We're snug as a bug...

Michael had his first treatment in Syracuse today. It went well. And so far - no side effects. We are settled in at a very nice Syracuse hotel tonight (and we are warm and very comfy). There was a bad winter storm both at home and here today so we decided to make our trip a mini-vacation and wait out the storm since we drove through it all to get here today - heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and finally plain rain.

Michael has been swimming already and we just came back from a nice dinner. The hotel has a breakfast buffet in the morning (and Michael loves breakfast buffets). Then, weather permitting, we are going to go to the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) tomorrow before we head home. They have a new exhibit on caves that we would like to see.

As far as Michael's treatment today, there are some things we really like about Syracuse and some things we prefer in Rochester.

The treatment area in Rochester is a nicer setup. It is a large toy and craft room. Here they have cubicles with a recliner and a TV with VCR & DVD player. Michael was upset there weren't a lot of toys to play with like Rochester but watched a movie and then took a nap. There are toys out in the public waiting room but it would be hard (but not impossible) to play out there and receive his treatment.

We liked the staff's routine here though. The nurses sit right in the room and give the next medicine as soon as one is done. In Rochester the nurses don't stay in the play room and just come and check once in a while to see if he is ready for the next drug. Since Michael gets a total of 6 different medicines, the quicker they get the next one hung, the quicker we can leave.

Keep your fingers crossed that Michael has another great week. I will keep everybody posted. JoAnne