Radiation Graduation!

Who knew that when you get finished with radiation therapy that they give you a "diploma":) which says, "Having attained high marks in the areas of CONGENIALITY, PERSEVERANCE, & COURAGE", Vince Capaldi has completed the course of Radiation Therapy at UCLA, and guess who signed it...yep...that's right JESUS!  LOL!  Actually it's Jesus (a radiation technician), Kristina, Maria and Bob!  But, I love the idea that it says Jesus...he is everywhere, even at radiation!  Makes a mom feel good!  Thank you, Jesus!

Vince will see the surgeon a week from tomorrow and he will have scans done that same day. This will allow the doctor to evaluate and prepare for the upcoming bone replacement surgery, which will be replaced with a titanium rod.  We don't really know any details yet, so next week will bring us some new information regarding the upcoming surgery.

 

Here is a photo of Vince in the radiation machine.  I took this on his 24th visit and it was the first time that I went into the room.  It was so interesting to see it in person! This is the machine that broke down 4 times, and once while he was in the middle of his treatment! Nothing is perfect, even if it costs millions of dollars, or somewhere close, I assume! LOL!

 

Vince and Mikemo will be starting a basketball league soon and I will bring you some photos of them playing and maybe a video or two!  I am just so glad that he is able to have no pain and really enjoy these next 5 or 6 weeks, just to recover and do what he wants to do without any scheduled doctor appointments....AND we won't be driving back and forth every day on the 405!  Whew!!!  I can't believe he had 25 treatments and it's all over!  This will be the first time in 5 mths. that we can actually be somewhat "normal" for a short time!  Maybe it's time to treat myself to that massage that my dear friends got me for my birthday back in September!  LOL!

Definitions of those 3 words on the Diploma:)  I thought they were interesting to read.  Vince is my hero!

congenial |kənˈjēnyəl|adjective

(of a person) pleasant because of a personality, qualities, or intereststhat are similar to one’s own : his needfor some congenial company. 
perseverance |ˌpərsəˈvi(ə)rəns|noun steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success : his perseverance

with the technique illustrates his single-mindedness | medicine is a field which requires dedication and perseverance.
courage |ˈkərij; ˈkə-rij|nounthe ability to do something that frightens one : he called on all his courage to face the ordeal.strength in the face of pain or grief : he fought his illness with great courage.
Courage is what makes someone capable of facing extreme danger and difficulty without retreating, (the courage to confront the enemy head-on). It implies not only bravery and a dauntless spirit but the ability to endure in times of adversity.Someone who has guts, a slang word indicating an admirable display of courage when it really counts (having the guts to stand up to one's boss), might also be described as having “intestinal fortitude,” a cliché that is more formal and means the same thing.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 

1 Corinthians 16:13