Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Not a typical Tuesday... Day 237 07JUL09

I was awakened early this morning by the phone ringing, on the other end of the line a familiar small voice softly told me that he was going to have a bone marrow biopsy today. Would I come to the hospital to be with him?

This is one of those things that definitely comes in from left field and just stops you in your tracks. My mind struggled to comprehend, why was he getting a biopsy? What the heck is going on? After a few minutes Renee got on the phone and explained that Dr. Tebbi came in this morning and told her he wanted to do a biopsy to check Joshua's bone marrow to rule out any possibilities.

These are the kind of phrases that strike fear into our hearts instantly. This is not a part of his treatment protocol. Not a part of the normal routine for when he gets stuck in the hospital with low counts. This in fact was the very thing, the very procedure, that brought leukemia into our lives. Removed all doubt that it could be anything else, put the name T Cell ALL on Joshua's life record forever.

The procedure was quick and relatively painless for Joshua. We had to watch them put him to sleep yet again, something that we never get used to, never will. Like the warrior that he is an hour and a half later he was unhooked and down in the playroom beating teenagers on the wii.

We will not have any results until tomorrow.

That would be the tomorrow that seems like an eternity away right now.

Camp is a fading memory right now. He could still conceivably make it but the chances are rather remote. In a double bummer his friend Demitri who just got out of the hospital last week and was supposed to go to camp with him is again next door. So rolls the cancer roller coaster that we are stuck on. Ups and downs, dips, rolls, and swerves. Nary an end in sight.

But we trudge on, together.

3 comments:

Laura and Frank said...

Joshua, sorry they had to stick you with another needle, buddy. I think you are being so brave and strong you make us all want to do better in our lives. I started learning how to play wii in Texas and really need to practise a lot before getting whooped by you. so glad you have such a fantastic brother in Jarrod. You two are so cute together.

I'm thinking about you and will call your mom tomorrow. Love, Laura

Nonna said...

Hey Snuggle Monkey,

So very sorry you had to go through a biopsy. I am also saddened to hear that Dimtri is back in the hospital. Doesn't seem you guys can get a break these days.

Mighty Warrior, you, your beautiful brother Jarrod and your Mom and Dad are living testaments of Faith. Life sucks terribly, almost nothing seems to go the way you expect, you never know from one minute to the next what will happen - yet you all cluster together, trusting that each will be there, trusting that love and courage will carry you through. You retain the gift of laughter and live in the moment. How Blessed we are to be part of your lives.

Hang tough mighty warrior - you are The Champion.

Tons of Love, Hugs and Kisses,

Nonna

Jamie(Sister) said...

=( Im sorry Joshua. I hope that all comes back with good news. Im sure that it will. Demetri is back in again to love bug..? That stinks well at least youll have someone to play with if you are both up to it. =) We are so proud of you Josh for being such a strong amazing little warrior!!! You are doing such a great job at fighting this and fighting everything that comes your way. =) Same for mommy,daddy and Jarrod. They are doing such a wonderful job at being great parents and a great big brother. =) We love you guys tons and i think we just might come up there today love bug.

XOXO LOVE JAMIE BELLA AND CHRISTIAN