In celebration of the Summer time Griffin has been able to enjoy more public outings. His face has graced a couple family gatherings and picnics. It would be hard to pick Griffin out from the gaggle of kids that swarm the playground. His illness is not readily seen. Even if Griffin were laying down in the Same Day surgery beds one would be hard pressed to know that Griffin was the patient. Amongst his peers he is just like any other boy or girl laughing, smiling, running, and crying out with joy. He has no reservations when it comes to playtime and doing all things fun. Why should he have to worry? And what would Griffin have to worry about? Of course when it comes to Jon and Gretchen, the day's activities are fraught with 'What Ifs." What if there is someone who is sick at this gathering? Or What if Griffin gets hurt while playing with the other kids? What if Griffin becomes ill?
The weeks have passed and many events have taken place. Griffin's schedule remains planned out to visit the hospital every Thursday. The Consolidation phase for Griffin has been a 'coasting' time. The type of procedures that Griffin has had to endure in the initial weeks has decreased for this phase. So here is a recap of the events since June 5, 2008.
June 12, 2008
Big brother Everest accompanied Griffin for his weekly visit. Everest had already known about Griffin's illness. Everest showed Griffin compassion and understanding and continues to do so beyond what an almost 6 year old should have to know. But on this particular Thursday Everest was able to truly grasp the idea and see what Griffin has had to endure all these weeks. Everest had to roll out of bed at the crack of dawn, like Griffin, to travel to the Children's Hospital. Everest met some of the hospital staff and saw first hand the different events that take place for Griffin. Everest enjoyed the day and commented on the little 'extras' that Griffin experiences. In reference to the wall mounted television above each Same Day hospital bed, food service, and video games, Everest commented,
"It's like a hotel in here"
Everest also said,
"This is the good life."
The day was long and both Griffin and Everest's patience was wearing thin, but thankfully to the efforts of Ninang Rowena who also accompanied the crew, their was an extra eye to keep the kids on track. Check out Gretchen's images of that day.
June 19, 2008
On this Thursday, Gretchen followed the advise of the hospital staff, and arrived extra early. The procedure that Griffin was to receive was planned to happen early and Griffin and Gretchen had planned to be home before lunch. Unfortunately, there were emergencies with other patients in the procedure suite, and Griffin was bumped back on the schedule. The day was long and Griffin was very, very hungry, and probably cranky. Fortunately, for Griffin and Gretchen, Tita Julie, brightened up the day and helped bide the time until the day was over.
June 26, 2008
Three weeks have gone by since the last posting. I just got off the phone with Gretchen and have news to report. Griffin was scheduled to have blood draws and injections of a medication called Pegasperiginase. The protocol after administration of this medication is to monitor the patient for possible allergic reaction. So after the medication was administered, unfortunately, Griffin did present with an allergic reaction. Immediate medical attention was given to Griffin in addition to medications to counteract the reaction. Griffin has been on doses of benadryl, solumedrol, and epinephrine. He was currently admitted this evening and Gretchen has been by Griffin's side throughout all the events. Tita Julie was also present during the day and was first on hand to observe Griffin's initial allergic reaction. Jon has been busy getting the kids ready for bed with dinner and a bath. He is on his way to the hospital, and MamaRita will be on hand with Everest, Hudson, and Kailey.
Gretchen and Jon want to Thank Everyone for the cards, notes, prayers, and positive thoughts. Please continue your prayers for Griffin's return home.
Today Griffin went to Children's Memorial Hospital for another set of procedures. Griffin had a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, a spinal tap with intrathecal chemotherapy of methotrexate, an injection of pegasperiginase, and vincristine through his port-a-cath. Would you think that this big guy would still be smiling? Of course he would especially when Ronald McDonald's is in hand after the procedures were done. Not to mention the atmosphere in the hospital maintains to keep the patients occupied and happy. Around the corner of every hallway there are little surprises and treats. I mean just signing up at the front desk of the day hospital, Griffin receives a sticker. After that he has to get vital signs recorded, that means he gets a Sesame Street Ernie beanie figure. Getting his blood drawn, he gets more stickers. Sitting in the waiting room he gets crayons and a coloring book. There is even a play/arts room that the patients use to help distract while enrich their minds all led by volunteers and dedicated staff. No complaints here. Just a whole other environment to keep the young kids entertained and their minds off their illness. And it helps a whole lot.
Griffin had a long day with only minor outbursts and crying. He remained behaved and some staff thought he was a brother of a patient. He maintained a smile throughout the day. After taking a siesta during the car ride home, Griffin was greeted by his big brother and GrandPoppy. Please continue to pray for Griffin and his family. And do not forget to leave your comments.
You already know them. Gretchen and Jon. With the blink of an eye the lives of Gretchen, Jon, and their family changed. They soldier on everyday. Their goal is to help their son, Griffin, defeat Leukemia. This is a war against an enemy that will be battled on many occasions. Griffin's doctors plan for three years of chemotherapy. Every step forward is one towards victory. The battles will be fought at home, at the hospital, and also from within. Tomorrow's battle will be another scheduled bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap with the administration of chemotherapy. 
Are you ready to help fight this war? Keep Griffin in your thoughts and your prayers. Many thanks of gratitude to all those that have sent gifts, cards, and emails of hope, strength, and prayer.
The MRD results are negative. Gretchen asked the doctor what that means and it shows that Griffin has less than 1% of Leukemic cells. Griffin will still continue with the consolidation phase. Here are some more pictures from Gretchen and Jon.
