PT = fun fun fun

The babes were pumped about getting to go down to the Children's Place for "EXERCISE ONLY" on Friday! As long as tubes weren't involved, it was going to be a good day! Ms Lori was an awesome Physical Therapist who ran Samuel (and Trinity, of course) through a litany of tests to measure his strength, balance, mobility, and physical skill sets. The "tests" were about as much fun as kids could wish to have in a hospital!

Welcome to the PT/OT floor!

Preliminary stretching evaluations

Push ups :)

Sit ups

Hallway races

Target practice

Stair climbers :)

 Bouncy bouncy bouncy.........

..........bouncy bouncy

Coolest roller slide!

Wheeeeee :)

Everybody gets a turn!

Samuel's evaluation revealed a few things. Most importantly, he is an incredibly healthy, strong little boy - who definitely loves to run + jump + exercise! As a result of the Vincristine, it does appear he has suffered some nerve damage which has weakened his hands and feet. His grip strength tested at about 50% of what it should be for a boy his age. Fortunately, we know this is temporary + entirely reversible. Also, the muscles in his feet (specifically connecting the top of his foot + leg - extensor muscles) are very easily fatigued so that if he walks for too long the muscles no longer contract, making his feet slap on the ground instead of taking controlled steps. The muscle weakness is temporarily affecting his ankles, causing both feet to "roll" inward which causes a decent amount of foot pain for him + a greatly reduced ability to balance himself.

We were referred to an orthopedist for evaluation of whether or not shoe inserts or braces will be of greater benefit to his recovery. We are also on track for an 8-week physical therapy treatment plan in order to help Samuel regain from any strength or mobility loss. And, we are also getting started within the next week or so with Occupational Therapy in order to help Samuel with the fine motor strength + development. The OT will help especially with the "pinch grip" functions, like holding pencils + tying shoes.

Ultimately, we are discussing the results with his doctors at Monday's treatment. According to their plan, Samuel would receive three more doses of Vincristine; however, in light of his amazing progress this year + the steady onset of these noteworthy side effects, we are believing they will agree to eliminate all remaining doses of it.

Samuel is looking very forward to his physical therapy, so we're so glad that he'll have even more good times to remember at Children's! We also have a bunch of exercises + stretches to do at home, so we're making family exercise time a fun part of our days. It's wonderful to be able to go through all of this as a team, and to work hard together to get stronger + better than ever. It's quite the sight to see Trinity, Samuel + Mom lined up in front of the living room couch doing sit-ups together... GOOD TIMES :)