"Do you know where I keep my will to live? In here." - Louie, pointing to his heart.

A year ago we commenced radiation and chemotherapy and today we prepare to harvest stem cells in anticipation of 3 rounds of high dose chemo. They have to "rescue" him after each round. A heroic idea. His own cells save him, but being to the point of needing saved is an altogether despicable idea in and of itself. A fairly odd day starting with an early morning blood test at the hospital, school (he was disappointed he had only 3 classes today vs. 5, believe me, making it through 3 isn't easy but his will is sometimes stronger than his way), an afternoon of homework and minecraft and then back to the hospital to check-in. He is scheduled for a shot at midnight of a white blood cell stimulant to work in concert with the daily shots I've been giving him at home for the past several days. I'm impressed we've managed a lighthearted day despite the unknown tomorrow. We've learned to roll with it. Shuck and jive. Shuck and jive.