Gloomy Monday

Well, we are back in the saddle of intensive-chemo hell today. It's been a long one, so let me simplify with "the list".

Into the White. The final days of chemo-free life included a return to form in Vampboy's eating. I'm proud to say my son enjoyed the typical cuisine of his age group -- entire plates of pasta and sauce (without the need to chew -- just swallow it whole!), banana bread with cream cheese (or more like, cream cheese with a little banana bread), sour cream (with a spoon), yogurt, and chips and salsa. Most of this all at once, by the way.

The Great Unknown. Today was started with our first trip for radiation therapy. After dealing with the bureaucracy of medical establishments, the efficiency of the radiology department was breathtaking. The smooth operation made the sheer terror we felt in this big step somewhat subside. Vampboy did okay, so we're off and running and hoping for the best.

Just breathe. Vampmommy's cousin is, as I type, in the midst of a double-lung transplant. Having a family member in the midst of such an intense medical drama on the same day as our beginning of "round two" made today a bit more difficult emotionally. We are certainly sharing the good energy that comes our way with him tonight.

The Sound of Silence. Vampboy is losing his hearing -- or at least some of it. This is largely due to a drug called Cisplatin. He will most likely need a hearing aid in at least one ear when this is over, and we are beginning speech therapy as soon as we can squeeze it in to take advantage of what remains of his hearing and keep him moving towards speaking in complete English instead of broken toddler-babble. His hearing may get worse, due to further Cisplatin doses over the next two cycles. But in the meantime, I'll make preparations by practicing charades, I guess.

There you have it. Let the games begin.