Chemo has begun. And let me say, there is NO way a parent can be prepared for it verbally. Last night was his first dose. Dose number two is set to begin within the next half hour. ATG is an autoimmune drug helping to wipe out his immune system so that there is room for the new one on the day of BMT. Technically ATG is not chemo, but it is the first step in the chemo protocol. It has produced high fevers and vomiting. Last night was rough. We were up most of the night trying to control fevers that would jump from 98 degrees to 102.5 in less than an hour. These fevers are unlike anything I have ever experienced with him before. His body would shake and he would moan in a sort of half-sleep. He began throwing up around 6:30 this morning, which lasted a good hour, and then nausea continued after, till the mid morning. Then, true to Oliver’s style, he began to rebound. Today he has been a very happy, sweet, kind boy to all of his nurses and doctors, taking his medicine like a champ, and allowing the regular blood pressure, temperature, and O2 level readings. And that is really something, considering he is permanently attached to a medical tower of IV bags three times his size. The theme of the day is BOWLING. He has watched bowling videos, played with his bowling sets and done Wii bowling all day long. He’s eaten well, and is in good spirits. What a kid. 🙂