I can't believe it's been two weeks to the day that we first found out that Rohan had leukemia. I'll never forget the moment - I was alone in the emergency room with him, and it felt like my stomach fell to my feet. I have no doubt that the memory will always have a tangible quality for me - whenever I think on it, I will experience it all over again.
The facts: Rohan has pre-B ALL which is the most common type of leukemia in children his age. "The thing to keep in mind is that there is a 95% recovery rate in children," said Dr. Fritz on that fateful day. We do keep this in mind, and it keeps us hopeful. The treatment is three and a half years long with, I am assuming, many peaks and valleys along the way. Currently, we are in the first phase of treatment. We take Rohan to the hospital at least once a week for chemo. He is also on numerous medications at home - most of them to counter-act the effects of the chemo. Right now is also immuno compromised and at risk for bacterial infections. We are doing all we can to prevent this since a fever would require us to go to the hospital and be admitted for 3 days!!!
The changes in our little man's life have been immediate. In addition to the medications, doctors, and hospital, Rohan cannot go to school for at least six months. We haven't told him yet, and he is looking forward to going his new school. Luckily, it is summer, and, being four, he has no concept of when summer vacaton is over. As a matter of fact, he thinks the word vacation means going to the beach and staying in a hotel. Which brings me to the fact that flying is a no-no for quite some time. You all know airplanes are breeding grounds for germs. The biggest change is that we cannot have children over right now. Those of you who know him, know what a social creature he is. We, the grown-ups, are trying to keep him busy and happy. He has always been good with adults so it can only help him now.
We are off to the hospital tomorrow for our weekly treatment. Hopefully we get good results and find that he is responding to the chemo.
Keep our little man in your prayers.
"Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to have to explain things to them always and forever." -Antoine de Saint Exupery
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"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
6 comments:
As I lay in bed watching the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Shawn Johnson has just taken the Gold in the 4" beam for the US gymnastics team.
For the last two weeks, I admittedly have been an emotional wreck inside, while on the outside projecting an image of man completely in control of the situation. As I read your first entry, I have never felt so helpless in my life. Tears are running down my face, splashing off the keys as I type. I feel as though there is nothing I can do, nothing I can say. All I have now is my faith!
While reading I thought "GOD, how many bad hands can you deal her!!! Why are you constantly testing her?!?!?!?"
It is at that moment I answered my own question. Rupa, every time you have been dealt a bad hand, I was always there watching with amazement. I always wondered how you persevered time and time again. I am a 'little' older now and can clearly see how you muster up every ounce of energy you have in your love, determination, passion, commitment and optimism and go 'all in'! You have always bet against the odds and WON!!!
I have no doubt that you will be able to rise to the occasion again, just know this time that you are not alone. Besides Ravi, Rohan and Arya you have me and the rest of the family and your friends, even if all I can offer is 'FRESH' RiceKrispies Treats.
I love all you very much. Please don't hesitate to ask me for anything.
God bless Rohan.
Pratik
Rup,
Whatever you need we will be here. Although I'm sure you are thinking that what you need is for this not to be happening, and none of us can really offer that one thing that you need the most. No one can fully understand what Rohan, Ravi and you are experiencing. We can only guess and that's still lacking. I can only promise you our unconditional support.
Love you,
Arjun, Mario, Sonal
Rup,
My thoughts and prayers are with Rohan everyday since I learned of his diagnosis. You are the rock that supports this beautiful family but know that you have all of us to lean on day or night! I'll be checking in but call if there is anything I can do.
Love, Kalpana
To My Little Guy,
I pretty much agree with you right now. This isn't fair. And this actually shakes my faith that there is some order to things because I can make no sense of this and fear that if I somehow did, I would be even more heartbroken. Maybe one day, when you're all better, we'll figure it out together. Though I love the way you surprise me almost every day (with your compassion - "it's okay masi, not everybody is good at games" or your sense of humor "my tummy is a little big like yours not really big like mamu's"), this time I don't want you to surprise me. You're going to recover and stay that plucky little guy we all love throughout this whole ordeal.
From the very beginning, I have been rooting for you - first to push your way into the world and now to push your way through it - and I'll never stop cheering you on.
Love and big hugs and thousands of kisses,
Masi
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we will all learn from you.
You are loved,
Esti & JB
I believe that every sickness in family brings its own blessings. Maybe Rohan is trying to clear our bad Karmas by suffering himself. He is making us humble & bringing us close to Almighty God. I am sure each well wisher of Rohan is praying in his /her own way for his quick recovery. My elder brother K.K. will go to Vaishnu Devi temple next month for Rohan's early recovery. I have joined ISKCON to get blessings of Lord Krishna. May God bless Rohan & his parents to go thru this ordeal peacefully.
BK Nari
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