In the last few days, Caleb and his sweet family have been in a whirl wind of diagnosis, treatment and education of leukemia. So much information to hear, see, process, learn and live out. It is beyond overwhelming. Child Life Specialist are on staff to help educate and prepare the kids in terms that are developmentally appropriate. They show up and do amazing stuff to distract, entertain, educate and just encourage kids and their families. It can be heavy stuff but they do a fabulous job. Here is the lesson Caleb and his brother got to explain the disease from the Child Life friend that visited....
The bright dots represent white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The dark ones represent the leukemia cells that are taking over the good ones. The boys got to pretend to be chemo by putting an "x" on all the bad cells. That is how it works - the chemo wipes out the leukemia. Seems like a great explanation for all ages!!! They listened, they learned, they know the plan and they are ready to attack it!
Hello Caleb, you will be just fine!!! I have an eleven year old, soon to be 12, who was diagnosed with ALL at age 5. He endured 3 and a half years of chemo at Texas Children and trust me, you are in the BEST and most CARING hospital!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, my thoughts and prayers are with your family because I know first hand how one diagnoses can turn your entire life around in a matter of minutes, literally. Faith and prayer got us through and the help and unwavering care from the medical team at TCH was certainly an added bonus. My only tips are ALWAYS keep his surroundings as normal and clean as possible AND NEVER feel uncomfortable or guilty about turning down invites where lots of people will gather. You can NEVER be too careful with his health so, don't "beat yourself" up when you may have to tell Caleb that you shouldn't attend an event. The Sunshine Kids, Candlelighters, Periwinkle Foundation and many other organizations are absolutely wonderful about sponsoring fun activities for our little fighters. I encourage your family to be involved in as many activities with these orgs as possible, he will make new friends who are going through or have gone through what he is facing. I will continue to offer my sincere prayers to your family and especially Caleb! God bless you all!!!
Thanks so very much for sharing your situation & for your great advice. We appreciate it more than you know. So glad your son prevailed - you're so lucky to have it behind you. I can't wait to tell a success story like that some day! :)
DeleteWatch out Clark Kent, there is a new Super Man in town! Caleb--you are doing a great job and we know you will continue to do so! Cook Family--you all are in our constant thoughts and prayers. We know that the Lord will be by your side as you go through this journey as will be many friends and family. We know this is not an easy path, but we are looking for to celebrating the great victory with you! Thank you for keeping us updated on this blog. Sending you all hugs, The Mize Family
ReplyDeleteThanks wonderful Mize's! :) Your love & support is appreciated more than you'll ever know. xoxo
DeletePraying daily for sweet Caleb.
ReplyDeleteLisa - you're amazing. Thanks for everything.
DeleteHi Melissa. we have your family on our daily prayer list! my asst news director Chris Berg's son was diagnosed with ALL when he was 5. he is almost 10 now. he and his wife lived through it. James is a talented hockey player, and is all boy :). Know that so many are walking beside you in spirit.
ReplyDelete-Carolyn