A Day Called Zero

Author's Note: So, I was toying with a new look to the Vampdaddy page....And although I don't recall republishing it with the new template, apparently I did. In doing so, all of my links vanished, including all of the great dad sites I want to make sure my readers check out! So, give me a few days and I'll get them back in place.

We now return you to our regularly scheduled blog post.

The big day arrived with a flurry of activity -- about a dozen people, including three different doctors, coordinating the symphony of surgery that began our journey through Cancer treatment. Vampbaby was sleeping like -- well, you know -- for about 4 and a half hours, in which time the access lines were inserted (in his head and chest), and an echocardiogram was done. Also, in a surprise move of scheduling wizardry by Vampbaby's doctor, his first Chemotherapy dose was administered.

Vampbaby continues his trip in la-la-land, thanks to an amazing amount of sedation coupled with the various chemo and anti-nausea drugs that are flowing through his little body. We may begin to see the effects of his first chemo treatments (he will have more overnight) in the coming days, and the fun REALLY begins. In the meantime, we are settling into the 51-week (or more) journey towards remission.

Vampmommy and I are taking all of this in stride -- largely because there isn't much else we can do, and a complicated treatment like this on such a little lad requires our focus and attention. Our main goal as we begin, aside from keeping him alive, is to do what we can to ensure that the essence of Vampbaby, his boundless energy, contagious laugh and utter cuteness remains intact. As we watched him proudly march himself to the mailbox and fill it with outgoing mail before we left home (to which he gave himself a rousing "standing o" for the achievement), we both saw clearly the boy we want to save, and the moments we want so desperately to have more of for years to come.

Before I depart for an evening of sleep, I want to also honor the growing support that continues to come our way. There are no words that could actually capture our gratitude, but I hope each and every one of you feel the love returned that you have sent to the Vampfamily. Because a number of people have requested it, I will post that a fund has been set up to assist with expenses related to Vampbaby's treatment. For more information, you can email jackiecdp@aol.com .