As the doctor predicted, this week has been a little rough on Connor's body. This was the first week that his Hemoglobin counts were down, causing him to be sleepy and get tired very quickly. He's been extra unsteady and needs assistance getting around this house. His ANC (White blood cells) were fairly low in the 600 range, so we were advised to steer clear of crowded places (Malls, movies theaters, etc.) and places like Chuck E. Cheese (One of Connor's favorite germ laden places).
Connor's been conserving his energy, he really hasn't been in the mood to do much of anything. He's been having some general aches and pains: Tummy, back, and Cramps in his calves and thighs.
Even though he's been achy, he was anxious to start a project with his dad. 
Connor decided he wanted to build our dog "Sparky" a wooden dog bed. He was inspired by the book he received at his classroom book exchange. It's a story about a little boy who raises a puppy. Connor decided that he wanted Sparky to have a bed like the dog in the book (With a few modifications: A "White Castle Bed", with flaming dragons.).
Connor decided he wanted to build our dog "Sparky" a wooden dog bed. He was inspired by the book he received at his classroom book exchange. It's a story about a little boy who raises a puppy. Connor decided that he wanted Sparky to have a bed like the dog in the book (With a few modifications: A "White Castle Bed", with flaming dragons.). He helped Daddy assemble and paint it, and now it's just waiting for some finishing touches. He also wants sparky to have his own "Puppy" to take care of (I don't 
think anyone consulted Sparky about that).
think anyone consulted Sparky about that). We're having a consultation with a local physical therapy center today, I'm really hoping it works out. The less we have to travel to Portland the better (and easier on Connor).
Monday was the last dose of Vincristine for this cycle, now his body will have 4 weeks off from drugs until he starts the next cycle.
I'm going to do a second post today that explains what his "Maintenance" phase of chemo looks like, It's very confusing, but I know a lot of people have asked about it.
We're trying really hard to get into a routine but it's proving to be challenging. We're doing a lot of juggling: Hospital Visits, Physical Therapy, Speech, Ophthalmology, squeezing in some downtime, School and the everyday stuff (Is it really Tax time?). Trying to prioritize can get a bit tricky, and many things are dependent on blood counts, and how the little dude is feeling.
On the eye front: Connor's eye seems to be improving, he's able to keep it open more during the day (Yay!).
The Vincristine is definitely challenging. We start to notice side effects about week after it's administered (some of the most prevalent: Muscle weakness effecting fine motor, and gross motor skills). While Connor was on his break from Vincristine we did start to notice some improvement towards the end of the break, but since starting a new "Cycle" we see some of the effects again. It's such a roller coaster.
Good news it really doesn't seem to phase Connor. He just rolls with it.
And so we will we. We will have to be a little more patient, a little more flexible, roll with the punches, and just go with the flow (It's so worth it).
Something I've been taking for granted: The view out my window, when the sun rises over Mt. Adams, it's just amazing.
