Wednesday, December 23, 2009

News


Today was a big day for our family, and most especially for Michael. It marked the official end of chemo for him! He sat for the IV drip for the last time on Monday, went home with the pump infusing chemo drugs into his PICC line for 48 hours, and today went to his oncologist's office to have the pump disconnected for the last time, and to have his PICC line removed. We made it a family affair because this is so momentous.


This is our beloved Dr. Alexson, and his nurse, Kathie (who each, it so happens, have a child with Down syndrome!). I can't say enough good things about Dr. A and his staff. I am so grateful for how they've taken care of Michael and done everything they can to put our family at ease and give us hope and optimism.


Kathie gets things ready.


This is the PICC line Michael has lived with for the last 10 months.


The big moment; Michael wanted to pull it out himself.








Sandy, another of Dr. A's nurses, Michael, Kathie, and Dr. Alexson

~~~

It was pretty emotional. It doesn't seem very long ago that it felt like there was no end in sight, and the truth is, it's been a very difficult road to travel. But here we are, almost to the end. There are still a couple loose ends to tie up, and we are anxious but optimistic about the PET scan Michael will undergo in a few weeks to tell us the status of the cancer. We are, of course, hoping to hear that he is cancer-free.

In the meantime, we are thankful that we've made it this far.


10 comments:

Pepper said...

What wonderful news, So happy for all of you. Congratulations! What a wonderful Christmas present. YOU DID IT!

Michelle said...

Hooray!!! Merry Christmas :)

Tricia said...

Absolutely wonderful news! So happy for you and the whole fam damily!!!!

xoxox

Anne said...

Wonderful, wonderful news! Hooray, Michael! Hooray, Lisa! Hooray for your entire family!

Anne said...

Wonderful, wonderful news! Hooray, Michael! Hooray, Lisa! Hooray for your entire family!

Unknown said...

So very happy this is over for you. Hope your Christmas is wonderful and the weeks to come filled with good news and smooth transitions for Michael as he finishes the cancer treatment journey. See you soon! Lisa

The Beers Family said...

Congratulations! What a long road - I hope there is lots more good news in the near future!

Carla said...

I know I already commented on this one on FB, but I find myself continuing to come back to this post to read it again and again...and look at that last picture and all the emotion in M's face. If that is what I'm seeing in M's face, I can only imagine what can be seen in your face! Looking forward to more good news soon!

ashamom said...

Yayy! This 10 month journey is over- what great news!
I hope that his scan shows 100 % healthy body!!!

Lisa said...

GREAT news, Lisa. I'll be thinking of Michael and sending him positive vibes for the PET scan!