Another Good Day

Today Willem walked, ate 2 chicken McNuggets and some fries (I know and we don't care-he's eating- the asparagus can wait!), another 1/4 of the formentioned famous Subway sandwich, slept (post Chemo day), and while doing all that his numbers continue to track upward and positive. We are greatly encouraged as is Dr. C.

Good talk with Dr. Cornelius this morning. He is going to put a  port in lieu of the Broviak (sp.?)  which he now has, in his chest. The port is more mobile and flexible which is good as Willem moves more.  Dr. C is going to lower his morphine and wean Willem off  by using methadone, a common process in this sort of situation.  The next big move is to take away the IV of "food" he has had for weeks. This process will begin soon. (I do not remember the exact time table- but Dr. C want it done sooner rather than later).

We met with Michelle Lorimer, the counselor at MeadowBrook Elem. (Forest Hills schools) and she gave us a huge banner with tons of signatures of all the fourth graders in his school and then it went to the school ice cream social and lots of other kids and staff signed it. Gifts were given to the family (Erin, Lili, and Wyatt as well as Willem, and gift cards were also presented to the family from the staff. Thank you all at MB Elem- You are awesome.

Speaking of awesome, Susan Meltzer, a third grade part time teacher @ MB has volunteered to come to the hospital twice a week and spend time with Willem to keep him at  up to speed as much as possible. She will work closely with Shannon Kemperman, his fourth grade teacher to keep Willem current on his fourth grade curriculum. (Mrs. Kemperman has three kids under the age of 6 and needs to be home after school!) Thank you Mrs Meltzer and Mrs Kemperman for your efforts to date. Willem is excited to begin learning.

What Willem most wants is to get back to school and see and be with his friends.  Our goal is work on this to get him to do the things needed to exit the hospital. Eat more everyday, exercise daily to gain strength and coordination (balance), and use his brain through games, sessions with Mrs. Meltzer,  reading to him and he reading to us, etc.

The amazing thing is what we are talking about now compared to what we were talking about a couple of weeks ago, or even last week.  The process of recovery is almost as surreal as the downward spiral into sickness. The former is a whole lot more fun!

Take Care all and thank you for your daily thoughts and prayers. Please don't stop!