Wednesday, June 25, 2008

If it's Thursday, it must be surgery

Tomorrow morning at 7 am, Toby will be anesthesized and have the central line taken out of his chest, where it has lived for the last 14 months. We've gotten used to his tubies and Toby plans to ask Dr. Laquaglia if he can take them home in a little plastic bag.

More than a year ago as we sat in the nuclear medicine basement at NYU my brother tried to explain what a central line looked like. I remember his strange words, gently falling on uncomprehending ears: "it's like spaghetti noodles, coming out of his chest." With noodles gone, Toby will be able to shower and swim, he won't have to endure painful bandage changes, and we'll finally be able to retire the safety pins that have riddled all his shirts with crazy patterns of holes.

The line will be replaced by an under-the-skin mediport, and a few hours later Toby will receive chemo through a new delivery system.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Holy cow!
This has been a great week for you all. And for those of us who have monitored Toby's progression and your courage.
Now -- off to buy bathing suits!!
Much love,
JoAnn

Anonymous said...

What a great way to begin summer - we are all grateful for your fantastic report and for you and your family to revel in pools, oceans and bathtubs.

We all live life a little fuller becasue of your willingness to share your family with us! Here's to blue skies

Former park sloper who thinks of Toby often

Just Me said...

I'm kicking myself for not checking this blog on Wednesday. I hope the central line removal went smoothly and pray he heals quickly.

I am so excited for Toby and this new bit of freedom! Thank you, Lord, Thank you!

LindaSue said...

You'll find the mediport very convenient and a huge blessing for Toby's treatments. So very glad the tubies are gone and your brave young fellow will get the thrill of a good shower and go SWIMMING - important stuff for a growing boy. Thank you for the update.

Anonymous said...

Mazel tov. I hope the tubie-removal went well and that Toby's spirits are up. Now all we need is some good beach weather!
Much love.
Lynn

Unknown said...

Wow.
Just came across this blog.
I was very happy to see the positive progress.
Looks like you have much to be thankful for.
G-d willing, Toby will have a complete recovery.

BS"D I will be dovining for him, Toby ben Michal.

Wishing you all b'soros tovos,
Menachem David (AKA Scott) Lazar

Anonymous said...

Hope you are all having a summer of swimming, laughter & sunshine. God bless little Toby & all of you!

LindaSue said...

Hoping Toby and all of your beautiful family have a blessed and FUN Independence Day! We pray for him and are so happy he is having a good summer.

Anonymous said...

xoxo!

The Reidys

Anonymous said...

Toby,

We are so excited that you are saying bye bye to your tubies and of the GREAT news about you being NED. God Bless!!!

We wish you the best summer ever. You deserve it big boy!!!!

We also want to thank you, Mom & Dad, for the box of goodies. Gustavo-Alexis is enjoying reading all the books.

Love,

Your roommates at MSKCC

Teresa, Gus & Gustavo-Alexis

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking of all of you and hoping you're having a fantastic summer and a wonderful time getting ready for school in September!

Hooray for normalcy!

Anonymous said...

Hi Everyone:

Just thinking of you and wondering how things are going.

Love, Susan, Aniella and Ina

Anonymous said...

Another Thursday in Brooklyn, and I hope Toby and all of you are doing as well as the weather is sublime!

Best,
Nancy W.

LindaSue said...

Just checking in - it is late August and we trust Toby has been thoroughly enjoying the freedom of being rid of his tubies!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Toby! Hope that you are enjoying your summer.

Just Me said...

Happy Birthday, Toby! My boy just turned five on the 14th!