Radiation Treatment in Houston Texas

Together with my family in the radiation treatment room

I can't believe that I am finally receiving radiation treatment, at one of the best hospitals in the country! When I look back on this whole situation, I find this entire ordeal quite ironic. First of all, anyone who knows how stubborn and against radiation that I have been for the last ten years, will clearly recognize that it is a true miracle that I am actually receiving that type of treatment! I guess sometimes, one must try absolutely every type of treatment in order to know that all has been done to get rid of this thing.  Secondly, when I finally mentally accepted that I would do conventional treatment (which was like waiting for the cold war to end), I was ready and willing. However, it seemed like there were so many roadblocks that continued to delay my treatment. That was the oddest thing from my point of view, that I was ready to start, yet one thing after another kept postponing my treatments. Finally at seven months after surgery, my sister sparked the idea to look into MD Anderson Hospital, which is one of the most experienced hospitals in the country, especially when it comes to brains. David thought of that idea a few years ago after my 3rd surgery, but we discounted it because it looked impossible to move to Houston for such a length of time. However, this time around it seemed important to at least get a second opinion at such an experienced hospital. Within a week, my parents, David, Isaac and I all had our airplane tickets, an appointment, and were heading down to Houston. Most family vacations don't take places at hospitals, but why not make it a first?

Next thing we know, we were at the hospital, visiting with an neuro-oncologist, then a radiation oncologist,  and one thing led to the next, I was getting an MRI to start treatment the day after Christmas! One thing was very clear to my entire family was that this is where the angels had guided me to have treatment. Even little Isaac mentioned a few times the importance of me going to MD Anderson Hospital. Not only that, but there were absolutely no roadblocks this time through, and only perfect connections making it move quickly and smoothly. 

My mom, Isaac and I flew down the day after Christmas and I started radiation immediately. I chose to do it this way so that Isaac could be with me for the break, before school starts, and definitely, being away from each other is much easier for five weeks rather than seven (even though the distance from each other is like slamming an entire hand in the car...and leaving it there for a good few minutes).

Our two weeks together were very fun, surprisingly, despite, what was going on with my brain! I realized that my dear little Isaac gave me a strength that can't be described with words. I have a special little boy. Isaac somehow lifts my heart and soul, even when he isn't even trying. We would walk to the hospital each day, and while I was in treatment, he would wait with my dear mom, and then on the way home, we would play follow the leader, or dance in and around the Christmas decorations and of course, pick flowers (his idea). We found the free days, and visited the Health Museum, Children's Museum, and Zoo. The day he left, I felt that my source of strength, Isaac, was being ripped away from me.  I can't wait to hold him in my arms again.