Nate had a CT scan today to assess his tumor prior to surgery. Usually scans make me into a giant stress ball, but I was really not too worried about this one. It wasn't the full battery of tests, so he didn't have to be put under anesthesia, and we pretty much knew what the scan would show us.
As the scan approached, I actually started to get more worried about getting Nate to lie completely still for the scan, than I was about the scan results. We went to clinic bright and early for a blood check. All his numbers were good. He is making his own platelets again, so he doesn't have to rely on transfusions, for now, woohoo! Then, we headed over to "Nate's big hospital" for the scan. Softie got a CT scan first in the play CT machine. There are so many of these cool things out there for kids with cancer and their siblings. I have mixed feelings about these things. First, they are SO cool and totally invaluable tools to help these kids through this fight. On the other hand...how messed up is it that there has to be a toy CT machine, and books and cartoons about kids with cancer?!?! Kids should not have to be dealing with this! But they are...so, we are grateful for the play CT machine. Softie held very still, like a good boy, for his scan that Dr. Nate gave him. Then Nate held very still, like a good boy, for his scan too. We were out of there and on our way home for fun, by 10:30am!
Nate is 2...almost 3, and they really try to push putting him under anesthesia for these scans when you schedule them. I had to fight with the lady on the phone and insist that it was a short scan and I knew he could...and would hold still for it. There was NO WAY I was going to let them put him under. He did great and there was no risk of anesthesia or waking up a groggy boy afterwards. He just hopped off the table and we went on with our day.
I got a call from the doctor this evening with the exact results we were expecting. The remaining tumor that is on the edge of his liver has shrunk, a little, but still needs to be taken out...as expected. Everything else looks good. So, off to New York we go. We leave next Tuesday, 11/29 for an appointment on 11/30. Nate's surgery is then scheduled on 12/5. We are so, so thankful that it looks like we will have a Happy Thanksgiving with family and NOT in the hospital!
Happy thanksgiving! Nate is an inspiration to even those who are not children but have cancer and must endure chemotherapy, scans and surgery. Thank you Nate for making my upcoming scan much less scarier.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving! When you get to NYC please let me help you. An hour or two for a good run or mani-pedi ... whatever you need. I'm at marian_cutler@msn.com.
ReplyDeleteMarian Cutler
Praise God! Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your family and soak it all in! Will be praying for you all when you are in New York! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI had the same reaction to the toy CT machine in the picture that you described. It's great that they have such things so that it's not so scary for kids, but how awful that it's even necessary. Most adults I know hate those machines... Nate's a champ! See you guys tomorrow for Thanksgiving!!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that things are going Nate's way. He is one brave little man that deserves to have this horrible disease obliterated. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that you all enjoy Thanksgiving and that his surgery goes exactly as planned. My thoughts and prayers are with Nate and his family.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Nate!!! What an amazing little man you are! Have a great thanksgiving AT HOME with your family!
ReplyDeleteNate you are a superstar! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong little man, and take good care of your Momma!
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