So, it has been a little more than five weeks since Jack was diagnosed with leukemia - weeks that feel like a year. Having a child being diagnosed with cancer is so very hard and we have a long journey ahead of us.
We have had to learn so much this past month about an illness we knew almost nothing about, and it is not until now that we have finally realized that Jack has cancer.
We have also had to deal with a lot of emotional and informational stress. Some days we feel stronger than others and some days we just feel like we are not sure we can do this...but then we stop and think again and we know we can, and have to, because we have to think of Jack and Emma.
We feel that Jack is in very good hands at the Valerie Center and we are very pleased with his doctor (Dr. Rifkin) and the nurses. Jack has also discovered the ability to charm them. :-)
We are happy that Jack is responding well to his treatments, but as his mother, I am having a very hard time with the side effects of his medications and the chemotherapy, and that he is not able to always communicate what he feels. We are able to understand him, for the most part, and Emma is good at figuring out what he wants or needs.
We are fortunate to be a strong and warm family, and Damond and I know that we are the foundation for our children. We try to find positive things for Jack and Emma every day and we laugh a lot; from time to time, we even cry.
I remember when I told Emma that Jack was sick and that we were sad. Her response was, "I know Mamma, and I know that it is not a cold, but don't worry he will be ok."
We have also talked to Emma about the fact that Jack will at some point lose his hair and Emma's response this time was, "That's ok - he will just look like a sweet baby boy again."
Emma is so positive in this journey and is also Jack's best advocate - she makes sure that everyone washes their hands when they come to our house and before touching Jack.
We have also had to deal with tough questions from Emma: “Can I also get cancer?” “Will Jack die . . ."
Damond and I talk a lot and find so much strength in each other, and our children. (Please see some photos from last week) Also having the love and support from friends and family nearby and all over the world helps us all a lot.
We feel so fortunate to be part of the Maplewood-South Orange and Beth El community; the community has helped us, in many different ways, and it is wonderful to have the support from so many people during this challenging time. We would like to thank everyone far and near for everything you have done for us and continue to do - It means more than you will ever know.
Please continue to keep us all in your prayers as we enter the next treatment phase for Jack – Consolidation.
Love,
Anneli
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