Radiation Therapy

This week Cyrus chose the topic radiation therapy as a subject for a report.  In his world history class they had to chose technology that has changed history (or is, will..).  He asked me questions about Kohlie's radiation, facts, side effects, etc.  We took a walk down memory lane to say the least...

He wanted me to print up some pictures and once again, I was thankful for the many pictures we took during Kohlie's treatment.  I told myself that I wanted every part of her treatment remembered by pictures so if she did make it through all of that (I figured she could very well have lasting side effects /complications from all the treatment) she could look back through pictures and see all she went through!  The other thought was for the rest of the family if she didn't make it.  I am SO glad for all the pictures taken even when Kohlie was not feeling well!

So, I told Cyrus it was at Kohlie's expense that his report was put together.  Yet, I was secretly overjoyed he chose the report which hit so close to home and remember his little sister and also knowing that he would take the picture collage on poster board to school amongst his peers and was okay with that!

These are some of the pictures that were included in his photo collage.

first time of radiation on primary mass

Jan / 2008

feeling well enough to get out of bed (this must have been later in this hosp stay)

Kohlie got a bone infection where the cancer had come back and we landed
 in the hospital for this very lengthy stay. 

One of Kohlie's friends (met through the hospital and she also
 had cancer) came for a visit.

Kohlie peeking through one of her bracelets she made in art therapy, 

 

This picture took my breath away!!  I was remembering how horribly painful
 and long this hospital stay for Kohlie was and we truthfully
 got to the point where we wondered if we would bring her home from the hospital!!!
  It just seemed to be one thing after another.  Yet, this girl and her
amazing smile endured....  what a lesson it is for me all over again!!



This picture I cropped for Cy so you could see her arm (radiation burn)
 peeling, red, but healing.  Kohlie was not happy because at this time I was
 cutting off her hair since it was falling out again and EVERYWHERE! 
She was old enough to want to keep her hair and maybe it also was a symbol to
 her that she really WAS sick again, after a full summer of feeling
well and being able to act healthy again!

  So, today and the past few days I have been thinking of my angel...  It is not with an incredible amount of sadness that I think of her (although there will always be sorrow in her absence) but with gladness to remember her and amazement that I think back on her bravery and thankfulness that she continues to inspire me and help ME in this life by her life!  I believe Cyrus may feel similar feelings and this also makes me thankful!!  He has had a rough time the past while, feeling frustrations with school and life...