Day Minus 4

Today was Alex's last two radiation treatments, and what a difference a day makes. Today, he was full of energy, and running around like the Alex we all know and love.

He smiled for the camera when I told him that we hoped to never EVER see a LINAC again.

It is truly amazing how quickly things become "routine" around here. The ride on the gurney is no big deal. Climbing into the radiation chair, no big deal. Even the two feet of concrete and lead sliding closed, wasn't nearly as traumatic for me as it was the first day.

Since this was our last treatment, I took pictures of the "high-tech" calibration devices.


This is the wooden dowel "device" that made sure he was the proper distance from the wall.


This is the LINAC with the brass plates attached to it with masking tape, to ensure that he received the same concentration of radiation throughout his body.

In-between radiation appointments, we spent a lot of time in the playroom, working with CHAP (Children's Healing Art Project). We made a t-shirt, and worked with clay and paint, and paper.



We then came back to the room, and finished decorating Alex's hospital door...5 points to whoever guesses what it is *smile*



Alex isn't eating all that much - and wouldn't touch either dinner that I ordered for him. We got some Ensure Enlive Theraputic Drink (tastes like apple juice) in him, but that is about it.

No jaw pain, or headaches, or mouth sores, or nausea, and he still has the fuzz on his head. (Alex is getting quite annoyed with me, rubbing his head all the time). Part of me is grateful for his lack of serious symptoms, but another part of me worries that we must not be treating him hard enough...I feel so guilty for wanting to see my son feeling sick, but with no outward signs of what we have been doing to his body, I worry.

We got a visit from a representative of the Nick Wilson Charitable Group who came by with goodies for Alex, and some gift-cards for us. They explained how they can help us with a $1,500 grant to use towards our family expenses. What a wonderful organization...another of many who are actively supporting us through this newest challenge.

Bedtime went without a hitch. Another day down, we are getting close to his transplant day - a new birthday!