Ty 1 - Cancer 0

Today the Tumor Board at Sloan Kettering concluded that Ty's first cycle of chemotherapy was effective.  The pressure on his brainstem, which caused such major setbacks last week, has decreased by more than 50% and he is showing major signs of clinical improvement.  The tumor appears smaller than it did 10 days ago, which shows that what we hoped was blood is now being reabsorbed by his body.  He's talking better, walking... he's getting his old self back.  We are not out of the woods by any means, this is still only the beginning, but at least it means we can continue with the next cycle of chemo as planned. 

We have a pre-chemo appointment on Friday and we are scheduled to check back in for round two starting Monday.  It stinks because we worry that just when he starts feeling good and getting comfortable at home, we have to start all over again.  Poor little guy.  He is so strong. 

Psychologically, this has been a tremendously difficult for Ty.  Each time he switches environments, he is very apprehensive and very depressed. But, unlike an adult, we have to remember how resilient kids are and how quickly they recover.  He was sad this morning, indecisive, nothing would cheer him up and he napped for almost four hours... But, by 5PM, he was already showing huge improvements.  In fact, we had so much fun tonight watching movies, reading new books, doing arts and crafts.  He is in great such great spirits now, I am so happy.  He has said and done so many things tonight that I will cherish, I wish I had a video camera on him 24 hours a day so I could capture each and every one of those special moments and those glowing, sparkling smiles.  At the risk of sounding cliche, that face and the adorable things that come out of that mouth of his are just priceless.