thirty eight.

When Jaxon finished treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on June 11, 2017 - he had been on chemo for 38 months (3.17 years, 165.47 weeks, 1158 days). 

As of 6:00 this evening, he has been off chemo (and the wretched steroids) for as long as he was on! This feels like a really big deal. 

He's been off treatment for just over 3 years.

His most recent check-up in June happened virtually due to Covid-19, and his blood counts were perfectly within normal range. That was the last of his quarterly check-ups. Next one is in December. He'll have check-ups every six months until June 2022, which will take us to 5 years off treatment which is a REALLY big deal in the childhood cancer experience. From there he'll have check-ups once a year until he's old enough to make his own medical decisions. 

We are grateful.

He has not forgotten us

My Mama shared these words, or something similar, in the early days after Jaxon's diagnosis. They've been forefront on my mind today. 

This morning brought frightening news from a fellow pediatric leukemia family - a reminder that there is no "good cancer" for a child to have. Their news of a relapse could be the very same for us at any time.

This afternoon we learned tragic news from a family we know through our camp, homeschool, and church communities. They are walking through the dark valley of the sudden loss of an adult son and brother.

For several days this week I have been supporting and praying for a friend who has a very sick little boy ... and there are currently more questions than answers about what's going on in his body.

Tonight as I watch my babies sleep, 
I'm holding to the promise that our God is with us. 
He has not forgotten us. (link)

September

While I am so deeply grateful for my three healthy boys ... my heart and mind are heavy as I think of so many friends who view this time of year (and each and every day) through uncertainty for a child who is ill and grief for a child who is gone. Kids get cancer too. Join me, be a voice for them and their families! Find ways to help and support. Donate time, money, hair or blood. 

‪#‎ccam‬ ‪#‎gogold‬ ‪#‎childhoodcancerawareness‬ ‪#‎september‬

Via Momcology:

"This familiar site evokes heavy emotion for the family of an ill child. Some of us have children too sick to return to school this year, others acutely remember that year we left the store and cried in our cars after seeing healthy children picking out their perfect supplies to start the new year. Too many have to look down the aisle and think about what their child would be learning this year if only they were still here. We are thinking of all cancer families and their children during the upcoming weeks. September is childhood cancer awareness month for a reason. September is about kids! Go gold this year to support children and families affected by pediatric cancer."

#momcology

#starttheconversation 

#CCAM #everydayawareness 

#childrenaremorepreciousthangold