Update  #  36

The past week has been a busy one.  We used Ethan's pass and went to Sea World for an afternoon / evening.  We were able to see Shamu, the sharks, and lots of fireworks.  Summer evenings at the beach are great !

Sunday Ethan and Dad went to Medival Times for dinner.   Swords, food and winches was the big evening event together.  He was impressed and talked  about it most of Monday.

Tuesday was the drive into LA again.  We were happy to be able to stay at Ronald McDonald House again.  Ethan feels comfortable there and the staff is great !  Got up and out early so we could have breakfast at Griffith Observatory and followed it up with a walk around the observatory.  Then we went to CHLA and  had blood work done -  again the process went well.  The hospital team (Ethan's) was VERY happy with the lab results.  He continues to hold his own with only obvious sign of weakness being his hair loss (back of head and part of both sides) and his endurance.  If there is much physical activity - a nap is usually in order  shortly after (usually in the early afternoon).

After leaving CHLA, Dad and Grandma took me to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood for a special stage show / movie.  Was very surprised to get to see Monsters University in 3D - WOW !

We continue to be thankful for the prayers and words of support that seem to always be there.  Thank all of you for keeping Ethan in your thoughts and prayers.

                                                                              Ethan and two new friends from Sea World

 

Griffith  Observatory









Monsters University - stage show portion
at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood

Update  #  35

Tuesday afternoon went to Ronald McDonald House in LA to spend the night.  This was a better idea than trying to fight traffic Wednesday am.  RMH is such a great service for families and little ones going through such events.  Ethan had a great time building a block / train city in one of the play rooms with two of the RMH staff and  Grandma.

Blood / Lab work went well and the CHLA staff are really happy and surprised with Ethan's  progress.   He also made the rounds and said hello to some of the other staff that have been so involved in his treatments.  Everyone there, even the doorman make Ethan feel so important and special.  CHLA really is a great place - thanks to all who are there.

Back home now and am enjoying some quality time with Dad.  No one would ever know that these two care about each other.

We continue to be blessed, thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. 

Ethan and Grandma outside CHLA.  Ethan really likes
their sign.    6-19-2013

Grandma, Ethan, and two staff building blocks at the playroom at RMH.  Cool place.     6-18-2013

Ethan and Dad as they usually look together,
all smiles.     6-19-2013

Update  #  34

The weekly trip to CHLA went well.  The blood work was easy and I received new meds for use on  Sat. and Sun. only - go figure.

Dad, Uncle Keith, and Grandma took me to the beach this week.  Had a great time until the wave took me out.  Uncle Keith was suppose to hold my hand, I guess he is afraid of waves cause he let go and got out of the way !  ha ha  Was able to find some neat sea shells and overall had a great trip.

Grandma made the mistake of asking me what I wanted for lunch yesterday.  Yes, the whole family went to Miguel's for some super Mexican food.  I really like the chicken enchiladas with beans and rice - ummmmm.

Talked with two ladies from Make -A-Wish Foundation today.  Nothing decided but lots of information shared.  This was set up by my team of doctors at CHLA, they are always thinking of me.

Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers, they mean so much to all of us.

Update  #  33

Left Riverside at 8:30  for a 10:30 appt. at CHLA.  Today is blood work, checking for amount of meds in the blood and white cell count.  Attitude is good, and he also has brownies !  Yesterday he informed Grandma that if he was going to CHLA he needed something.  After some discussion it was decided that brownies would replace cookies this trip.  We are also going to be informed on what the next 3 weeks should be like.  Each day is a blessing, he is SO good right now I almost forget the reality .  Even the staff at CHLA are impressed - come on 1 % !  This past Saturday Ethan received another package from Tennessee.  The zombie shirt was a big hit - Dave and Wendy deserve more than just thank you !  Thank you all for prayers and support, they mean so much to us.  And a special thanks to cousin Mike, your phone check and prayers are wonderful.

Update  #  32

Well, the LA experience is done.  Ended up with blood work, an MRI, and an additional MRI for more detailed information.  He was a trooper through it all, great attitude !  As Ethan was leaving CHLA  his lead doctor gave him a "first time ever" invite.  He got to go into the Dr.'s personal lab. Only child patient ever allowed in !  And if that was not enough, she set up a microscope with cell slides for Ethan to view.  It was so cool for Ethan and wonderful for us (adults) to see his Dr. ( so very intelligent ) talking and sharing with a five year old - like best buddies.  He talked about the lab all the way  home. He would like to be a Dr. when he grows up -  after being a fireman, policeman, pilot, ... well I think you get the picture.

His new phase of treatment is now set.  He will continue with the physical and speech therapy, and now has a med schedule.  Has several  meds which must be taken at very specific times for 5 days. On day 5 he must have blood work taken at CHLA, then nothing for 3 weeks. Then it starts all over again.

When Ethan got up this morning, he had a package from Marianna, Fla. to open.  He was surprised as he does not know anyone there.  After opening the package he discovered that it was from a teacher who mailed Ethan "feel better soon" cards from all her students.  He was really moved by this and asked me why would they do this ?   In addition to all the terrific cards, he got some colors, color books, and dinosaurs which were very cool.  After explaining that the teacher is the daughter of Dave & Wendy,  go Vols,  and that is how she knew about Ethan,  he was better with it.  His question now is how do I say thank you to so many people so far away ?  We are working on that,  enjoy photos of the Fla. package.

Again, thanks to everyone for prayers and support - guess this planet isn't so bad after all.

Opening the package from Fla.  Thank you
Mrs. J.C.  and class.

All the way from Fla. to me - amazing !

  Look at all the cards the students made for
  me - WOW !!!

Update  #  31

Ethan has an appointment at CHLA tomorrow to have an MRI.  This will be the first view of the tumor since the radiation and chemo treatments began.  After the MRI he has a follow up with the "team" on Wednesday.  We will  discuss the MRI and get more information on how the second phase of his treatment will go.  He is at Ronald McDonald House next to CHLA for tonight through Wed. A.M.  His mood is good and he is looking forward to seeing many faces  from his past stay at CHLA.