Before Hudson’s diagnosis, I noticed a rash called petechiae on Hudson’s forearm just shortly before diagnosis. I knew what this was caused by as I work in medicine. I began to watch for other subtle symptoms such as paleness, bruising, appetite changes. I monitored his temperature for a few days. His temperature was elevated and he was running low-grade fevers, also a sign of childhood cancer. I called our pediatrician and requested a CBC to check his blood counts for leukemia. An hour after labs were drawn we received the crushing news.
Hudson has needed a lot of fine-tuning and adjustments during treatment. At diagnosis they found one possible leukemia cell in his spinal fluid, making him CNS2A This has required more lumbar punctures and chemotherapy into his spinal fluid. Nothing about this diagnosis has been easy physically or mentally. He continues to show his strength and resilience and power through the side effects and pain he’s enduring. At different points in treatment, he stopped walking, talking, and eating. He’s endured more pokes, tubes, and procedures than anyone should in their life.
There are many obstacles we have had to overcome and many more we will face. These obstacles won’t end when treatment ends. Every day there is an obstacle. Some are smaller than others. We’re all working through anxiety and PTSD from treatment and various experiences. We’ve noticed there are many triggers we will be dealing with. As his parents, we’ve had to overcome our own fear and do whatever is necessary to keep our child alive and as healthy and happy as possible.
We’ve realized our love is so much grander than our fear. With this diagnosis we’ve become isolated, we’ve lost friendships and experiences, and are mourning the “what if” life we would have had without childhood cancer. Hudson’s little sister Violet was not even 3 months old when he was diagnosed. This is the only life she knows. We’re honored to be parents to such strong and resilient children. This isn’t what their childhood should be like. Kids deserve so much more than this.
Hope session by Nicole Thorington Photography | Facebook