Thursday, April 22 - Beginning of Chemo and Radiation

Joe had both his chemotherapy and radiation treatments today. The chemotherapy was first and seemed really easy. It is a very kid friendly office with lots of games like the Wii (which Joe and Daddy both love) and crafts and fun people to help distract the kids. They had to access Joe's port (put a needle into the metal piece that is inserted under his skin into his muscle on his chest where he will receive his various medicines) for the first time. Joe was a little anxious about this as it involved inserting a needle (like having an IV) into his skin. He had numbing cream over the spot to minimize the sting and once they got it in he realized it wasn't too bad. I think next time it will get easier as he hopefully won't be so anxious.

After the chemo, we stopped by Starbucks to get Joe a vanilla bean blended cream. It is a treat he likes and has lots of calories so he can try to keep some weight on during this process. We also had time to stop by the cafeteria at Cook Children's Hospital and get some lunch before we headed across the street to the radiation appointment.

This first radiation appointment included a lot of planning and has to be very exact so it lasted a lot longer than it will for the next 6 treatments. He layed pn the table in the mold they made for him on Monday and lined him up with all the marks they drew on his abdomen. He brought one of his many stuffed animals to hold and they played a music CD of his choice...which was Geography songs (I will count this toward some of his school work:)) Kevin and I were able to stay with him for a few minutes while he got settled and then we watched him on a camera outside of the room. After a few more minutes, they asked us to wait in the lobby as it would take awhile. It was hard to leave him in the radiation room alone behind the 2 foot thick doors and expect and hope that he would be perfectly still. It is so important that they get the radiation in the exact spot to be effective and not to harm any other organs. The technicians were in and out of the room and watched him on cameras and had microphones in case he needed anything, but it felt like we were so far away. Joe had to stay completely still for around 45 minutes laying on his back with his hands over his head. He did extremely well...I don't think I could have done it! I was comforted by hearing his music echo down the hall to where we were sitting and could imagine him singing along in his head. I know many were praying for him at this time, including myself, and God continues to answer our prayers. I was relieved when they said it was over and we could come back. Joe was in great spirits and didn't act like it was a big deal at all.

He took medicines to help with nausea and vomiting. He did start vomiting this evening, about 3 hours after treatment. I am hoping it passes quickly. It is a relief to get this first day of treatments over and done with. I will be glad when next Friday comes and the radiation portion of treatment will be over. He continues to be so brave and that makes it much easier on Mom and Dad. When we feel so helpless for Joe, there is a peace knowing that God is with him every step of the way. Way to go, Joe...you did great today! Joe's brothers are also doing a great job of being flexible and being careful around Joe...with the help of Grandma and Grandpa - thanks!