December 13, 2013

Nathan received his 4th vaccination yesterday.  It was a long day because the clinic was running about 2 hours behind, but Nathan was a trooper as always.  The injections are very painful, but after they are over he runs up and down the hallways like nothing every happened.  He has learned how to say all the nurses and doctors names, so everyone got a kick out of hearing him say their names and Merry Christmas.  Although these days are never easy, the clinic is a very comfortable place for kids.  They make it as easy as possible for Nathan and that is all the matters.  He loves playing with the kitchen and all the new toys!

It has been 11 weeks since he started the vaccine and stopped chemotherapy.  He is doing extremely well.  Nathan is eating well, started drinking more by mouth, is getting stronger every day, and talks non stop.  All signs are pointing in the right direction at this point, but the next 6 weeks are the most critical.  The doctor told us that now is when we will start to see the immune system build up and things will go one way or the other.  Now is the time they start to see brain swelling from the vaccine and it is very difficult to know what is real tumor growth and what is a reaction.  We will monitor him closely over the next several weeks leading up to vaccine #5 and the scan on January 23rd.  

Unfortunately, Nathan doesn't feel great today.  He gets a fever and has some nausea following the vaccine.  We hope it only last a few days and he will be back to his crazy self soon!

We are so grateful to be enjoying this holiday season with Nathan.  He loves Santa and all the wonderful things that come with Christmas.  We take each day as it comes and are grateful for the healthy days.  Nathan continues to remind us how important each day is and to never take life for granted.