Nov 17

Nothing much to report as we near the 4th round in this cycle. The last two weeks have been good ones for Clay with little side effects and overall good blood counts. We are looking forward to a two week break after this week's treatment; however, this break involves an MRI. Early morning update: we are now trying a sticker chart to stop the 5 a.m. wake ups which are getting very old (particularly for JD who is Clay's morning companion). We bought a birdhouse clock where bird singing is the alarm -- but apparently Clay wakes up and stares at the birdhouse for as long as he can, then comes into our room and says "the bird is NOT singing!" Any ideas for keeping a child in their room at least until 6?!

Nov 5

We just completed the second of four appointments in this cycle. Not much to report - Clay's blood counts are fine but the first week was a rough start. It seems like after a break the chemo hits him harder. That and the 5 a.m. wakeups (changing the clocks did us no favors) made for a tough week.

This Sunday I am joining some of Clay's doctors and nurses in a local 5K to benefit pediatric brain cancer. If anyone feels like a jog on Sunday, check this one out: http://www.thecurestartsnow.org/page.php?id=33 . Clay's doctor and many others are shaving their heads after the race at the Westover shopping center. That will be something to see!

As always, thank you to the Thursday dinner club for the wonderful meals (and wine) in recent weeks. It is a real break to come home from the clinic and not worry about what we will be eating that night.