This morning we headed to the MD Anderson Proton Center for Cash's first treatment. I wasn't nervous, just anxious to get started. Everyone there is wonderful and the process is pretty smooth - Cash and I check in and I take him to get his vitals (blood pressure, temp, and oxygen levels), then we wait for the anesthesia team to call us to the area with the proton machine in it. They then give him the sleepy juice through his line and he falls to sleep almost immediately and I leave and go and wait until the radiation is done and then I meet him in recovery, where he is sleeping. This morning he slept for about 30 minutes after the procedure and as soon as he wakes up, I give him as much milk as he can drink (we have to stop milk 6 hours before any anesthesia). Then we leave and come back the next day...
My parents were with me today and dad went back with me to see the machine - it's impressive and everyone we meet in the waiting room is as positive about the therapy as we are. Cash will develop a slight 'burn' in the area on his head that they are targeting, but two of the parents indicated it is almost like a sunburn and we just keep a special medication on it to prevent irritation.
My parents and I were talking on the way home and it's hard because unless you are here, it's very difficult to feel assured and comfortable with the process. We were very excited about the process today and I want you all to feel comforted (if at all possible) with the radiation treatments as we are. We also received confirmation that the chemo Cash was receiving (and will receive) in Seattle was/is the best protocol available for this type of tumor - we're thrilled now to have two teams working together to help us beat this.
Yesterday we took Cash to the pool - he can't go underwater b/c of his port, but he sure likes to splash and have fun...
Please continue to pray for Cash and all those that have cancer - we met even more families today with similar stories - God has all of them in His hands.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Uncle Manuel and I know the feeling you're receiving!!! The most wonderful, powerful feeling of healing. For Uncle Manuel, it was a pod made for him, only! He'd be in it and into this huge machine! We felt like Star Wars, or something totalaly out of this world!! We pray and feel the love and support you're receiving.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and Wendi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, of course all of you!!Cash, the miracle baby!!!
Love,
Tia Margie and Uncle Manuel
My son was treated at MDAnderson Proton as well, at the age of 2 for Ewing's sarcoma. It is a great place. My son is now almost 5 and NED - yeah! His website is www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobralston. I started a foundation for pediatric proton at www.pediatricprotonfoundation.org. I am also a board member of www.procurecancerfoundation.org. We give grants to families getting proton treatment. Please check us out and apply if you would like. We meet once a month to give out grants and we would love to help Cash.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Prayers,
Susan
Sitting here at OHSU, reading and praying for the family and Cash. It sounds like you are in wonderful hands, and the feeling of comfort is something we know so well. We love Jack's new tattoo and I am sure there will be more pictures of the same tattoo to follow. Thinking of you always and praying for good news around the corner. The Rocha Clan, Tillamook, Oregon
ReplyDelete