The Shannon

Hello from the Shannon Family,
We have had a great week with Nicholas being home. Yesterday he had play date with his friend Michael. He could not wait to leave our house and enjoy the company away from the parents. Today the Lions Club of Providence, RI hosted a Christmas party for children with cancer. At first, Nick was hesitant to go, but ended up having a lot of fun. They had clowns, Spiderman, Superman and Scoobydoo to had out candy, toys and balloons. Santa Claus showed up to take pictures and give out gifts. It was very reassuring for Nick to go to the hospital and have a positive experience.
On Tuesday he will start his next cycle. It lasts for 30 weeks. The cycle repeats itself every 3 weeks for next 10 weeks. The first cycle includes 8 days of radiation and 4 spinals. Including in all of the cycles is chemo through his port, pills at home and a shot in the thigh muscle. Once we get through the first 3 weeks, he should only receive the shot in the muscle and chemo through the port, along with pills taken at home. The shot, we understand will be very painful, but also very effective to his treatment. We are learning as we go with each stage and trying to help with pain and understanding along the way. Nick is very smart and continues to amaze us.

We put our Christmas tree up this week and lights on around the house. Grammy and Nick put the village together.... Nick's claim to fame.... it looks great.

Day 15 - The Shannon Family

Yesterday Papa took Nick to the mall to see Santa. He ended up being to shy to talk to Santa but we said maybe next time, Colby will come with us and hold Nick's hand. Today, Nick and Greg were up early this morning for the radiology appt. Nick was really upset that he would be put to asleep again. In trying to give Nick a choice, we decided to try and make the mask while he was awake. As brave as Nick is, the process did not work for him. He ended up being put to sleep while the doctor made the mask. We are so proud of Nick and how he tries to be strong and understands that this procedure has to be done. We will start next Monday with a new round of chemo treatments, spinal and then radiation on Tuesday. For now, we are off to pick out a Christmas tree and relax for the week.