So, I haven't had the laptop with me at the hospital since Thursday so I will give the update from the last few days.

Thursday night went OK for him once they got the epidural working. Friday morning we were able to get him out of bed and into a chair for about an hour. He was exhausted after that and slept the rest of the morning. He was needing morphine for breakthrough pain on Friday and Benedryl to stop the itching that morphine can cause so needless to say he slept most of his day away. Friday night was a very sleepless night. The PICU really isn't the quietest place. Between all the monitors, leg compressors, IV pumps, catheter, NG tube suction and noisy nurses, neither of us got much sleep. He is soooo tired of all the wires and the NG tube. Can't blame him. He was struggling a little Friday night with the morphine as it was making his respirations about 7 per minute (too low) and his oxygen sats about 75%- EEK! So, he now sleeps with some oxygen at night as his sats when he sleeps, even off morphine, are dipping into the low 80's.

Saturday he wanted to get out of his room. He wanted to walk but they were trying to adjust his epidural so that he wouldn't need to use the morphine and his whole right side went numb. We managed to get him into a wheelchair and we took him outside for about 30 minutes. Later that day he got up and walked a lap around the unit. It hurt and was difficult for him but he is determined to pass some gas so he can get the NG tube out. He is still having quite a bit of output from it so it may be another couple days. He won't be allowed to even have ice chips until he passes gas. He is so hungry and thirsty. We also left the PICU on Saturday and moved back up to the oncology floor. It's nice to see some familiar faces up there. One of his nurses knew who he was right away. They really are wonderful on that floor and love caring for the kids.

He (we) slept great Saturday night and this morning he was rearing to go. He wanted out of bed and wanted to walk. He was able to get out of bed by himself which he hasn't been able to do up until today. His only question to the doctors has been "when do I get this tube out of my nose?"
So....still waiting for him to fart! Who would've thought we'd all be so anxiously awaiting some flatulence? He walked around the unit and did great! His incision site looks great and has been fever free. He has been so strong and so determined. He is doing awesome! We are very proud of him.

We spoke with the oncologist and the preliminary results show that the cancer cells are so far only in the one lymph node. If this remains true for the final results then he will only need radiation. We don't know the exact schedule but it sounds like it will be for 20 min a day for 2 weeks. He said it would only be in the area where the tumor was and would feel like a bad sunburn. He may have some diarrhea during radiation and some pelvic pain caused from scar tissue pulling on his pelvic muscles.

Many of his wonderful friends have been filtering in all day, everyday. They have brought many cards, letters, posters, stuffed animals, balloons, food, etc. You guys have been awesome and he is stronger knowing you are all behind him. To our family and friends, thank you for your love, prayers and support. We are so thankful to have such great people in our lives. Pray for some flatulence! :)

Brooke XOXOXO