Ben is on the loose

This morning Ben had his simulation for radiation to get him ready to start next Tuesday. Then the occupational and physical therapist came by to speak with him about future therapy. He actually is able to do quite a bit with his left hand but they are going to try to work on getting his right hand working a little better. A speech therapist also stopped by but said that she would meet with us later to help him out with his speech. After all the therapists stopped by we headed downstairs and Ben got a haircut at the beauty/barber shop. He said that it felt so good to get a haircut, he didn't even care what it looked like. We went to see if Ben could get a massage at the Place of Wellness (a center at MD Anderson that offers support groups and massages to patients and their families). I guess they only offer them on Wednesday though and they were booked through October 1st so maybe he can get one later. We then all headed to the cafeteria and ate lunch before heading back to his room. When we got there a wheelchair was waiting for Ben which he got to try out. He is doing really well with walking and getting around but he will need the wheelchair for when he gets tired. Around 5:00 he got discharged and we headed to the pharmacy to pick up all of his numerous perscriptions. It felt so good to walk out of the hospital and know that Ben would not be sleeping in a hospital bed tonight and would be able to eat a meal with the family around the kitchen table. We are currently staying at Ben's mom's cousins guest house which is amazingly beautiful. This evening we all sat out on the screen porch and just spent good quality time together as a family. Tomorrow my mom leaves which will be difficult, but we have truely enjoyed her time here and glad she had the opportunity to come.