Make-A-Wish

"It's all about the kids," I was told when Make-A-Wish contacted us about possible trip dates.  

It was just before scans in April, and we were not sure what we would find.  They told us they could make a trip happen in as little as 2 weeks.  

As it happened, the scans showed less than clear results -- bringing up more questions than answers -- but we were told it just didn't look like cancer in the bone.  So we continued with our late September travel plans.

But then things changed.  Brendan began experiencing excruciating pain in his hip.  The bone core biopsy was performed and esthesioneuroblastoma cancer cells were found in the bone sample.

All it took was a text to Brendan's Wish Granters, and a message to our social worker, and things were set in motion to bring about his Wish Trip early.

I was overcome with emotion today reading through all the incredible things that come with this trip. It is truly a kids "dream come true."  Every magical thing they can come up with they've provided.  And it's magical for the family too.  Their purpose is to give kids and families a break from the treatments, the stress, and the financial press they've been under for months and years.  A respite and a way to get away from it all.

Another wish came true today. . . Brendan finished his week-long radiation treatments and we could finally go home.

 (Thanks, Ben, for the gift!  It got Brendan up and into the car this morning when nothing else would motivate him.)

 It was another long wait at radiation today as the computers had crashed and we had to wait for them to get everything uploaded again. I don't know if it had anything to do with the power outages last night or not.

 But Brendan was the first one up when they were ready to go, so it didn't take too long.

 Brendan got to pick out a gift and get a hug from Rosemarie as he finished this round of treatments.

 Then it was time to head home!

 Gotta love all that green!

 Brendan slept for several hours this afternoon.

 
 I loved to see how peacefully he was resting.

 Tonight, Brendan received a special gift from Sandra and her brother.  A "spirit" knife.  He was shown the secret of how to open and close it.

 For the past several days Brendan has been almost completely pain free.  A few Tylenol now and then takes care of any minor complaints.

 I am quite surprised at just how well the radiation worked to eliminate the pain in his pelvis.  With the incredible amount of pain Brendan was in I didn't think we would see results this dramatic.  I am so happy with how well he is feeling.