Splints

After a very stressful and difficult week last week, we are in a “recovery” mode.

This week, Ben had to get fitted with splints which he must wear during the night. One of the drugs he has been taking since October 2002 called Vincristine, after prolonged “use”, tightens tendons and muscles especially in his legs and feet. Both his Achilles tendons have tightened over the years despite daily exercises to stretch them. This

causes him more pain to walk with his heel down. Therefore, he often walks on his toes. When running this presents a problem as well since his feet tend to point down and this causes him to twist his ankle or trip.

Above is a picture of Ben being fitted with splints at Occupational Therapy once at Children’s Hospital. These splints will be strapped to his legs from the time he goes to bed until the time he wakes up. Doing this, over time, will stretch his tendons and hopefully improve his walking and coordination. Before he was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2002, he was very coordinated.

This week his blood counts were checked. They are low, as we expected. We are checking again Monday to make sure they are not too low as he may need a platelet or hemoglobin transfusion.

His energy level seems almost normal for a 7 year old though his endurance is short and he tires quickly. After over 4 years of chemotherapy, it’s amazing he has this much energy. His positive attitude, selflessness and empathy towards others is truly remarkable with all he’s been through.