Day 17

Update by Grandma Sally. Last night was just more of the same : a couple of fever spikes, a couple of catheter blockages more coughing and the very very sore throat. The sores in his mouth is bleeding so I am convinced he is in a lot of pain. When I asked about the coughing the answer was the right lung could have more discomfort because of the tumor. We were told that the tumors could even grow a little more after the first round of chemo, and things could get worse before they get better. I sure have to ask doctor when he is doing his rounds this morning what the strategy is to prevent the lungs from being more distressed. Most of William's hair has fallen out but he refuses to shave what is left which means a lot of hair everywhere and a lot of cleaning up. I had housekeeping coming in around eleven last night to clean the room again - the little guy has a lot of hair. And then he discovered the device that his dad brought yesterday to pick up the loose hair on his pillow - you know the one that has the sticky tape around it to pick up hair and lint?. He started rolling this over his head like a brush and the next thing he had big bald spots everywhere. He looked at himself in the mirror and said "Oh gosh I look like a dork!" and then decided to go on a mission. It brought a few giggles in the room - he now looks like your typical man going bald. Just a ring of hair around the lower part of the head. Lois and Randell went home last night and William and I Skyped them. William's face just lit up when Heaven and Halo (the two dogs) also appeared in the picture on the screen. Mom and Dad is also looking for a strip of foam that will fit on the pull-out chair that we are sleeping on in the hospital room. Why on earth would a hospital choose such uncomfortable chair/beds? Surely they see the results in the grumpy mothers and grandmothers in the mornings? When I asked my girlfriend Sylvia who is a twice breast cancer survivor how she got through it all her response was - just go with the program. Meaning the routine in itself gives one structure and momentum to get through the day. I have no doubt that William is going to come out perfectly healed and healthy - I am just not prepared everyday for the rivers and mountains and fires. And staying happy, friendly and loving amidst it all is very hard work. I have to call his mom and tell her to bring a beanie for William. The skin on his head is tender to the touch. Have a great weekend y'all.