May 12th, 2008 - Back to Brizzy
Today Cameron began his next and we hope final chapter of treatment, which is radiation. He and Leigh took off down to Brisbane this morning and will remain there until Friday. He had his first round of being strapped into the machine this afternoon and Leigh reports that he handled it really well. We talked through some relaxation techniques with Cam, which he seems to have grasped, so right now it looks like relative plain sailing compared with the chemotherapy experience.
Cameron did achieve another milestone last week, spending a full day at school for the first time since he was diagnosed. He is feeling very frustrated right now because he almost feels normal, but for the line poking out of his chest and so he wants to kick the football, throw and run with the rugby ball and generally do all the stuff that he is so used to being able to do without a second thought, but can’t. When we stop him he gets angry with us and when we try to give him some space he invariably ends up hurting himself. Apart from anything else his overall physical condition has really changed from being so inactive, so he gets really tired and frustrated.
We did spend a lovely Mother’s Day yesterday in a local park where we had a picnic and the boys got to let off a little steam. Of course the weekend would not have been complete without a visit to Nambour Hospital for Cameron to have his insuflon changed late yesterday. His leg has been very painful at the site of the last insuflon and for the first time was causing him to limp. Last night he was absolutely exhausted and limping after playing Frisbee and hide-n-seek in the park and we were a little concerned that he had collected an infection in his leg as it didn’t look good, but this morning he was feeling a lot better after a good night’s sleep.Â
So, we are thankful once again that as planned Cameron managed a good few weeks at home as well as some time back at school and all things considered, he managed to remain in generally good health. Of course that did start to look rather ominous when his central line stopped working, but even that is turning right around as his oncologist has decided that since the central line was only being left in ‘just in case’ he needs further chemotherapy after radiation, but is now malfunctioning with no further use anticipated, his central line is going to be removed quite soon and arrangement are being made for this to happen as soon as the surgeon that put it in is able to schedule him in. This is great news as it is not only another sign that that the medical team are confident that his recovery is going very well, but the line is one of the major factors inhibiting Cameron’s return to ‘normal life’. It prevents him from swimming, but is a major concern any time he gets physically active.
 “Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.” – George Adams
May 14th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Hi Cameron and family, haven’t been on here for a while, but I’m glad to see that you are doing really well! Thinking of you often. Give my love to your Mum, Dad and brothers. God Bless you all. Love Katie x
May 14th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Hi Cam and Bill nice to hear from you again, Cam hope the central line can come out soon and hopefully you enjoy your relaxing whilst in your suit. Take care young man and very soon it will be over. Love to your Mom Dad Gran and of course your brothers lots of love Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth xxxx
PS Kenneth starts his finals tomorrow for 7 days and then in June he has to oral exams and the its all over nice hey!!!!!!! Kisses
May 16th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Hi Cameron, finally managed to register! Tyler says you are doing well and we are pleased to hear that you are home. We are praying as far afield as the UK for your swift recovery – your job is to be cool. Love from the Blackbeards x