No More Chemotherapy (Forever)!

NO MORE CHEMO FOR BENJAMIN!!!!!!!!

Well, as it turned out, the clinic was ready to celebrate for Benjamin even before we were. We thought with yesterday being his last treatment, and scans scheduled in three more weeks, that we would celebrate after we had results from his scans. Apparently, with his positive progress, the clinic staff decided it was all good and well to rejoice!

So after we saw the doctor and after the nurse accessed his port and took his blood, we moved to the infusion room where we routinely get the Vinblastine (his chemo drug). That large room is like an open hospital ward where patients line up in chairs against the wall and wait while their chemo and other medications infuse. We sat down on an empty chair in the middle of the row. To our left, was a nine-year-old blonde girl interested in Benjamin. While she and her mom were waiting for her infusion, she inquired about Benjamin's age and we had a brief conversation. She was just darling and happy! To our right, was a boy, about seven or eight, who was bald from his treatments obviously and busy playing video games during his infusion. The nurse brought Benjamin's medication, and injected it (his is only a 2.3 mL injection) and they gave him a flu shot which made him cry for a moment! He was surprisingly tough however! She then de-accessed his port (removed the needle) and applied an Elmo bandaid.

Then, as I was waiting for discharge papers, I noticed a group of the staff collaborating and walking towards us with a large gift and a sign that said, "Way to go Ben!" (They call him "Ben" there and always have-which is just fine with us!) As they surrounded us, my eyes filled with tears! They then began to sing us a song. Unfortunately, I was so overcome with joy and gratitude that I have no idea what they sang. I realized this morning that I cannot recall a bit of anything they were singing! (It was so exciting however that I might just ask them to do it again the next time we go! Just kidding!) I think Benjamin was a little intimidated with that many adults around him, but excited about the fabulous present on the floor by his feet! I couldn't believe the gift they gave to him. It is a large mega blocks dump truck, big enough for Benjamin to sit on and drive around, full of blocks, a DVD movie, a Richard Scarry book, a new and cute tied doggy blanket, some bubbles, a Lowe's work apron just his size, AND a plush doggy with a real collar! Thankfully I had my camera and we got some fun pictures! This moment of celebration made the day so much fun! It is so hard to put in words the gratitude I feel for these good people at this clinic too. They have acted with so much kindness towards us since last October. I am so thankful to all of them so much! Primary Children's Hem/Onc Clinic is the best!

As we were leaving, I experienced a "tender mercy" from heaven in running into some very special people! A "famous" little boy and his mom were also there sitting in the corner of the infusion room and I felt so strongly that I had to say hi to them. I did and I am so happy that I did! Jessica, if you read this, thank you for your positive attitude and inspiring words and experience. I have thought of you and Jonah and your daughter so much over the past few months. I pray for you! I pray for Jonah! I have great faith that God will provide in His own way and in His own time- just as YOU said to ME yesterday! HE has a plan for each of us, which is much better than our own plan for ourselves! Thank you again. Our conversation meant a lot to me!

Lastly, as we left the clinic with our large gift and treasured sign in tow, we got to ring the chemotherapy bell! I can't clearly remember what the inscription said below the bell, other than I was to ring it three times as a sign of triumph and gratitude for the treatments we have received there in the clinic. I did just that. I rang the loud, echoing bell three times with peace, happiness, and sheer joy in my heart! I looked down at my little guy who was quite unaware of all that had just transpired and so proud of his new toys, and we quietly exited the clinic.

Thanks be to God for his grace, unconditional love, and abundant blessings today! We know that He is aware of us. And we are so thankful that He has chosen to bless us at this time and in this good way. This certainly will be a day that I will look back upon with fond memories forever! I hope and pray that Benjamin will be able to benefit from this year of LCH and chemotherapy in some way throughout his life and use this for the benefit of others. I am sure that he will not remember any of it and so perhaps through my documentation he can understand some of the emotions and experiences he has undergone.

Now we just hope that his scans really are good in three weeks. We don't feel too worried since they have been so great in the past and the doctors aren't too concerned. Thanks again for all of your support and love.

Angela