It totally slipped my mind that I had not updated your blog with your latest test results. It is great news!! Everything came back clear and your blood work was right where we need it to be. This gives your dad and I some relief, at least for the next couple of months. I know by looking at you that your healthy, but having numbers tell us what we are assuming, is just more reassuring.
Summer is finally here! I am so happy that this summer you will be able to go swimming and enjoy the beach. We have already had the pool and sprinkler out and I am happy to report that you are already sporting a farmer tan...lol! To kick off summer, we will head out to the cabin in Elkwater, with your cousins, and enjoy the wonderful weather.
Preparations for your party have started. We can't wait to see who all comes out the help celebrate. A year ago, I would have never thought this was even possible so there is no time like the present to celebrate your life and amazing strength. We even have a few special guests coming all the way from Winnipeg. We are truly blessed to have wonderful family!!
Along with your party, your dad will be shaving his hair for Kids Cancer Care. Only one more week of his long locks!!
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
Friday, June 27, 2014
Monday, June 9, 2014
Celebration Time!
Your dad and I decided that we wanted to have a party, to celebrate the fact that not only are you cancer free but your counts have recovered enough that we could do a public celebration without worrying about germs, etc. It is Saturday, July 5th, which I know will not work for everyone, but our summer has quickly booked up now that we have a trailer and want to get out and camp. Ideally, we could have had it later in the fall, but we wanted to do it at a park so all the kids would have somewhere to play. There will be games and bouncy castles for all the kids to play with, as well as the park at Kin Coulee. You are already excited for the party and even more excited that it will be a Superhero Party!! Anyone and everyone we know is invited, meaning if you are reading this post, you are invited!! I will attached the information poster to this post for all party details. **I just noticed that the bottom of the poster didn't come through when I transferred it. It says: Where: Kin Coulee Band Shelter When: 11-3
The celebration will also be the place where your dad will shave his head. He is raising money for Kids Cancer Care, which is a foundation that we utilized a lot while in Calgary. The link to donate is:
https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/shaveyourlidforakid/home/profile.php?participant_id=148781421396320182&tstamp=1402345563
This week, you were suppose to go to Calgary for all your tests. Unfortunately, another young girl had passed away from cancer. The funeral was on the day of your tests so we had them moved to this week so your dad and I could attend. It is truly heart breaking knowing that Jaylyn was taken so young. She was Aunty Chandra's cousin and we knew the family before Jaylyn was diagnosed. I remember being totally shocked when Aunty Chandra had informed us of her diagnosis and we would always asked how she was doing and how she was recovering from her many surgeries, our heart broke for her and her family. Little did we know that just short of a year later, we would be on the same unit as Jaylyn and get to know her family in a different light. We will always be grateful for the support they gave us during a very difficult time.
As for an update on you...not much has changed, which is great! You are anticipating our camping trip this weekend and also excited to see Carter and Mailey, when we go to Calgary. I am anxious about your tests, like I always am. It will be nice to breathe easier once your test results all come back. There is no reason for the worry, but I always do. I know that come Thursday evening, I will be able to drive back knowing your body continues to stay healthy.
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
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The celebration will also be the place where your dad will shave his head. He is raising money for Kids Cancer Care, which is a foundation that we utilized a lot while in Calgary. The link to donate is:
https://secure.csfm.com/kidscancer/shaveyourlidforakid/home/profile.php?participant_id=148781421396320182&tstamp=1402345563
This week, you were suppose to go to Calgary for all your tests. Unfortunately, another young girl had passed away from cancer. The funeral was on the day of your tests so we had them moved to this week so your dad and I could attend. It is truly heart breaking knowing that Jaylyn was taken so young. She was Aunty Chandra's cousin and we knew the family before Jaylyn was diagnosed. I remember being totally shocked when Aunty Chandra had informed us of her diagnosis and we would always asked how she was doing and how she was recovering from her many surgeries, our heart broke for her and her family. Little did we know that just short of a year later, we would be on the same unit as Jaylyn and get to know her family in a different light. We will always be grateful for the support they gave us during a very difficult time.
As for an update on you...not much has changed, which is great! You are anticipating our camping trip this weekend and also excited to see Carter and Mailey, when we go to Calgary. I am anxious about your tests, like I always am. It will be nice to breathe easier once your test results all come back. There is no reason for the worry, but I always do. I know that come Thursday evening, I will be able to drive back knowing your body continues to stay healthy.
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
This and That.
Things have been going great the last couple of weeks. We have spent a lot of time enjoying the nice weather, we have even had the pool and sprinkler out. You absolutely love being outside, but it does wear on you. Afternoon naps have reintroduced themselves to help cope with all the sunshine and play. You will doze off anywhere, with little warning. I have found you around the house, with a blanket cuddled up. If we are out and about, you will pile up jackets in the shopping cart and have a snooze while we shop. I find that the trampoline really wears you down. We are just glad that you are out and enjoying life right now.
At the beginning of the month, you started soccer. It is the first real thing we have registered you in since your diagnosis. I figured soccer would be safe since it is outside and either dad or I need to assist you. Soccer has been a lot of ups and downs. You are so excited to have your night and excited to wear your own soccer shirt and shorts, but you find it difficult and tire easily. Your dad and I continue to encourage you, but won't push. We can definitely see that you still have a lot to work to do in order to build up your endurance and physical strength. This is something we will discuss with your Oncologist next month.
On a sad note, this month a dear friend of yours passed away. Jenna was a young lady that you had met when you were on Unit 1. She was an amazing support for your dad and I and you enjoyed hanging out with her. I think you thought it was just great to meet someone with no hair and tubes just like you. You called her, your special buddy. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend her funeral, but planned a special morning to pay our respects to Jenna and send special messages to her in heaven. We were joined by some very special families, who we have met on our journey, The Gregory's and The Rooney's (Dominic and Trish were in Calgary but we definitely with us in spirit). Sean Rooney created an amazing video of the whole experience. I will try to post to the blog.
Next week we are in Calgary to have all your tests run again. You will have x-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound and a check up with Dr. Anderson. I hate that this is something necessary, but it always gives me piece of mind that your body is still in remission.
I hope to update the blog with some exciting news, soon! We are planning something for July because we think it is about time we celebrated with all our family and friends who have supported us in so many ways. Stay tuned!!
Jenna's tribute video:
Some soccer pics:
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
At the beginning of the month, you started soccer. It is the first real thing we have registered you in since your diagnosis. I figured soccer would be safe since it is outside and either dad or I need to assist you. Soccer has been a lot of ups and downs. You are so excited to have your night and excited to wear your own soccer shirt and shorts, but you find it difficult and tire easily. Your dad and I continue to encourage you, but won't push. We can definitely see that you still have a lot to work to do in order to build up your endurance and physical strength. This is something we will discuss with your Oncologist next month.
On a sad note, this month a dear friend of yours passed away. Jenna was a young lady that you had met when you were on Unit 1. She was an amazing support for your dad and I and you enjoyed hanging out with her. I think you thought it was just great to meet someone with no hair and tubes just like you. You called her, your special buddy. Unfortunately, we were not able to attend her funeral, but planned a special morning to pay our respects to Jenna and send special messages to her in heaven. We were joined by some very special families, who we have met on our journey, The Gregory's and The Rooney's (Dominic and Trish were in Calgary but we definitely with us in spirit). Sean Rooney created an amazing video of the whole experience. I will try to post to the blog.
Next week we are in Calgary to have all your tests run again. You will have x-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound and a check up with Dr. Anderson. I hate that this is something necessary, but it always gives me piece of mind that your body is still in remission.
I hope to update the blog with some exciting news, soon! We are planning something for July because we think it is about time we celebrated with all our family and friends who have supported us in so many ways. Stay tuned!!
Jenna's tribute video:
Some soccer pics:
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
May Update!
Today started with a doctor's appointment and CBC, with Dr. Foulston, at the Cancer Clinic. Your check up was great and we just received word that your blood work came back "normal" and "normal" is awesome!! It is so nice to have these checks once a month to just make sure your body is still healthy.
Just last week, you finally had your first hair cut in over a year. In fact, you had absolutely no hair up to November. Your hair has grown in so fast and so thick. I couldn't handle the "bed head" every morning so I asked you if you were ready for a hair cut. It actually took you some time to be okay with the idea of a hair cut. I think I started asking last month and you kept telling me you didn't want one or you would say that you wanted one "tomorrow." Well, last week you told me that you were ready, so we went to Tommy Gun's, a man/boy barber shop, and you had your hair cut. You weren't too sure during the hair cut about what to think and didn't smile or cry. I had a few tears just knowing how your hair loss was such a physical reminder of what you had overcome. I didn't want you to think that just because we were cutting your hair, that you were sick again. You ended up finishing your hair cut with a smile and now you tell everyone to feel the back of your head because it feels so different. You are so proud and I am happy we went ahead with this milestone!
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
Here are a few pictures of before, during and after your hair cut.
BEFORE:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Sunday, April 27, 2014
An Easter Re-Do
Easter 2014
I know that it has been a week since Easter, but things have been busy around here with your sisters off for the entire week. However, I wanted to make sure that I made the time to blog about Easter 2014 because it was pretty awesome!
Last year we spent Good Friday in the Medicine Hat hospital in total devastation, not knowing what our future was going to be like. This year we had 22 family members at our house to celebrate. Not only were we celebrating Easter, we were celebrating being a family, together. Everyone of your cousins were at the house and you had a great time hanging out with all of them, young and old. The whole day I just watched as you took part in all the activities and how excited you were to be with everyone. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.
Sunday morning we were able to have our "traditional" Easter morning. Again, last year, Easter Sunday we were at the Children's Hospital, having been transferred the night before and this was the first day your WBC dipped and all signs started to point to Leukemia. Anyways, this year you were home and followed the egg trail down from your room to your Easter basket. You and your sisters went on your egg hunt through out the house and you were so excited! Your dad and I didn't say much but just watched and just knew how good it felt to see you and your sisters doing Easter the way we always do.
I did want to mention that your last blood work (early April) came back and your neutrophils had taken a dip. Dr. Foulston had your blood work ran again this past week and everything has gone back up. It was a long 2 weeks for your dad and I as we tried not thinking about the reason why your counts dipped. You had a nasty cough and I just kept praying this was the reason for the dip and now, with the results back, this was likely the cause. It is tough thinking that we are always wondering. I really hope that with time it will get easier and that as you get older you are not burdened with the constant wondering. At least for now, we can relax knowing your body is healthy.
This past weekend we finally went to see Uncle Chris, Aunty Jena and Corbin in Acadia Valley. We haven't been able to visit since your diagnosis as medical services were too far away out there and we didn't want to take the chance being away from a major hospital. You and your sisters had a blast. The weather wasn't the greatest but you guys didn't let that stop you. You spent a lot time outside riding toy tractors, quads, bikes and hot tubing. It was great taking a trip, just because!!
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
Here are a few pictures from Easter weekend and the many egg hunts you participated in!!
I know that it has been a week since Easter, but things have been busy around here with your sisters off for the entire week. However, I wanted to make sure that I made the time to blog about Easter 2014 because it was pretty awesome!
Last year we spent Good Friday in the Medicine Hat hospital in total devastation, not knowing what our future was going to be like. This year we had 22 family members at our house to celebrate. Not only were we celebrating Easter, we were celebrating being a family, together. Everyone of your cousins were at the house and you had a great time hanging out with all of them, young and old. The whole day I just watched as you took part in all the activities and how excited you were to be with everyone. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.
Sunday morning we were able to have our "traditional" Easter morning. Again, last year, Easter Sunday we were at the Children's Hospital, having been transferred the night before and this was the first day your WBC dipped and all signs started to point to Leukemia. Anyways, this year you were home and followed the egg trail down from your room to your Easter basket. You and your sisters went on your egg hunt through out the house and you were so excited! Your dad and I didn't say much but just watched and just knew how good it felt to see you and your sisters doing Easter the way we always do.
I did want to mention that your last blood work (early April) came back and your neutrophils had taken a dip. Dr. Foulston had your blood work ran again this past week and everything has gone back up. It was a long 2 weeks for your dad and I as we tried not thinking about the reason why your counts dipped. You had a nasty cough and I just kept praying this was the reason for the dip and now, with the results back, this was likely the cause. It is tough thinking that we are always wondering. I really hope that with time it will get easier and that as you get older you are not burdened with the constant wondering. At least for now, we can relax knowing your body is healthy.
This past weekend we finally went to see Uncle Chris, Aunty Jena and Corbin in Acadia Valley. We haven't been able to visit since your diagnosis as medical services were too far away out there and we didn't want to take the chance being away from a major hospital. You and your sisters had a blast. The weather wasn't the greatest but you guys didn't let that stop you. You spent a lot time outside riding toy tractors, quads, bikes and hot tubing. It was great taking a trip, just because!!
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
Here are a few pictures from Easter weekend and the many egg hunts you participated in!!
Cousin Jordan helping you out.
Dyeing Easter Eggs
Easter Morning
Ulmer Cousins
Egg Hunt at Grandpa and Grandma's
Hiebert Cousins
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
One year on your Journey
April 1st, 2014
One year ago today, your dad and I were told you had Leukemia, it wouldn't be until April 3rd that we had your official diagnosis. I will never forgot the day. I can actually still remember the sounds, the room, the way we all sat in your hospital room. Dr. Anderson had given us an answer to the weeks of unknown symptoms and sickness. There was a small sense of relief as we finally knew what was attacking your body, we had a protocol to follow and your treatment plan. I didn't know what to think...will it work? What would chemo be like? How in the h*ll were we going to get through this?
Guess what! We made it! A year ago we cried in your hospital room as we watched your body suffer with sickness and today I watch you run around our house, full of energy and life. I will never forget what we have been through this past year, but I know that I need to focus on our future because we are so lucky to have completed your protocol with 100% success.
I have to be honest, these few days have been really tough. I am always haunted by the low days in the hospital and the beginning of your treatment had to be the absolute lowest. I have time now, to reflect our time last year and I still don't know how we ever made it through. I know that we had some amazing family and friends by our sides and could not have done it without them. But still, how did we really cope? We were so numb to everything and just went through the emotions. I still know we are working through some of the bumps and bruises we encountered on our way. I worry about how some of our choices affected you and your sisters. I guess only time will tell and I try telling myself that it just made it us all stronger in many different ways.
Today, April 1st, 2014, we will celebrate many positive things. First and foremost, you are 100% cancer free!!! We are blessed with an amazing family that has only become stronger throughout the year. We celebrate that our focus this summer is where and when we can go camping or to the cabin, instead of when your next round of chemo starts. We celebrate that you need a haircut...hooray! We celebrate that your counts should be recovered enough by May and you can start attending public places, such as school. Lastly, we celebrate that our family is healthy, all together and thriving and I can't wish for much more than that!!
Here is a picture of you one year ago today. It was the start to your journey...
Here are pictures, a year later. I wanted to take a picture with your beaded journey, as it is a great visual reminder of your last year.
One year ago today, your dad and I were told you had Leukemia, it wouldn't be until April 3rd that we had your official diagnosis. I will never forgot the day. I can actually still remember the sounds, the room, the way we all sat in your hospital room. Dr. Anderson had given us an answer to the weeks of unknown symptoms and sickness. There was a small sense of relief as we finally knew what was attacking your body, we had a protocol to follow and your treatment plan. I didn't know what to think...will it work? What would chemo be like? How in the h*ll were we going to get through this?
Guess what! We made it! A year ago we cried in your hospital room as we watched your body suffer with sickness and today I watch you run around our house, full of energy and life. I will never forget what we have been through this past year, but I know that I need to focus on our future because we are so lucky to have completed your protocol with 100% success.
I have to be honest, these few days have been really tough. I am always haunted by the low days in the hospital and the beginning of your treatment had to be the absolute lowest. I have time now, to reflect our time last year and I still don't know how we ever made it through. I know that we had some amazing family and friends by our sides and could not have done it without them. But still, how did we really cope? We were so numb to everything and just went through the emotions. I still know we are working through some of the bumps and bruises we encountered on our way. I worry about how some of our choices affected you and your sisters. I guess only time will tell and I try telling myself that it just made it us all stronger in many different ways.
Today, April 1st, 2014, we will celebrate many positive things. First and foremost, you are 100% cancer free!!! We are blessed with an amazing family that has only become stronger throughout the year. We celebrate that our focus this summer is where and when we can go camping or to the cabin, instead of when your next round of chemo starts. We celebrate that you need a haircut...hooray! We celebrate that your counts should be recovered enough by May and you can start attending public places, such as school. Lastly, we celebrate that our family is healthy, all together and thriving and I can't wish for much more than that!!
Here is a picture of you one year ago today. It was the start to your journey...
Here are pictures, a year later. I wanted to take a picture with your beaded journey, as it is a great visual reminder of your last year.
\Love you more than you will ever know,
Mom
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Hooray for Great Results!!
I just wanted to update the blog with your latest test results. Everything was 100% clear!!! There is a big sigh of relief in this house.
The nurses and doctors were amazed with how good you looked and said that they could hardly recognize you. You were a trooper through all your tests and you were very excited to get some onion rings from Peter's Drive In on the way out of Calgary.
You amaze me everyday!
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
The nurses and doctors were amazed with how good you looked and said that they could hardly recognize you. You were a trooper through all your tests and you were very excited to get some onion rings from Peter's Drive In on the way out of Calgary.
You amaze me everyday!
Love you to the moon and back,
Mom
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