Ethan was admitted on Monday, April 7th for his 9th round of chemotherapy and was discharged this afternoon. Again, he was treated to the infamous helicopter suite and really enjoyed it. He tolerated the treatment pretty well, except for the usual mood swings. We're still finding nurses who have never seen him like that and who are amazed at the transformation.
Ethan had two special treats this time. On his first day, he was able to go down to the ambulance bay and visit with the crew from Station 426. He was thrilled at the opportunity and was quite talkative, although carried an obvious bias for his buddies at 436. Every time they showed him something he would say "Oh, yea... that's just like the one at 436" or "436 has that - only bigger" or "I think 436 has even more medicine then that". They seemed to have a really good sense of humor and took it all in stride. Then they told him that if they come visit their station they would take him for a ride in the foam unit, which 436 DOESN'T have.
His second treat was a visit from his buddy Brigitte yesterday. By then the Decadron was definitely doing its thing, but luckily both Brigitte and her Mommy have tough skin. Ethan was able to show Brigitte around the play rooms and the helicopter bridge and they had several races down the hallway in their pedal cars. Ethan has become quite skilled in hairpin turns, even with an IV in tow.
Prior to his admission, Ethan was out and about quite a bit. He had several sleepovers and has started playing a little soccer on Sunday nights. He also took two trips to the circus... once with his buddy Clay and once just with Daddy. I tend to think that Ethan's precious little bald head is kind of like a beacon and he just has a way of catching people's attention. Within the first 15 minutes of the "open floor" the Ringling Brothers had Ethan and Clay suspended in the air with all of the Acrobats. Ethan said he thinks that was his favorite part... or maybe the man being shot out of the cannon. I think if HE could have been shot out of the cannon, it would be the decisive favorite.
As for the daily trivia of our lives, the Sunglasses Score is now Kids - 7; Mommy - 0. Let's hope pair # 8 has a little extra resilience.
Kim.
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