LAST TOTAL BODY RADIATION

This afternoon Brendan will have his last total body radiation (TBI). For the last few days Brendan's has had twice daily anaesthetics followed by 45 minutes of preparation and then 45 minutes of radiation. The last two anaesthetics have been OK. The previous few really knocked him around. He has woken up angry and very hard to console. We needed to wait for the drugs to wear off. Fasting all day is hard for him and he is talking a lot about being able to have heaps of chocolate. He spends his time watching TV or playing computer games. He doesn't have a lot of energy. Overall he is doing OK. The radiation is knocking him and now he has started chemo as well.

Brendan is looking forward to Easter. We have had to reassure him that the Easter bunny will find him in hospital and that his eggs will be hidden in his room as he does not have a garden. Brendan is really quite concerned that he will be missed by the Easter Bunny.

Richard and I moved into more suitable accommodation. We are now staying at Randwick's Ronald McDonald house. The house is on the grounds of the hospital. We have a lovely airy room with our own bathroom. You can contact us on ph: 02 93821604 at the house. The phone number is a direct line to our room. We are staying in Rm 4.

The last few days have been really hard on all of us. Putting your child through radiation is a very difficult thing. We will be glad when this part of his treatment is over. Brendan is now in full isolation. If he leaves his room for treatment he must wear a mask. Everything is cleaned with alcohol wipes and everyone's hygiene must be of a high standard. After this afternoon Brendan will have four days of chemo to go.

Talk to you all soon.

Cheers from Anna.