I Don't ♥ Cancer

Even though Zak had a very rough night Wednesday, he was still able to attend school on Thursday and Friday. He continues to feel pretty good, and will be attending Homecoming tonight. We are so excited!!!!

As our day comes to an end, this completes the 1st day of the 3rd cycle. Once again, we will wait to see if any side effects occur.  Let’s hope not, especially since it is Homecoming weekend.  I will keep you updated.

Thank you and have a great day

I probably should have updated yesterday to let you all know that Zak was feeling MUCH better!  He went to school and attended both the Sophomore and Varsity football games at Grayslake North last night. Wednesday and Thursday were just a minor bump in the road . . .

We knew it was just a matter of time until some of the side effects kicked in.  Boy did they kick in last night.  Zak became very ill shortly after we got home from treatment.  He will not be attending school today – which is a first for him (besides the days he has treatment).  His body is definitely in need of rest and hydration.

So today was Zak’s 2nd treatment. I am happy to report that his bloodcounts remain EXCELLENT! That is half the battle right there!!!

Although this was a much shorter visit, he did still receive chemotherapy through his port. Side effects this time could include numbness and tingling in his fingers, toes, and throughout his entire body. The biggest side effect – hair loss. We shaved Zak’s head Tuesday night as a precaution. Who knows – he beat the side effects last time – maybe he’ll beat them again this time too.   With or without hair, he will still look as handsome as ever.

2 weeks down . . . 7 weeks to go . . .

What a great surprise for Zak to come home to after his first day of treatment! This is a real testament to the support of friends, neighbors, school and teamates!

THANK YOU!

What an absolutely fantastic thing to come home to after such a long and exhausting day! THANK YOU to those who organized it, THANK YOU to all who signed it, and THANK YOU for all the support! We couldn’t get through this without each and every one of you!!!

I would just like to take a minute to truly express our sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out to us. It’s unfortunate that it takes a time like this to realize how lucky we are to have such wonderful people in our lives. I am referring to family, friends, coaches, everyone involved in Walla-pa-looza and those who attended,  the staff at District 156 and at District 15. You have no idea how appreciative we are for each and every one of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Nick, Traci, Zak, Demi and Colin

In December of 2008 Zak was diagnosed with Mono. After several weeks, there was still a swollen lymph node that remained on the right side of his neck. We were then referred to an ENT, who did a needle biopsy. Those results came back benign. We were all relieved. After consulting with the doctor, we decided to have the lymph node removed. After all, it didn’t belong there. It was no longer functioning properly and was visible. Zak had the mass removed July 22nd, 2009. We were anxiously awaiting the results…