Friday, January 26, 2007

Freedom Game


Good evening, we begin our show with highlights of the 3 day tournament called the Freedom Game. First, meet our contestants. In this corner, weighing 12 kg, in the red robe is "fattening." And in this corner, competing in his first Freedom Game, wearing the blue robe is "fun."

Day 1 of the tournament was a decidedly one-sided match. The final score was fattening 0, fun 2. We nearly deducted points from fattening as all food that was taken in was sent flying back out one end or the other. Fun clearly won this battle with a trip to the zoo, a walk in the balmy 50 degree heat and swinging/sliding in the yard.

Day 2 of the Freedom Game brought a surprising twist. For the first time in the history of this tournament, a negative score was posted. It was too cold for outdoor games so fun opted for browsing at the pet store. Only one point was awarded due to some poor sportsmanship in the form of whining. Fattening took a difficult hit with virtually no food going in yet somehow lots coming out. The final score was fattening -1, fun 1.

Day 3 brought an exciting conclusion to our game. Despite best efforts from both contestants, there were no points scored! Fun tagged his teammate fatigue early in the match. Unfortunately this did not prove to be a good decision as fatigue spent most of the game watching tv on the couch. Food continued a poor performance with a steady exchange of nutrients coming in and going out. The final score was fun 0, food 0.

Due to the clear upset in this game, we are opting for a feeding tube to give food a fighting chance in subsequent battles. Fun has run out of tricks and will likely perform similarly in future games. Contestants will be training with chemo on Monday and their performance is expected to be affected.

And that concludes our coverage of the Freedom Game. Good night.

PS - We met with the Radiation Oncologist today and have decided not to add radiation to her treatment at present. This will give her brain time to mature and should the tumor reappear on later MRI's, we can choose to radiate then with no change to her prognosis. It's good to have that question resolved and to know that after 2 more rounds of chemo, her treatments will be complete!

7 comments:

The Tucson Gang said...

Darn the fattening and fun contestants...I hope that the feeding tube helps relieve all of your stress a little. I know how hard you and Jeff have worked to keep Lillian happy, entertained, comfortable and most of all fed. The fact that she made it 2/3 of the way without one is a real credit to you both and now it's time to let the doctors help a little...and that's ok. I am also relieved to know that after just 2 more treatments she will be DONE! Now, that is reason to celebrate! And, just one more check on this checklist of getting through this treatment. Hang in there. I can feel your frustration, but know that you are in the home stretch and that we are all cheering for the Harris team to win this world series! Celebration and fun are just around the corner and we're all ready to party with you! Enjoy your weekend, before round 5!
Love, Traci

Jennifer said...

Well, you guys put up a valiant effort! I'm so glad you were able to get out with the little one. We'll be praying that the feeding tube helps.

Have a great weekend training for the next round. We're praying that everything goes smoothly.
Love you guys,
Jenn

Anonymous said...

Your creativity never ceases to amaze me, which is why I think fun has the edge here. Making it this far without the feeding tube is incredible, and I hope that it only helps in the last few weeks of treatment. I am so thankful that every day that the light at the end of the tunnel of treatment just keeps getting brighter. Michelle
ps I love the newest picture!

Anonymous said...

How do you think these things up! I think the lack of sleep and overall fatigue should make your brain work slower--but that was such a creative way to communicate what is going on! I know that you and Jeff have done all you could to get food into Lillian, so I think the feeding tube is due and I hope it fattens her up! You're almost to the end! I'm just thrilled that the doctor thinks she doesn't need radiation, too. Just a little longer and we'll be cooking s'mores over a campfire at the beach or something else fun! Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

You are now on the home stretch! Only two more treatments to go. You have all done an amazing job during this process. I am glad to see you were able to get out and enjoy the nice weather! I am also very glad to hear the radiology news. Thank you for sharing all your thoughts, frustrations, hopes, ect about your journey! I have to say I feel I am a better therapist because of it. From what I have learned from your stories I feel I have a lot more understanding of what the children and their families are going through. Thank you for that! Good luck with the next round. Maybe I will see you in the halls or Starbucks on Monday or Tuesday. Take care of yourselves and refresh before going back to your beloved Ched.
Beth & family

Anonymous said...

Hi Lori, Jeff & Lillian- I think about you everyday and pray for a happy and healthy Lillian.
Love, Carey Hughes

Anonymous said...

Just wanted you guys to know that we are constantly thinking and praying for you that things go well. It's hard for us to imagine what all this is like. We love you guys!

The Bissells