Message from Andrea - February 18, 2009

Feb. 18 -- Finished with radiation

Julian finished his 6-week course of radiation today and we get a 4-week break from 'everything.' He still needs to go to CHOC once per week for check-ups, etc., but the daily visits to the radiation dept. are finished. It feels good to have this portion of his treatment finished. Only 49 weeks to go!
He also finished his first series of chemotherapy today. The next cycle will start in a month. We now hope and pray that his appetite will begin returning. He is on 24-hour IV nutrition and only drinks water and milk. The effects of radiation will stay with him another two weeks or so, but we hope to see some positive changes in his appetite after that. We would appreciate your prayers for that!
Julian is in good spirits. He has enjoyed bringing a new 'friend' to CHOC every day (from among his collection of furry friends) and making sure that everyone met his friend of the day (everyone from the parking lot attendant to the anesthesiologist). Today, being his last day of radiation, his room in the Short Stay Unit was totally decorated with hearts and he was able to take home the toys that, each morning for a month, had been sitting on his bed for him to play with. (Photos to be posted soon!)

Message from Andrea - February 10, 2009

We are now in the final stretch of radiation treatments, with Julian's last day being Feb. 18. After that, we have four weeks "off" and then begin a new round of chemotherapy. Julian is feeling much better now than initially. He is not as nauseated and not quite as tired, although he does rest most of the day. He is more interested in playing with toys now and started coloring pictures again a little bit recently. Unfortunately, he still does not want to eat any food and is on round-the-clock IV nutrition. I am hopeful that, once the radiation stops, his appetite will begin to return. He has also lost much of his hair, except for light blond fuzz (and his eyelashes and eyebrows). He is a sweetheart and keeps smiling and blowing kisses despite it all.
You may have already heard of "Jammin' for Julian," a March 21 children's concert where area children (Preschool age through 6th grade) will be performing. This is Rich's brainchild and we have been getting lots of encouragement about it from friends throughout the community. Here is a link to more information:
http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/01/22/topstory/dpt-jamminforjulian012209.txt
We also have this website: www.jamminforjulian.org
Besides Jammin' for Julian, I'm glad to report there hasn't been any major news lately (except for the continued goodness of people and their prayers!)
Love,Andrea