And Radiation Begins

After Kike's PICC line was inserted there was about a week and a half before radiation began. The doctors needed this time to put him under to make a "helmet" and make a plan for radiation. The helmet is plastic that is warmed and then conformed to his head and it is made in two parts. For adults, it is possible to lay down and have the mask tightened over the face for the 5 to 10 minutes of radiation. Not so for a 3 year old! He has had 4 days of radiation so far and it has gone well. We are in and out in about an hour and the anesthesia doesn't seem to disrupt his day much. Kike has been sleeping a bit more than usual, but has also become much more active as the days pass since his last Chemotherapy treatment in April. He is finally getting used to his car seat (new experience) and many hours on the road as we have traveled back and forth from Wyoming as we get settled in. But he is definitely becoming more of a normal 3 year old! He likes his new glasses and he definitely likes exploring! BTW His good eye recovered ok from laser surgery and he will have another one on July 29.

On the financial side of things, it has been incredible to see God's provision as we stepped out in faith, fully expecting to pay for the entire cost of his treatment. It appears that the radiation will truly be no cost to us and we have yet to see a bill for the anesthesiologists. The physicians have waived their fees, and they have been helping to cut as many costs a possible. It is also great that Kike no longer needs chemotherapy for the time being, and he is starting to grow his hair back! He is definitely gonna need that when winter comes in Colorado.

Every bit as special are the individuals who have graciously helped our little buddy.

-My children. Who are not used to caring for a child day in and day out. It has been wonderful to watch them love Kike and put him and his needs first. Warms my heart to see them submitting to God's will in this area of their lives.

-A borrowed crib, high chair, and car seat as well as a donated strider bike, stroller, and learning tower have helped us get settled in.

-A wonderful woman and her daughter met Kike when he was first brought to Casa de Fe and Emily, the daughter, developed a special place in her heart for him. This family heard of his need and selflessly sent a donation to help and Emily has helped even more by organizing a fundraiser to sell t-shirts to raise money to help for his treatment. It has been a huge blessing to see the hearts of Angie and her daughter over the last few months as they also helped search for places in the US to bring him for treatment.

-We had the wonderful privilege to dine at Johnny Rocket's restaurant in Cherry Creek Mall in Denver. As we visited with the Manager, she fell in love with Kike. She not only paid for our lunch but she organized a "Dine and Donate" in her restaurant, and she also put out donation boxes at stores around the mall for us. It has been great getting to know her and her family.

-The church we have attended the last couple weeks has been a huge blessing as well. I had the opportunity to share our experience in Ecuador and tell the story of a little boy that I know God plans to use in a big way. A couple folks donated to Kike's treatment in a fashion that took my breath away.

-We had the opportunity to visit our church in Lusk on their first day of VBS to tell the children about Casa de Fe and about Kike. The children raised over $150 to send to down to Ecuador to help the children.

-A Go Fund Me page where family pitched in as well as others that I do not know, and also a few checks sent to our church in Lusk on Enrique's behalf.

-The Knockerball folks, who hearing our intention with the Knockerballs, donated an extra ball, reduced the price of our affiliation membership and waived the first years support fees. Crazy!

(Bottom part of the helmet used to keep Kike from moving his head)

(The top part is placed over Kike's face and then is screwed to the other piece)

This is the radiation machine. Looks impressive.

With the PICC line in place it only takes seconds before Kike's eyes close and Ginia puts him on the table.

Little due is very happy, and tolerates the radiation well, but he sleeps quite a bit.

Kike and Emery lounging in the car.

Kike has been practicing to ride this strider bike. A nice man gave it to us along with a jogging stroller for no charge. Kike likes both very much!!

First time playing with Play-Doh! Good times!

Lets go!! We are starting a Knockerball business to help offset the cost of Kike's treatment. We plan to set up to take donations and give our t-shirts. With the insurance and all it has taken us longer than we would like to get up and running. Such is the way of life. Ug!