Waiting Game

I ended my last post Friday night. Things didn’t really change much until Saturday afternoon. Then things got bad. Saturday morning Layne was able to talk to the Surgeon on call over the phone. He reassured Layne that the bleeding should stop and it would heal on it’s own. Even if we did the Small bowel walk through that day instead of on Tuesday and we were able to see where the bleeding was coming from, they still wouldn’t do anything because they want it to heal on its own. They don’t want to have to do surgery (and neither do we).  At about 3pm a few hours after talking to the surgeon Layne’s pain changed. It went from being a localized area about the size of a quarter to spreading all the way up into his stomach and across. The pain got so bad he could hardly breath or speak. In between waves of pain all he could do was cry. It was very scary for me. I was here by myself. They were able to give him come Percocet, which after 15 minutes it started to get better. In the mean time I called his mom who left from a wedding and got back over here. He wasn’t able to eat anything since breakfast so he had an empty stomach and it kicked in pretty quick. Because his symptoms changed so quickly, they called the Dr back. We were able to get him a CT scan. The Dr coordinated with the surgeon and the radiologist before he left for the night. They got him down right away to get the CT scan. When he came back he was experiencing the extreme pain again and they gave him another Percocet while we waited to get approval from the Dr on call to get IV pain medication. It least this time I had someone here with me but it’s not easy to watch him go through that.

It took 2 hours to get the results back from the CT scan. And guess what… they came back fine. No nothing! We know the cancer is not back, no appendicitis, no blockage, no nothing. It’s quite frustrating. The surgeon did not come in until this morning. Layne’s mom was here. He said they are going to do a sigmoidoscopy in the morning and leave the small bowel walk through for Tuesday. The sigmoidoscopy will give them a good view of his anastomosis (where his small intestine attaches to his rectum) and make sure the bleed is not coming from there. They do not think that’s the case though and they do not think the small bowel walk through will show anything either. They are still hoping this pain and bleeding will clear up on it’s own and he will be okay. I find it hard to believe as I sit here watching him. His tummy is so distended it looks like he is pregnant. He is in so much pain and now he can’t keep any food down, he throws it up shortly after eating a few bites and he doesn’t have the energy to walk. After trial and error today we know he can go 3 hours and then we have to give him more morphine or else the pain gets out of control. He told me though that he knows that he is not doing well today but he plans on doing better tomorrow. What a positive attitude (well on morphine) J We sure love him. We are praying for a major turn around or for something to be found over the next few days.

Having a good snooze

He likes to sit up sometimes even though it looks extremely uncomfortable

Feeling good for a few minutes, so we thought we would try food again. Threw it up 20 minutes later.

We are postponing our turkey dinner. We were supposed to have it today. Instead, Ciana is bringing the boys in and getting KFC and eating it at the park here in Lethbridge. Both Blake and Ty are sick with colds and Ty has an ear infection so we are planning on wheeling Layne out into the hall where there is a big window to the lobby and letting him watch the boys. I am hoping Layne perks up here in a bit or else that might not even happen either. A big thank you to Auntie Ciana for watching them and having sleepovers these past three days. Couldn’t have got through this with out you. Layne was able to come and see the boys in the lobby. He only lasted a few minutes watching them yell his name and saying they loved him. He got too nauseous and had to go back to his room but he said he loved seeing them and they loved seeing him too. Not being able to see them is one of the hardest things on him right now. He misses them!

Having some fun at the park, enjoying our thanksgiving KFC

The boys waiting in the lobby for their dad to be wheeled to the glass on the 3rd floor.

Come What May And Love It

Warning… this post does talk A LOT about poo! I will try to be as least descriptive as possible!

Well since my last post, only an hour after posting it Layne was back in the hospital. He had been in the hospital but discharged because he was experiencing diarrhea and not feeling right. But the next night he was back in the hospital because he was experiencing severe diarrhea and had no energy (he could not walk). They determined he was dehydrated and started an IV and took tests to make sure the diarrhea was not due to infection. Because it was the weekend it took them until Monday afternoon to get the results back. He was not allowed to take Imodium until we got the results back just in case it was due to infection. He was again discharged after being rehydrated. Sunday I was supposed to come home with the boys but decided it was in Layne’s best interest for us to stay another night, so he could gain back his energy and get all the rest he needed. Blake was very sad we couldn’t come home, because he would miss preschool. He has a count down every day until his next day of preschool. He knew he was supposed to go to school on Monday and was right ticked when he discovered we were staying at my mom and dad’s house an extra night! Haha he is too funny. I hope he always loves school.  Nothing eventful happened on Sunday but Monday morning on my way home from Edmonton I got a call from Jackie that Layne was back in the hospital with a heart rate of 175. He was very dehydrated again. While they were there they got the test results back from Saturday night and he was able to start Imodium because everything came back negative. We had an appointment with the oncologist that Thursday, which they determined the diarrhea was caused strictly from the chemo. I am so grateful we have such good family. I can’t imagine ever going through this with out tons of family. I definitely wouldn’t be as composed if I didn’t. I hope we can always lend a helping hand to those going through things especially if they don’t have family to lean on!

By Friday Layne had gained back his energy and feeling much better again. (Just in time to start his next round of chemo on the following Tuesday) Since meeting with the oncologist they decided to take the precautions that the severe diarrhea would happen again. This week when Layne got his pump off after chemo they took the precautionary measure to hydrate him at that appointment before the diarrhea would start. Because we know that the diarrhea was not caused by infection, as long as Layne doesn’t have a fever he can take Imodium at the first onset of diarrhea. They also made him an appointment to go to the hospital the day following chemo to be hydrated if it starts to become a problem. They left his port “open” after removing the bottle, so that he doesn’t have to be poked over the weekend if he had to be hydrated or blood drawn. It turned out to be a nice blessing.

Both Blake and Ty were able to come for Layne chemo this week. It was so nice to have them there. I did leave to go grocery shopping with them for a bit and get some lunch or else I am sure it would have turned into a gong show.

Layne's mom was able to come with him to get the pump taken off this week.

This round sure made him tired. He had a snooze while they ran IV fluids through him.

Of course nothing can be easy for Layne. An hour after he got home from getting his chemo bottle taken off he had diarrhea but this was a black stool that turned the toilet water bright red. He was bleeding rectally again. Of course we got into panic mode. We called the cancer center, who called us back and told us to go to emergency immediately. When we got there the place was a mad house. Thankfully Layne was borderline fever and very tired and they got him back right away so he could have somewhere to lie down. It did take a while to see the Dr but it least we were comfortable. The Dr had no idea what to do, so he took his blood work and then admitted him so we could see a surgeon in the morning, who would determine how to investigate.

Lots of blood being taken.

For the second round of blood tests that were ordered, they tried taking the blood from his port. It wasn't working at first so he got to dance around like a crazy person and bending over every which way. Thankfully they got it to work, or else that would have been a whole another complication with other test to be done.

They let Layne eat something before midnight but after that he was not allowed to eat anything just incase he had to go in for surgery

Today is now Friday. Jackie, bless her heart, came to the hospital bright and early to make sure she didn’t miss the visit from the Dr. They tend to come first thing in the morning and we often would miss them when layne was last in the hospital. They determined because his stool was black that it most likely was caused by ulcers in his stomach, The dexamethasone that Layne takes while he is on chemo is known to cause stomach ulcers. Right now I am sitting waiting for Layne to get back from his scope (gastroscopy). That will let us know if it was ulcers causing the bleeding.

Layne being wheeled away for the scope

Layne is back from the gastroscopy and unfortunately everything came back clear. No ulcers no bleeding. Dang it! I still haven’t seen the Dr. but the nurse said now they will be looking to do a small bowel follow through. I believe he has to drink something and then they take pictures of it. He has been experiencing abdominal pain in a localized area which was below his stomach. I was really hoping it was just ulcers but now we get to play the waiting game again. Layne is coming around from the general anesthetic. He is really disappointed it wasn’t ulcers. He is petrified his cancer has come back. They keep on reassuring us this should not be the case. It is very rare to spread that quickly.

Having a good nap after his scope

So it’s been a long day but we were finally able to speak to the Dr. He told us the same thing, that the stomach looked completely fine. He said we know it’s not the surgery site (where the small intestine connects to the rectum) because his stool is black (which means its farther up). His stool supposedly would have bright red blood clots if it was his surgery site. He also said that it is very rare to have a bleed from your small intestine. That being said, they are doing the small bowel walk through just to make sure there are no abnormalities. He said they are assuming he did have an ulcer that was bleeding but has healed in the meantime. Not what we want to hear. It would be nice for them to actually find what the problem is and not assume. I guess we will know in a couple of days if the bleeding doesn’t persist and his localized pain subsides. Because it’s a long weekend they can’t get him in to have the small bowel walk through until Tuesday. It’s quite frustrating. It’s hard to wait when you are so worried about something. Layne’s hemoglobin level’s dropped significantly since yesterday, which is something else they are worried about. They were 89 this morning. Some hospitals will do a blood transfusion if your level gets down to 100 but this hospital won’t do one until it gets under 80. His blood work he had done tonight went up to 91. Not a lot but it shows us his body is making red blood cells. He will be tested again in the morning.

So we are not sure how long he will be in the hospital but we are definitely glad he is there and being monitored. Hopefully all it is is ulcers and nothing more serious. They have put him on Pantoloc a drug that helps reduce acid secretions and he will have to stay on that through out his chemotherapy. It looks like they might postpone his next round depending on what happens over the next few days.

Able to eat again after seeing the Dr tonight.

He is in isolation while in the hospital so he doesn't catch anything. We get to gown up every time we go into the room.

I feel like this is kind of a negative post but we are going through some pretty darn negative things in our life right now. We wonder when it will end and if there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully I know there is. I have felt it. I know we will get through this and be better people because of it. I have a talk from one of the general authorities of our church that I read often, especially when I am going through something difficult. I will share with you some of my favourite lines from the talk. Here is the link to the full article.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/come-what-may-and-love-it?lang=eng

I recommend everyone read it. Everyone goes through difficult times in their lives and it has really helped me keep perspective and be positive about things. The talk is called “Come What May and Love It”, by Joseph B Wirthlin. He says…

“Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don’t sing and bells don’t ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.”

“Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others.”

“Adversity, if handled correctly, can be a blessing in our lives. We can learn to love it.”

Terry Fox Run/Round 2

Well another round down. It was not much different than the first. His symptoms didn't get any worse during the three days. He had the occasional zinging of his hands and sometimes when he ate. The steroid he is on during the three days really seems to make him very happy and have lots of energy. It's the days after that kind of drain him. This time for his treatment Blake was able to come to the hospital with us. My mom took Ty home to Edmonton with her for about 3 days and then Blake and I followed her after Layne was done his treatment. It was wonderful to bring him with us (There is no way I could bring both the boys, they get each other too riled up!). He did awesome for the 3.5 hours. The nurses and other people there receiving chemo loved him. He was spoiled rotten. He always tells people, they gave me juice, cookies and toys and even a lollipop! He was well behaved and read books, watched movies and played games and toys with Layne. It sure made the time pass by nice and quick. We really do have the best boys who love their dad.

Blake was so excited to go to the hospital! He had his back pack full to the brim to keep him entertained. 

He loved having his dad to read to him. The nurse let Blake pick out two toys, so he could take one to Ty when we got up to Edmonton.

The day Layne finished his second round he was also asked to speak at the Terry Fox Run at the school he did his second practicum (PSII) at. The teacher who advised him asked him if he was willing to come back. It was wonderful experience. He gave a 10 minute speech on his experience with cancer. There were lots of tears from Layne, our family and the teachers. The students seemed really intrigued and he even got a standing ovation. (I will attached lanes speech if anyone wants to read it) It was nice to see how he impacted the school even though he was only there for 4 months. Once he is done school, whoever hires him will definitely not be disappointed, he will be a great teacher! Blake and I, Layne's grandma, sister, nephew, mom and Rusty were able to come. Its great to always have such good family support, even though it was an hour drive for everyone. Blake and I left for Edmonton straight from the school and have been at my Mom and Dad's house for the rest of the week.

Speaking in front of 400 students.

I am glad we are here in Edmonton this weekend. Layne hasn't been feeling the best since his second round. Very tired and lots of diarreah (Yes I know I keep on talking about poo… it's a big deal in our house, especially when it comes to colon cancer). Don't be too grossed out! So it's been good that he hasn't had little boys running around and me being there to nag him :) He's just been able to relax and be pampered by his Mom. Hopefully this is short term and when we get home tomorrow night he will be feeling a bit better. He had to go to the hospital again last night. He was nervous he might be getting dehydrated. The Dr started him on IV fluids because they said he was slightly dehydrated and tested for infections just incase but it seems everything is okay. Let's hope it stays that way!

He's a natural now!

The cheese whiz was too cold for his hands… so he had to put on oven mitts haha

The other day I was teaching my Mom something to do with Siri on her phone and she said "Oh, that's the best!", Ty proceeded to say, "No, my dad is the best!". He sure is. I can't believe how positive he is going through all of this and is not giving up and trying to fill his time with positive things. He is the best man I know! He was able to go to his nephews Terry Fox Run as well while I was here in Edmonton. Brock is 10 and worked very hard to raise money for the run. He ended up raising the most out of his whole school with $388.00 and ran for Layne. It's little acts like this that make us feel appreciated and looked out for. We are so grateful for everyone's thoughtfulness. (See Layne's speech attached)

Brock and Layne at the Terry Fox Run. They won shirts for raising the most money.

Thank you FP Walshe for having me as your guest speaker for this great cause. It’s great to be back to see all of you. Terry Fox made a tremendous contribution to everyone who is affected by cancer.  He was born in Winnipeg Manitoba and at the age of 19 was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as osteosarcoma, a tumor which forms in long bones in the human body. This of course, didn’t stop Terry from embarking on a courageous quests, as he attempted run from coast to coast in order to raise money and awareness for cancer research. The cancer did eventually spread throughout his body, which ultimately costs him his life, however he was able to run over 5000km and over 600 million dollars has been raised in his name. Today Terry’s legacy continues as millions of people participate around the world in the Terry Fox Run. 

On July 17 of this year I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. For several years prior to my diagnosis I had been feeling discomfort in my abdomen, but had just dealt with it because many Dr.’s had told me that what I was experiencing was relatively common and not life threatening. In early July, I was in the University of Lethbridge Library working on an assignment and felt severe abdominal cramping. The pain had gotten so bad that I could no longer stand up. I was forced to crawl out of the Library to the bus stop.  I knew that my mother was coming to take me to the hospital for an appointment with the GI specialist in Lethbridge. After seeing the specialist and consulting with the chief of surgery, I finally was able to receive a CT scan. 

After the CT scan the DR. informed me that I had a tumor the size of a naval orange  in my transverse colon and I needed immediate surgery. The tumor was so large that it had completely blocked my bowel. At first the Dr. didn’t call it “cancer “because they were unsure if the tumor was an infection for Collitus or possibly a benign growth. The next day, at 7pm, I had 90% of my colon removed. Along with the colon removal, they found that the cancer had gotten into my lymphnodes. I honeslty, consider myself lucky because when Dr. Gomes had my CT scan he thought that the tumor had touched my Pancreas and spleen. Post surgery I was very happy to hear that the tumour was limited to my colon only. Dr. Gomes was very aggressive with the surgery and did a great job. During the surgery he was able to look throughout my abdominal cavity and other neighboring organs and didn’t find any other tumors.

 I spent the next 8 days in the hospital, which was very difficult. Along with pain, a hard part was thinking about my wife and kids. While I knew that the cancer hadn’t touched any other neighboring organs, I still needed a PET Scan that would inform me if the cancer had spread into any other parts of my body. Colon cancer is known to spread to the lungs and the brain. 

While I was lying in my hospital bed, I often wondered how much longer I would live. I wasn’t sad for me, but I was sad most of all for my children, who may be left without a father. During my hospital stay I received many visitors. Family and friends came often to give me support and lift my spirits. I often opened my phone to find numerous encouraging text messages from people I knew cared about me.  I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and coming do my practicum at FP Walshe was no different. I really enjoyed my time here and this past summer I was able to see a few former students and it was nice to catch up with a few of you. It made me happy to hear you guys were doing well. In addition, having the opportunity to work along with Stach was wonderful, she is a great teacher and I learned a lot from her. Not only was I able to gain valuable experience as a future educator, I also gained a good friend. She has been support to me. We’ve talked on the phone and exchanged text messages, each one was encouraged me to keep my spirits up as I’ve battled with cancer.

I was able to leave the hospital on July 24 after which, I recovered from surgery at home.  I received great care there and progressed from sitting up to slowly then being able to move from walking with a walker for short distances, and eventually being able to walk without any assistance. During my time in the hospital I lost 15 pounds, dropping me to my lowest weight since grade 12, 103 pounds. My family did a great job trying to fatten me up as I had a milk shake each night before bed. I will have to say that having yummy treats each night has been a definite perk!

 After recovering for 8 weeks, I started chemo therapy. The oncologist informed me that I was going to be doing 12 rounds of chemo therapy for 6 months. Each treatment was going to be 3 days every two weeks.  

The funds that have been raised from the Terry Fox Run has made my chemo therapy much better. Science has come along way in treating cancer and some types of cancer can be treated in numerous ways. For example, I take my chemo therapy home that is in a bottle that I wear around my waist for 2 days. After the second day, I return back to the cancer center where it taken off. I actually just finished my second round of chemo just a few hours ago. 

Most chemo therapy treatment is put into your body through IV. However, I consider myself lucky because I was able to have a “Power Port” a new technology inserted into my chest. The port (the size of a quarter) is inserted into my chest along with a tube that is connected one of my veins in my neck.  The port is wonderful because the drugs that are given during chemo therapy eventually cause your veins to collapse. Collapsed veins make it very difficult to start an IV or draw blood from. Having the port will reduce the amount of needles that I will need to get during my treatment, which will make it easier to administer treatment. The port has three holes in it, where the chemo drugs can be inserted into. In addition, to the chemo being inserted, the port allows you to draw blood, and administer other drugs if needed. 

Without the Terry Fox Run and many other causes this Port insertion would not be possible. My future plans are still the same but have now been temporarily delayed. I plan on taking the year off, so that I will be able to complete all my rounds of chemotherapy and regain my physical and mental strength. After that I will complete my education degree and live my dream of becoming a teacher. 

 I have learned that rarely goes the way that you plan it, there will be many bumps along the road  that you or other people around you didn’t plan for. These bumps may seem like they are almost unbearable. However, in life when bad things do happen, you can always find a silver lining if you look for it. Second, when things become difficult we must face our adversities head on. At times we may think that we can avoid our hardships or try to take the easy way out, but from this experience I know that hardships become easier when we face them head on! Lastly, when we face afflictions it is important to  in our lives, surround yourself with positive people. Doing this makes it much easier because you have people around you that care for you and want you to be your best.

  For Terry his cancer caused him much pain and sorrow, but he was able to take the negative in his life and turn it into one of the greatest charitable foundations in the world. Today, I don’t have the energy or strength to run, but I do plan in the future, to do something to raise funds for cancer research. Dealing with cancer has been difficult to say the least, at times I’ve felt discouraged, sometimes angry and others, honestly downright crappy. However, I get to spend more time watching my children play together, which has definitely been great, my sliver lining. I also get to plan for the birth of our next child in January!

 Today, is a great day to be mindful of those who you know have cancer and be thankful for what Terry has done for them. Terry Fox may not have finished his run to coast of British Columbia but together we can help him metaphorically reach his goal and help raise funds and awareness for cancer research. 

Thank you FP for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences with you. I hope that this run will have an impact on your lives as you go forward and help create awareness for cancer. 

1 down, 11 to go!

This week started off pretty busy. Monday was Layne's learning day at the cancer clinic. But Blake also had his preschool orientation, I had an appointment for my pregnancy and we had a BBQ dinner/corn bust for our church. Layne was pretty anxious that day. I think that was part of the problem with passing out the day before. By the end of the 2 hour learning session, Layne was wanting to postpone his treatment. He didn't feel he was healthy enough to start the treatment. The nurses told him that if he wanted to postpone it he could but after addressing all his concerns we decided it was in his best interest to start this week. He was able to get a pretty decent sleep the night before he started chemo but was really anxious until after they started his IV with the medicine and realized nothing was happening :) After that he did much better. We were there for 3.5 hours. They gave him 3 different IV medications while we were there. They even served him lunch! He really enjoyed the sandwich. Right before we left they attached a canister of more chemo medication that he wore around his waist. This then was slowly administered to him over the next 48 hours, at home. My mom was able to come down this week to help with the boys. It was really nice because we didn't know what to expect. We really do have the best family!

Walking into the centre

Waiting to get started

Getting the IV started in his port

First round of meds

 

For some reason while we were there all the fluids made him have to go pee about 10 times. So he got to go on lots of walks to the bathroom

Talking to his fellow chemo neighbours and watching TV.

On our way home!

I guess you always expect the worst because they always tell you the worst. But so far Layne has done great with this first treatment. He does get tingly hands and feet some times when touching something cold and food will "zing" him when he eats something cold. He also just told me he is getting a few sores on his tongue. Positives are he had an awesome appetite this week. The steroids he takes to prevent nausea did increase his appetite. He was able to put on weight. He is up to 115 pounds from 110.  I would actually call him a pig! He has also had really good energy. Hopefully he just keeps on flying through each treatment. We know it probably won't happen but it's nice that he has had another week to recover from the surgery not feeling crappy. He honestly is doing better on chemo then he was before. We will start round 2 on the 23rd. He has an appointment to meet with the oncologist on the 22nd to go over his blood work.

My mom made a really nice dinner the day he started chemo, he has been wanting her to make cheese  soufflé!

Getting the IV taken out of his port

Celebrating the end of treatment one by having 5 guys! He ate everything plus a butterfinger afterwards!

Layne watching Blake jump on the trampoline. It's nice to have him home and around the boys!

An Eventful Few Days

On Friday, Layne was able to get his port put in. You could tell he was pretty nervous the day of. When we got there they explained everything to us. He was given the "power port" which is supposed to be the best one out there. You are able to draw blood from it, give all medications through it and I guess with this one you can even inject the dye for CT scans into it. They say it will last in his chest under his skin for hopefully over a year. It's a device about the size of a quarter. The port attaches to a catheter that is placed inside one of the large central veins that take blood to your heart. He was really starting to feel well before they placed the port but unfortunately since they put it in, he is in a lot of discomfort again and not feeling well. (I'll explain a bit later).

Before his port was put in

After his port was put in

Saturday Layne had a busy day.  We were able to have a friend of his do family pictures for us before he starts chemo this week. He really wanted to get it done and she was really wonderful and was able to squeeze us in last minute to get it done. We are always amazed at how kind people are! We rushed home after the photos to get there just in time to have a whole bunch of friends over for a little pre-chemo party. If anyone knows Layne, he is a very social individual and it was good to have people over and have a little fun. We had great company, food and played a fun game. We are definitely grateful for all the great friends we have, who are there at a drop of a hat and always concerned for us.

Everyone was gone by 9pm. (I know! We are party animals!) I thought even though we had a lot going on Layne still took it pretty easy. The photos were done in the shade and during the party Layne sat on the couch for most of the night. He had been experiencing an upset stomach that day and had had diarreah several times but before I went to bed I asked him how he was doing and he said great! He had lots of fun and felt like he hadn't pushed himself. That all changed at 3AM. I thankfully woke up hearing him get up to go to the washroom. A few minutes later I heard him call my name (Which I would not have heard if I was sleeping) I ran to the bathroom where he told me he felt like he was getting the flu and then proceeded to pass out off the toilet and hit his head off the bathroom floor (he now has a good bruise of the centre of his forehead). He then got up off the floor to finish going to the washroom (much to my protest, but there was no talking him out of it) but passed out again. This time I was able to hold him sitting up until he had finished his business but he was completely unconscious. He was pretty heavy but adrenaline kicked in and I was able to move him to the floor to lay down until he woke up. It was pretty scary. If I was alone I definitely would have called 911. But thankfully I was just able to run upstairs and grab Jackie and Rusty. He had come around by the time we got back down. He was pale but said he was feeling okay. He was able to walk out the the car with help and we rushed to the hospital. He was able to be seen with in an hour of getting there (it was a pretty busy place). They ran blood work, did a chest X-ray and tested his urine. All came back fine. We were thinking that maybe he was dehydrated again but he wasn't as disoriented as the last time he had passed out, so we weren't surprised when it was showing he wasn't dehydrated. It's a little frustrating to not have any answers though. I know he has been through a lot and he started out sick by being born at only 26 weeks. So we are at a little disadvantage. I guess we just have to work a little harder to get him better. Really slow things down. No more parties! Hopefully we will be able to find a balance. I think this is going to be one of the hardest things for us all over the next 6 months... but we can do it! A little blessing we had last night was the boys were sleeping at their Aunt Ciana's. Things would have been a bit more complicated had they been here. I am glad I was able to go to the hospital with Layne to be there for him. It really makes us thankful we made the decision to move out here.

Layne getting an ECG last night 

Layne is worried about starting chemo this week while he is feeling so crappy. We have a learning day at the cancer clinic tomorrow and will see what they say about all of this. On a positive note, I was still able to get the boys to church this morning. Blake was able to feel the baby kick for the first time and he got his part in primary for his primary presentation (all the children get to sing all the songs they learned this year and each have a speaking part) in a few weeks and is very excited for it and starting pre-school tomorrow. Also a few of Layne's Aunt's and Uncle's are here this weekend and we had a nice sunday dinner!