Brave Little All-star and All-star BFFS vs Brain Tumor

Chapter 5

Hot shot recently started his treatment for cancer. Hot shot had been going back and forth from the hospital. He was getting radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments were to help make his cancer go away. He was about to start his third week of treatment. Hot shot was starting to feel the side effects from his treatment. Hot shot was feeling sick to his stomach, tired, and weak. Hot shot didn't feel like playing as much as he used too. Fireplug his puppy could tell Hot shot wasn't feeling like running or playing as much. So he just laid down by Hot shot's side to be a comfort. Hot shot had his medicines to take too.

Hot shot was seeing things come in for him from his relatives. "Why is all this stuff coming for me?' Hot shot asked.

"Because you are sick and need a lot of treatment in order to get better," Quickshadow said. "it is normal and to be expected." she said. "But it is their way of showing that they care," she said.

Hot shot had to go to radiation therapy and chemotherapy today. Hot shot was bringing Roxy the rhino with him. Hot shot knew he was going to feel sick and tired afterwards. He had been going for two whole weeks and was about to start on his third week. Hot shot wasn't enjoying that too much at all.

"Come on Hot shot it's time to go," Quickshadow said.

"Coming," Hot shot said. "Come on Roxy let's go," he said grabbing Roxy. Hot shot climbed into his car seat. Quickshadow buckled him in. Today mother was taking him to treatment because his father had to go to work at the fire station. When Heatwave had the day off and Quickshadow had to work he would take Hot shot to treatments. Sometimes both of his parents would take him.

Hot shot was feeling okay today and was ready to go. Hot shot was still getting used to being in treatment. But he was glad to be going to Cook children's hospital because that means he gets to spend time with his friends. They sometimes play before radiation, talk and watch video during chemo, and play before tests or check ups. Because other than going to the hospital for treatments he also had tests and check ups to go to, as well.

Hot shot was holding on to Roxy as they headed to the hospital. "Mummy is it normal to feel sad, angry and scared about having cancer and going through treatment?' Hot shot asked.

"Yes it is completely normal," Quickshadow told him. "You might also feel other things too," she said.

"I also feel confused, numb and like it is too much at times," Hot shot said.

"You mean overwhelmed," Quickshadow said. "That can happen sometimes, but it is nothing to worry about Hot shot," she said. "These feelings are all completely and totally normal," she explained. "So don't think you are the only one who feels this way," she told him.

"Sometimes I feel so alone," Hot shot said.

"That is normal too," Quickshadow said. "But you are not alone in this fight, the whole family we are all standing by your side through it all," she said. "Plus thousands of children get brain tumors every year so you are not alone in that area either," she said.

"Wow," Hot shot said.

"There are also over a hundred different types of brain tumor that affect children and there are different treatments for the different tumors," Quickshadow told him. "Some brain tumors are very common," she said. "While others are very rare," she said. "You have a rare tumor only a couple of hundred are diagnosed with this type of malignant brain tumor every year." she said.

"Malignant what does that mean?" Hot shot asked.

"It means the tumor is cancer," Quickshadow answered.

"Oh," Hot shot said.

"Brain tumors are hard cancers to treat because the brain is the body's computer," Quickshadow said. "Also the brain is very delicate," she said.

"Oh," Hot shot said. "I am determined to get better and I will get better," he said.

"That's the spirit," Quickshadow said. "I am glad you are very brave," she said. "What you are going through isn't easy but you are doing well at the start," she said. "You will have good days and bad days," she said. "But try not to worry too much, because you are surrounded by love," she said.

"Oh okay," Hot shot said.

Hot shot saw they made it to Cook Children's hospital. Hot shot was happy to be there and spend time with his friends. Hot shot saw them and was happy. "Hi guys," Hot shot said.

"Hi Hot shot," they said. They were all so happy to see each other. Hot shot was happy to be spending time with his friends even if it was at the hospital.

Hot shot soon went back to have his radiation treatment. Hot shot wore his special mask to keep his head nice and still. That way only his cancer is zapped and nothing else. Hot shot was staying very still. Hot shot was listening to music from one of his favorite shows. Hot shot was feeling at ease as he was listening to the music. Hot shot was enjoying it too. Hot shot stayed perfectly still for the whole treatment. Then after about 20 minutes it was over. "Okay Hot shot you are all done for today," the radiographer named Max said.

Hot shot's mask was taken off and he went to go to the infusion center to get his chemotherapy. Hot shot was sitting in the comfy chair. Hot shot was soon hooked up to his chemotherapy. Hot shot began to watch videos from the imaginary friend society. Hot shot watched the videos about feeling sad, feeling angry and being scared. Hot shot learned that having these feelings is okay and to express them and let them out. He learned that doing so will make him stronger and braver. Hot shot learned that these feelings are part of life and they are normal. He can handle these feelings and over come them. Hot shot felt much better about having these feelings after watching the videos.

Hot shot was able to play too while getting his chemotherapy. Then it was over after 4 hours. Then Hot shot had a to have a check up with Dr. Zhao.

"Okay looks like things are going well," Dr. Zhao said. "How are you feeling today?" she asked him.

"I am feeling okay," Hot shot answered.

"That is good to hear," Dr. Zhao said. "You are looking fine and the medications seem to be helping with side effects," she said.

Then after the check up Hot shot was able to go home. Hot shot was happy to be back home. Today he got a package from his grandmum in England. Hot shot opened the package and saw it was a soft knitted hat. "Cool," Hot shot said. "I love it," he said trying it on. It was nice and soft.

Hot shot was looking forward to using it when his hair fell out. Soon Hot shot went to bed and then he fell asleep cuddling Roxy the rhino.