lilsammi23's Journal

Just Stuff
Dec 18 2008 12:40

A good friend of our family is going through a very difficult time.  One of their 5 boys, ten years old (one of the twins), is undergoing chemo for a sort of leukemia.  The poor little guy just can't seem to get a break.  He recently started experiencing seizures on a fairly regular basis.  They believe they are being caused by the particular drug used in the chemo, but as it's the most effective treatment, they've decided to put him on anti-seizure medication and continue treatment.  Well, the anti-seizure medication doesn't solve the problem in about 5% of the cases of these seizures... unfortunately Owen falls within this 5%.  He had two more seizures yesterday after a full week without them.  He has now also lost a lot of functionality and dexterity on the right side of his body.  His mouth droops a little when he talks, he can't really grip with that hand...  The docs thought he might have had a sort of stroke, but they're not sure yet.  Anyway, long story short (too late) my dad went to visit Owen in the hospital yesterday shortly after they told him that he'd be in the hospital for at least another week.  They have to put him through a bunch more tests and he'll have to miss Christmas at home. 

Now, most people would be bummed about this.  He's getting poked and prodded non-stop, he's had to sleep in the hospital for the last week (since the seizures started) and now will have to be there for another week at least...  Understandably, Owen wasn't in the best of moods when my dad stopped in and was visibly upset.  My dad tried to cheer him up by telling him "don't worry! You'll be home soon!  I'm sure your mom, dad and brothers will bring your presents and everything here so you'll still get to have Christmas."  Owen looked up and asked "Yeah, but when will I be able to get THEIR presents?"  Talk about unselfish.  How humbling.