Highlights

Keith has survived the first 2 weeks following his chemotherapy boost. He spent the first 10 days pretty sick--mostly vomiting and diarrhea. The vomiting has slowed now to about once every 24 hours and he even had a 3 day streak without any throwing-up. I know. The things we get excited about these days...
At this point we think the vomiting is related to the weekly chemo he's receiving which slows his ability to digest the formula running through his feeding tube. That chemo supposedly causes constipation. I wish that side-effect would kick in about now to help counteract the diarrhea! Honestly, I think Brent and I drive ourselves crazy trying to dissect every little possible cause for this symptom or that. There are so many factors at play. Every time we think we have something "figured out" our theory is blown. Good thing Keith is such a trooper. One minute he's puking and the next minute he's pretending to steal your nose. We have noticed a marked increase in his desire to converse. His voice seems to be coming back stronger and he is definitely more chatty since post-surgeries. He continues to be really playful even if he prefers to sit down instead of chase lately.

I think our biggest concern is the loss of sensation Keith is experiencing in his feet. He was getting around so well before his boost and just recently he's exhibiting a mild form of "foot drop" because the nerves in his feet aren't able to help him keep his balance very well. He walks with his feet far apart and with high knees. He prefers a hand to hold or something to lean on because of his loss of balance. We may have to lower the dosage on that drug now that we're seeing such a strong side-effect. We'll see next time we go in, I guess.

This week's clinic visit was made more interesting by Cole's presence. He begged and begged to go to the doctor with Keith. He overheard me selling Keith on how great the doctor's office would be with all the toys and the movies and of course Cole couldn't miss out on the party. I almost regretted my decision when Keith needed a platelet transfusion and our visit lasted almost 5 hours but overall, he did well and I think he'll be coming along for most future visits. I know he's curious about where Keith goes all the time and he's usually pretty good. Cole turns on the charm for the nurses so they love when he comes along. Plus, they offer him an unlimited supply of Scooby Snacks and TillaMoos. If you're not sick, the clinic might as well be an amusement park. At least if you're name is Cole.

Cole found some glasses in the toy bin at the clinic.

Cole making himself at home in the clinic playroom.

Keith found some glasses to his liking as well.

Hanging out in the waiting area. The boys brought along their backpacks full of their favorite toys.

The best part of our clinic visit was hearing...drum roll please....Keith gained 1.5 pounds! That is HUGE for him. He broke the 24 pound barrier. Who knew that the vomiting and diarrhea wouldn't hold him back at all? He's certainly earned the titles Super Keith and Keith the Mighty.


Highlights lately:

Sunday Brunch

It is rare when we can get Keith to the table for meals, so when he wanted to join Cole and Ally for animal pancakes, I had to break out the camera. He even tasted some powdered sugar and licked some bacon.

Big Boy Tools

In his "wisdom", Brent hand-selected some special tools and a toolbox for Keith and Cole to help him with projects around the house. I prefer the tools to remain in the garage unless Dad is around to supervise. Call me crazy, but I don't love the idea of two 3 year-olds wielding wire-cutters and hammers.

Mad Bag

Brent has had a punching bag in the garage for a long time. He's currently training Cole to aim his aggression and passion for fighting toward the "Mad Bag" and not toward his little sister. Here's Cole practicing his jab and cross-over.

Tub Time

Even though it's getting to be a tight squeeze, I love when Keith is up for a tub party. It can be a little wild with Cole donning "water wings" so he can go for a "swim" and Ally chugging bubble water so she can spit it back out. It is a sight to behold. You can probably imagine why Keith has to be in pretty high spirits to withstand the merriment.

Eckhardt Family Charity Run

 Brent's youngest brother married into the most amazing family. A family who happens to be in our ward and who happens to be our very close friends. Last weekend, they participated in the Utah Valley Marathon/5K in honor of Keith. Race revenue goes to children with cancer for Christmas. I wish you could see their shirts up close. They have a huge picture of Keith and under the picture it says, "Super Keith! We love you!" Keith has many supporters and we feel blessed to have such wonderful friends and family showing their support in so many ways. We appreciate the blisters earned and muscles pulled on his behalf!

Debbie, Jenny, Katie and Lindsay have spent many, many hours at our house helping out with the kids. Cole, Keith and Ally think they are part of our usual routine now, which is great. The girls' backs are getting pretty sore with all the "rides" they are providing. Thank you, all. Someday I will be paying Jenny in currency other than quesadillas, cookies and Keens. For now, we are so grateful for the service of their family and so many other families and individuals who continue to drop things on our doorstep, pray for us and so many other thoughtful things.