Well, we can officially say that 2 treatments are now over and there are only 4 more to go. Yesterday was thankfully a bit of a shorter day than Brad's first treatment, however, he was the first to arrive and one of the last to leave at the end of the day. There was a special surprise in store for the day though and that was Avery getting to come see his Dad while he was receiving his chemotherapy. Yep, that's Goldilocks and Dr. Wirt pictured above.
Avery had really been asking a lot of questions and was quite emotional the few days before Brad's treatment so I was able to get special permission for him to come visit for a couple of hours. Since patients immune systems are so compromised, the staff typically don't allow children who are not receiving treatment to visit the treatment room because of the germs they are exposed to in school.
Avery thought his visit was the best thing ever because he got to leave school an hour early, get some snacks, cool little cans of soda and a never-ending supply of jolly ranchers (to help remove the yucky, metal taste out of the mouths of the patients). Avery did wear a mask for part of the time, but then was able to remove it later during his visit. One of the best parts of the day was caught in the picture above, when I took one of the hats that are made by volunteers for patients who want them and was joking with Brad that he should consider wearing the blond one since it had braids built into it. Brad's nurse Susan said that we should get a picture with Brad wearing it, so of course I did. The entire treatment room burst into laughter seeing Brad wearing the hat and listening to Avery's sweet little giggle while watching his Dad. Avery told us that the visit really helped him understand things better. Avery's visit really helped put things into perspective for all of us and I am so thankful Avery was able to be part of the experience. Below is a picture of Avery signing his Dad's "chemo shirt" yesterday before we left to go out for our family breakfast, a new family tradition we started during Brad's first treatment. We are so proud of Avery's ability to ask questions and to be so strong - just like his Dad.
Today has been a really rough, emotional day for me. As I mentioned in the last entry, Brad's hair has been falling out, although to most people, the place it was the most visible was on his head, where it started looking like a bit of a patchwork quilt during the past few days. Because Brad was feeling a bit self-conscious about it and because he was losing a tremendous amount of chest and other hair, he decided to shave his head and his chest today. I didn't think this would be so tough, yet it was really emotional for both of us.
Avery had really been asking a lot of questions and was quite emotional the few days before Brad's treatment so I was able to get special permission for him to come visit for a couple of hours. Since patients immune systems are so compromised, the staff typically don't allow children who are not receiving treatment to visit the treatment room because of the germs they are exposed to in school.
Avery thought his visit was the best thing ever because he got to leave school an hour early, get some snacks, cool little cans of soda and a never-ending supply of jolly ranchers (to help remove the yucky, metal taste out of the mouths of the patients). Avery did wear a mask for part of the time, but then was able to remove it later during his visit. One of the best parts of the day was caught in the picture above, when I took one of the hats that are made by volunteers for patients who want them and was joking with Brad that he should consider wearing the blond one since it had braids built into it. Brad's nurse Susan said that we should get a picture with Brad wearing it, so of course I did. The entire treatment room burst into laughter seeing Brad wearing the hat and listening to Avery's sweet little giggle while watching his Dad. Avery told us that the visit really helped him understand things better. Avery's visit really helped put things into perspective for all of us and I am so thankful Avery was able to be part of the experience. Below is a picture of Avery signing his Dad's "chemo shirt" yesterday before we left to go out for our family breakfast, a new family tradition we started during Brad's first treatment. We are so proud of Avery's ability to ask questions and to be so strong - just like his Dad.
Today has been a really rough, emotional day for me. As I mentioned in the last entry, Brad's hair has been falling out, although to most people, the place it was the most visible was on his head, where it started looking like a bit of a patchwork quilt during the past few days. Because Brad was feeling a bit self-conscious about it and because he was losing a tremendous amount of chest and other hair, he decided to shave his head and his chest today. I didn't think this would be so tough, yet it was really emotional for both of us.
We are pulling through and of course trying to be as strong as possible. It's total random outbursts that put me into an emotional coma of sorts, but I guess that's just part of the process. I'm glad to say that the process is 1/3 of the way over for this go-around. Thank you to each of you for continuing to follow our story and send positive words of encouragement - we appreciate each and every one of you!
If you're looking for a way to support the American Cancer Society, but just aren't sure how, Avery and I will be participating in Relay for Life on Friday, April 9th. I have relayed for many years, but this year, Avery and I will relay for Brad. He will have his third treatment session earlier that week and will likely not be able to walk with us like he has for the past several years. Just click HERE if you would like to make a secure, online, tax-deductible donation directly through my fundraising page. Remember, every little bit makes a huge difference and your support is appreciated!
Big hugs,
Sandy
Big hugs,
Sandy
2 comments:
I can relate to the occasional outbursts of emotion...um like this song you have playing by DCB"Never Let GO".This was my song I held on to during my treatment.Im mean Im tearing up right now writing this. My husband says I turned him into a "sap", no that was God changing you:-) what is it with guys shedding a few tears:-) I was glad to hear Brad made the the treatment room laugh! It's not usually a place of happiness(in some ways). Awesome! Keep strong you guys!!
Thank you Kendra for your post. Isn't it strange how folks can become so connected by simple things like a song? Wishing you continued recovery and all the best!
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