Day 472 - It finally feels like autumn

     With the start of October it's starting to feel like fall outside.  I've been looking forward to the cooler weather and this morning I wasn't disappointed.  Evan was out on fall break this past week so Cristy tried to fit in plenty of activities to keep the kids busy and active.  We took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to play in the water for likely the last time this year.

Couldn't get the kids to look up for a pic with grandma.

     As is customary, I'll start with Evan's health updates.  While leaving the movie theater Tuesday afternoon Evan slipped and fell while "tight-rope" walking a speed bump.  He refused to bear weight when it first happened, so naturally Cristy was fearing the worst.  She called me for a second opinion and I headed home to take a look.  By the time I arrived he seemed to be feeling better and we asked him to walk some.  He was bearing weight so we felt comfortable that nothing was broken.

Having some fun at the zoo.

     On Wednesday he was still hesitant to walk, but we didn't notice any swelling or bruising at that time.  In addition to a gimpy leg, Evan also has been battling a nagging cough.  Luckily there have been no fevers, and as of this morning it appears to be nearing an end.

     While meeting with his pediatrician on Thursday she checked his lungs and gave him a good once over.  Overall she said he looked good.  His blood counts showed a 5.5 WBC and 2+ ANC.  These looked good from an immune system perspective, but I wonder if the oncology team will bump up his chemotherapy dosages at all.  Ideally they like him sitting around 1.0 ANC.  He could be elevated due to the cough/cold he's been fighting though.

Selfie time at Dave and Busters.

     While doing his weekly physical therapy the therapist noticed a pocket of fluid and swelling around his ankle due to the fall earlier in the week and recommended we meet with ortho just in case.  The doctor x-rayed Evan on Friday and said everything looked good.  In fact, his bone had healed even more since the last time it was imaged.  This was unexpected, but great to hear.  He still seems reluctant to walk too much on it.  I'm assuming it's sorer than he's letting on, but historically he doesn't like to share with us when he's hurting.  

Spending time at Menchies.

     On Sunday we went out with my parents, sister and niece to celebrate my mom's birthday.  Thank you for always helping us at a moment's notice mom!  The boys love their grandma and grandpa very much and generally come back home to us a few pounds heavier when they get to visit.  

     Throughout the week we've taken the boys to Dave and Busters, a birthday lunch with their grandma, the zoo, movies, Center for Puppetry Arts and even did some shopping yesterday to buy clothes for charity.  One of our favorite spots, Menchie's, was collecting clothes and books for an Elementary school affected by Hurricane Harvey outside of Houston.  Cristy took the boys to buy jackets and books for this great cause.  I'm so hopeful that as the boys get older they take civic responsibilities seriously and do their part to help the community.  We're very fortunate to be in a position this year to allow Evan to take advantage of so many fun and fulfilling opportunities.  

    This Friday Evan has his serious bout of chemotherapy, complete with a spinal tap, steroids, Vincristine and our typical immune system stimulants.  Following that appointment we'll be hitting the road to spend the weekend at Camp Sunshine.  Looking forward to spending some time with the family away from TVs and our phones.  Thank you again to everyone that helped us raise money for CURE!  Evan is writing personal thank you notes for those who donated and they should be in the mail soon.  

Final time on the splash pads this year.

Newly created puppets at CfPA.