Weekly visit to PCMC

Monday morning started out ROUGH!! Around 4:30 am, Reiss woke up very upset; crying and uncomfortable. His tummy hurt and he was just inconsolable. Amber decided she would head up to Primary's a little early since he wouldn't stop crying. She just didn't know what was going on, but knew he wasn't feeling well.  They left Price around 7:00 am and he cried  most of the way (which is nearly 2 hours). :( Once they got to the hospital, he settled down... go figure.  They were able to get him into the clinic right away, which was a blessing because that way she didn't have to take him to the ER. They put him in a little room where he was able to stay for most of the day while he received his chemo, which was another blessing.  She had many visitors throughout the day and was so grateful for the company.  Usually, in the chemo room, there is only room for 2 adults, but with this little private room they were able to have a few more visitors.  Aunt Sandy, and Auntie Rae came bearing yummy food from Bella's (our cousins family restaurant) and a gallon of Reiss's favorite salsa! Bella's sure has taken good care of them. Then, Uncle Landan showed up for a little while, as well as, Auntie Micah!  Plus, Granny was there the whole time as well. Amber was so grateful for the company and conversation and said it really helped pass the time quickly.  She is so grateful for all the love and support they have been given. So many blessing to be grateful for!

This picture is SO sweet. When I look at this picture I see a huge boy, but at the same time I see a tiny little two year old wrapped up in his blankie, sleeping in his mama's arms.   Amber is such a good mom! 

His counts looked good and the Drs. say he is right on track for what they expect at this point.  They were able to give him his chemo through his picc line so they didn't have to poke him again, another little blessing.  Once they administered his chemo and drew some blood from the picc line, they were able to remove it.  The worst part about it, was removing the bandage/tape.  Reiss didn't like that very much. Owie! So this week he is picc line free! No bandages, no port, nothing! He didn't eat anything ALL DAY on Monday! Which is a VERY long time for him! He just wasn't feeling good. Micah brought some specialty cupcakes for Amber and the kids, but Reiss didn't want anything to do with it..... until the next morning. Then he thoroughly enjoyed it. Amber caught this hilarious and classic picture!

Yummy! Cupcakes!

They determined his crying and stomach pain earlier that morning to be caused from constipation. Although he is going multiple times everyday, there is still a small blockage, that causes pain and cramping.  They upped his miralax (poop powder-as Amber calls it:)) and hopefully that will do the trick! Constipation is a side effect of the chemo and other meds he is on.  She said that Reiss is very ornery and doesn't know what he wants.  He doesn't want people to look at him or talk to him.  He just doesn't feel good, but is hanging in there.


Upcoming News:
Sunday is his last dose of steroid for a while. At that point he will have been on it for 28 days- 2 times a day.  This is the most intense part of treatment with the steroid. He will continue to get the steroids over the course of treatment, but it will never be for this long. I bet he will be a different boy once he is off of those.  The steroid helps the chemo work most efficiently, but also causes puffiness and hunger.

Monday (March 11):
A BIG day for Reiss and his family! He will get the port put in his chest. This will be so much better for him. He will also have another bone marrow biopsy which should come back clean- meaning NO LEUKEMIA!!! Also, he will have chemo inserted into his spinal fluid.  Even though his spinal fluid had no signs of leukemia they still treat it to make sure there isn't any hiding in there.  Hoping and praying for a good day and good results!



On a completely different and unrelated note, Amiah (age 7) FINALLY lost her first tooth! I had to throw in this picture because she looks SO cute and happy! Yay Miah!

Thanks for all the prayers, meals, phone calls, texts, and love. Amber and Kenny feel you and love you!