Ian had an appointment bright and early this morning. In the past, he has woken up in a horrible mood especially once he knows where we are going so I expected it to be the same. I went in to wake him up and he said with a groggy smile, "Is it to see Dr. Max? Ok." He got ready without any complaints and was in a great mood on the drive up. There were a few snow flurries and he said, "It's snowing! That makes me so happy!" (We definitely do not share the same opinion on that one).
We got to the hospital and I was dreading it. I knew the tears and the looks for me to not let the Doctors poke him had to be coming. The nurse came in to access his port and he held his shirt up and barely cried at all. He had to have a LP done today (chemo put in the spine) and he usually gets really weird and weepy on the meds they use to knock him out. Today there were no tears. He just laid on his side, nearly asleep holding my hand and watching tv. When the meds wore off, he was happy and all he cared about was when his breakfast was going to be there (he has to be fasting to have the procedure done).
Ian's immune counts actually came in really high which isn't a bad thing but we may need to increase his daily chemo levels a little more. Everything thing else looks great. We get to go through another 5 day pulse of the steroids so we are in for a week!
He did the best with this appointment that I have ever seen him do. I had nothing to dread after all.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Ian's New Show
I have desperately been trying to get Ian to enjoy something besides Dora the Explorer or Diego. I start to crawl out my skin from the second I hear the theme song all the way through her talk yelling through the episode. Don't get me wrong, I know it teaches some; it is cute to hear him walk around counting in Spanish or saying "Sube or vuele" (which I finally figured out the meaning to). I seriously can't handle the chick that does the voice for her though.
I don't let Ian sit around and watch t.v. endlessly either, but since we do play a good part of the day, I let him watch and entertain himself while I take a break from playing and get a few jobs done.
For all of you moms who know what I am talking about (I know there are plenty of you out there) I recently stumbled upon a solution by accident. I was flipping through the channels and came to Discovery Kids where they were airing "Trading Spaces." It is the same as the other show, but it is all for kids and they do amazing stuff just in kids rooms. He was completely sucked in and instantly loved it. Now, that is a show I can deal with having on in the background! Who knows, my kids might get lucky and get a cooler room out of it if I am feeling inspired. Ian has already decided that his green room painted fresh about 6 months ago, is out and he needs an orange room now. Not going to happen. He'll change his mind after the next episode I am sure. Who knew? My little designer.
I don't let Ian sit around and watch t.v. endlessly either, but since we do play a good part of the day, I let him watch and entertain himself while I take a break from playing and get a few jobs done.
For all of you moms who know what I am talking about (I know there are plenty of you out there) I recently stumbled upon a solution by accident. I was flipping through the channels and came to Discovery Kids where they were airing "Trading Spaces." It is the same as the other show, but it is all for kids and they do amazing stuff just in kids rooms. He was completely sucked in and instantly loved it. Now, that is a show I can deal with having on in the background! Who knows, my kids might get lucky and get a cooler room out of it if I am feeling inspired. Ian has already decided that his green room painted fresh about 6 months ago, is out and he needs an orange room now. Not going to happen. He'll change his mind after the next episode I am sure. Who knew? My little designer.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Sweetest Letter to Santa Ever
Ian got a letter in the mail today from his Nana. She sent him a copy of a letter that his 7-year old cousin Reese wrote to Santa. I was so touched at the sincerety and sweetness of it. Here is what it said:
Dear Santa,
Ian has to have 3 shots per day so I am wondering if you can send him a T.V. too. If your elf can than that would be good. He doesn't have to. If yes, wrap it with your fun bow and paper.
Love,
Reese
P.S. I love Christmas
Dear Santa,
Ian has to have 3 shots per day so I am wondering if you can send him a T.V. too. If your elf can than that would be good. He doesn't have to. If yes, wrap it with your fun bow and paper.
Love,
Reese
P.S. I love Christmas
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ian's Christmas
I apologize for being so far behind in my posts; the holidays really threw me off. We had a wonderful Christmas. We didn't have any family come in town so we just did our own thing and spent it with our many friends out here that have become like family to us.
Christmas Eve was spent at my friend Valerie's house who was brave enough to put on a nativity with 23 kids. They all looked darling and it was a fun way to help the kids learn the Christmas story. Ian was a shepherd and was totally excited to be dressed up and participate but because he hasn't been around other kids for a while, especially that many, he kind of freaked out. He took off his costume and kind of hid the best he could. Afterwards, we headed home and opened our traditional Christmas Eve present (pajamas).
Christmas Day the kids were so excited. I heard Ian run into Emma's room at 4:3o in the morning and we had to convince them to go back to bed. Somehow, we got to sleep until 8:00 and then we all headed down to open presents.
The kids played with their toys for an hour or so and we all loaded up in the car and drove to Children's Mercy Hospital. I am over a group of girls ages 8-11 at church, and they made 14 fleece blankets. I realized the hard way it was too many for me to deliver on my own when I was there for Ian's last appointment, so we took them as a family. Ian was so excited to go to the hospital and give his "friends" a new blanket on Christmas. My mom had also made some hide and seek bags with some kids and we took those as well. Being in the hospital on Christmas has to be the ultimate bummer so hopefully, it helped to cheer them up a little.
We are so grateful for all the wonderful friends, family, and neighbors we have. We can never express enough thanks for all the acts of love and service that have been done for us this year. We have truly been blessed and had our share of miracles.
Christmas Eve was spent at my friend Valerie's house who was brave enough to put on a nativity with 23 kids. They all looked darling and it was a fun way to help the kids learn the Christmas story. Ian was a shepherd and was totally excited to be dressed up and participate but because he hasn't been around other kids for a while, especially that many, he kind of freaked out. He took off his costume and kind of hid the best he could. Afterwards, we headed home and opened our traditional Christmas Eve present (pajamas).
Christmas Day the kids were so excited. I heard Ian run into Emma's room at 4:3o in the morning and we had to convince them to go back to bed. Somehow, we got to sleep until 8:00 and then we all headed down to open presents.
The kids played with their toys for an hour or so and we all loaded up in the car and drove to Children's Mercy Hospital. I am over a group of girls ages 8-11 at church, and they made 14 fleece blankets. I realized the hard way it was too many for me to deliver on my own when I was there for Ian's last appointment, so we took them as a family. Ian was so excited to go to the hospital and give his "friends" a new blanket on Christmas. My mom had also made some hide and seek bags with some kids and we took those as well. Being in the hospital on Christmas has to be the ultimate bummer so hopefully, it helped to cheer them up a little.
We are so grateful for all the wonderful friends, family, and neighbors we have. We can never express enough thanks for all the acts of love and service that have been done for us this year. We have truly been blessed and had our share of miracles.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Easy Peasy
I have to say I love being in maintenance. Ian had his appointment for the month yesterday and everything looks great. He got a big dose of chemo, he will be on steroids for 5 days, and then just the oral chemo for the rest of the month. Can Santa penalize little boys for being grumpy and naughty when they are on steroids? If so, Ian is in big trouble. Luckily the Santa I know is pretty understanding.
Lauryn was sick on Sunday so to be safe, I sent her to work with Mike so she wouldn't be around the other kids with lowered immune systems. The last thing we want to do is get everyone sick for Christmas. I had totally talked up how much fun Emma would have with Ian because they have a big playroom and usually have some kind of craft going on as well as Wii's and a huge movie selection. Well, I think Emma was wishing she was sick and that she got to go to work with Mike by the end of it because they just opened a new floor for Leukemia patients and there is nothing there. They have really big rooms that you hang out in but there is no common area where you can play with toys and the other kids so the time went by pretty slowly. They will eventually do something to change that I am sure, but for now, I know to bring more entertainment for us. The good thing is though, Ian's doctor is on the new floor on Mondays and part of Tuesdays and on the old floor on Thursdays. We almost always have Thursday appointments so we will get to meet on the floor that is more fun.
By the way, I was only joking about the whole Edward/Jacob name thing. I know I am a dork, but I am not THAT bad. (If you are not a Twilight fan, just skip over this paragraph, you wouldn't understand). Besides, even if I wanted to, I don't (not that there is anything wrong with it for those of you who do) Mike would never allow it. But like I said, I don't want to. Really.
Lauryn was sick on Sunday so to be safe, I sent her to work with Mike so she wouldn't be around the other kids with lowered immune systems. The last thing we want to do is get everyone sick for Christmas. I had totally talked up how much fun Emma would have with Ian because they have a big playroom and usually have some kind of craft going on as well as Wii's and a huge movie selection. Well, I think Emma was wishing she was sick and that she got to go to work with Mike by the end of it because they just opened a new floor for Leukemia patients and there is nothing there. They have really big rooms that you hang out in but there is no common area where you can play with toys and the other kids so the time went by pretty slowly. They will eventually do something to change that I am sure, but for now, I know to bring more entertainment for us. The good thing is though, Ian's doctor is on the new floor on Mondays and part of Tuesdays and on the old floor on Thursdays. We almost always have Thursday appointments so we will get to meet on the floor that is more fun.
By the way, I was only joking about the whole Edward/Jacob name thing. I know I am a dork, but I am not THAT bad. (If you are not a Twilight fan, just skip over this paragraph, you wouldn't understand). Besides, even if I wanted to, I don't (not that there is anything wrong with it for those of you who do) Mike would never allow it. But like I said, I don't want to. Really.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Our Family's Big News
I am not one who likes a big deal or a fuss made over things, especially when it centers around me. For example, the day I got married was so embarrassing for me. I hated all the attention and about died when I had to kiss Mike in front of everyone at the wedding.
With that said, I have been keeping a secret for quite some time now. This will probably explain a lot for those of you who have noticed I am more flakey and appear to be eating too many cheetos. I didn't want the fuss and I also knew that while many would be thrilled, others would think that we are CRAZY. However, I cannot keep quiet on this matter much longer for it is starting to become obvious. Most of you will be surprised to hear that Ian will be getting a new baby brother in May. Yes, it was planned and yes we know what we are doing. Ian is doing very well with his treatment and we are in a place where we can physically and mentally handle this. I feel great and the kids are SOOOO excited. They keep telling me that they wish it was May already. We had the ultrasound today and the baby boy looks healthy.
The first my own family heard of this news was today. They are excited but can't believe I waited so long to break the news. At least it will go faster for all of you now.
Ian said he can't wait to teach the baby how to play Lego Star Wars and is more than willing to share his room. I am sure he will try to put a lightsaber in his hand the second he comes home from the hospital.
We are trying to decide on names. Any suggestions? I am kind of thinking about Edward or Jacob.
With that said, I have been keeping a secret for quite some time now. This will probably explain a lot for those of you who have noticed I am more flakey and appear to be eating too many cheetos. I didn't want the fuss and I also knew that while many would be thrilled, others would think that we are CRAZY. However, I cannot keep quiet on this matter much longer for it is starting to become obvious. Most of you will be surprised to hear that Ian will be getting a new baby brother in May. Yes, it was planned and yes we know what we are doing. Ian is doing very well with his treatment and we are in a place where we can physically and mentally handle this. I feel great and the kids are SOOOO excited. They keep telling me that they wish it was May already. We had the ultrasound today and the baby boy looks healthy.
The first my own family heard of this news was today. They are excited but can't believe I waited so long to break the news. At least it will go faster for all of you now.
Ian said he can't wait to teach the baby how to play Lego Star Wars and is more than willing to share his room. I am sure he will try to put a lightsaber in his hand the second he comes home from the hospital.
We are trying to decide on names. Any suggestions? I am kind of thinking about Edward or Jacob.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I Love My Rascal
Ian has been a rascal from day one. He had that little twinkle in his eye right from the start. At 4 months old he would purposely look everywhere except at me. I would even get right in his face and he was able to avoid my gaze just to be a stinker (come on, am I that hideous?). When we go on errands to the store I see his little hand fly out as he is using "the force" to open the automatic doors. He is constantly stealing things from me or the girls so that we will chase him around the house to get it back, all while running and laughing the whole chase. He upset the girls because we had just finished decorating a gingerbread house and while we were upstairs getting ready for bed, he snuck down and ate all the gumballs and gumdrops off the house.
The rascal traits I absolutely love in him are also going to be the ones that cause me to go prematurely grey. I was at the gas station and I meant to simply start the pump and sit in the car as the car was filling because it is FREEZING. I turned around to get back in the car, and lo and behold I see Ian sitting in my seat laughing hysterically at me with all the doors locked. Me being the genius that I am, had left the keys in the ignition and my coat on the seat. I knocked on the window and he simply laughed harder at me. It took me about 5 minutes of pleading and begging and bribing before he finally unlocked the door. I told him that it wasn't funny to which he replied "Yes it is." I didn't know if I should laugh or keep up the pretense that I was mad so I kept on my biggest poker face and drove away. Lesson learned. I will never leave the keys inside the car again.
He knows how to push everyones buttons and while he can get us all worked up, he can also be the sweetest little thing. Out of the blue he will tell me that I am his best friend. He loves to snuggle and cutely sticks his feet and arms out on my lap when we wants a massage. He understands so much of what is going on. I know I never give him enough credit for it. Last night he told me, "Heavenly Father and Jesus are helping me get all better." He is doing great. We only have to go to the hospital for treatment once a month now. He is on a low dose of oral chemo that he takes every night without complaint. He has a ton of energy and isn't nautious. His hair is growing back in and he no longer looks like the pale, frail, boy he was 6 months ago. We are still limiting how often we take him in public and are careful about where he goes to try to avoid infection or illness so many of you may still not have seen him around, but he is doing well. I feel so blessed.
The rascal traits I absolutely love in him are also going to be the ones that cause me to go prematurely grey. I was at the gas station and I meant to simply start the pump and sit in the car as the car was filling because it is FREEZING. I turned around to get back in the car, and lo and behold I see Ian sitting in my seat laughing hysterically at me with all the doors locked. Me being the genius that I am, had left the keys in the ignition and my coat on the seat. I knocked on the window and he simply laughed harder at me. It took me about 5 minutes of pleading and begging and bribing before he finally unlocked the door. I told him that it wasn't funny to which he replied "Yes it is." I didn't know if I should laugh or keep up the pretense that I was mad so I kept on my biggest poker face and drove away. Lesson learned. I will never leave the keys inside the car again.
He knows how to push everyones buttons and while he can get us all worked up, he can also be the sweetest little thing. Out of the blue he will tell me that I am his best friend. He loves to snuggle and cutely sticks his feet and arms out on my lap when we wants a massage. He understands so much of what is going on. I know I never give him enough credit for it. Last night he told me, "Heavenly Father and Jesus are helping me get all better." He is doing great. We only have to go to the hospital for treatment once a month now. He is on a low dose of oral chemo that he takes every night without complaint. He has a ton of energy and isn't nautious. His hair is growing back in and he no longer looks like the pale, frail, boy he was 6 months ago. We are still limiting how often we take him in public and are careful about where he goes to try to avoid infection or illness so many of you may still not have seen him around, but he is doing well. I feel so blessed.
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