacher that he can't live in a bubble for two years, and I can't expect the other children to live in one too. What we came up with is just a strict adherence to the sick policy (no fever, no green runny nose - clear runny nose, and little cough OK) It's mostly common sense, and the people in Alex's school are a great group, who really care. If one of Alex's classmates siblings are sick, but the classmate isn't sick, that is no reason to keep the classmate home.

I don't know where Alex caught the cold from that landed him back in the hospital last month. It could have been from school, but it could have easily come from someplace or someone else too.

It comes down to trust - and when we are talking about the life of our child, it makes trusting other people to make the right choice hard. It isn't personal - it's just Mama and Papa bear protecting their child.

We *really* appreciate how concerned everyone is about Alex - it's a delicate balance between protecting his health, and making sure he is still having as "normal" of a childhood as he can - that means school, birthday parties, etc.

If any of you are concerned about how to respond with Alex and an illness, please let me know. We know that illnesses happen, and that our all our friends and family are doing the best they can to protect Alex. Please know that the burden is on Eric and my shoulders - please don't worry - just do your best, that's all we can ask of you.