Waiting+Worry=Overthinking

I was hoping that I would be able to have more answers before posting a new blog.  I don't want to "over blogged you guys out".  I have heard from several people wanting an update, and this is the easiest way.

This past week has been pretty busy for Braeden at Duke.  He completed ZAP 20 yesterday.  He is tired, but is hanging in there.  Only 10 more to go.

He is already planning his "I done with this radiation crap party."   Last night, he momentarily forgot about the CV and was planning the restaurant, the guests and brainstorming what kind of gifts would be reasonable for a kid going through what he has gone through to receive.  
I suggested a great gift would be a journal.  He was not amused.. (He doesn't know it, but I have already gotten him a radiation graduation gift that he will love.)   His celebration may have to be a Facebook live stream with our family and friends watching from afar, and us eating grilled cheese sandwiches and soup, lol.    

He has now tapered his steroid dose to once a day.  The hope is that his hunger and the acne from the medicine will calm down a bit.

He had his 3rd Avastin infusion on Wednesday.  His hand strength was measuring around 18 to 19 on his right, and 2 on his left before starting the Avastin and the steroids.  This weeks average is between 21 and 24 on his right and 3 on his left. 

This past Monday at Duke, they initiated a more in depth screening process because of the CV. On Wednesday, he was immediately given a mask after he reported having a sore throat.   He was tested for the flu and strep.  Both of those tests came back negative.  (Any good news, is great news.)

Braeden's radiation oncologist thinks that his sore throat stems from his radiation treatments.  He is being ZAPPED in his neck area, and it makes sense to the team that he would have a sore throat because of the location of the ZAPS. 

I wrote in last week's blog that Braeden was having left leg weakness and tingling.  The doctor's were concerned and we were to report any worsening of those symptoms.  Unfortunately, Braeden's left leg weakness and tingling is worsening and seems to be moving up his leg.   A full spinal MRI was ordered was ordered for Thursday afternoon.  His other MRIs have typically been cervical spine MRIs.  The hope is that the full spinal MRI will give us answers as to why his left leg is "now misbehaving." We were hoping to get the results yesterday.   At this time, we still haven't heard from the doctor.

There was a very strange vibe at Duke this week. Anyone that knows the parking decks at Duke, can tell you what a PAIN it is to find parking.  I typically allow at least 30 minutes to park and to walk to the clinics.   The decks were empty this week.  We found parking on the 1st and 2nd floor all week.  I usually end up going to the 7th or 8th floors (top floors) at Duke North, and the 5th floor(top floor) at Duke South.   I am happy that people are taking the CV and the quarantines seriously.  I don't want to even think of what would happen if Braeden were to catch it.

Waiting+Worry=Overthinking  
It's so hard not to worry and overthink.  

One of my most precious gifts is struggling...

#BraedenBrave
#MrUnlucky