The heat of battle

Today was Jack's second day of four chemo treatments in a row, for the second week in a row. His little body is doing an amazing job at handling all the hard core medicines it is being bombarded with. "Take that, cancer! And that! And THAT! AND THAT!"

Yesterday, though, was particularly rough, as he was at the Valerie Center nearly all day for treatment. His ANC was below 750, so in addition to chemo treatment, he had to receive a blood transfusion to give his immune system a boost. Unlike the Interim Maintenance phase, where a low ANC resulted in a delay in chemotherapy, in Delayed Intensification, there are no breaks in treatment. The doctors explained it to Anneli in familiar military terms: "When you are in the heat of battle, you can't retreat and risk losing the war." As you can see, they don't pull punches when explaining things, either.

"A tired Jack waiting for his blood transfusion"

Today Jack returned to the Valerie Center for chemo through his port, again. In addition, Anneli and Damond give him chemo at home every night with a crushed tablet in water through a syringe. He handled the morning like the pro he has become these last six months and ten days, and mustered enough energy to enjoy a nearby playground this afternoon.

"He-ey! I see you!"

Watching him smile while he was swinging, I could hardly believe all he had endured in the last 36 hours, or the last 191 days.

And he still has 48 more hours to go before getting a well-deserved break in treatment. Yes, it is back to the Valerie Center in the morning.

I know that if you're reading this, I don't have to say it, but I will anyway: please continue to keep Jack-Jack and his family close in your thoughts and in your hearts. General William Tecumseh Sherman was right when he said that "war is hell." And Winston Churchill reminded us that "if you are going through hell, keep going." Jack keeps going, and so do Anneli, Damond, and Emma. They have no choice but to wage this war as hard as they can for as long as it takes to keep Jack cancer-free. It brings them such comfort to know they aren't in this war alone. Because you are not just part of Team Jack-Jack, you are part of Jack's Army, and positive energy, caring thoughts, uplifting prayers, a cup of coffee, a shoulder to lean on, a home-cooked meal, and such are how we support this little soldier and the Bailey Brigade in Jack-Jack's war with cancer.

Cancer, Chemo, and Cupcakes - An Update from Anneli

Our little boy has turned two!

We started the day by going to the Valerie Center where Jack was going in for his third consecutive day of chemo.
It was a special day and the Bailey Bunch and Anna were all greeted by the wonderful and amazing staff at the Valerie Center.

After Jack's vitals were checked and the chemo had been ordered, Jack's friend Jesus came with a big birthday gift. Jesus carried this big package and said "This is for you, Jack!"


Then Child Life specialists Bethany and Melissa made a special appearance from the floor upstairs. They had their guitar with them and started signing to Jack, who was not quite showing signs of enjoyment.
What changed Jack's demeanor was when he opened up two gifts that he got from the Valerie Center and he realized that one of them contained a drum. Jack hoped down from my lap and started to drum and drum with a big smile on his face.


The cupcakes were a hit as well and Emma also got a small gift for being a great big sister. Emma's highlight however was getting to help flush the port in Jack's chest. Jack's nurse Kristine asked Emma if she wanted to help her, and Emma was quick to say "yes".

So even if this was not quite how Damond and I would ever have envisioned Jack's second birthday, I must admit that seeing him play the drum and enjoying his cupcake - I honestly don't think he would have wanted it any other way!!!

Jack - you are our hero and we love you more than you can ever imagine.