Surgery, swimming and scans.

William's surgery for a new central line placement is scheduled for Monday morning.  
My mom and I met with the surgeon (Dr. Joy Graf) today and after an extensive Q & A most of our concerns have been addressed and dealt with.
Due to the fact that a vein may only be used once for a central line placement, William's new line will be located on the opposite side of his chest and instead of the line running  through the vein in his neck, the new line will be placed under the collar bone into a vein that runs on top of the lungs(YIKES!!!) The biggest risk with this surgery is that the lung may collapse and/or get punctured( YIKES!!!)  Dr. Graf has been doing line placement surgery for 20 years (@ 2x week) and she has only come across lung complications twice. I feel better knowing that the surgeon has experience, but I am still nervous!

As mentioned in a previous post, William's lack of central line comes with some perks aka swimming ;) For the last couple of days we have enjoyed the pleasures of our local sports club's heated pool ;) William has also been able to take showers, something that has not been done in months as baths are the only option for patients with central lines.  Entry points for the central line into the body has to be kept sterile and dry at all times, therefore William's baths (with the central line) always involved a long tedious prepping process that included saran wrap or aqua guards.  I do enjoy the luxury of temporarily not having to worry about sterile dressings or all the prep work involved with William taking a bath.

While in the hospital last week, William and a couple of our favorite nurses engaged in a much anticipated and planned (on William's part) Nerf War... The video below is just one of the many battles that I captured ;)

Our nurses are more than just medical care providers, they are angels that always find a way to put a smile on my son's face!!! Thank you!!

On Friday morning William will have a PET scan, it will be the first scan that we have done in 4 months and since the start of our new chemo protocol.  Scanxiety (scan- anxiety) is a terrible emotion to have! I ask that everyone please keep William in your prayers! Please pray that the chemo is working and that William's body is in the process of becoming cancer free

Remember our hospital buddy William M? His parents have received the best news ever, William M is in remission. This is such amazing news and I am so happy for them, a little jealous, but extremely happy! Thank you God for healing!  Another one of our hospital buddies, Spencer, finished his last round of chemotherapy last week ;) You go Spencer! We are so incredibly proud of you!

Don't forget that on Friday March 25th, GiftToCure will be hosting a Masquerade Gala at the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa.  For more information please visit http://www.gifttocure.org/eventforcancer.

 

William and My Mom (Grandpa, we wish you were here)

Thank you for all of your continued love, support, friendship and prayers!

Keep on Keepin' on. Live Strong in God's promise of healing!