We went in Thursday morning and got out around 8:00 on Friday night. We were happy we didn't have to stay two nights. Things got off to a late start, as usual, but Ethan handled the chemo like a pro so we were released without any complications. I hear that kids usually have to stay a bit longer for hydration reasons but Ethan was well hydrated and had no problems urinating. Since we've been home, he has been a little nauseous, but is doing better than the last two rounds. This is a different mix of drugs though, so that's probably why. Every third chemo cycle the drugs are different from the first two.
My dad popped into town for a few days before Ethan went in and we all had a good time exploring the town together. Ethan and Brynn got lots of new toys and Grandpa got lots of new hugs! We were all sad to see him go.
Right after we dropped him off, Grandma Black flew in. Now the kids are having some more fun hanging out with Grandma. Today, we went on the train. It was kinda chilly. We're not used to 60 degree weather!
As a whole, Ethan is doing really well. He talks all the time now and his voice seems to be getting louder and louder. Sometimes it sounds just like it did before surgery. His lips are coming closer and closer together, but not all the way there yet. He has a little more facial expression and, although it is very gradual, it is starting to come around. He definitely has off days. It seems like there is no explanation for them but he has been through two surgeries and chemo all in a very short time period, so that's my explanation. Obviously, there is an accumulation effect from the chemo too. His anxiety really peeked after the peg tube surgery, but I think and hope it is starting to level off now. He continues to work hard at all his therapies and we see progress in every area. He likes his new posterior walker, as it supports him quite a bit better. He can walk with it unassisted for short bursts, but he still needs a spotter.
Despite his illness and treatments, he sure is a trooper and seems like a happy little punkin. We are so thankful he has come so far and is doing so well.
He has an MRI and peg tube modification scheduled on December 7th. We're obviously curious to see if there are any changes in his brain and with his right-sided facial atrophy. We are also excited to not have a tube hanging out of his belly. They will now replace it with a button-like access that is flush to his skin. It will make everything so much easier. He will not have to stay the night, thankfully. Until then, we'll continue to check in with the doctor on Thursdays for out-patient chemo and blood counts.
We wish you all a happy holiday season and thank you for all your positive thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Nikki
About Me
- Ethan Black
- Hi, I am an adorable, blonde, blue-eyed young man. I had Medulloblastoma - cancer. I had a successful resection of my brain tumor, completed six weeks of radiation, 15 months of chemo, and countless surgeries and therapies as the result of treatment effects. These entries journal much of my treatment and progress. I have come a long, long way and I am doing awesome today! Feel free to read and share my story.
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