MRI again
Today is another MRI to check the progress of his abdominal tumor. Next week will actually have an additional MRI to check for spread on his brain and spine.
These visits have gone from difficult to almost unbearable. Takes three nurses and two parents to hold him down to get a needle in him. He is extremely strong and feisty, for which I am always grateful. But with all of these adults holding them down, it feels like torturing a helpless animal. On top of all the other horrors, we are being forced to watch Caillou. See? I haven't completely lost my sense of humor. Well, almost.
Despite a very rocky start, the scan went fine, and he is in my arms now. In the room next to us another child is having the same level of difficulty as Red, and I can't help but cry. I used to not put much thought into the phrase 'going to get an MRI,' but now I understand fully how very encompassing and difficult that process can be.
We haven't been very good about posting in a long while. To be honest, I think we needed a little bit of a break. We needed to take time to regroup and figure out what our new normal is, and therapy is helping us figure out what issues we can start to work through.
The short of it is, Red is doing great. He is walking, even running. He is talking… A lot of words, and even a few phrases. His favorites are 'Let go!' 'Get down, right now!' And 'Der you go.' We frequently call him tiny boss, because he is.
We should know results on the scan in the next couple of days, and then will be back next week to check for spread in his brain and spine. We are feeling very positive about everything, and still taking it one day at a time.
Some recent pictures of tiny boss. As always thank you for your prayers!!
Comments (16)
he is so vibrant! streaming prayers continue... jgd
Our thoughts are with you
I will forever love that toddlers can't pronounce "th" sounds. Three should always sound like free. Im glad to see him so happy and thriving. He is lucky to have all y'all.
You are all amazing!! Love the pictures!! Sending many prayers your way!
So happy to hear of his progress. He is beyond cute. Will continue to keep your family in our prayers.
He is so big! Thanks so much for the update! Prayers continue!
Forever changed the way I think about the color RED and that is saying something. Its always been my favorite color - the color of love, life and our lifeline of blood. So funny was praying for Captain RED just yesterday and wondering how he was - thank you letting us know. We also know you need a break for "normal" no worries. We are your low maintenance crew. We love you all and Commander RED!
Thanks for the update. Needless to say, we have been thinking about Redden and your family. As always, prayers are still coming your way. Love, Peace, Strength, Courage and Patience.
Thanks for the update! Praying for the best outcome. Hope you all had a wonderful time at Lighthouse this summer! We sure did.
Beri, Thanks for the update. Prayers are being said all over that your sweet little guy pulls this off. Glad you've been able to have some "normal" time (not sure if any of us know what that is). But glad he is progressing so well. The other boys seems to really enjoy their brother & I know you & Brian have a hand full with the 3 of them.
I can't help but cringe when I see a post and then he'll at the top of my voice "Yes". I am so excited that he is doing so good. We have no red but I am thinking about getting a red tshirt in his honor. I am sorry about the struggle you have to go through every time. I am happy to consider your family as friends and have nothing but best wishes and prayers coming your way all the time. Love
That smiley little boss keeps us all laughing. He makes a difficult time look happy as he is. God Bless Red and all the Irving family. I pray for a break in this tough journey for you and just happy joyful times. Mom xoxox
Beri, thank you for the update! Red stays in my prayers and I've wondered often over the past few months how he's doing. I will be in clinic at Egleston on Monday - any chance you'll be there then? - Lisa Odendahl, CURE
So happy he is doing well, one day at a time is all we all can manage, we are here with you sending love & prayers! xo
Thank you for updating. I think about lil Red often and I'm thankful to hear that he is running and playing like boys his age. He is so precious and his name and face will forever be in my heart. Continuing to pray for his full remission. Love in Christ, Angie C.
Our prayers encircle all of you and will continue. After meeting Redden, I am glad to see a thriving, active, smiling child.