Cycle 6 Begins

Wow! Cycle 6 began today. That means that today, Catherine had what will hopefully be (knock on wood while you read this) her second to last lumbar puncture with methotrexate. I realized this yesterday. I also realized that Catherine has about 160 days left in her protocol. I cannot believe it. Believe me, I am not starting a countdown of any kind because I am scared ****less of the day she finishes treatment. Dr. Farzana and I had this conversation today and she validated what I am feeling. She said that if she were in my shoes, she would be terrified also and that for many, the first few months off treatment are more difficult than the first few months after diagnosis. That said, she said that I should trust that we have done all we can to ensure a long term survival and cure for Catherine. Of course, this entire conversation occurred in front of Catherine. I know she is paying attention and absorbing these talks I have with the doctors. Her MO is to ask questions later - when I least expect them. So, while I sat there pondering how nerve -racking the next few years will be, I was able to overhear a conversation between Dr. Farzana and a teenage boy who had finished treatment (the walls in the new building are thin). Basically he was saying that whenever he is tired or has the chills or a few aches, he is convinced the cancer is back. Now, I know that is what I am going to be thinking when Catherine goes off treatment, but she is young enough that it won't be foremost on her mind. How sad that this boy, during a time in his life when his biggest worry should be whether or not his parents give him the keys to the car, has to think about having cancer again. It really sucks.
All that aside, her LP went well. Something about Dr. Farzana, who we only see on the days of the LPs, really relaxes Catherine and the whole procedure and recovery are so much smoother. Catherine really is a champ - everything from accessing the port to wearing the oxygen mask - has become second nature to her and she doesn't even flinch or complain. And, I love the stuff that comes out of her mouth when she is out of it. Today she told Shannon, one of the nurses, that the best part of the "sleepy medicine" is sleeping. For once, she really slept great after the procedure when she has to lay flat for 45 minutes. Then it was off to the playroom as if nothing had happened.
Later on today, Catherine had her weekly before art class playdate with her friend Annie. I guess Catherine was telling her about our trip to DisneyWorld (oh yeah, we are going on our Make-A-Wish trip in February during the school break). Annie, who has been to Disney World, came downstairs and asked me to call her mother so that she can ask to have the Wish Makers grant her a wish too. I had to laugh and explain to her, as best as one can to a 5 year old, that she never ever wants to go on a Make-A-Wish trip because it's for kids who have to take really strong medicine. Annie is a smart cookie and her Mom is the friend of mine whose cousin had AML way back when so Annie gets it that Catherine's situation is not normal. In fact, Catherine had her first and only sleepover at Annie's and Annie's mom had to give Catherine her medicine that night. Suffice it to say, I don't think Annie will be calling the wishmakers any time soon.
So that is the latest and greatest here at the Vogt household. I will be hosting Thanksgiving next week - I'm very excited about that - and then the Holiday Season will be upon us. Catherine and Alex will have a new baby cousin soon. Then Christmas and then 2008 comes - the year I never imagined would come.
So Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for checking in on us!