Been there, done that

The first 2 weeks post-radiation were rough. I think mostly because our expectations were unrealistic. Or, at least mine were unrealistic. Since Keith was finished with radiation I thought he would feel better and instead he seemed to be worse. He was sicker and sleeping a lot less. He really struggled to get comfortable at night and it was difficult to determine how to help him.  Adding to my frustration was the fact that the Boston Marathon came and went without me. Brent was really supportive and encouraged me to go, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't focus enough on training during the last few months and I really didn't feel right leaving Keith the last week of radiation to go run in a race. Even if it was the Boston Marathon. 
A little salt was rubbed into my wound when I discovered that for the first time in 30 years they've decided to tighten up the qualifying standards for Boston. But I still plan on getting there. Someday. And when that happens, it will be done the right way. Keith will be waiting at the finish line instead of being hooked up to an IV. And I will focus on seeing his sweet face at the finish line instead of wondering how he's doing back home.
Keith should be wrapping up treatment next April, so it won't be next year but maybe 2013. I've read that most people start slowing down at age 38. So, I figure I can only get faster in the next 6+ years. Right?
If only it were so easy.
I should add that I couldn't get a return on my entrance fee, so if you see me wearing my Boston Marathon t-shirt under all my clothes, it's only because it is now the most expensive article of clothing that I own.

Anyway, at just over 2 weeks post-radiation, Keith turned a corner. He was hardly sick at all. He was able to sleep better and he had lots more energy to play. Somewhere in the middle of turning that corner, we took a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge which turned out to be a perfect place for us to escape for a few days.

Brent was able to teach his sons how to wield weapons of unusual size.

Cole's wildest dreams came true: he became a werewolf.

And had werewolf cubs as siblings.

We played in the water until our skin was shriveled and wrinkly.

The kids used their magic wands to open treasure chests, light torches, wake up animals, and fight dragons.

Our room was close to the activities so it made it easy if Keith was too sick or too tired to play. By the end, we were all too tired to play and we spent some time in our "cabin" just hanging out and watching movies. Considering how Keith was feeling at the time, our trip greatly exceeded our expectations. He had fun and we got some quality time together.