8/30/2008

Pics only - week of 8/24

Just some pics from this week to show a little more of Max's day-to-day experience fighting neuroblastoma.


Max playing one of his two favorite games, despite having a Wii and PS2: Snowy Bear.


Getting set-up CT scans on Tuesday at UCSD/Moores Cancer Center in preparation to start palliative radiation to Max's liver the following day. Max really loves the staff there and it shows that they return the sentiment. He is so comfortable and the experience very soothing and mellow (and usually quite quick!).


After CT scan, ice cream at Cold Stone! Max's favorite these days is chocolate with gummy bears mixed in. Unfortunately, today at this location they were out of gummy bears. Max didn't finish his ice cream, unsurprisingly...

Max sleeping at clinic on Friday while receiving red blood. Afterwards, he has a radiation appointment.


Friday's radiation appointment. Knowing how our middle-aged bellies become surprisingly flat when lying on our backs, you can see how distended Max's abdomen has become from the liver growth caused by cancer. As of Friday, Max has had 3 days of radiation and we hope that by Sunday he will start to get some relief and the liver will respond to the radiation and shrink as quickly as it grew.


Another shot of Max getting set up for radiation on Friday. This shot better illustrates Max's belly distension.


Waiting outside in the control room area while the radiation is administered.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a strong, brave little boy. You must be so very proud of him. Hugs and prayers to you all.

Anonymous said...

My gosh, I didn't realize how enlarged his tummy is....your photos really capture what this #$&#* disease has done to "our" sweet boy!!
Thinking of you all, and sending much love. Hugs...Ms. Weitz

Anonymous said...

Just recently starting reading about Max, what a precious gift from God. I am praying for Max, all through the day. I am praying for your entire family .. too. Much love from me to your family.

Anonymous said...

You are all in our thoughts and most definitely our prayers. Thank you for keeping us so updated. Our love to Max.
Kim and Sydney

XinXin Battle Against Neuroblastoma said...

My heart is broken when I know Max'situation. He is such a sweet boy. Keep strong.

Bree said...

I hope the radiation has provided some relief for Max. Hope you guys are having a good family time weekend.
Sending lots of Love!

Jenny said...

Though I have only recently stumbled upon your impossible journey, Max has won my heart. We lost out daughter last year to medulloblastoma. The pictures captured here and on the Mashed Potatoes site do so much to tell the story that needs to be told. I think that during Catie's journey, we often shielded friends and family from the harsh and cruel reality that treatment can bring.

Prayers for peaceful, good days, pain control, and more time for your family.

Jenny
www.midgetsandmoonpies.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

We have followed your story as faithful 'friends' in this unwanted journey. Your dedication to Max, your family, and to all of us fighting this disease remains unwavering and unmatched. We continue to think of you, pray for you, and hope for you.

Our hearts truly ache as we understand how precious our children are, how relentless this disease is, how fragile time is, and how we must live life to the Max.

With friendship and with prayer,
Sarah, John, Annie and Jack Bartosz

www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackbartosz

Anonymous said...

Dear Max,

I hope that you can come to class soon. What kind of toys do you like? I want to give you a present.

Zoe


Dear Max,

I am praying for a miracle so you will be better, then we can build Legos and have play dates. I hope you can come to Boy Scouts next time.

Love,
Noah

Anonymous said...

Hi Andy/Melissa..
I'm up late on Sunday night and just wanted to say hello and let you know that we're thinking of you.

Neil.

Anonymous said...

Our love and prayers are with you, Andy and Melissa.
Kim & Sydney

Anonymous said...

I came across you blog...well, I don't really know how. Just link to link.
I was so touched reading about your family, Max & Hannah, and all the love that is found in your blog entries chronicling your experiences. Through the ups and downs I can feel that you have so much to teach the world about love, hope and enduring through the hardest of trials.
My heart goes out to you, dear ones, for this staggering loss. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Post a Comment