After six weeks of back and forth to the doctors office, five visits to be exact, we received a more conclusive diagnosis. First it was asthma, then pneumonia, then it was constipation followed by a possible toxic synovitis. The final verdict...leukemia. How does one react to such news? Instead of feeling shocked or angry we felt relieved. Relieved we finally found out what was wrong and relieved we could start treatment. We found out about his condition on Monday and fortunately enough Levi was able to start treatment on Tuesday. Here he is just before going into the OR to get his central line PORT. Good thing the hospital gave him a ninja turtle for safe keeping and his aunt Allison was there to walk him back to surgery.
The operation was successful and Michelangelo was replaced with Woody. Good thing he had a tangible friend to model how to wear an oxygen mask (Tom, Levi's imaginary dragon friend wasn't a big help with this but works wonders in getting him to take his medications).
Although tired, the first thing Levi asked for after getting settled was for some food. His first meal consisted of chicken nuggets, pizza, and a cookie.
Watching one of many, many episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. "Mommy, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse? Watch?"
Levi's first venture out of his hospital room. Good thing he got stuffed versions of Cairo and Maya to show him how to wear a mask.
Primary Children's is great...it's Baymax!
Levi has had a lot of family visitors and even a few furry therapists. He let Winston and Sammy sit on is bed with him and was able to procure Winston's calling card.
Not even cancer can slow this boy down! To his delight there was an identical bike to his own on the hospital floor. I never thought I would have to wheel an IV tower along side him while learning how to ride a bike.
Levi is doing great and responding well to treatment. We were happy to learn that the type of cancer Levi has, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, has a high cure rate in children and that he has a high chance of leading a normal, healthy life. Treatment is going to be a rough road but he is a tough, resilient little boy who is still going to be doing things he enjoys all the while saying, "Watch this...!"
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