Reassurance

This week we were put in contact with a family in Oklahoma whose son had the same diagnosis twelve years ago. We received their contact info through the parent-to-parent network at the Children's Brain Tumor Foundation. It was so reassuring to talk to someone who has been through this already. They used almost the same protocol (the chemo in combination with focal radiation).

The mother had such a terrific sense of humor. She went on and on about what a solid guy her son is - she joked that thinks all men could use a little shot of radiation. Her son is a senior in college now and doing great. She noted that things will come up along the way, and you just deal. For instance, her son had some thyroid issues, so he takes a hormone replacement.

She was also upbeat about the life perspective that you gain by being in this situation. She said she laughs when she hears people complaining about things like the trash collection. As a dentist, she says she can barely tolerate kids who whine about little things. It was hilarious, she joked that she wants to tell whiners that she's going to put a port in them, give them some chemotherapy, and start pricking them twice a week. That made me laugh.

I'm off to the hospital to switch with Mark now. Uncle Jimi and Cousin Julie are here with Susannah.

More later.

XO,
Carolyn
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