Brave Little Firefighter and BFFS of Cook Children's Vs Brain Tumor Fire

Chapter 7

Hot shot was soon going to start his chemotherapy. He was a little bit nervous about it. He was worried about what was going to happen. He didn't know what to expect from chemotherapy. So it made him a little worried about it. Hot shot also knew the reason for the port in his chest was for the chemotherapy. He was worried because the nurse was going to have to use a needle to access it. He has had it accessed before due to needing his blood tested to make sure his blood counts were still good from radiation therapy. Hot shot didn't like the fact the nurses had to use a needle to access his port. They also sometimes had to use a needle to go into his arm like if his port was in use. He had to get his arm stuck with a needle to get blood to test one time while Hot shot was getting fluids due to being dehydrated. Hot shot didn't like that to much at all.

"Is everything alright poppet?" Quickshadow asked when she saw Hot shot's face.

"I am worried about starting chemotherapy," Hot shot said. "it is a big word, and not easy to say," he said.

"Well chemotherapy or chemo for short is not an easy treatment, but it will help you get better," Quickshadow said. "There is even an Imaginary friend society video about it," she said. "It will help you understand about it," she said.

"Okay," Hot shot said. Hot shot watched the video on chemotherapy from the Imaginary friend society. Hot shot learned that he might nervous and that's okay a lot of kids get nervous in the beginning. But he just has to remember that chemotherapy is a very important medicine that would help him in the long run. He learned that chemotherapy destroys cancer by stopping the growth of cancer cells and killing them. Cancer cells are bad guys and chemotherapy is a hero that will help defeat them. He learned that chemotherapy comes in many forms to defeat cancer. But is normally given by IV, by central line or by pill. He learned after chemotherapy he will have an upset stomach but he will be given medicine to help him feel better. He learned it is a very powerful and strong medicine and it will make his hair fall out. But it will grow back once chemotherapy is over. Hot shot learned that he will also feel tired after chemotherapy and need to rest. Hot shot learned that his parents and family will need to help him out during chemotherapy. Hot shot saw that chemotherapy wasn't scary just a bit weird. But he was glad he learned about chemotherapy. Hot shot was ready to be brave for it too.

Hot shot and his parents were getting ready to go to the hospital. Hot shot was going to stay there for a while. Hot shot was going to be there for a few months at least. Hot shot was going to be strong during that time. Hot shot was hoping his friends he made at the hospital were going to be there. He was also looking forward to seeing his hospital team. Hot shot was very excited about it too. Hot shot was eager to get going. He helped his parents make sure everything was in the go bag.

Hot shot watched the video from the Imaginary friend society about long hospital stays. Hot shot learned he needs to pack things to make the stay easier. He needs to pack things like his tablet, some books, games, toys, comfy clothes, a pillow, blankets, pictures of loved ones, and something to do as a hobby. He learned things like his tablet, with music, videos and games, and a hobby will help make time fly. He learned the hospital was a place were he could stay while being treated. He learned that it was like a hotel where people get better. He learned everyone on his team will be able to help him. They will make his bed, make sure the room is clean and do things that need to be done. Hot shot learned once he knows what to pack that a long stay in the hospital really isn't so bad. Hot shot felt better after watching it and realized he was going to do okay.

Hot shot helped his parents pack the last of it. Once they made sure that everything was packed they got ready to go. Hot shot was very excited to get going. Hot shot was holding on to Roxy the rhino and climbed into his car seat. Hot shot watched as things went by as the car was moving. "I wonder if I will see my friends Hoist, Medix, Whirl and Wedge," Hot shot said.

"You might see them while you are there and you might not," Quickshadow said. "It depends on a lot of things," she said.

"You are also going to be there for a while son," Heatwave said. "You will spend Christmas there and have to stay there until April according to Dr. Zhao." he said. "You will have to be patient during that time," he said.

"Your father and I will take shifts with you while in the hospital," Quickshadow said. "We will need to make sure you will be okay and will always come right back," she said.

"Okay," Hot shot said. Hot shot felt comforted by his parents words. Hot shot soon saw Cook Children's hospital come into view. Hot shot saw Peaks the Dragon and waved at him. Hot shot did so every time they came to Cook Children's hospital, whether it was for a treatment, or a test, or a check up. Hot shot loved to wave at Peaks. Hot shot liked Peaks, he thought Peaks was an amazing dragon. Hot shot saw the car going into a parking spot and parking. Hot shot got out of his car seat once the car was parked. Then he held his father's hand and they went inside. Hot shot got admitted to the hospital and got a bracelet. Hot shot was reminded it was so everyone at the hospital knows who he is.

Then Hot shot was taken to the oncology unit. Hot shot saw his friends there and was very happy to see them. "Hi Hoist, Medix, Whirl and Wedge," Hot shot said.

"Hi Hot shot," Hoist said.

"Greetings Hot shot," Medix said.

"Hello Hot shot," Whirl said.

"Hey Hot shot," Wedge said.

They were soon going to start chemotherapy too, just like Hot shot. Hot shot was soon in his room and then got settled into it. Hot shot was busy getting ready for what will be done in the hospital. Hot shot was going to have an MRI, a lumbar puncture, a blood test, and a check up. These were all going to be done to see if he is ready to start chemotherapy on Monday. It was also to check for tumor growing back to the same size or getting bigger and spreading. Hot shot was ready to be brave for it.

Hot shot first had the MRI done. He stayed nice and still for the hour scan. Then once that was done Hot shot got the lumbar puncture. When that happened Hot shot gave Roxy a big squeeze. Then it was over before he knew it. Hot shot was glad that was over with. Hot shot was soon getting a blood test done from his port. Hot shot was glad it only took a short bit. Hot shot saw Dr. Zhao after all of that. She checked him over from head to toe and everything was looking good. She was very relieved that Hot shot was doing just fine. "He will be ready to start chemotherapy on Monday," Dr. Zhao said.

"That's great." Quickshadow said.

Quickshadow had to leave because she had work the next day. But Heatwave was going to stay with him. Hot shot was glad his father was going to stay with him. He was very happy about that. He soon went to bed ready to be brave for his next part of treatment.