We had a delayed start for cycle #4. When we went in Tuesday, Ethan’s blood counts turned out to be too low, so we weren’t able to actually begin until Thursday when they were higher. The chemotherapy infusion went okay… still some vomiting, but as always, we’re getting closer to managing his tolerance. One of the Doctors told me that in the early days of Cisplatin (just one of the 4 chemotherapy agents he receives), they used to put catheters in the kids and then just knock them out for 3 days because the effects were so bad. In the big scheme of things, I certainly appreciate the advancements that have been made in the field of antimedics.
The highlight of Ethan's trip to INOVA was the primo room assignment: Room 550 with the BEST view of the helicopter pad. In our previous stays, there were typically several landings a day. Now that he had the best room in the house to watch from, he saw exactly one (a second one came while he was sleeping, but I don’t have the heart to tell him…). He also met 2 new firemen and had a surprise visit from Fireman Kevin, who blew back into town for the weekend to work. It was a nice surprise.
Ethan was discharged Saturday and has felt good ever since. We’ve gone on some walks and he enjoyed his friend Lindsey’s birthday party yesterday, complete with pony rides (see attached). Sunday was also a day of football at our house. After 4 years of Bert trying to drag me away from the games, he’s decided to throw in the towel and join a fantasy football league of his own. Last year, my good friend Ed drafted my team for me (because I was giving birth) and I repaid him by kicking his butt to win the Superbowl. This year, Ed did the same favor for me while I was in the hospital with Ethan, but the jury’s still out on how much of a favor it turns out to be… I already told him that if I tank this season, he’s off the hook because I fully intend to blame it on my other distractions.
We’re gearing up for next weekend’s Ride for Kids in Columbia MD (http://www.ride4kids.org/media/schedule/events/columbia.html). It is, after all, the single event for which we’ve been raising money. I don’t have our total yet, but will share it once I do. I’m hoping that Team Ethan breaks $20K! I know some of you are coming, and I would encourage you all to do the same. Its really a very moving event – to meet so many families and kids who have been effected by brain tumors. And – as an extra enticement - rumor has it I’ll be the parent speaker. What a bundle of nerves I am! I don’t enjoy speaking in front of large crowds and with emotions in the way, I’m not sure I’ll make it through, but I’ll give it a try. I hope to see some of you there!!
I’ll keep everyone posted on Ethan’s progress!
Kim.
