Round 3
I started writing this update on July 22nd, when Round 3 of Ellis’s chemo treatment was scheduled to start.
Like the previous two visits, we went to the Hospital to get settled in for the week-long haul. After the initial blood draw, however, we were informed Ellis’s white blood cell counts were too low to begin treatment and we would be postponing a week. With the wind taken out of our sails, we packed up and headed back home.
While Ellis was excited to have another week at home, I admit that this was very defeating news at the time. We just want to be done with this season of life, but sadly, there are no shortcuts. If there’s a silver lining it’s that we had a very normal week at home. And right now, normal is a great thing!
We’re now 5 days into Round 3. I think everyone (except Isaac, our almost two year old with an endless well of energy) is just tired.
Ellis enjoying some Snoopy from the comfort of his fort.
Treatment has gone well without any real surprises. At his best, Ellis seems like his normal self—inquisitive with nonstop questions about how the world works.
Today while watching the recent Nolan Ryan Documentary (Facing Nolan), Ellis had a handful of questions ranging from insightful to hilarious. A few of my favorites were as follows:
“If baby cows come from big cows, where did the first big cow come from?” Ah yes, the classic chicken or the egg.
“What is a newspaper?”
And after answering the previous question and describing that the internet didn’t always exist, “How did someone invent the internet?”
At his worst, Ellis is just tired and lacking energy or motivation to do much. This is normal and expected with his treatment. The result was some good cuddle time with Mom while watching some relaxing cartoons.
We are hopeful to finish up this week of treatment without any major roadblocks or side effects. We have a PET scan on August 15th which will hopefully bring good news! We are thankful for your continued prayers and support!
For more Ellis updates, keep an eye on zashcraft.com/ellis
Doctor Ellis, enjoying some time in the playroom.
