March 28th, 2008 - Chemo round 3
Cameron is home sleeping in his bed one day earlier than planned. Our determined boy, who could barely stand up was adamant about coming home when the Oncologist told him it was up to us. This Chemotherapy week began on Easter Monday when Cameron and I drove down to our “Inner City Apartment”, joining the throng of Brisbane residents returning from to the city after the long weekend. Good timing eh… Anyway we got there in pretty good time and got settled into the lodge. Early Tuesday morning we went to the hospital and for the first time Cam walked up the hill between the lodge and the main hospital building, so I did not have to push him up there in the wheelchair!
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As usual our day began in this weird world called Oncology Outpatients and dropping into the now familiar routine of general observations, having the dressing around Cam’s central line changed then blood testing and a 3 hour run of IV fluids before the commencement of chemotherapy. In between all of that the oncologist came by and declared that she is happy with Cam. Who wouldn’t be? Then he joined his other little friends on the sofas. It’s a surreal world with all these kids that have “robots” attached to them – referring to the mobile IV units. Everything here is kind of weird… no, bizarre and barely tolerable and yet peculiarly normal in this crazy little world where children are brought to be healed with poison.
When the big guns of pharmacology start to work they immediately begin to transform Cameron’s state in a very discomforting way. The colour in Cameron’s face quickly drains and changes to a pale grey – reflecting the battle that is raging throughout his system. His mood drops and his emotions into a tailspin. He can no longer hold his fingers steady and feels very weak, fragile and tired as well as having to endure waves of nausea. As all of that was unfolding we were moved back into the ward where all of this began so many weeks ago and Cam was lucky again to have his own room with an en suite. On Tuesday Cameron slept well and only woke for medicine and to go to the toilet. Once again this chemo has taken all his strength and he is incredibly tired. Nevertheless, when the Doctors asked if we were happy to go home he said yes, of course and immediately began to plan the exit.
The final chemo of the week ran through yesterday (Thursday) morning and they took him off the IV fluids shortly after lunch. When he gets taken off the “robot” Cam is always ecstatic – even when he is feeling flat. Needless to say the manner of the exit lies in stark contrast to the arrival as he got straight from bed into his wheelchair, exhausted. Once again the Nurses and Doctors were all amazing and so happy to see one of the children leaving the ward to return home and they waved us off merrily.
It felt so good to be driving home to The Coast and leaving behind this home from home that is full of so many challenging contrasts and contradictions. From incredible pain, suffering and despair to love, hope and ecstatic joy. One newcomer lady I met this time around also described it to me as ‘bizarre’. At first she thought everyone was mad as she watched parents laughing and carrying in the midst of all this suffering, but now she says she knows this is our world where we do laugh, joke and cry together. In most circumstances it takes a relatively long time for people to get to know one another, but in this world you bond so quickly and everyone knows everything about everyone else in no time. It’s a real leveller. We are all the same and the children laugh in between being sick and having needles jabbed into them and people constantly prodding, pushing or poking them. “How is your boy [or girl] today?†just does not have the same meaning outside of this place and when someone is down there is always someone else there to give them a hug or cheer them along. Everyone here knows that each day brings something new. It’s a real blessing to be able to be there for someone else and give them encouragement. Even the children get very excited for each other when they reach a milestone – it is wonderful to witness. The irony at this point is that as happy as I was to be heading home, it is hard not to feel a tiny bit guilty about leaving everyone behind…
So for now we’re back home. Cameron has to go to Nambour Hospital today for the GCSF injection that boosts his white cell production. Our next scheduled trip to Brisbane is Tuesday for another chemo session, so we have a long weekend at home. Cameron was so thrilled to be home and Carlton fussed over him like a mother hen unpacking his bag for him. Yes, Carlton! Owen came home from rugby practice delighted that we were home at least a day earlier than anticipated. Cameron was particularly emotional at seeing Bill as he was finally over the cold that meant they had to keep their distance from one another all of last week, so they had an especially big hug. It is good to be home.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Well done again Cameron, I am so pleased you are back home. You are breaking all records arn’t you. I hope you are feeling a bit better today and each day a bit better again. Keep up the positive attitude and remember to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. God Bless you and the family.
Love Colleen, Tony, Matthew and Nicole xxxx
March 28th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hi Cam, its me, shaz! I finally registered, now you won’t stop hearing from me! Just read your update and so chuffed you are at home & responding so well. We’re all thinking of you lots & lots. Jade & I have been praying at night and you & your family are always included. I’m also doing some distant healing on you before I sleep too, so feel those vibes traveling across the ocean to you…We miss you tons and even though we aren’t physically with you, we are walking this with you in spirit. Love you, love Shaz, Jade, Joel & Ken xxxx ps hope u got my text, not too hot on typing with my new phone, same no. please give everyone the hugest hug from us all….nighty, night…
March 28th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Dear Cameron
Good to hear you are doing well and being so brave. Not that we expected any different from you, you always were a special boy and you have a special family as well. We are thinking of you all and know that you will get through this and come out even stronger!
Andy says you must get well enought to come out an cycle the Argus with him next year!
Love from all the Kudlas
March 29th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Hi Cam
Well done sweetheart you made another round! You are so brave, I am also happy you insisted on going home and I am sure so are your brothers. Tell Carlton well done for fussing around you, I think its great. Love and kisses to your mom and dad and your brothers, a BIG hug to you too. Sweet dreams and God Bless. love Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth xxxxx
March 29th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Hi Cam
Glad to hear you had such a great Easter with the family. Mark said it was great seeing you the other day and we are all so impressed how well you are coping with this all. We are thinking of you constantly. The girls had crazy hair day at school last week in support of the Leukaemia Foundation and we had lots of fun creating funny hairstyles in the morning before school. Their school is close to raising $5000.00 and on the last day of the school term the one male teacher is shaving his head in front of the school. The kids are looking forward to seeing that!!!! Enjoy your weekend at home, will chat to you soon. Lots of love and special hugs, Auntie Megs, Uncle Mark, Holly and Taylor xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx