A very clean Xander

Xander is now a very CLEAN kid. I don't think that he has EVER had 4 baths in 24 hours - scrubbed from nose to toes every time. Xander has been getting the chemo drug fludarabine but on Thursday, he got two doses of ThioTEPA. ThioTEPA is passed through the skin, so every 6 hours, Xander must be scrubbed, his sheets and clothing changed, and his dressing changed. ThioTEPA burns the skin like a bad rash or sunburn and washing reduces the side-effect considerably. Thus far, we have only seen minor burns on his face and under the dressing on his chest. He is holding up well to the constant scrubbing!

Even though Xander did not request an athlete visit, in the evening, some Michigan athletes came by to and asked if they could stop in. At first, he said that he did not want to visit, but upon seeing how pretty these particular athletes were, he wanted them to stay all night. The visit was really cool and they signed a hat for Xander and another for a lucky friend or maybe Molly. GO BLUE!

Although we were not complaining and were making the best of it, the initial room we were placed in was more bathroom than hospital room. When we checked in, it was the only positive pressure room available. When we were offered a room with an Nichols Arboritum view over the peony garden, we jumped at the opportunity to switch. Let me tell you, the view is awesome. The moon was full last night and the sun was warm this morning - both were wonderful as seen through Xander's hospital room window.  Honestly, the move was really important to Xander's outcome. This new room will help make his time here seem more okay.

Peace & Love,
 Aaron