My big boy, making big decisions!

Rowan started neupogen therapy this past week, in an effort to stimulate his bone marrow production and improve his immune system. One of the side effects is bone pain, and Rowan did experience some pretty bad pain in his hips after his first dose. This week, he will start recieving the neupogen 3 times a week. We are praying the pain is not too severe, but they say it typically gets worse as you continue to get it.

I wanted to share a story with you from the visit to the Children's Cancer & Blood Center Clinic to get this first dose, that shows just how mature and tough Rowan is...I'd say way beyond his years...

When we first arrived they asked if he had EMLA on, which is a numbing cream that you can apply before you need a shot or blood drawn. I told them that he had a central line so he didn't need the EMLA, but they were insistent that it had to be administered by a shot. Rowan of course heard this news and started to cry. He just almost never needs to be stuck because of his central iv line, and he hates "pokes" more than anything! He got very upset at first, and I asked them if they were sure we couldn't use the line, because it had been my understanding that it would be infused via his line. The nurse told him she would go get the EMLA and some ice and that he could decide where he wanted the shot, then she left the room. Here are a few pictures of Rowan visibly upset about needing a "poke" but trying so hard to calm down and thinking about where he would get the shot.

Here Rowan is after about 10 minutes, and after I asked the nurse to go call the doctor and just make sure he didn't want it infused through his iv line. He suddenly stopped crying, wiped his tears, looked out the window for a minute and then said "It's ok Mom, I'll do it. They can do the shot in this leg. Because I have my play to do, so I know I need this so I don't get sick. You can go get her. I'm ok now."

I was blown away, and so proud of Rowan. Now thank God, they did confirm with the doctor that Rowan was able to get the neupogen via his line, so he didn't end up needing the poke after all. But still, he had reasoned with himself and made that big, big boy decision that it was ok to get the shot and even picked where he wanted it. I hate seeing him in pain, anymore than he already has to be, but to see him accept more pain because he knew it was for his own good...that was just amazing!

Here is one last picture, of Rowan at his play practice later in the week. This is what made him come to grips with getting a shot. The reminder that staying well meant that he would get to go hang out with his big sister Zoe and all her highschool friends, and all the pretty girls who fall all over him there, while they practice for the play.

I love you Rowan, you are so strong, and you make such big decisions for a 4 year old! I'm very proud of you.