On the road again .. earlier

We had our first "early" appointment yesterday. Connor is able to leave radiation about an hour sooner now that we have acquired the earlier appointment slot.

Yesterday was the last day for treating his whole head, and spine. Starting today he will get radiation for the tumor site only. We should see a decrease in some of the short term effects from the "Whole head and spine" treatment within a few weeks (Mostly upset stomach, and sore throat, back pain).


Yesterday was difficult on us, Connor has started to lose his hair. It seems to be more upsetting to mommy and daddy than him (thank goodness).

The side effects seem to be prominent on Wednesdays & Thursdays they subside Friday-Monday.

As of tomorrow we will be officially half way through radiation treatments.

Something I'm thankful for: Hard Boiled Eggs (Connor is loving them).

2nd round of a Chemo without a hitch

Connor had Chemo and Radiation on Monday (all went well), and radiation today (which also went well).

Connor brought Dr. Rose (one of his anaesthesiologists) some Almond Joys (his favorite candy), and has a marshmallow brain reserved for Dr. Kee (his radiologist) for when he returns next week from a Cancer conference.

The Oncologist we met with on Monday was very pleased with Connor's physical improvements since being released from the the hospital. He is now walking on his own, and for longer walks he is able to use his walker.

One of the other children doing radiation completed his last session today. His father is a tattoo artist and was very kind to give Connor some tattoo stencils that he can use to create his own "personalized" tattoos. Fortunately it's pretty quiet in the radiation office, but there is a 10 year old little girl who started her treatments yesterday. Although it is heartbreaking to see another child going through this, it is helpful for Connor to see he's not alone.

We took another trip to the Library today. I was pleased to see they have Children's DVD's. Connor picked up one for our morning travels.

Miss Horn came for tutoring. She brings such fun activities for Connor. His favorite so far is BINGO. The Monkey has been having a blast in class.

Connor hasn't been complaining of any radiation side effects this week. Last week he did get a sore throat from the treatment.

Tomorrow is the last day for radiating his whole head and spine. On Wednesday they will start radiating the tumor site only. We also will move up to the 1st morning spot (30 minutes earlier) starting tomorrow.

What touched my heart today: Connor telling me I'm as beautiful as the sun
What cracked me up today: Greg playing quiet riot on his phone to coax Connor up
post-Anaesthesia (the same music that Connor wakes up to at home when his alarm goes off lol).

oh sweet Sundays

We are really beginning to cherish our Sunday's. Our last day of the week to reconnect and refresh before our weekly radiation schedule resumes. We are on week 3 (of 6).

Connor had a great day today. Although he didn't have a huge appetite he was able to sample some different foods today, and didn't have any swallowing pain today.

Connor played some kick with his dad, paper airplanes, Lego's, Frisbee and totally dominated Mom at SORRY Sliders today. It was such a beautiful fall day today, clear blue sky crisp fall air.

I've added a guestbook to this site. Please feel free to leave messages for Connor and our family.

I hope everyone enjoyed Halloween.

The best part of Connor's day: His trip to Fred Meyer to check out all the new Christmas Toys.

The best part of our day: Connor giggling.

The Shadow ninja was on the prowl..

I have to the thank the weather folks for being wrong this year, NO RAIN ! In fact it was one of the nicer Halloween evenings.

Connor's Great Aunt Tammy came to visit yesterday (She finally made it after I gave her some not so great directions). It was great to see her, she's always a lot of fun, and makes us laugh.

Connor told her as she walked in the door "I'll give you a few minutes before I'll have you play games with me". She of course obliged. She was a great sport at Guess Who, Animal Top Trump and her all time favorite the WII.

We had about 15 kids or so (we don't have a very trick-or-treat friendly neighborhood, lots of hills, and a busy road with no sidewalks). The one's we did have were so excited! you could feel their trick or treat buzz radiating from their little bodies. I'm SO sad I missed Snow White (but I heard about her fabulous hair) and the Puppy (who walked right in lol) . I did get to visit with a cupcake and a Bee.

Connor the "Shadow Ninja" headed out around 6:30 and didn't return until 9:15. Last year Greg and Connor were out really late (trying to find the very last houses), there was an "unmanned" house with a bowl on the porch. Greg told him "It's late, go ahead and take the whole bowl", 2 seconds later Connor came running down the driveway with all the Candy and the Bowl!!!

He didn't capture any bowls this year, but he came back with the most loot he's ever had. He spent about a half an hour examining all his treasure. Handling each one with care, until he finally decided on one to eat, the marshmallow brain (how ironic! you take that brain!!!).

The Best part of the day: Seeing Connor looking forward to something extra special. Enjoying a special day, and reveling in his accomplishments.

We will miss: Our Company, she provided a much needed distraction.