Friday, April 2, 2010

Two Months

Today marks two months that Spencer was diagnosed. Two months ago we sat waiting in the emergency department for CT results. Two months ago I learned the word Rhabdomyosarcoma for the first time. Two months ago I saw the tumor on the scan results. Two months ago our life completely changed. In just two short months my healthy little boy has been through a biopsy, bone marrow aspirate, surgery to have a Broviac central line placed, several CT scans, MRI's and bone scans, 18 doses of chemotherapy, four weeks of radiation, a ten day stay in the hospital because of dehydration and intense pain, and NG tube, and NJ tube and five days of TPN. These are only the big things he has experienced. I haven't mentioned our day to day maintenance routine. What a tough boy. His spirit is so strong and his bravery amazes me. Quite honestly, the last two months have felt like five years. I think about all of the things we have gone through in a relatively short amount of time and just wonder what the next 12 months hold for us. I am pretty terrified to even think about it and cannot even imagine the aging Nate and I will do over this next year. The last two months have been harsh on us, on me at least. Here are some pictures of Spencer's NJ feeding tube system. It is pretty cool and he has put on a pound and a half since chemo on Wednesday! It is also helping to regain his appetite. Today at Walmart he asked me to get, strawberry milk, honey roasted peanuts, taco flavored Doritos, strawberry banana yogurt, pizza rolls, kool aid squeezables, and sour Skittles! He may not eat any of these things but I am just so excited that he even wanted to try any of these, this is a huge step. He tried a pizza roll but the taste just was not right to him, poor guy. He has been eating licorice and we will try some of the other treats later tonight. Yesterday in the mail he got the coolest shark shirt from his very best friend in the whole entire universe, Gabe. Spence LOVES sharks! Here is a picture! Thanks guys! He loves it!

7 comments:

  1. When I was going through my treatments for breast cancer, I found looking at the "whole picture" too overwhelming. I just tried to focus on the "here and now". Sometimes easier said than done. You continue to be in my prayers. Spencer sounds like a very special son who has a very special mom. Thank you for your posts.

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  2. Glad to hear he is doing better. I think your home health nurse is the same nurse for my other friends little girl who has cancer too. They love him. Good luck with everything!

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  3. Dear Spencer, You look like a wrestler now. Love, Liz.
    PS... this is from my mommy - Love that the shirt says Strength In Numbers! You have a huge number of people on your team.

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  4. Try not to look too far ahead. It is overwhelming. Just take one treatment at a time! You guys are doing awesome!!

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  5. It DOES seem like forever since we all found out about little Spence. I can't believe how the past 2 months have dragged. He just seems to have been through so much that you would think it would have been at least a year! You guys are so strong, though. And, I'm so glad that he's getting the treatment he needs quickly. We love you!
    Chels

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  6. I found your blog from running into a stranger at Target who had one of the Lolly bags in her cart. I asked her where she got it and long story short I ended up here. I have to tell you that I think you're amazing and I can't imagine what you are going through. Your posts have moved me to tears. You, Spencer and the rest of your family are in my prayers. Stay strong!

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  7. I found your blog recently and have been just overwhelmed with your story. Little Spencer is amazing to me. What a hero. I am so impressed with his courage. I am also impressed with your attitude and outlook throughout this ordeal. I can't imagine my almost 7-year-old going through this. It breaks my heart for Spencer. I have been praying for him and your family and will continue to do so.

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