Prayers...

In April, 2010, when Andrew was 2 1/2, a tumor was discovered behind his eye. The tumor was removed, but it was found to be an aggressive cancer. He endured seven months of chemo and six weeks radiation. In December of 2010, the day after his last treatment, he was rushed to the ER with an almost fatal bacterial infection. He survived.

He is now seven-years-old!! I don't visit here much, because during the ordeal, this is where I dumped everything--my rage, my fear, my sadness, my ugly, my hope, my everything. But I want all of you who supported and prayed for us to hear his updates. You helped me survive, and I am deeply thankful. Every once in awhile, I will check in to let you know how he's doing. Please continue to pray that cancer will never return to his body. Thank you.



Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Three more days.



Well, chemo was a go! 
Tomorrow is day number three of five. 
Still holding my breath.

 I am trying to remember the lesson I learned my freshman year in college: 
"Don't wait to celebrate." 
Instead of choosing a fun elective for my one month "interim" class,
 I chose the required course, to get it out of the way.

 The next year, I switched schools.

No "fun elective" for me.

I missed out on Europe.
I got a classroom discussion on moral development instead.

So Saturday, after I take the tubes out,
we are celebrating. 
We are cheering. 
We are crying (well, at least I am).

And then we will brace ourselves for the first of many scans.

Right now, it just all feels surreal.
I don't really feel anything.
I think I'm waiting for Saturday to see what comes bursting out.

All week I've been looking through photos, 
putting together a digital photo album to document these last seven months.
(A huge, massive deal which will probably include several volumes when I'm done)
It has been taking up a lot of my time and emotions.

While I was searching, I found some pictures of Christmas past.

2007

Andrew, 3 mos.

2008



 2009
                                   The boys                             


2010


Thank you all for the support over the last seven months.

Three more days.

The champagne is waiting.

15 comments:

  1. I love your Christmas music selections-very relaxing. Makes me want to lean back in my chair and close my eyes for a while. I can't wait for Saturday to get here for your sake. I'll crack open a bottle of bubbly and celebrate with you. I'm always impressed with moms who not only can find year to year pics, but also get them posted on their blogs! I have boxes and boxes of printed pics and negatives then stacks of pictures on CD from digital cameras and now a huge file of pics I've downloaded to my computer from my camera. Lord help me if I have to find specific pics of anything! Look how Mr. Andrew has grown. Tell him I say to hang in there, little buddy.

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  2. I may just have some of that bubbly too! :) Enjoy your wonderful celebration and cry happy tears.

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  3. Enjoy your celebration (after all this, thats the least you all really deserve!!) and GO! Andrew :)

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  4. And celebrate you should. I keep praying for your little guy and your family. HUGS!!!

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  5. We are all celebrating with you my friend and praying for many, many clear scans to come. XXOO

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  6. I am so glad chemo went ahead (but how awful does that sound)?
    Hang in there Andrew and Mama - it WILL be over, and it WILL be good.
    We will raise a glass to your amazing family on Saturday.
    As ever, lots of positive thoughts heading your way from Switzerland

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  7. I think every oncology department should have a marching band play families out the door of their last treatment... and confetti and streamers.
    I will be raising my glass to you on Saturday.
    Lyndsay
    PS - trust. believe.

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  8. ohhhhhh!
    Can I just say that that there is the cutest little santa EVER!

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  9. I love the pictures through the years! I especially love Andrew in the tree.

    I'll be celebrating with you guys!!!

    (((Hugs)))

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  10. Don't wait to celebrate, indeed. This occasion is bigger than big! It's so big that I will break my pregnancy alcohol abstinence and do a virtual champagne toast with you.

    Keeping you and your beautiful family in my heart, as always.

    xo

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  11. Sending you big hugs and happy thoughts! Hope you're enjoying this holiday season. Hang in there!!!

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  12. I'm thinking and praying for you too! Love the pictures of Christmas past. :)

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  13. A bottle is chilling, and I'm ready to celebrate with you. At what time do we raise our glasses?

    He's a cutie (as are the other two) at any age. His happiness shines out of him like a light. Even the quiet moments speak volumes.

    Keeping my fingers crossed, knocking on wood, chilling the booze....

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  14. Saturday's almost here! I hope the celebration is everything you want (and need) it to be. Hug that sweet boy (well, all of them!) for me.

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  15. Thinking of you ***TODAY***!!! (Imagine fireworks)

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