Some tears
Tonight we had a little bit of real. Derek is a really positive amazing kid. But he is also just an 8 year old little boy. He hates shots. Always has. He asked me if he would be getting a shot with the study. Yes. Tears. Lots of tears. I held my little boy on my lap even though he barely fits there anymore and we cried. We talked about how God promises that we won't be given more than we can bear. He must think we are pretty strong. We also talked about how this option is a lot easier on his body than chemo is, even if it does mean a shot every visit to Pittsburgh. We got all of the tears out(for now). He won't like it when it happens and there will be more tears then, but for now there is acceptance, or maybe just a little bit of resignation to the situation.
Double vision has also started recently. A little bit of vertical diplopia intermittently it seems. He doesn't complain about it, nor did he even bring it up until he was asked about it. Just another reminder that despite Derek getting stronger by the day(he passed his PT/OT checks with flying colors today) he still has a brain tumor that is affecting things. The neurosurgeon was happy with his progress yesterday.
Comments (11)
Shots stink. No way to sugar coat it. Many hugs, Derek!!
Sometimes strength is acknowledging your weakness, but He always carries us. Derek, we love you.
Derek is an amazing little man because God gave him to amazing parents. Love you!,
I won't say the shots won't hurt but they are good there. They give tylenol first and you wait 30 minutes for the shot. They also put numbing cream and ice on the spot during that time. Then they give the shots (2). Then they observe for 20 minutes and you're done. There is some leg soreness if you don't take pain killers the next couple days. They also send you off with those disposable ice packs. I hope that helps to know.
So hard watching them struggle! We prayed for you guys tonight when I was tucking Judah in to bed. Could Judah write your son? He could send an email or letter. God bless!
I don't like shots either little man. Be strong!
Ooh I don't like needles either! Derek, you're so brave--braver than me, but we knew that already. Lots of hugs!
Uncle Bob doesn't like needles, either. He gives shots to people all the time, but he sure doesn't like when he has to get a shot. He has always been like that. Grandma Dorothy tells stories about when he had to get shots when he was little. I guess Derek and Uncle Bob are in the same family. Hugs!
We can't imagine how hard it is for Derek to handle all he is going through at his age. We are so glad he has good parents to help him understand the journey he is on. Glad to hear therapy is going well. We know Derek would be giving it his best try. Our love to Derek and the family.
Dear Sweet Derek, I hate shots too! But they are there to help us. When I am about to get a shot I close my eyes and ask Jesus to help me and ususally think of a a song, Jesus loves me, Two little eyes, easy ones. Hope this helps. We love all of you and continue with lots of prayers. You are sucha an amazing young boy with amazing parents & little sister. Love Leroy & Sandy
Derek...you will see how strong and brave you can be. I love you. I don't like shots either. .but i know they always helped me feel better.