Alex was admitted to Primary Children's Medical Center on Wednesday, 10/14. He had surgery to put a central line with a port into his chest. This is the line used to deliver his chemo meds into his body. The line went in without any problems. He also had a lumbar puncture done. The spinal fluid was clear. (Good sign) He was also given an injection of chemo into the spine at that point. Surgery took about 1 hour.

He was then moved to the oncology unit which was all decorated for Halloween. I keep forgetting that we are in a Children's Hospital. Apparently Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is mainly a pediatric condition although adults do get it. The treatment protocol for adults is still the pediatric protocol.

Alex received two different chemo meds via the port and then one chemo med by pill. He was also given other meds to help with side effects such as nausea. So far he is feeling fine. No nausea. We are told that he will start to feel tired and more nauseated by the end of week 2 as the medicines start to accumulate in his body. He will notice hair loss around week 3.

We are expected to leave the hospital on Saturday after he receives one more shot of chemo medication. This is good news since he wasn't expected to leave hospital until Monday. From then on he is scheduled to do chemo on an outpatient basis. Treatment for Lymphoblastic Lymphoma is 24 months. For the next month, we will return to the hospital to receive his meds every Thursday. He will also have his blood counts taken and receive transfusions as needed.

The doctor and nurses have been wonderful. Alex's oncologist, Dr, Phillip Barnette is very knowledgeable and is very personable. He spends as much time with us as we need. This whole "team" concept that the doctors in HK said we would have in the US is amazing. Today we have met with the oncologist, nurse practitioner, social worker, dietician, out-patient chemo nurse, and Alex's two private nurses. Everyone had a stack of hand outs for us and were willing to answer any and all questions. There is so much to learn about lab reports, CBCs, ANCs, etc. So much to learn about the different meds and the side effects to look for.

I am awed by all the people who have chosen to work as health care professionals. They are a special breed just like teachers. They are dedicated and so vital to society.

Alex is being such a brave soul and although it's only been 1 day, he is doing great. He misses his friends dearly.