Trial
Derek had another vaccine recently. He did really well. Derek was very scared of the poke. He will mentally work himself up, as he puts it, "it is my doom". I know no one likes shots, and the trial consists of two shots in his leg each time we go. So Derek's biggest problem is he knows the only reason we go to Pittsburgh is to get two shots. On a positive note, the trial did provide a person to pick us up at the airport and drive us to the hotel. Let me say, the guy's name is Darryl and he was such a positive person it was a joy to ride with him!
Derek totally understand the reason for the shots but that does not take the pain away and it puts real fear into his mind. Lets put is this way, he would rather sit through a 3 hour MRI than get 2 shots or, "pokes" as he puts it, that takes less than 10 seconds. He is already dreading his "doom" the next time we go.
The good thing is this time, relatively speaking, was not quite as bad as last time. So I can see Derek try and balance what he thinks it is going to be like, with what it really is like. Normally what he thinks it will feel like wins out.
However, even though Derek absolutely did not want to get the shots, he did it anyway. I could see every fiber in his body telling him to run away, but he walked slowly into the room knowing full well he will be getting the poke. I tell him that is a sign of true bravery.
We have not seen any major side affects from the shots thus far. Although the doctors told us that there should not be too many major side effects from the shot that they have witnessed in other kids. We are not seeing even the relatively minors ones they told us about either. The main side affect that Derek has experienced is a stiff sore leg that makes it hard to walk for a few days after the shot in the leg where the shots were injected. But as long as he keeps moving, it seems to help with the soreness. He was pretty tired the day after we got back. He slept for a long while during the day even after a full nights sleep.
There was no MRI this time and the previous MRI was to establish a baseline to see how the vaccine is working or not working. So maybe next time I will have an update about how the tumor is doing.
Below is a link for a guy who is doing a series on cancer and how the modern medial system treats it. I have only watched a part of the first episode, but it seems interesting. I don't give any endorsement but I merely provide the link for what it is. It might be an interesting watch. I think he is posting the videos for a day and then posting the next in the series.
https://go.thetruthaboutcancer.com/?ref=e46ddcb0-d237-495e-a7ff-a18775a8a3c3
That is all for now folks
Thanks
Zell
Comments (8)
Love and continued prayers! Derek, thank you for being so brave. It encourages me to be brave.
I pray every single day for Derek! I also pray for his family and caregivers. Keep up the bravery… All of you!
Derek sweetheart, Grandma loves you. I use your strength to get me through difficult things all the time. You are my hero. Think of Grandma on Friday, I have to get a big poke. I say, if Derek can do it, so can I.
Derek- you are truly brave. Facing what you fear time and again, yet doing it and surviving. You do inspire even if you don't know it. Thanks Zell for updates.
Stay strong Derek! You are the bravest person we know! We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love you - The Walberg Family
Hi there, i'm glad to hear that Derek is able to get through the shots OK even though it's hard! We were thankfully able to hook up with some people there and were able to do some fun activities each time. We went to the zoo and the national aviary and the science center. Judah also was able to go to a football game. I do think that helps a lot! Let me know if you think you would have time and interest in this. I may still have some connections with people there who could possibly help you out with transportation.
Such bravery and strength in a young boy!! It is impressive how he is working on rationalizing fear from reality at such a young age. Truly a skill lots of grown adults forget to practice (including myself). Thinking of your family all the time.
Very interesting. Derek is going through so much now. He will grow up to be quite a man. He is learning to persevere and be strong when it is called for. We admire him so much. Derek we love you. Many hugs and kisses to you form Great Grandpa Rudy and me.