One Year

Today marks one year since Ravi began chemo. On December 26, 2022, he had a hearing test and an operation to put in his port. (It would turn out to be the first of three ports) On December 27 we checked into the hospital for him to get his first round of Cisplatin. We were discharged on December 29 and had no idea what the coming year would hold. I don’t remember much about those early cancer days. My impression was that it always seemed to be the middle of the night and we were very scared. Today, we were back at Journey Clinic, on the 9th floor, and the mood is totally different. It is broad daylight. We know and love all the nurses. Everything is familiar. We know where the comfy chairs are and how to get snacks. Nothing is scary. We were here yesterday for a round of chemo. Ravi’s red blood cell counts were low and so was his GFR, signaling that his kidneys were not happy. There was not enough time to give him chemo, type and cross his blood type, get the transfusion ready, and give him fluids. Briefly, it looked like we would have to go inpatient to get everything done. I really did not want to do this. Ravi was deeply traumatized by his month-long hospital stay last fall. Every time we go to Masonic Children’s I promise him we will come home that same day. I did not want to break that promise. Divine intervention happened when a different parent called in to cancel her child’s appointment for the 27th. Our nurse quickly grabbed that spot for Ravi. Whew! So, we spent about 6 hours at the clinic yesterday getting labs and then chemo. We came back today for more labs, a transfusion, and a liter of saline. Ravi was in great spirits for someone who had just had a round of chemo 24 hours before. He was happy to see all the nurses and was content to cuddle with me on the bed and watch his favorite PBS shows on his iPad. After about 4 hours he was pronounced stable, and we were sent home. For once, we got home before dark! 

Tomorrow we only have to be at the hospital for an hour, and that is for his beloved PT. He will get to build with big foam blocks, throw around a basketball, and ride the exercise bike. This is his idea of a very good time. Friday, we go back to Journey Clinic for labs and possibly more fluids. Then, fingers crossed, we are free until the following Wednesday. Freedom! What on earth will we do with ourselves? Ravi is plotting to overthrow the patriarchy.

So, here we are, a year later. Robert and I are a bit more wrinkled, grey, and sleep deprived. Ravi is taller and thinner with a collection of random scars and a smile that will melt your heart. His hair has fallen out again, but he is not one to worry about his looks. He just puts on a hat and goes about his business. #TeamRavi wishes you all the best in the coming year. Peace, be good humans, and we will be in touch.