One down

Manford had his first radiation session yesterday, and it all went fine, though we were there a couple of hours longer than usual to do initial blood work and to try to talk to the doctor about the steriods...but we got the schedule of the next six weeks, and found our way to where we go, and are getting the routine down. His chemotherapy at this point is Temozolomide at a fairly low dose, which is intended to enhance the effect of radiation. It is just a pill (well, three pills, to make the correct dose) he takes an hour before treatment. He is also taking some antinausea medicine, but it may not be necessary in the long run--we'll see.

I made the mistake of sending e-mails to a couple of private college counselors over the weekend, trying to figure out the college selection and application process with Joseph, with no one here who really has any idea about how it works, and wondering how to explain the New Zealand system (which is very different) in college applications...last night one very pushy guy called and talked to me for a half hour straight without doing any discernable listening. I think he asked a couple of questions, but never stopped to hear an answer. If anyone knows a thoughtful college counselor who might listen and think about our specific situation, I would appreciate hearing their name...

Joseph is planning a trip to the US by himself in July--to visit friends and family and colleges, but mostly friends.

Carrie