Wednesday, May 17, 2006

HELLO, EVERYONE!!

Thrilling news to report from Grant's check-up at MCV yesterday. We got the ALL CLEAR on his ultrasound & chest x-ray. He was such a joy to be with at the hospital. He had been away at my parents over the weekend, while we were packing & moving, Thanks, Mom & Dad!!! and was fairly content to sit on my lap most of our wait times. That was just fine with me.

Dr. Russell laughed lots at Grant's antics. We had a little bit of a tough time with the new nurse, Jill, accessing Grant's port. Nothing to do with her! He was just apprehensive. He asked if we could just do that next time! Sorry, honey. So, very sorry!

Dr. Russell's office will contact the surgeon's office about scheduling port removal. Grant will also get an echocardiogram soon. He is all clear to get any shots needed for kindergarten, too. Woo-hoo! We'll see his normal pediatrician for that.

Lots of love to you all,
Kathryn

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Another great report from the doctor visit!

Grant had a good check-up with Dr. Russell. As usual, he was full of himself and enjoyed listening to his stomach churn with Dr. Russell's stethoscope.

Grant will switch to doctor visits every 3 months now. WOW! Actually, since he will have another chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound in May, we will have a doctor visit then, too.

After that, port removal!

Grant finishes swimming lessons tonight. He had his first Crew soccer game Saturday and it ended in a tie. No one scored while Grant was in at goalie!

Until later,
Kathryn

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Hello, friends. We had Grant's ultrasound & chest x-ray on Valentine's Day. We didn't have as chatty an technologist as we have in the past, but he didn't seem alarmed by anything he saw or didn't see. The chest x-ray orders had not been sent to Radiology, but we didn't find out until after an hour of waiting! We'll get official results within a week or so.

He is still feeling well. He had been eating LOTS, but that has slacked off some. He has been trying to play hookey lots -- especially to visit James River Equipment. I thought it was for another toy (which he doesn't need), but this morning he said it was for something real (which we don't have room for -- or need!). "Even a Bobcat?" he asked.

Yes, not even a Bobcat.

All for now,
Kathryn

Monday, January 30, 2006

Hi, folks! Grant had his monthly follow-up at MCV today. He has been doing great -- lots of activity and TONS of eating! Despite all the eating, Rob & I were slightly nervous about his tummy looking big. Of course, we're sensitized to looking for that. Dr. Russell said everything felt fine.

Grant is scheduled to have his once-every-three-months ultrasound and chest x-ray on 2/14/06. We'll see Dr. Russell again in about a month.

We leave tomorrow morning for Florida! I have a meeting and Rob & Grant are coming along for Disney World and Sea World. Grant is looking forward to meeting Shamu and seeing some sharks. Well, he says that now!

Take care,
Kathryn

Sunday, January 1, 2006

Happy New Year, everyone!!

We spent a relaxing weekend at my parents' lake house. We got to see Jeff & Anne head back to Florida on Friday. Rob only hunted a half-day on Saturday. We all had a great time hanging out together. Grant really enjoyed walking around in the mud in his boots - and one time got so stuck that Rob had to pull him out by his bootstraps, after putting his own tall boots on!

Grant rode his Big Wheel that Santa brought him very well. He will need to grow a bit more to be able to ride the John Deere bike that Grandma & PaPa gave him. I'm sure his Big Foot monster truck enjoyed the weekend's break from Grant tearing up the house. He has worn all of his new monster truck and dinosaur shirts (from Granny) already. He has really enjoyed the You're the Star CD that features the "freshman quaterback, Grant Vest" playing for the Virginia Cavaliers.

And, speaking of Virginia, How 'bout them HOOS???

I promise to load some new pictures soon!

Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2006,
Kathryn

Friday, November 18, 2005

Hi, folks! We had a rough day at the hospital yesterday. So much for our non-event follow-up. First, traffic on the interstate. Second, though ultrasound wait was short, we hung around waiting for the chest x-ray. No orders. So, we were sent to the clinic. Third, a nearly 2 hour wait for the doctor. Fourth, only one nurse working. And, I think his numbing creme had worn off by the time he was accessed! Fifth, a flu shot. No need to elaborate on that one.

Grant cried a bunch, but I took the opportunity later to warn him about upcoming pre-K shots. Great Mom, huh? I've gotta be prepared! Why not my child!? He actually did really well with the shot and was feeling great this morning.

Our protocol until October 2006: 1) visits to the clinic & doctor monthly, 2) ultrasound & chest x-ray every 3 months, 3) echo every 6 months, I believe.

~Kathryn

Friday, November 4, 2005

Hi, folks. We had a great Halloween! Grant wore his football costume 4 days in a row! Lucky for Mommy, it showed up just in time for Uncle Charles & Aunt Anne to put it on him for his school party. Thanks to everyone who came to our Halloween Chemo-Free Party.

It is interesting to hear the questions that Grant asks sometimes. Today it was "How many more times do I need to get poked in my button?" Rob guessed 4. Grant said he was glad he didn't have that needle any more. Of course, he's referring to the IV from "that girl with the pony tail" the first night at MCV. We did warn him that he might need another poke like that, but Rob added that we would talk about that later.

November 17th is his 3-week off-treatment doctor visit & scans. He is feeling great and growing lots!

Rob leaves today for a weeklong hunting hiatus ... so Mommy & Grant will be very busy this week. Tonight, though, it's either a Harry Potter or Herbie movie OR CMT Outlaw concert with Toby Keith. What do you think will win out?? ;-)

Love to you all,
Kathryn

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

NO MORE CHEMO!

Grant got his last chemo treatment on Tuesday, October 25th. Yippee!

We celebrated by taking him to the Caterpillar dealership north of Richmond. He was so excited! Todd Anderson there drove him around in a skidsteer - Grant raised & lowered the bucket, and, of course, drove through a puddle to watch the tracks. They also rode in an excavator - Grant really wanted to dig something!! - and in a wheel loader. He was beeping the horn as they rode around.

Tommy, the shop manager, gave us a tour of the shop and Grant got to see more big equipment. He got a couple of hats that he is loving! We took lots of pictures that I promise to post soon.

Afterward, we let him pick out one toy -- and had dinner at LoneStar. Unfortunately, Grant got sicky in the night.

I was so proud of my little man for making it to the bathroom, and turning on the light! What a champ!

We stayed home Wednesday to make sure he was better.

We were sad to learn that Grant's nurse is leaving MCV, but we were happy to have Rachel throughout his treatment. We'll go back to MCV for an off-treatment doctor visit and scans on 11/17. Grant said he wanted Jennifer to be his next nurse. Jennifer had helped on a few occasions when Rachel was out.

Oh, one more thing: echocardiogram results were good.

We're anxious for our Halloween and chemo-free party on Sunday! Lots to do!

~Kathryn

Friday, September 23, 2005

Scheduling Update

Hello, friends! I wanted to let you all know when Grant's next appointments are scheduled, and remind you to think of us and pray for Grant, especially.

October 6th
Chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound - Checking for new tumors in the abdomen or spots in the lungs
Chemo - red stuff & vincristine
October 7th
Echocardiogram - Checking if the red stuff has caused any damage to his heart

Okay -- so I probably really didn't need to remind you to think of Grant. It feels better to ask.

Grant's mail truck has slowed down -- so, if you get a chance, please drop him a note at 12019 Player Court, Chester, VA 23836. He'd LOVE it!

Many thanks,
Kathryn

A special P.S. & thanks to my cousins who have checked in! Yes, that's Janet & Jim, Kathy, Carol & Christine (I know you're out there!).

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Hello, everyone!

Good news to report from MCV today! Grant's counts were great again: HGB 11.0; WBC 3.5; Platelets 270,000; NEU 2.1. So, he got treatment #14. TWO TO GO!! Yippee! This was one of the potentially pukey chemo-combos, as are the rest of his doses. He hasn't been sick, but has been slightly punky since he woke up from his nap today. I think Rob & I fell asleep before he did, though!

Since his counts have been good lately, Nurse Rachel is going to check if the doctors want to see him before he is due for the next chemo in 3 weeks. That will be our longest stint without going to the hospital yet! Things are starting to get back to "normal"!!

He will be due for chest x-ray, ultrasound and echocardiogram in 3 weeks, too. When those are scheduled, we'll post a message here.

Thank you all for your prayers! They do work!

~Kathryn

Friday, September 2, 2005

Apologies to those who watch this site for updates on Grant -- his blood counts were good on Tuesday, August 30th. HGB was 10.1; platelets 368,000; and ANC 1300. So, he was able to go to daycare this week. Today Goddard is closed, so Grant & I are hanging out at home and getting ready for the first UVA football game of the season. Grant says they are closed because the school is getting a bath! :-)

Next visit to MCV will be 9/13 for a doctor visit, and chemo treatment #14, as long as counts are good. We'll post a message on how that goes.

Until then, I send love to you all,
Kathryn

Monday, August 22, 2005

Hello, everyone! Good news to report from our visit to MCV on Friday. Grant's counts were GREAT! ANC went to 1700, HGB was 11, platelets 304. So, he got his chemo. Down to three treatments! WHEW!

He did amazingly well over the weekend -- no sickies at all.

Yippee!

He had a great birthday party on Saturday. I've attached a couple of new pictures.

All for now. Take care!

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

A big lightning strike hit and knocked out our power last night when I was posting yesterday's update. Grant's visit with Dr. Godder was good; although, he is neutropenic again. His ANC was 800. We will try again for chemo treatment on Friday. Contrary to what we were told with regard to the last delay, they might now consider lowering his doses - by 10 or 20% - in order to keep him on schedule. That wasn't a concern before!? That bothers both of us, and we will certainly discuss all with the doctor(s) on Friday if that is the case.

Other lab results: WBC 2.3; RBC 3.63; Hemoglobin 10.8.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRANT! He is telling everyone he is 4 today. We are looking forward to a big family party on Saturday.

Will post an update on Friday. Thanks for your continuing thoughts & prayers.

Thursday, August 4, 2005

Greetings, one and all. Good news to report on the blood count front. Grant's hemoglobin was the highest it's been in a while -- over 10, and he's not neutropenic. It is a nice reassurance to how good we believe he is feeling -- when he is bouncing on the beds well after 10 pm.

He had been put to bed near 10:30 last night, when Rob found a Toby Keith special on CMT. So, he creeps down the hall and calls Grant in. I didn't know who to be mad at! But, he enjoyed the program -- and Rob & I both LOVE when he is happy!

So, tomorrow we're starting the trek to Myrtle Beach and we're all looking forward to it.

Grant's next treatment is August 15th, and that's also a doctor's visit. We will ask about whether he can/should get any vaccines he is due for his 4th birthday -- which is August 16th. The treatment includes a dose of Doxorubicin, so, please keep him in your thoughts.

Until then, think of him pushing his dump truck all over the beach!

Monday, July 25, 2005

HELLO, EVERYONE! It feels so good to have good news to share! Grant's neutrophil count went to 1800 today, so he got chemo treatment #12. The early report from Daddy, on the way out of the hospital parking lot was that Grant is feeling well.

Other blood count items: HGB 10.7, WBC in the normal range, platelets around 350,000.

We'll have blood checked next Thursday, before leaving on Friday, August 5th for our family Myrtle Beach trip.

Yippee!!

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

A quick update: Trial #3 for Grant's chemo dose #12 was unsuccessful today. His ANC count had actually fallen to 500, from the 800 he had reached last Tuesday. Nurse Rachel, though, says the change was very minimal.

Grant continues to feel well, and the doctors aren't concerned with his blood counts at this time. We will try again on Monday (7/25).

Many thanks for all the warm thoughts and prayers that go our way so often!

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Well, we still weren't able to get chemo on Friday. Grant's ANC had gone from Tuesday's 500 to 800, but still not to the 1000 that was required. So, we'll try again on Tuesday. He still has TONS of energy and so much enjoys the alternatives to daycare -- Grandma & Papa, Granny & Daddy.

After Friday's disappointment, we headed to the Lake House. Daddy gave some boating refreshers to Grandma & Papa. Grant kept asking when he could get in the water. Finally, we did on Saturday. He loved jumping off the boat, swimming & splashing around. He & Daddy swam in 60' deep water. Mommy joined in when it was a little shallower -- 15-20 feet. Daddy & Mommy got pooped quickly - having to tread water so much. Whew!

We had some thunder & lightning on Saturday. Stormy weather continued on Sunday, so we just stayed inside. Though, as usual, Grant managed to get outside and find some mud! After a bath, we were on our way.

We stopped by to visit Mam and were surprised that she had already picked the blackberries for us. I think Grant ate 25!

We'll update all on Tuesday!

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

That's what I get for complaining about long days at the clinic. Today was a MUCH shorter day than we expected. Though his hemoglobin was very good (10.7), he was neutropenic; very succeptible to infection. So, he couldn't get the chemo -- for fear that it would/could drop even lower. (ANC was 500) We left just as Rob was getting to MCV. We swapped, and he headed off with Grant while I went to work. Being prone to infection, Grant can't go back to daycare until they can verify that his counts have rebounded. His check-up with the nurse practitioner was good. We asked about scan results, but weren't there long enough to get an answer!

We'll be back at clinic on Friday for blood counts and HOPEFULLY chemo. Then, we'll head to the lake! YAY!

Tuesday, July 5, 2005

We're home from Moline, ILL. Rob & I still smile thinking back to folks asking us why we went there -- Yes, just to see the John Deere stuff!

And, boy was there a lot of stuff. Grant LOVED that our hotel was right across the street from the John Deere Pavilion and John Deere store. He climbed in combines, a sugar cane harvester, skidsteer, bulldozer, grader, fairway cutter, loader, tractor with tracks and other big tractors. Most of the tractors were at Deere & Co. headquarters, which we visited twice. He also got to ride on some old tractors thanks to a very nice customer service rep at the John Deere Collector Center. And, there was even more equipment on the grounds of TPC at Deere Run, getting ready to show off for the PGA tournament.

He threw out one of the first pitches of the Quad City Swing baseball game we went to Wednesday night. On Thursday, he won his age group in the Pedal Tractor Pull. And, when Daddy was racing in the adult class, he was yelling, "Go, Daddy! Go, Daddy!" Then, he ran down to hug him when Rob was done.

He enjoyed the family museum in Davenport and the library next door. And, he looked like a pro at the tractor auction on Saturday.

The blood he got last week made a BIG difference in his energy level - and we struggled to keep up. That's certainly okay!

Monday, June 27, 2005

An earlier in the week than normal visit to the nurse for Vincristine turned out to be an entire day activity. Though, not from the port this time! Thank goodness! Grant's blood count (HGB) was down to 7.5 ... so.... with our trip tomorrow, they wanted to give him some blood. Normally, counts drop 10-14 days after getting dactinomycin or doxorubicin -- and this was day #6. They were convinced his counts would drop and he would have a bad trip, which might have meant he needed blood while we were away. So, we agreed. The transfusion is a three hour process. He showed no effects -- and we could see his face getting more color towards the end of the process.

He didn't nap while he waited, but did very well, so Grandma says. She stayed with Grant while Rob was on the way, and I ran into my office. We were both rushed because tomorrow -- we're off!

We're taking Grant on a suprise trip to the John Deere headquarters -- and their Reunion on the River annual celebration. We had planned to sign Grant up for a pedal tractor pull and are more confident than ever that he will have enough energy to do it. We'll take lots of pictures and put some on the web when we return.

It is a much needed break for all three of us -- especially, our little trooper.

Today was the final chemo day of our 11 weeks in a row, but we will go back next week for blood counts. When we shift to chemo every three weeks we'll still need to have counts checked once in-between the three week intervals. So, not the break we had hoped for -- but, with 5 chemo treatments to go -- we're looking towards the end!

Bye, all!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 6:30 pm

What a long day at the hospital! It started early with Grant's ultrasound and chest x-ray. No "official word" but all seemed to be fine.

Then to the ASK Clinic for a doctor visit. That was fine, too. Our trouble of the day was being able to get blood out of Grant's port! They put medicine in it to try to dissolve whatever was blocking the blood from coming in. That was an hour. Then, nothing still, so they put more medicine in. Another hour.

And still, nothing came out. And, nothing would go in, either! So, they suggested taking the needle out and reinserting. We did. Grant hated it! He wasn't numb any more, so they used a freeze spray -- that worked, but he was so upset. Still -- nothing came out.

Grant did pretty well waiting today. Daddy played lots with him. Mommy read books. Mommy & Daddy took turns doing work-stuff. We were glad we packed lunch today.

Around 2:30, we were sent to Intervention Radiology (whatever!?) for them to do a dye study to see if anything was wrong with the port. Oh, the fear! LUCKILY, they got good blood return when they inserted the dye. All looked okay with the x-rays, too!

So, back to the clinic. At first Nurse Jennifer was having trouble getting blood out (not again!?), but it slowly came out.

After waiting about an hour for lab results, counts were good enough to get chemo: HBG 8.2 (same as last week). So, then the wait for chemo. Once that arrived, a wait for the Zofran to work. Then, the wait for the doxorubicin to be pushed in.

Finally the needle could come out -- 7 hours later -- the part Grant hates most. Boy did he complain! He said it hurt very very bad when the needle comes out. He screamed! He said he didn't want to go back. :-( He fell asleep right before Charles came in to pick us up.

I talked with the nurse, but we can't figure why exactly it hurts him so. We'll try to get him to take Ty-lee-nol later tonight.

Hopefully, he'll go to bed early!

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Well, it took me a couple of days to get Grant's latest entry in -- but, that is a good sign. His HGB was 8.2 on Tuesday, so he didn't get anything other than his Vincristine. Still showing minimal side effects. Monday evening we were running races in the back yard. Whew!

All for now -- I'll try to get more pictures loaded soon!

Sunday, June 12, 2005 8:07 PM CDT

What a busy weekend! Grant spent Friday night with his Granny - and they really played. I think Granny took a 3 hour nap after Grant left. Grant didn't nap. I tried to have him run through the sprinkler in the back yard, but he preferred his sand box....until I saw him pulling his swimming suit down!

Today, Grant went to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese's; he spent most of the time in the tube - in the race car section. I heard slams on the gas and the steering wheel was going side to side.

Everyone continues to be amazed at his HIGH level of energy -- for which we continue to be thankful!

Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Nurse visit with Rachel. Grant did very well getting his "poke" from Rachel. Daddy was even out -- as he had to go back to the truck for the stash of Matchbox cars we brought to put in the clinic's Treasure Box. Grant got upset when Rachel was pulling the needle out. He said it hurts, but I would much rather that hurt than the going in!

We waited around for Grant's counts -- which were generally low (main one - HGB 8.1). He's been hovering low -- so we'll be anxious to get counts next week.

We had a fun afternoon together - headed to the John Deere store to pay for our new lawn mower and, of course, Grant got more toys -- this time given to him by the salesman, Chris. How very nice! We also went to the pool -- and Grant jumped off the diving board twice. The big pool water was very chilly, though.

Thursday, June 2, 2005 11:30 AM

Just returned from a check-up with Dr. Morris, the radiation oncologist. She is very pleased with how Grant is doing - no side effects from the radiation. His skin discoloration will correct itself, as any sunburn/tan would, in time.

I didn't see him this morning before I left for work, so I was surprised to see that his hair has started falling out. We had noticed some thin spots over the weekend, but against his black Grave Digger shirt -- it is very obvious today. All to be expected, but more of a visual reminder of his condition than we were used to.

When he and Rob picked me up for the appointment, I gave Grant the IRL hat I had gotten signed this morning for him by Indy 500 champ Dan Wheldon.

May 31, 2005

We had a great Memorial Day weekend at Lake Gaston with Grandma & Papa. Rob had brought his boat down -- and Grant loved riding it -- especially FAST! Grant also caught his first fish -- a catfish about 6 inches long -- with Dad's help, of course! Not big enough for dinner, though, as Grant was promising. Grant was happy to see Uncle Charles and Ellen on Sunday & Monday.

Doctor visit at the Nelson Clinic today. Dr. Massey is pleased with how well Grant is doing. Grant's dad, Rob, asked about when he would get another MRI. Dr. Massey told us that his protocol called for an ultrasound to check the tummy (especially other kidney) on 6/21. Then, he'll also have a chest X-ray to check the lungs.

He hasn't shown any sign of pukeys from the Dactinomycin so far. We're piping in the Zofran for a while, to be on the safe side.

Grant was pleased to see Nurse Rachel -- and she had another Hot Wheels band-aid for Grant. How special! We also saw several other children that have been at clinic with us several times now. Grant enjoys playing with them all.

His counts were good -- although not what Mom & Dad expected. Hemoglobin was 8.4, and the dactinomycin will lower that, probably. We sojourn on!

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Chemo day, again. These things come too quickly. Grant was actually upset Monday night, saying he didn't want a poke this week.

His "spiderman cream" aka Emla is doing marvelously, though! Thank God! His counts were pretty good, so he didn't need blood.

We got out of the clinic early enough to have lunch at home, but FIRST we treated Grant to a trip to James River Equipment to see & climb in some John Deeres!

Tuesday, May 17, 2005 9:30 am

Chemo appt #5 today. Grant's nurse, Rachel, was out again today, and he was disappointed. Then, they didn't have any real "boy" band-aids. Nurse Jennifer said she would talk to the person in charge of ordering band-aids and see what she could do.

They just did the poke, drew blood, put the medicine in, & then took the needle out. Yay -- no tape to fight with!

We visited Grant's radiation friend, Latrez, who was in the bone marrow transplant unit. We were glad to see that he & his mom were doing well, despite being frustrated with the nurses being used to dealing with adult patients!

Grant's counts were down a little, but nothing critically low. Unless he started feeling ill, or seemed anemic, we would be back next week.

May 10, 2005 10 am

Grant fared very well last week with the Doxorubicin. We kept him home from daycare the day after -- to give him Zofran and just in case he was peeing red. Though the other kids would enjoy seeing it, I'm sure!

He only peed orange once -- and was playing with his Granny on Wednesday, like nothing had happened.

Also, last week I forgot to write that we had a follow-up with his surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Haynes. Dr. Haynes whipped off that tape -- it was amazing! His incision has healed very well. A stitch is still hanging out just above his port, where that was slipped under his skin. The surgeon said Grant's tumor was the biggest Wilms tumor he has seen in several years. When we asked, "how big?" he held up his hands as wide as our child is. WHAT? Yes, 9 inches x 5 inches by about 3 inches.

This week is "just" Vincristine. Again, his hair is still in. Appetite is good. He is our champ!

Monday, May 2, 2005 8:30 am

Port is accessed by his nurse, Rachel. Then, down to the Massey Cancer Center for radiation treatment #6. Again, his reaction to the anesthesia is stronger, and we will be so glad when we are done!

Tuesday, May 3, 2005
Last day of radiation. Grant takes about 30 minutes to recover from anesthesia, the longest yet. We are late getting up to the Nelson Clinic for chemo treatment #3.

We had been told that Grant's hair would fall out in 2-3 weeks. So, we all got shorter hair cuts last week.

April 29, 2005 8 am

Radiation treatment #5 on the way. Grant is reacting stronger & stronger to the purple fog anesthesia. He is waking up meaner & crankier as we go on. Two more days to go, though.

He has had his port accessed all week, so we will be glad to be "free" for the weekend.

Grant has met a little friend in the Radiation area, Latrez, who is also going through treatment. They enjoy playing together - Grant looks forward to bringing new toys each day to share.

Monday, April 25, 2005 8 am

To Massey Cancer Center for Grant's first radiation treatment. We had to wait 2 1/2 hours for anesthesia to show up! Of course, being put to sleep means no food until afterwards. We went to the Nelson Clinic to have his port accessed then we heard that anesthesia was waiting on us!

He did pretty well with the treatment. We had gotten a surgeon/doctor outfit for the Build-a-Bear he got in the hospital, so he carried Dr. Happy in each day.

Thursday, April 21, 2005 1 pm

In the morning, Grant had his radiation planning session and got his 5 tatoos to mark the zapping area. We asked about him not needing anesthesia, but we hadn't gotten the entire story about what would go on -- how dare they consider having him awake while they push ink into his skin with a needle! While he was in the session, we had a good talk with the supervising radiation oncologist.

After lunch, we were heading home from the hospital! Grant AGAIN used the red wagon as his method of transportation. We needed help from Grandma to get all the balloons, stuffed animals and other presents home. And, some stuff had been taken home the night before!

Grant was very glad to be back home, and we were, too. We enjoyed a quiet day together.

Wednesday, April 20th 4 pm

The pathology reports came back, confirming a Wilms tumor Stage III, but a favorable histology. We talked with the radiation oncologist, then the hematology oncologist. Treatment plans were outlined. 24 weeks of chemotherapy and a week of radiation. Sounds like so long! Until now, there had been a sliver of hope that something had just gone awry in Grant's tummy -- and the tumor would be benign. Not the case!

The hem-onc doc wanted to start chemotherapy today! What? No time to breathe. We talked to Grant about the bad guys in his tummy, and that the surgeon had taken most of them out. BUT, we needed to make sure that there would be no more bad guys, so he would need to have his tummy zapped and get some medicine. He was a little upset, but didn't fully understand.

We sat with him while nurse Maureen gave him his first dose. He had Zofran by IV just before. We watched some cartoons -- and it was done.

Friday, April 15, 2005 10 am

After several parades of doctors in the Emergency Room, we were finally moved to a room late Wednesday night. Grant just wasn't feeling well. He didn't even eat the popsicle he had bargained for in order to get the IV. (He still talks about the girl with the pony tail that was hurting him!)

Thursday the 14th it was more of the same; though, he quickly learned about the play room and video collections on the pediatric floor. Late Thursday, we had to take Grant for another CT scan to make sure his lungs were clear. How nerve-racking! We got the all clear -- and surgery could happen on Friday.

He went to surgery around 11 am. Letting go of him was the hardest thing. We were so glad to have our families and pastor with us. We were told we would get updates every hour during surgery. That was good.

When the updates came earlier than expected -- of course, we thought something bad had happened immediately. The third update was that the tumor was out! YAY!!

It was another three hours, though, before we were able to see him. But, oh, how glad we were to see him.

In the P-ICU, only one parent could stay and we agreed Dad could be the one for that night. Good thing I was able to call the nurses station and check on our little man.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 5:30 pm

Well, this was about the time that we were heading with Grant to MCV after having an x-ray and CT scan done at Chippenham Hospital. Something was in his belly that shouldn't be -- and that's all we told him. We were very scared. Wilms tumor was mentioned as the most likely candidate. Yes, cancer! WHAT?? CANCER?!? We were about to learn a lot that we had never imagined we would need to know.

Click here to go back to the main page.

----End of History----