Successful Surgery!

Caleb is resting comfortably at home after an all-day hospital stay.  Surgeons removed the PICC line in his arm (two IV's) that ran from his forearm to his heart.  When he got them a month ago, his fun doctor asked him if he wanted to name them.  In Caleb's own words, "No way - I only name my pets."  Therefore, older brother Zachary named them "Frank" and "Stein".  Fitting, since Halloween is just around the corner. I "flushed" them with saline and Heparin (blood thinner) for the last time last night.

Goodbye to "Frank" and "Stein".  They were somewhat "high maintenance", yet real life savers, as they kept Cal from having to get weekly painful IV's for his blood tests and chemo.

When Caleb woke up today, he had a port-a-catheter in his chest.  This also runs to his precious heart and will now be how he gets weekly blood draws and chemo.  This will be much easier for him, as he can shower and swim.  Whaaaawhooo!  He knows what to expect, because a loving "Child Life Specialist" at the hospital let him see it on a doll.  He got to touch it and play with it.  He decided it DID need a name, since it will be with him for the next four years.  He named his port "Porty Pig".  Too cute.

Caleb is excited he gets a 4-day break from the hospital, yet he's always willing to go back.  That's because the caring and loving staff at Texas Children's has figured out a way to make the awful
"c word" bearable for little ones. 

Thanks to all of our dear family and friends for your words of encouragement, the pats on the back, and most importantly - your prayers.  Much love to you all.