There are battles to still be won, but we are winning the fight!

The End of Cycle 2 meant that it was time to have more tests done to see if the cancer was dying or growing and spreading.  Thursday Matt and Kaleb headed into London for the day so Kaleb could have a PET CT Scan done.  The boys decided to take the truck, as it has a working sound system and its more comfortable for Kaleb.  Once they were done hitting the tip of the antenna on every single support beam in the parking garage they made it to the roof to park.  (insert me shaking my head)  Kaleb had to fast for this test so with a grumbling hungry stomach, they headed into St Joseph's hospital where Kaleb gave the "Jesus" statue a high-five and reported to the imaging unit.  The test takes 3 hours to complete so once they were done they headed off in search of food and then headed home.  Our weekend became a waiting game and we all seemed to feel the stress of Monday(today) looming.  

Sunday we headed back to London early so that we would not be dodging Tricker-Treaters along the way. I know Kaleb does not tricker-treat anymore however... now that we have a child that is fighting a fight no child should have to, I can't help but think of all the kids who can't go out due to the risks or undergoing treatment.  I am not only thinking about kids with cancer but all the families of kids fighting health issues whether at home, in a hotel away from home or in a hospital.  These kids don't have to dress up, they are superheroes walking around our schools, towns, and communities.  You could walk pass them and not even know that they are fighting a battle no person would ever want to fight.                                                                                                                            

Photo: Kaleb was gifted this custom handmade cape that was made for especially for him.  The cape is of the logo from his favourite computer game Skyrim.  Thank you to Kick-It-Capes inspired by Maiysn and the  Happy Soul Project 💛

Kaleb was not keen on this trip to London. Actually to be 1000% honest none of us were.  Monday was a big looming day.  Matt was allowed to come into the appointment because we were going to find out the results of the PET CT Scan.  The Chemo treatments and schedule were going to change and the days we were told will be long.  Sunday night at the hotel was about getting rest and trying to relax.  Kaleb was able to FaceTime with his sister and one of their mutual friends.  

Today (Monday) we arrived at the hospital just after 9:30am and made it into the PMDU with 10min before his scheduled appointment.  Kaleb was weighed and had his vitals taken. We were then taken into the treatment area and Kaleb was hooked up to a hydration IV line.  One of Kaleb's new chemo treatments involve him getting 5 hours of just hydration on top of the chemo. Today after the 2 hour mark it was determined that he was not hydrated enough so they continued to hydrate.  During this time we met with his Dietician who would like him to gain more weight but is happy to see that he is not losing lots.  He seems to be holding his weight with very little up/down.  Ideally they want him back up to and surpass the 60 kilos that he used to weigh before treatments started but gradually gain no big jumps.  We talked with his Case Manager and his blood counts have gone up and look great! We talked about how the past 2 weeks had gone and she checked to see what meds needed to be refilled.  

We then met with Kaleb's specialist.  The PET Scan results were back.... the cancer is dying! nothing got bigger in fact most spots got smaller.  He will still get the full 6 cycles of chemotherapy.  His right hand did light up (this was new) but they believe that it is not to do with his cancer but that he may have hurt his hand in the last few weeks??  The initial response is very positive but they still have to wait for the radiologist-oncologist to confirm that no radiation treatment will be needed.  This could take up to a month before we get that information but it is the opinion of Kaleb's specialist that he should only need chemotherapy.  We then went over the risks of the new Chemo drugs that he will be getting for the remainder of his treatments.  Secondary cancers are a risk with 2 of the drugs he will be getting from here on out.  There are also risks to the lining of his bladder (hence the IV drips) and puking and nausea are big concerns, along with all of the other risks he had due to the first 2 cycles.  His Chemo schedule has changed and we will no longer be in London for scheduled 5 day stretches, however we will not have day trips as the treatment days are going to be long and traveling time is just too much.  

By the time Kaleb finished all of his treatments for today it was after 7pm.  Yes today took almost 9 hours.  Our "day trip appointments" from here on out will take around 8 hours plus travel.  So far tonight Kaleb is very tired but is happily watching a movie thanks to one of his Aunts and Uncles, his next dose of meds is at midnight and then we will head to bed and start all over again tomorrow.  Thankfully only one chemo tomorrow!!