Hi all, again I am sending you Tracey's message from the Childrens' Hospital Care pages.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP HIM IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, AND TOGETHER WE WILL "MAKE HIM BETTER"

Love, Charlotte

May 01, 2008 at 09:15 PM EDT
LET THE HEALING BEGIN! PRAISE GOD WE ARE FINALLY HERE.

Tristan and I were out of the house by 8 am this morning. We dropped Ruby off at doggy daycare and then on the road to a new life.

Today was not any easier then last week, but maybe harder because it's for real this time. Tristan's counts improved and the doctor said we can start the pre-regimen. Once we were settled into his room it was time to go to the procedure room for a triple dose of chemo in his head. Tristan did really well after the procedure besides a little dry heaving. After about an hour I was able to talk him into getting a pizza. I ran down to Little Caesars for his favorite pepperoni pizza, he ate 5 pieces.

Tristan received the Rituxin today and did really well, so well he wanted to do laps around the halls. This was hard because the nurse wanted to do vitals every 15 minutes we managed to get 1 lap in. Back in the room he had me hang his basketball net and he made shots for about an hour. The occupational therapist visited today along with the rehab doctor. I was very pleased to see his doctor was proactive in ordering the therapists. The rehab doc was happy to see Tristan up playing basketball. Tristan told the ot and the pt that he would like to build up his biceps so they are bigger.

Tomorrow and Saturday Tristan will receive the ARC and VP16 chemo. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wed he will receive other chemo's. Thursday will be a day to rest and Friday the 9th will be the transplant. Because the cord blood is a different type of blood the doctors would prefer to infuse the cord blood in the PICU. Tristan will receive one on one care there and should be back in his room Saturday.

What a strong and brave young man Tristan has become without a choice. Today he said with a big smile on his face, "What a great life I have, thank you God." I was not expecting him to say that and was so happy to hear those words from him. The simplest things now make him happy. Like a private room, the volunteer that stops by to greet Tristan, the kindness a nurse may share, or the person who brings their dogs to visit the children. Tristan can now recognize and appreciate the small things in life. There are so many lessons for us all to seek I pray we find them.

Please remember all the children that need our support and prayers. We have met some true heroes while in the hospital. I continue to pray for strength and comfort as we head into the healing process. We are at the mercy of our Lord and need to believe and have faith.

Sweet Dreams and God Bless,

Tracey