I knew today would be an emotional day because my mom had to leave to fly back to Florida. But first she was able to be a part of Caleb’s treatments for one more day.
We started the day as usual, with radiation in the morning. Caleb is such a pro now. We just laugh and make him smile while waiting for the anesthesiologist to put him to sleep for his procedure.
When Caleb wakes up he is definitely a bit confused, sleepy, unsteady, demanding, and HUNGRY! He eats everything in site. Today he asked for Goldfish crackers, Cheez-its, apple sauce, and macaroni and cheese when we got home. About an hour after the procedure Caleb goes from cranky and upset back to his happy self again (thank goodness!)
This afternoon we had a fun appointment that involved both boys. The Child Life team at St. Jude is responsible for explaining medical procedures to the patients and siblings to help them better understand what is going on. So today we focused on some Medical Play to better explain Caleb’s radiation treatments. Tyler and Caleb got to practice accessing and de-accessing a port, and got to watch “Jack” go through a radiation treatment on the mock radiation machine. They really understood the process since they were able to do it themselves. I was so relieved that there is someone at St. Jude to help with this. Just trying to talk to them at home is not enough. I really feel like this helped them understand what goes on day to day with Caleb getting his treatments.
After this appointment it was time to say goodbye to Grandma! Her first trip to Memphis was a great one. She was able to experience the magic of St. Jude, meet Caleb’s doctors, tour the radiation department, help us move into our apartment, and most importantly spend time being Grandma to Caleb and Tyler. She was emotional of course but we are so thankful for all her help while she was here! We are so blessed to have family that will drop anything to come be with us! Tomorrow will be our first day trying to get Caleb to radiation and Tyler to school at the same time without Grandma and Bruce’s help, so we will definitely miss them!!! But we don’t say “goodbye”, we say “see ya real soon!”
Awww, such sweet pictures! Love reading your blog! So glad that your family is able to come to Memphis with you all and see firsthand the wonders of St Jude! GOD bless each of you every day as Caleb is one day closer to being 100% well!
I just read your entire blog. I love your positive attitude and glad to see Caleb is adapting. He is a true warrior. I found out about Caleb’s story right before the bikeathon. Since the Super Hero Bikeathon, I was asking for updates and given your blog. I wish you all the best and will pray for your family.
Thank you Rob!!
Thank you Bobbie!!
Milo, Mary Susan and I are holding you all close in our hearts and prayers. You are doing an amazing job of handling all of this and keeping your lives as normal as possible. I’m loving the pictures and posts. The previous blog I just answered listed me as “anonymous”. I’ve never been shy in my life. I am praising you for your efforts to normalize this. I pray that you won’t let nagging doubts and things beyond your control win the day.