Even today, as I write this, it's always humbling to know that Nate's story has touched so many people. It's incredible to know that he reminds people to appreciate the little things in life and that no matter how difficult our lives get, there's always someone out that struggling just the same, if not worse.
November was scan month. It had been six months since his last scan so we were as anxious as ever, knowing a lot was riding on this one. If you are in the brain tumor world, you know that having two "stable" scans at 6 months apart, there's a good chance you can move to yearly scans. This is a HUGE milestone in our world.
Before it was time for the scan (November 11), my Mom came up to visit with the boys. They always love to see her. She was able to attend music class with Nate which is always a special treat. Plus, I was able to get a day alone with Benjamin while Nate was in school. I cherish those hours alone with each son as they don't come around very often. We were able to have breakfast out and spend some time at Dick's Sporting Goods playing around. It's the simple stuff!
 |
| Nate reading with Grandma |
We headed up to Boston the night before scan day, as Nate still needs to be sedated for his MRI's. The earlier in the day the scan happens, the better, since he's not allowed to eat or drink beforehand. So, that means no one eats or drinks either, even Benjamin if he's with us. Before we left the hotel for the hospital, I was locked out of my phone. As silly as it sounds, this made me extremely anxious for the entire day. I rely on my phone during hospital visits to communicate with my family and close friends for support. Since many people look for Nate updates on Facebook during these visits, I try to update as much as I can as I know how much love and support he has. Not being able to get that support I needed during the day was a tough pill to swallow. It made a hard day even more difficult for me.
The MRI went well and recovery was okay. He slept a little longer than usual and was a little more out of it afterward, but sometimes that happens after sedation. He bounced back when we went for lunch in between appointments. When we got back to Dana Farber, the boys had a good time coloring and playing games while waiting for his follow up appointment at the brain tumor clinic. The Jimmy Fund did an incredible job renovating their waiting area; there is no chance for anyone to get bored, that's for sure!
We were able to see several specialists all at once and it was amazing to hear that we got the green light to go to yearly scans. We never thought this day would come. To be able to go from 3 months, to 4 months, to 6 months, to yearly scans in such a short time (just under 3 years) is the best feeling! We also got more information about his bloodwork and the fact that he hadn't been gaining weight; they didn't seem overly concerned about it so that means I'm not overly concerned about it. :)
We were able to relax and breathe on the way home which is always a nice feeling. Time to kick off the rest of November and the holidays to come.
It was a busy rest of the month too! Benjamin had failed the eye screening at school so he needed to go to the doctor for a full exam. Come to find out, the kid can't see out of his left eye! How I was unable to figure this out is just crazy. Well, I know why....his right eye was doing all of the work and compensating for his left eye. He came away with three diagnoses (Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Amblyopia) and new glasses. If the glasses to help correct his vision and make that eye stronger, he'll need to start patching his good eye after the follow up. Thankfully, he was excited to get the glasses!
 |
| Nate's not the only one who plays with hair! |
 |
| Handsome man in those glasses |
Nathan also got strep during the month of November. It never ends for that kid! He handled the antibiotics well and got through it. Benjamin began hockey and never looked back. He could barely skate in October so he was looking forward to improving and getting better with each practice. He is was persistent little man.
 |
| Ben at hockey practice |
 |
| Nate's not too amused with hockey practice |
Toward the end of the month, we spent Thanksgiving in Connecticut with my family and kicked off another round of fundraising for the foundation we've teamed up with for low grade gliomas, "A Kid's Brain Tumor Cure Foundation." Please check out Nate's website if you haven't already! (Team Nate the Great)
 |
| loving that Wrobel cake! |
 |
| silly boys on Thanksgiving |
No comments:
Post a Comment