Special Time

We were  able to attend Nithas' pinning/graduation as a family.  Because of the previous chemo issue, and early dismissal from the hospital Jethenro was able to attend.  As I looked around the auditorium I realized that this is the first time he has been surrounded by such a crowd in 6 monthes. I am glad his defenses were up, and he was able to enjoy it.

Serenade

While we were at the clinic on Monday, a group of children from a local church sang some Christmas carols and handed out gifts.  In turn, the patient relations director gave them a tour of the facility. 

While they sang Silent Night, my eyes grew damp.  Beautiful song, kids sharing from their heart in a way they could reach out  touched my heart.

(And yes, Jethenro received a gift)

Postponed~No, CANCELLED!

The nurse popped into our room about 8:30 pm last evening to inform us that the chemo infusion would not begin until  morning.  There appeared to be a shortage of this particular medicine in the hospital pharmacy.  It  was enough to begin infusion, but not to finish off  the total treatment. Since the meds had to be consecutively given without a break, the plan was to wait for the second half of the meds to arrive before beginning any infusions. The chemo  was on the way in a truck from Dallas.  By the time it reached the hospital it would be around 1 pm before the chemo could be started.
This all was a little unsettling and disturbing, as it was changing our weekend plans.   
Jethenro and I were sitting in his room  today when the nurse and Dr. came in at 1:15 pm.  We were told that the chemo had arrived, but was the WRONG TYPE. So Doc was sending Jethenro home...!
The Doc said that they might just begin the next phase without it.  The final decision will be known on Monday when we go in for an appointment at the clinic.
Jethenro has had 24 hours of  i.v. hydration. We don't know why~ but God is in the know. Must be a reason that we are not aware of.
Back to the original weekend plans...!

Clinic to Hospital Kind of Day

Morning found us at the clinic bright and early~well~ only half an hour late for the scheduled appointment.  We have learned that the docs do not arrive as early as the appointment time has been given. We end up sitting and waiting in an exam room for an hour or more for the docs to arrive on hospital admit days ~and there is always a physical exam before a hospital admit. That gave me time to make Jethenro a good hardy breakfast this morning.  He has had a good appetite lately which has helped him regain some weight.  We have also seen a little muscle  mass returning and that is exciting.

Thanks to all who continue holding Jethenro up in prayer. It means so much.

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Friday was a first hair cut since April. 

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Weekend Activity

The ONC team postponed Jethenro's chemo for last week to accommodate for his scheduled ACT test.  The test had been postponed twice already due to vacations, camping trips or chemo. He has been studying this book on the good days recently.

 Now this book will be able to retire.

Because Jethenro's defenses were good, we were able to join a little bit of group activities over the weekend..  We went to a performance of "The Messiah" conducted by the academy music director. The academy choir joined a local church choir and community Chamber Orchestra to create a beautiful sound.

Last night some of the Young Adults got together for food and fellowship at a local church members home.

Three Pastors were there~one former,two present

I think the present was getting advice from the former~or vise versa.  They seemed to be into a deep discussion after just meeting one another!

Tomorrow it is off early to the clinic to have blood labs drawn, and an over all health check to verify if Jethenro is ready for chemo.  If he qualifies, it is on to the hospital for HD MTX, and a 3~4 day stay.

Christmas Party!

A local charity organization sponsored a party for all the patients at the cancer clinic.  Immediate family members were invited. Knowing that Jethenro's defenses are up at the moment, and that the girls were available to attend, we really encouraged Jethenro to 'want' to go.  I don't think we achieved the  goal of 'want', but he finally said he would go to appease the rest of us who thought he needed to go.  We have not had a chance to do something fun together as a family for quite some time.., so this was the chance. 

Jethenro  is content to associate with his established friends.  Fortunately, the ones he is closest to locally have remained in contact with him throughout this detour in his life.

Here are memories of the evening:

~While waiting for the party to begin~

Standing in line to register

Choosing a gifted hat

Choosing a gifted blanket/quilt

Choosing a picture frame to decorate

Original Creation! (It says Siblings Forever)

Playing a game while waiting in line for a picture with Santa

With one of the girls that work at the clinic

A 'healthy' supper!

The quilt Jethenro chose~very nice!

There were other activities for children~moon jumps and slides, face painting, cookie decorating, decorating a Santa hat. Our daughters just may have been the oldest siblings to attend.
It was refreshing to go, and mingle with other families that are on a similar journey.