Side Effect De Jour

Despite that grin, it's been a tough couple of days since the last post. I'll spare the details, but basically we have been dealing with diaper rash on steroids . . . literally. From all we've heard and read, some residual drugs can be flushed out and cause irritation. This is only compounded by all the laxatives we have pumping through his body to combat last week's "side effect de jour". Which is exactly what we are expecting for the next long while, to basically fight the week's side effect that is causing whatever discomfort. We fixed the constipation, now it's diaper rash. Next week? Who knows? The doctors only have to fight the cancer. Lucky %@$+@^&$!!!

So, for those of you keeping score at home, we now have a child that doesn't walk and won't sit up. We are expecting a LOT of Disney in our future. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everybody keeping us in constant supply of new movies. It helps keep us sane.

There are some bright spots, small though they are (we have to recognize them and hold on to them whenever they might appear). Charlie has showed minor improvement in his legs. He is not walking, but he is more stable when he stands. In an effort to help him gain (or at least maintain) some strength in his legs we make him stand up before we pick him up. He also had his friends Sarah and Rachel from down the street stop by and he gave them the best reaction we have seen in a few days. He actually sat up to watch his movie with them. We told them that they must come back to coax him out of his Thomas the Tank Engine stupor. A little distraction never hurts . . . Mom, Dad and (dare I say) Nana are not distraction enough these days. We are more of a waitstaff. "Yes Mr. Charles, would you like juice or water." "Yes Mr. Charles, the chef does have Mac and Cheese on the menu, will you be dining here in the lounge or at the table?"

Now you know why he has that big grin on his face, don't you.