Chapter 2: the new normal

Santiago had his first outpatient appointment this week. It was a routine visit but it felt daunting. The first month of his treatment was very intense, not only physically but more so emotionally, for all of us. In fact, we took a short “family retreat “ to work through the trauma and get re acclimated to life again. However, it’s not so simple. Life really isn’t the same anymore. We can’t just go back to how it was before. First of all because of his low immunity. Second of all because of all we’ve been through. There is a constant on-edge feeling that surrounds the health of Santiago.

So when the doctors came in to discuss the next round of treatment, all the previous and potential side effects played over and over in our minds. We see him running and playing now. His energy levels are great. And praise God he is in remission! But we’ve seen how the chemo effects him. We can only hope this round will be better and that it’s what is best for him. 

This is our new normal.