lights. camera. action!

Whoever said that we would get bored sitting over here was quite wrong!!!  It has been an action packed week with tests, procedures, and visitors.  We have had several camera worthy moments...

Joshua's lovely grandma came to visit yesterday afternoon.  She brought Josh some fun balloons, including one decked in Spongebob, and some other fun goodies.  After Josh's morning raditation, he took a very long nap, then he was up and lively all afternoon.  We shared many great stories from his family's past including several cute ones about Josh as a little one.

My gracious mother-in-law came over after work to relieve me last night, so that I could get some rest.... I slept for over  11 hours!  It was amazing.  And much needed. 

When I got here this morning, Joshua was still napping.  After we poked and prodded for awhile, Josh agreed that the three of us should get out and about for awhile.  The radiation makes him very sleepy.  We went down to the cafe and got our lunch to go, then ventured out into the beautiful sunshine.  I nearly died of shock when Josh and his mom met a new friend!!!

 

It is literally eating out of his hand!!!

We got in trouble when we told the nurse.  Apparently chipmunks are

 not very sanitary.  No more chipmunks in our near future.  : (

We got back inside and walked Josh down for his afternoon session of radiation.  While I was waiting, I met a very sweet lady whose husband was battling three types of cancer.  We got to talking about her love for quilting and how she makes quilts for veterans and children in the hospital.  We exchanged numbers and she said she would make a quilt to send up to Josh and I while we are here.  It was really nice to talk to someone else going through a similar situation.

Josh has been gaining weight gradually and the doctors advised us to continue to feed him as much as he can stomach to fill him with energy.  They are super happy that we have been getting Josh out of bed and out to walk - he will need as much strength as he can get for the next few weeks.  They encouraged us to continue to stay positive and were glad to see we are surrounded with positive people.  Josh received his first three cards in the mail today.  He made it to the second one before I saw a little tear drop down his face.  Those three cards just made his day!

Josh took a shower and shaved his face for what may be the last time.  I took a video because he will want to remember the last mohawk he will ever have...  :)  No signs of hair loss yet!  I guess it can take up to three weeks.  I have already offered to paint on eyebrows and decorate his head in cheetah print, but I don't think he is game.

After the shower, I told Josh he was scheduled for some very important vitals...

I don't think they were anticipating such a tall kid!

Tomorrow is his last day of radiation.  We were told that the transplant will occur sometime Friday afternoon/evening.  We are getting close to "Day 0" and it will be a day of celebration and thanks!

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.  It means the world to us.