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Derek Young - Journal

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Posted 2016-02-07T03:22:07Z

Radiation is done!

Yesterday was the last day of radiation!! Derek got to bring home his mask and he got a radiation oncology diploma. He is sad to be done as he will greatly miss all of the staff that have taken care of him these last 6 weeks. I am certain they will miss his smiling face every day. We celebrated by going out to a place to paint ceramics. We also went out to dinner and crashed a dinner party held by friends who have been a huge source of support to us. [...]

Posted 2016-01-31T03:50:43Z

1 week of radiation left!!

It has been quite the week. Radiation is catching up to Derek. Thankfully there are only 5 more radiation treatments!! HOORAY! He had a rough day with increased pressure behind his eyes Tuesday. That was short lived, but he is definitely more tired this week and the steady schedule of appointments is starting to get to him. He had a very difficult evening Friday night. Lots of emotions about having cancer. We talked a lot, but we touched on how hard it is for adults to have and deal with cancer, and it is only understandable that a kid would have a hard time as well. [...]

Posted 2016-01-27T02:30:32Z

Derek and Angela news

The effects of radiation seem to be catching up to Derek. He is getting more tired and forgetful lately. One of the areas where the arc of radiation goes is visible in Derek's hair line. He has had some pain behind his eyes today as well.  1 1/2 weeks of radiation left.[...]

Posted 2016-01-22T03:23:28Z

Derek bowled!!

Derek is still doing well. He only has about 2 weeks left of radiation to go. We returned the wheelchair which is a good thing. We went bowling for Kate's birthday and he was able to bowl, which he was worried he would would not be strong enough. He bowled 2 games.[...]

Posted 2016-01-22T02:26:33Z

Derek bowled!!

Derek is still doing well. He only has about 2 weeks left of radiation to go. We returned the wheelchair which is a good thing. We went bowling for Kate's birthday and he was able to bowl, which he was worried he would would not be strong enough. He bowled 2 games.[...]

Posted 2016-01-16T04:04:11Z

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.[...]

Posted 2016-01-13T04:13:00Z

Dance Dance Derek

Derek Started Dance class today.  He is taking a dance class with some other kids his age at Curio Dance.  This is the same dance school that Kate attends and loves to go to each week.  Actually, Kate was one of the first kids to sign up with Curio Dance.  They have been trying to get Derek to sign up ever since.[...]

Posted 2016-01-11T03:23:30Z

Making memories

So today we made a memory. That seems to be my goal lately. The last 6 weeks and 3 days have flown by in a blur. This is our annual "fun photo" shoot. Last year's time era was Renaissance. This year we went with Civil War era.[...]