...Thanks Brandi!
I can't believe almost one year ago to the day, on March 16th 2009 Christopher was admitted to Wolfson's for surgery to implant his port and begin his chemotherapy protocol. I will never forget his turning to me, at 3am and saying "mom, this is it...I am getting Chemo" as the nurse hooked up the bright red bags marked CAUTION: CHEMOTHERAPY.
He has come a long way. Today, thank God, he is home, feeling really good and going about life with the stamina and enthusiasm of an ordinary teenager. I think enduring 11 months of in-patient chemo, 3 major surgeries including the amputation of a limb, going bald and having nausea and vomiting be an everyday occurrence is anything but "ordinary"...but looking at Christopher today, somehow, amazingly he looks and acts as if life has been and is pretty normal.
On Monday he had his 3 month protocol tests, i.e. Chest CT, Bone Scan, MRI and X-ray. Though we do not have official word (his Dr. is out of town), the reports did not show any red flags and the Chest CT (the lungs are the first place this type of cancer likes to spread) showed no new lesions. So I feel safe in saying that he is cleared for this round and continuing to enjoy a cancer free life!
On March 3oth he will have his internal port removed (a minor surgery), giving him even greater freedom and relief. He will then not have to go back to the clinic for his monthly antibiotic and respiratory treatment, have the port flushed and will not have to go to the hospital should he get a fever. Again...back to being a regular ol' 13 year old!
Chris wants to write about (OK have ME write a book about) his journey and share his experience with cancer and how he dealt with all that goes with it. I know he has been an inspiration to many and hopefully between the two of us we can someday give back the support and encouragement we received this past year. The journey continues...but we believe the battle is over.
Much love and peace to you all!
Patty
