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.

Day 12 - The Shannon Family (consolidation 1)

Hi to everyone. We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and lots of good food. As you have heard Nick made it home Thanksgiving morning. We had a very quiet day and just enjoyed being together. It is easy to forget how much family time means to us. When Nick is home we love every minute of it. Colby was really excited to see him home... he was feeling very sad that Nick was in the hospital so long. We go to Radiology on Tuesday for them to make Nick a mask and then start radiation the following week. He will endure 8 days of radiation, with spinals and chemo. We hope to have all this done before Christmas and crossing our fingers he will not break a fever during this next phase. Santa Claus came to our neighborhood yesterday and we got to take pictures. Nick was a little shy and did not want to tell Santa what he would like for Christmas... we'll try again at the mall sometime soon.

Thanksgiving at HOME

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Nick made it home this morning and was happy to be there. The Shannon's spent their Thanksgiving as a family at home enjoying all the wonderful food from friends and family. Hopefully Nick will make it through the weekend at home fever free and having fun. He starts a very tough portion of this treatment process on monday that will last a few weeks. He will be in the outpatient clinic almost everyday and will receive some radiation as well. We all need to keep him in our thoughts and prayers as this stage will be the most challenging he has encountered yet. We hope you are enjoying your holiday as a family as well.

Day 8 (Consolidation 1)

Just checking in with everyone. Nick got his temparature down today, but then it did up again. They finally think they know what is causing the fever (not an infiection) and are trying to get things right. He is such a tough a kid and does not complain about pain. As with any 4 year old he is trying to figure out what is going on. The Shannon family is hanging in there , visiting Nick everyday to keep him busy. Joey got to see his port put in today and thought it was 'cool'. Nick still just wants to be home, we all are hoping he will be home soon. He has definitely mastered Lego Star Wars and will be the Champion by the time he leaves the hospital - watch out gamers. We all wish you a Happy Thanksgiving - keep Nick in your thoughts.

Day 6 - The Shannon Family (Consolidation 1)

We have had a tough couple of days. Nick spiked a fever Thursday night and has not kicked it yet. We believe he will be in the hospital for the rest of the week. His blood counts are starting to drop from the chemo treatments and thus weakening his immune system. He is receiving antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection. We are not sure the cause of the fever... could be from the chemo, a virus or infection. The doctors try to treat all possible causes. His spirits are getting low and he wants to go home. Luckily we are still trying to master Lego Star Wars on xbox and that keeps him going. I tell him we have to complete this before we go home. Just today he has complained of pain in throat... again another side effect. We try to comfort him and ease the pain through medication. He is done with chemo for the next 2 weeks, so our focus is to get through the fevers and have him home for a little while.
On a side note:
We would like to thank:
Dan Campbell (Interior/exterior custom builder)
Upton, MA 508-529-3144
Dan and his crew generously gave us their time to install hardwood floors in Nick's room and put in the storm door. The importance of keeping him germ free is intensifying daily. They look beautiful and I know Nick will be excited to see them when he gets home.

Joey and I (Aunt Amy) went to visit Nick today in hospital. Joey and Nick spent the day playing lego stars (onXbox). Colby and daddy showed up and the game continued. Nick was really upset to be there and wanted to go home. Karen explained he needed to stay to get better. Nick continues to run a mild fever but feels and looks good. And that is the hardest thing as a parent to watch Nick be upset. The love and support the Shannon has received is just unbelievable and keeps them going. We all can’t thank everyone enough for their thoughts. Karen and Greg are the best parents around to be staying positive and holding strong for their son. As emotional and upsetting the situation is, they remain calm. From the dinners, to donations, raffles, gift cards, home improvements and support the entire family is staying strong. We hope to see Nick go home this weekend, as all tests are negative and the fever looks to be ‘viral’. We love you Nick and Shannon family!