It seems that we have chalked up our first real mile of this road trip...
We have made it through the first 3 days of radiation/chemotherapy, and have been continuing to see daily improvement in Jason's motor skills and vision as he perseveres with physical therapy.
But more importantly, we have had a week of fun!
(I know, radiation and fun don't normally belong in the same sentence.)
Jason's enduring enthusiasm and mantra of "choosing to have a good day" permeate the hospital walls and effect everyone who comes in contact with him. Consequently, he made a lot of new friends this week!
The EMT's who transfer Jason from the hospital to oncology were so enamored with him they brought him a box of Red Robin Onion Rings for a snack on the ambulance ride back to the hospital!
The Radiation nurses love the fact that he refers to the treatment as "the Pink Floyd laser light show".
And the nurses and therapists in rehab enjoy Jason's new term for them when they discretely assist him with his bowel movements: "poop ninjas"!
Seriously, we have laughed and laughed more this week than we have in a long time - and I am convinced that it will ultimately have as great a healing effect as all the lasers they shoot at his head!
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| First day of radiation aka Pink Floyd laser light show The mask keeps Jason's head in the same place every time, and treatment takes approximately 5 minutes! |
Jason enjoyed his special snack after his first radiation treatment! A big thanks to the GJFD and EMTs that day (names withheld to protect the devious!)
Let me back up a minute.
The week definitely was not all about new friends and experiences...
At the beginning of the week was the NCAA championship game - a nationally televised sporting event that no one should watch alone! So... a bunch of Jason's buddies came to his rescue and showed up for the game with a case of Coors and 40 hot wings! Though the beer was unauthorized and the wings were deliciously messy, (and the game was not one that any of us had any buy-in to) it was the company of good friends that made it an excellent evening.
Then there was the awesome gift given by another good friend - an in-room mani/pedi complete with purple toenail polish (Go Furman!) and a good, long foot rub!
By the end of our week we had had plenty of good friends stop in for a visit, plenty of new friends to laugh with, and plenty of funny new inside jokes and experiences.
(although, one thing Jason is now missing at the end of the week are about 2 dozen staples in his head!)
And since all's well that ends well... what better way to go into the weekend than with your brother!!!
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| the Hightower boys ♥ |
You ALL continue to amaze us. Your positive outlook and humor is inspiring to sooo many of us back home. We continue to keep you in our prayers and thoughts. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! What a great attitude he has, I am continually impressed!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely no doubt that his wit, humor, positive outlook and love of life will help him heal!!! Great to see him looking so great!!!
ReplyDeleteMoo, you have impressed me since the day I met you... I distinctly remember in grade school that the reason I so desperately wanted to be friends with you was because I loved how happy and positive you were... how you made people feel when they were around you. You haven't changed a bit. And you married someone who brings it out of you even more. What a wonderful gift you give each other. Love you both so much.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh- Jason's brother looks like they could be twins! (If they actually are twins- I apologize for being so obtuse all these years.) you and Jason are sunny side up people and I love hearing how you're all moving forward. Sending you all lotta of love!
ReplyDeleteI won't tell Sammy Shoo that the purple was for Furman...
ReplyDeleteThey say that LAUGHTER is a POWERFUL healer! Wherever there is Laughter their is LIFE! I want to give a Big Shout-out to Mandi for all her work at keeping us who cannot be with Jason, informed of his day to day progress! With everything that must be circling in her brain, she still makes time to write all about their journey. Thank you Mandi, from the bottom of my heart for taking some of your time to do so. Big Bear Hug for all!
ReplyDeleteI doubt there are two more beautiful and handsome men, inside and out, on the planet. What's a good mailing address if I have something to send along? Love to all the amazing people I see in these photos - Lalah
ReplyDeletePoop ninjas. I love it.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of Furman love your way. I was thinking about dedicating my next half marathon to sweet Pinhead, but then I remembered that he has (or wants) a "0.0 I don't run" sticker for his car so maybe that's not the most appropriate thing. Maybe I'll eat some Red Robin onion rings in his honor. That should work.
My heart, love and prayers are with you all. This is Robb White, you're old neighborhood and next door neighbor buddy back in the day. Just talked to precious Peg on the phone and learned what all is going on. Great picture of Jason and Taylor together, many thoughts and memories. Thinking about all of us riding in your John's red Jeep. Blessings, peace and strength.
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