Thanks to all for your prayers and encouragement!
Ebin had a "central line" surgically implanted below his collarbone yesterday, from which all blood samples can be taken and through which medications can be administered. Apparently it will remain in place for as long as 2 1/2 years, throughout his treatment regimen. Hopefully he can now get over his fear of nurses .... until now whenever one showed up it was most likely to stick a needle into him for one reason or another!
They are starting his first round of chemotherapy today .... The first of four 37-day treatment blocks. We have been told that an improvement could be apparent as early as the end of this first block, although they would continue with the whole series in any event. I understand that the recovery rate with the particular type he has is 85-90%.
Don't know how I managed the honor, but I seem to be Ebin's favorite grandparent - no matter who he may be with, when I show up, he has to come to "Papa" ....... Kinda chokes me up, y,know .....