Monday, May 07, 2007

Sideshow

"I like blue".

This was the first complete sentence spoken by Vampboy, which took place last week during some fierce artistic expression. This was followed a few days later by "I like bear", referring to any one of the arsenal of teddy bears he carries with him constantly. I'm not quite sure if he understood what he was saying, but he clearly got from our squeals of parental glee that he did something right.

We're waiting for today's lab results, which will give us a sense of whether or not this weekend will bring another stay in Chez Healing for chemotherapy. Although the idea of celebrating mother's day on "the floor" is a bit of a downer, the idea of a delay brings it's own frustration. Plus, this stay will introduce a new player in the treatment arsenal. Sing it with me, everyone:

M-I-C-K-E-Y

B-U-T-T-O-N!

Since November, Vampboy has had a tube sticking out of his stomach, through which medications (and more importantly, food) can travel. Looking back, we really credit the insertion of this for the bounce-back we've experienced from our days with him looking like a ghost. Sadly, we've also become big fans of the ease it brings to some of the typical headaches parents with toddlers deal with. Your child refusing to take tylenol? No worries -- just squirt it down the tube and you're done! The young one resisting eating his veggies? Forget about it -- a little liquid nutritional supliment down the tube and their daily requirement is met!

Before you rush to your pediatrician for the quick-fix, there are some draw-backs. Obviously, a tube hanging out of your child's stomach like a replacement umbilical chord can be a little tough to look at. Plus, it needs to be taped, tucked into clothing, and otherwise handled to ensure that it doesn't get "forcibly removed" by mistake. Trust me -- we almost had that happen once, and it's not something you'd want your child to go through.

Now comes the "Mickey Button". After a few months with the tube, it's replaced with a button that sits flat against the child's stomach. No more tube to manage. This leaves me looking forward to this weekend, yet at the same time remembering how sad it is that I am looking forward to something like this.

In other news, last night the Discovery Channel had a special on cancer. As part of the documentary, a " Cancer Collage" has been developed on-line to bring attention to the disease. You can find it here, and if you do a search for "Vampdaddy" and scan around you'll find a card about us -- along with some photos of Vampboy and I. While you're there, take a look around -- sadly, you might see someone else you know.

12 comments:

Papa Bradstein said...

I just went and found you in the collage, and Vampboy is adorable, beautiful, and precious. Seeing him, him with you, him with his bright plastic toys--it was all I could do not to start crying here at my desk. I'll be showing Mama that as soon as I get home. It was nice to finally put a face with a name; I'm only sorry that it had to be through the Cancer Collage.

Michael James said...

huzzah for vampbaby's first sentences! warm fuzzies to him and some extra ones to the lionhearted vampmommy and daddy! :-)

Papa Bradstein said...

Crap. I'm such a heel. Of course Michael is right--congratulations on first sentences! We're stuck on "da da da da da" in a range that only Barry Gibb could appreciate. Cute the first few times, a bit much after 10 hours. If you have tips for getting to words and sentences faster, do tell. And Mama loved finally seeing the two of you as well.

Lainey-Paney said...

Congrats on the sentences!

I vividly remember 2 sentences said by my little brother when he was sooooo little:

1) I don't liiiiiike pickles.
2) Go to the park?

The 2nd---was his 1st time to ever ask to go anywhere, and he asked me! You bet your arse I loaded him up & took him to the park!

I was about 20 or 21...he was...just a BABY!

:)

Hey vampboy: I like green. It's my favorite color.

Lainey-Paney said...

Ok...I'm trying to find your card on the cancer collage, but am having no luck!

what does your initial picture/card front look like???

:)

Anonymous said...

Did you respond to "I like blue" with "So do I. I also like Cybill Shepherd"? Or is it too early for that? Lol. ; )

Congrats on the first sentences!
xoxo
'the manny'

Vampdaddy said...

LP-

To view the card, enter "vampdaddy" in the search tool. The collage will then go dim, and you can use the navigation bar on the left to move the collage back and forth. My card should be the only one lit up. The cover photo is of VB and I eating at the kitchen table.

Pickles...Yum.

Anonymous said...

Ack! My computer won't reveal the collage. I have searched "vampdaddy" but it says that vd doesn't exist...Sigh...

Even if I can't see your reflection in public, I already know that you and your family are great - fame-worthy even.

With so much negativity in the world, I am impressed that Vampbaby's first two sentences are affirmations. Prayers, if you will...

Love,
H

Lainey-Paney said...

I saw it! I saw it!

It is great to put faces with names, and VampBoy is precious!

:)

Lainey-Paney said...

Oh, and from what I hear---the buttons are a lot easier than the g-tubes/j-tubes.

:)

VampBoy: good luck with your button.

Performing Images; Photography by Pat Corlin said...

Tried to find the photos, as well, but no luck. Not to worry, I just lifted my eyes to the top of my computer screen where I see Declan's beautiful smile at least a hundred times a day. I have photos of him taped across the entire top of my monitor with a TEAM DECALN bumper sticker, too! Precious indeed.

Anonymous said...

Loved the 2 year old hat picture.
God bless you all!!

Love, Aunt Pauline