Update:

Nicholas finished treatment on 11/18/2010. He will continue to go for blood work for the next 3 years. He is still in remission.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Shannon Family -- Another Emotion Found

We weathered the steroid storm this week and just when you think you are ready for it, everything changed. Nick was not his 'usual' self but very tired and very sad all week. He went to school on Thursday and Miss Michele said he seemed tired that day to. He has been hanging on the couch all week and just eating and sleeping. It was almost like he was depressed, which I am sure is only temporarily, while on these steroids. I do not know which is better.... his quiet and calmness or his cranky, moody self on these roids. Either way, we really feel helpless during this week and all we can do is just be with him and hold him. People tell us that kids 'bounce back fast' and today he seems to be doing better. He woke up singing to Tom and actually smiling and laughing out loud. Tom is such a wonderful baby and I believe he can make anyone smile.... Nick also loves being with Tom and playing with him. I wish I could say the same thing about Colby, but sometimes Nick is very adverse to him. I heard, when on steroids, sometimes that person will reject the one they love most, which is Colby. With our whole treatment process, there are goods and bad days, so we take it one day at a time. I know in the next day or two Nick and Colby will be best buddies again and having fun together... playing Star Wars.

Oh, I forgot to mention that last week Nick received his first gift from his chemo angel. He was excited. The chemo angel program is a non-profit organization for kids with cancer. People volunteer to become a child's angel during his treatment. I filled out the survey and listed all the funs things that Nick likes and the organization assigned him an angel. He loved the spongebob calendar and stickers along with the Scooby-doo book. Colby was signed up for the Supersibs group. This is an online website for siblings with cancer and he also received a gift from them. Colby was very proud to be part of this group.

5 comments:

The Wykoff Family said...

Hi Nick,
Glad to hear you are feeling more like yourself today. Justin has spent all weekend playing Star Wars. Kaitlyn erased his memory in the game and he had to start all over again from the begining. Imagine how mad he was.
Love you,
Aunt Christa

Grammy said...

Hi Nick,
I'm so glad you are feeling better. I was sad knowing you were not feeling well. I miss you but will be home at the end of the week. Can't wait to see you and Tom and Colby. Next Monday you can give me some more Wii lessons if you promise not to yell at me!
Love, Grammy

Unknown said...

Hi Nick!
Glad you are feeling better today! Next time we come to visit I will have to challenge you at some wii bowling and mario kart! I've been getting a lot better these days! Tell your brothers I said hi! Take care!

Love Julie

Nana and Papa Charlie said...

Nick,
I knew Thomas would make you feel better because you love him so much. Last Friday when I was there the only time I saw you smile was when you were talking to Thomas. I also want to play more Wii games with you. Keep smiling, love Nana

Brett said...

Hi Nicholas,
We're so sorry to hear you had a tough week. When Brett was your age and he would cry and itch all night long. I would hold him and say Happy thoughts with him until he felt better. It really helped him calm down and still to this day he says his happy thoughts before he goes to sleep. Some examples for him are his friends, Taylor, Nicholas, mom & dad, Sunshiny days, singing songs, playing games. It can be anything that makes you happy. Just saying it outloud makes you feel batter. Try it!
Happy days are ahead! Keep the faith!
Love the Nasuti's