tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5381352620599691932024-03-14T07:16:50.902-04:00Mimi. Kicked Cancer.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-62733397726616586552013-02-22T00:18:00.000-05:002013-02-22T00:18:05.081-05:00Bump in the OT road.OT as in Off Treatment.<br />
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Mimi has been sailing through doing really well, her blood draws have been fine she has been feeling great. All the girls have been loving school, playing sports, and dancing. We have had so many great adventures and keeping busy that I have kind of ignored the blog...<br />
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About two months ago Mimi started complaining of blurry vision, very random, no pattern to it. Sometimes it lasts a minute sometimes five. We met with an opthamologist who did not see anything wrong, as far as the eye is concerned everything looks perfect, but given her medical history asked to see her again in March.<br />
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Three weeks ago she said sometimes she feels like she is upside down, not dizzy, just upside down. Blurry vision is still an issue. Then came random fevers, headaches and leg pain. I am pretty sure any cancer mom reading this knows what I was feeling... Her counts came back looking like it might be viral. But all these strange symptoms are enough to schedule a contrast MRI of the brain and a lumbar puncture.<br />
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We scheduled both after spending an awesome long weekend at Camp Sunshine enjoying the winter wonderland in Maine. All of us reconnected with friends and made new ones, welcomed new families who have just started their journey on this never ending roller coaster of pediatric cancer and some that are still on it and are able to share their experiences. It is pretty amazing to be in a room full of people the GET IT, not only for me but even the kids.<br />
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So this is just a bump in the road. We are being proactive and ruling everything out. Mysterious Mimi likes to keep everyone on their toes.<br />
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OXO<br />
<br />Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-70027953961860390802012-08-12T23:22:00.000-04:002012-08-12T23:34:50.898-04:008.12.12 CRAPIVERSARYIn the pediatric cancer world today would be called a CRAPIVERSARY, three years ago today we received Mimi's official diagnosis. In some ways it feels like yesterday, the feeling of complete disbelief, anger, and devastation. I look at Mimi now and she has grown so much physically and emotionally seems like ages ago that I looked at a tiny four year old about to start a battle with cancer. She kicked it in the butt and is forever stronger!<br />
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We have been making up for all of our lost summer days, we have crammed fun into every day, main reason for no updates to the blog. We have had so many great things going on that I will be sure to share! soon...Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-25257488098640366752012-05-06T01:46:00.000-04:002012-05-07T01:48:32.839-04:00Half Year Mark.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp</div>
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Six months of chemo free days. We had the best weekend to enjoying it at <a href="http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/page.aspx?pid=471">The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp</a> in CT. This was our first visit at this camp and we are hooked! Friday we arrived at dinner time and settled in. Our Saturday was action packed, I started the day off with some yoga, met the kids and our wonderful Family Pal for a yummy breakfast and then some fishing, I took Iza to record a song in a fancy recording studio ( I can't wait until we get out CD!), Magi did one also, Mimi was loving fishing she would have stayed there all day! Before lunch Magi and I had some time to squeeze in Archery, she is a big fan and asked for a bow an arrow at home, we might have to hold off on that just a little while. After lunch we rested up and dove right into some arts and crafts, all 4 rooms of it, it was a small heaven for us. The Tower was next on our list of things to do, a giant wall to climb, all three girls got their gear on without hesitation and waited their turn. All loved it (including me) the bonus was the long Zip line to get down from the tower, Magi chose not to go down the zip line and got lowered down, although said later she wished she "flew". Somewhere there was yoga for the kids, more arts and crafts, Dinner followed by lots of singing and dancing. The girls have lots of new songs to sing now. The most awaited event was stage night. All the kids did such a great job getting out there and showing their talents, making us laugh, sing along and answer knock-knock jokes.Iza sang, Magi "played" on the piano, and all three did a fancy fashion show in prom dresses taped on with duck tape! Sunday we got up bright and early so we can enjoy every bit of camp before we had to leave. At breakfast all the Moms got special treatment since it was a mother's day at camp, it was so sweet, the dining hall was decorated in rose petals. All the kids came to us with cards, flowers and gifts, it was a very special day! During the whole weekend families were photographed by Hallmark Institute of Photography, before we left we were presented with a framed picture and a CD with images, the above picture is one of them. I am sure I am forgetting a bunch of things but as you can see we had an amazing time. Iza and Mimi are looking forward to spending time here as campers later on this summer, Magi has a couple of years before she is a camper.</div>
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Thank You <span style="text-align: center;">The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, Thank you to all the staff, our awesome Family Pals! </span></div>
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<br /></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-48947759734601471042012-02-14T12:20:00.014-05:002012-02-14T15:03:43.784-05:00OxOxOxO<div align="left"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Happppy Valentine's Day! We love Heart Day!</span></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Two years ago we spent Valentine's day at the hospital Mimi had a fever and needed a platelet transfusion. Last year was the first year Iza and Mimi were in school and were SO excited to take Valentines and have a party at school, unfortunately Mimi got a fever in the middle of the night and to the hospital we went. She was so bummed. She did get a treats and Iza brought her Valentines from school, she also got to experience fake nails! </span></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><div align="left"><br />THIS year we made it a big one! Starting this morning Daddy made yummy breakfast for all the girls in the house, including Nana who was visiting from FL. We participated in </span><a href="http://hilltownfamilies.org/"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Hilltown Families </span></a><span style="color:#ff0000;">Valentine Exchange, making lots of cards and getting some great ones in mail. </span></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><div align="left"><br />This is the third year Mimi received a special Valentine from "Cali Ali Valentine", a mom of a cancer survivor pairs up her grade school students with a child in treatment. It is so thoughtful this year Mimi wrote a note back to her Valentine. </span></div><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><div align="left"><br />We made gift bags for everyone in class, lots of handmade cards. It was a heart making factory here last night! The girls also decided to make some cards for the Children's hospital and cupcakes for the nurses and staff. </span><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709049575864159394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5omYY7o8UrHgu9i9nXRhr1Jnx2ewwBUIl7Q_7KwJxOOSPWvMZECuPxZ7E9EUI6V4r75Kp_7OOnKuVHl0DrMQ9Au6wUuAygBv0BDn2HYa_Bxk6Uok8SOGE9BdRPYx0iYorbqt7xq-8fs/s400/Feb+13-19+2010+011.jpg" /> <em>2/14/10 Rockin' the Tattoos and Auntie Meg's boots! All done while the IV is running.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709049565431542882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmR-Qdaxz3L4HgcN0Ndb95pwHic9NEfGVV1ByrLv2-TWxiJC9yWIQo5jq08Cve2esAVjwHv3RTvpQH_VymG7pCue81NvbXxFvuu_8RANcK90V5Mo6lodf5HLkbHTgOizlkXrUZLCV7-g/s400/Feb+13-19+2010+009.jpg" /><br /><em>2/14/10 Getting Some platelets, the yellow bag on top of the IV.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709049549336886050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFq4V4z_yfRu-Y0ydFMuaRLQulRB1UgF5QGFmTE9eP1A6FCxsP_q8GM7J3TYHYGCMma2zrGmPnborxpp3SAl_tNgZtH5Xx_IFYCt2ijho8NAqZc6dPJCbLKZn9V6bsTQojfOsn2hnov0/s400/Feb+13-19+2010+002.jpg" /><br /><br /><em>2/14/2010 LOVE! Hearts sent to her from an elementary school in IL decorated her room.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709074817628647618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx2le4OEhNh0odP8BCJxZ3VTS3047fY-NwXvrtcmujy6dUnEcRJLzuLsRQupB_knGOEA5r68RnHqMs9FzjNZipUmRvNEVVwJI80ObJrJVY4fnqre4KQxBFvdCu0fe7_li79nwBXa9_eI/s400/February+11+2011+008_1.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>2/11/2011 Opening her "Cali Ali Valentine" :)</em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709049584531706914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8AmARHJDAOMvRobXKkjRTTT_F7Yt7B2OkIetJ2MEv1Q7kQSkRzh43swpLkvpSrLlgmGGFwzL4ieLI_XqHXfq3AbF5I0DKD4JLcdAb4_p4L8EEfy3pdpyZiq-nVgSyWvTBp_qQdBe3cU/s400/2-14-11.jpg" /><em>2/14/11 NOT Happy about missing her Kindergarten Valentine's Day party but she got Nails!</em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 201px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709074781737170962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrRXt3T9vDZ0GazyLnwBgiEV0_r6tG4vcW8mKA63vpVGjHr8_r1L3Otq02yJkCV4em7DRvo1wppqhu81Muo4MwmpxsI7j83cEy0Driz85D30ig_6suuMoycjsHcCGFldgPMTSOMigpC0/s400/Feb+10-11+2012+col.jpg" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><em>Valentine's 2012!!! Guess who is who behind their Winged Hearts art project.<br /></em><br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd84GArlZ2mwzaAgNAPix1K523PEkQ6QVpqBcsbN-TKthRU8-Qzyz9ZNMJHPCzQBuTA3hBXvseR3zjcKrzhpU7zvyrT6I883UbHOPEKlUQrLj_LyjqwyQH-YGffC5z7d_7SBU0EnsHN2Q/s1600/Feb+10-11+2012+005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709074815410934882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd84GArlZ2mwzaAgNAPix1K523PEkQ6QVpqBcsbN-TKthRU8-Qzyz9ZNMJHPCzQBuTA3hBXvseR3zjcKrzhpU7zvyrT6I883UbHOPEKlUQrLj_LyjqwyQH-YGffC5z7d_7SBU0EnsHN2Q/s400/Feb+10-11+2012+005.jpg" /></a> <em>Miss MagiBoo and her Heart outfit - "It all matches! They all have hearts!"</em></p>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-68956500952918450912012-02-09T20:04:00.007-05:002012-02-09T20:50:15.899-05:00Treatment TreeMimi had her monthly clinic visit after school Wednesday, all five of us went, we like to add chaos to everyones work day. The girls love going to see everyone at clinic. Mimi is well, not much to report, still dealing with dry skin and scalp but we got it under control with creams and shampoos. Hopefully when it starts getting nice out it won't be such an issue.<br /><br />Counts 2/8/12<br />WBC - 5.3<br />Hgb - 13.3<br />Platelet - around 200<br />ANC - 1900<br /><br />While at clinic got a wonderful surprise from Lisa (nurse) she gave Mimi a gem Tree filled with a collection of Swarowski crystals. Each bead representing a procedure or event while at clinic, such as beginning treatment, transfusions, port access, surgeries and so on. It is a gorgeous tree representing each child's unique journey through treatment. A big thanks to <a href="http://www.griffinsfriends.com/">Griffin's Friends</a> for sponsoring that and to the nurses at clinic for putting their love into it!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707315057968884210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa2qeO4vZFAQM8UjGYRP0FpJGtYfIuJCV9McPqwScTh_nfCtp-cGLcbIWjHPHH4-RkgvcB-gk_TGthXM346Zob9k0UhUFwzhwrevq-pF_9qH1yUDcRrinpwgXChkR-rv3BtzwCuGQ9QY/s400/Feb+8-9+2012+012.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Mimi's Treatment Tree</em><br /></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-37147483879471502182012-01-25T20:17:00.009-05:002012-01-25T20:59:00.205-05:00Kids Helping Kids.This year Iza, Mimi and Magi have signed up to be <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Change Heros</strong></span> to collect change in their jars to help out Baystate Children's Hospital which is part of The Children's Miracle Network. The girls are very excited to be collecting change and helping kids! So if your purse is getting heavy with change, the car is getting cluttered with change, you have no idea what to do with your change... The girls will take care of it for you and donate it to a great cause!!! You may also Join our team and become a Change Hero yourself!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Fundraising Page:<br /><a href="http://foundation.baystatehealth.org/netcommunity/page.aspx?pid=540&tab=0&frtid=1403">Team Purple Sock Monkeys</a></div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 360px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701748087336101890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXZObcUhqaM2W5y22GRAbWWlrQT2mo-iENsiXU32frNznAVaMPN0JFC5jwgVAKP1gf6bV7Lu6TVSee9uqNNOBCCk719O9DZTTTWKJqR2_U-O8WiCS2VKckSqFigXBvdFybgTJTCloqjU/s400/Jan+9-24+2012+033sm.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">MARK YOUR CALENDARS TO SUPPORT LOCAL KIDS!<br />Thursday, Feb. 16...6AM-7PM (We will be on air around 12:30)<br />Friday, Feb. 17...6AM-7PM (Our cancer fighting buddy Momo will be on!)<br />Saturday, Feb. 18...8AM-4PM</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br />We hope you'll join us and the <a href="http://947wmas.com/">94.7 WMAS</a> crew for these three incredible days when children and families share their stories, laughter and tears. Since its inception in 2002, the Radiothon has raised over $1.7 million for pediatric and adolescent care in western Massachusetts. With your help, we can reach our goal of raising $200,000 this year! A BIG THANKS once again to the whole crew at <a href="http://947wmas.com/">94.7 WMAS</a> for their continued support of this event and Baystate Children's Hospital! And, thank YOU for YOUR support! </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><a href="https://foundation.baystatehealth.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=366"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701748646942306018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt_XSv6JlkBTqH8rMk6x_VTKw93qcQi9KtJCtjZnVcXSqh2ysCwRTPCFXwFnNl7lk6qMMjGQQ5cQvJfdRsuI5DkYIr3qxXTj0yBIbzYzYYfwGsuKtF28uFpUtg0-avMNDR7NSLF7JJcs/s400/radiothont.jpg" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-17974338282875942142012-01-04T21:00:00.005-05:002012-01-05T09:23:07.787-05:00Good Counts = Earrings!After school today Mimi had her monthly clinic visit. It was funny on the way there she asked me if she could just do a finger blood draw... until she realized that her port is not there anymore. Over the last month she had random headaches, some achy legs in the morning and sometimes I might have a mini panic attack but I realize she is just more aware of her body than an average seven year old. I can also relax by tracking back the leg aches to playing Just Dance on the Wii. One issue she has been having since her port has been out is rashes, very itchy all over her neck and upper torso. I guess according to some cancer moms it is not uncommon to have rashes off treatment. Her pediatrician decided to treat her for scabies, although it didn't really look like it, but it seemed to calm down. Now she has eczema all over her hands and arms, Iza has had it before also I am pretty sure if it wasn't for the steroids that Mimi has been on for the last 2+ years she would have had eczema sooner. We can deal with eczema.<br /><br />So... never boring around here!<br /><br />Counts came back GREAT! Mimi was quick to ask "So NOW can I get my ears pierced???" Answer was yes so we headed over to the mall to do just that. The woman doing the piercing was really nice explaining to her that it will be a needle going through her ear and it might hurt a little, to which she replied she isn't afraid needles. This was a "fun" poke for her! She picked out super cute magenta flower earrings.<br /><br />WBC - 7.2<br />Hgb - 13.1<br />Platelet - 204<br />ANC - 2900<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnD0I0L2Exyt2n7X6vQGRhp7b9NrdumFQCopwXOxjxOqZG25hbA1Y-7Wxjq_lGvWsz00UiYGF9GbGfS2kTeyPRJFicmcCWRKoDt9ewCLRiPQBrP6N5GQAiTwyvcmCPEVmSFDGWMADDjQ/s1600/Nov+27+2011+017f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694152940500977682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnD0I0L2Exyt2n7X6vQGRhp7b9NrdumFQCopwXOxjxOqZG25hbA1Y-7Wxjq_lGvWsz00UiYGF9GbGfS2kTeyPRJFicmcCWRKoDt9ewCLRiPQBrP6N5GQAiTwyvcmCPEVmSFDGWMADDjQ/s400/Nov+27+2011+017f.jpg" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">A Thanksgiving Hike</span></em></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-69981973729663239382011-12-07T22:11:00.005-05:002011-12-08T22:27:59.047-05:00Clinic DayI picked the girls up from school and informed Mimi she has a clinic appointment right after. She replied with a loud "Why?! I am done my port is out!" I told her we are just going for a finger prick to check her counts, again "Why?" To make sure your blood is doing what it is suppose to, we will got every month for a while. She seemed okay with that answer but then said "If it doesn't look okay then I have to get a port again? and the hospital?" Iza jumped into the conversation and said "We will just pray and wish your blood is always good!" Yes! Yes, We will!<br /><br />Mimi has developed a rash sometimes hive looking the day after surgery which seemed to get worse over the weekend but after a visit to the pediatrician's office and a script for Hydroxyzine it seems to be under control. Her stitches look great, they are dis solvable do we don't have to go to get them removed. Everything checked out well so we are good until early January!<br /><br />Counts:<br />WBC - 8.<br />HGB - 12.8<br />Platelets - 223<br />ANC - 3700Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-36190974784561863862011-12-03T21:57:00.000-05:002011-12-08T22:11:44.074-05:007!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RyCEx49RBM48l5mIjNwP008OaUR7HEj2RDMXn8SjgC2RT3siw4r9uU6_fEwSg5PGPFGR8xJwOKbeOkXUoQdwRn3odfDYCrRhpjJHxRS36wdtq2WHe8-JOo19zmNWY9q4UTl9X8UUzHY/s1600/Dec+1-3+2011+101+seven.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683959459843184786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RyCEx49RBM48l5mIjNwP008OaUR7HEj2RDMXn8SjgC2RT3siw4r9uU6_fEwSg5PGPFGR8xJwOKbeOkXUoQdwRn3odfDYCrRhpjJHxRS36wdtq2WHe8-JOo19zmNWY9q4UTl9X8UUzHY/s400/Dec+1-3+2011+101+seven.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>We have two brand spanking new Seven year olds in the house! We enjoyed a weekend filled with friends, aunties, uncles, cakes, art, music, dancing, hugs and kisses. Thank you for Celebrating with us! oxo</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-85588529623322818062011-12-02T22:00:00.003-05:002011-12-05T21:04:50.856-05:00It's OUT!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTqx8zahq68pC1WjugXWLH6M3NvefXhWKF3SZ6ssIeexnYoDjsjzIIq7NZGaOXbG8tonBTVn638-WenEZMD23v0uv12ktxUXGTBGG4xQnFOZaEFJYm2QfyRVsyIxjlLrmcjg0RVJO0rU/s1600/Dec+1+2011+OUT.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682830239377791330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTqx8zahq68pC1WjugXWLH6M3NvefXhWKF3SZ6ssIeexnYoDjsjzIIq7NZGaOXbG8tonBTVn638-WenEZMD23v0uv12ktxUXGTBGG4xQnFOZaEFJYm2QfyRVsyIxjlLrmcjg0RVJO0rU/s400/Dec+1+2011+OUT.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Mimi was so excited to go into the Operating room, I took a picture of her because it was funny to see a kid so excited. At one point a nurse asked me if she will need anything to keep calm, she looked at her and said "Never mind..." We borrowed Dziadziu's IPad to play with and she got spoiled not with one but two Child Life specialists! It was so great to have them there, Betsy has been with us for a big chunk of this journey it was so nice to have her at the De-PORT-ation. Mimi went in smiling at about 11am and around noon I was called in to post-op to wait for her to wake up. She woke up a bit groggy and with a rash, a reaction to either tape or cleaner they used in the OR but it seemed to clear up. Once she was able to drink and sit up off we went to meet her sisters and daddy who brought what she asked for: munchkins and Big Giant Marshmallows. We asked her if it is weird having the port out an she said no.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Later that night Mimi left a letter to the Port Fairy who also left her a note and a treat for all the girls. Apparently the Fairy got spooked by our dog and since she was flying with the tooth fairy that night anyway she left the treats on the bathroom window where Mimi found them. The girls all got some fancy chap stick, nail polish and what is a fairy treat with out some green money! </div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-67741303615081104942011-11-30T22:00:00.002-05:002011-11-30T23:15:29.534-05:00BIG day tomorrow!Mimi's PORT is coming out!<br /><br />She has known that once she no longer needs chemo the port will come out. She also always said she wanted it out before her 7th birthday. We met with the pediatric surgeon and although he wanted to wait until after her birthday, so she won't be sore for her birthday, she insisted she wanted it before.<br /><br />Tomorrow, December 1st, Mimi is scheduled in the operating room at 11:30am. She will go under general anesthesia and the surgeon will try to use the same incision they used to insert the port, for minimal scars. The surgery itself should not take more than an hour. Mimi is hoping to keep her port read below to find out why...<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681003635636270818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJU0sTqiVB55XbwQNzqQvFtr3T2kyQQiLeU1nOJaS7Y0RpF-Q4YA0kCaz3yQrMr-NIcAA-lDqSHPzt0OGhGVuD60YhM_yABol-59zxE7nXWjqFV5wPPZ7cyN9TkHwNpz8zHbcDQgjRdUs/s400/Nov+30+2011+018f.jpg" /> </p><br /><br /><p align="center">"My Port" by Mimi, almost 7</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /></p><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEwNWK8tGotJyjZPv7UWQ6SS_SRV3xDkTf6ZkTxUV79eDv7QpBDIMjRDNUJaHMLrZ6fq_6Lx7W9XntXERrHvHwVsjhcEqvPQ37lWhhs5r2oxBXA0PxWna_FUWNnsu99OZh7sN3wW6UTw/s1600/Nov+30+2011+021f.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681003631613502642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEwNWK8tGotJyjZPv7UWQ6SS_SRV3xDkTf6ZkTxUV79eDv7QpBDIMjRDNUJaHMLrZ6fq_6Lx7W9XntXERrHvHwVsjhcEqvPQ37lWhhs5r2oxBXA0PxWna_FUWNnsu99OZh7sN3wW6UTw/s400/Nov+30+2011+021f.jpg" /></a> "What is a SuperSib" by Iza</div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-46781760150225125952011-11-22T22:00:00.001-05:002011-11-30T22:19:10.693-05:00We like to Dance, UDance?November 20th we attended the UMass UDance a dance marathon fundraiser to benefit Children's Miracle Network (for Baystate Children's Hospital). Last year the girls had so much fun and they were very excited to go again this year. Once they heard the music they were out on the dance floor along with the many college students who were there supporting Children's Miracle Network. The girls got their faces painted, balloon princesses made, ate a whole lot of popcorn but most of all Danced with their new found friends at UMass. All three of them begged to stay "at college" and wanted to do "college homework" I hope that sticks with them until they go!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thank you UMass students for a great fundraiser and letting us be a part of it and have so much fun doing it!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680993435828620338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61wr1Fd4WqyEUYhYTXxWPiUjX5fLCk5GhhXZlkXNk3MsFapmiEpkmWqCrg8dTuJo1WonIQrbuXQJFyGx-UpXb8lL3WXwTX40xOWRX3XjVAewoaCAjeBFBepWHCGdRIMmbgqhmUE-5qHM/s400/Nov+18-26+2011+022.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Iza Mimi and Magi in front of all the students dancing to Wii Just Dance 3.</em></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-71351191025698311912011-11-18T22:30:00.002-05:002011-11-26T23:09:05.702-05:00There is Art in our Hearts.<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 443px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 77px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679513852116654594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcKF5SVg4wUm4AQppgmlgvI6ec_pKVlyWNVRcUTW5scZfKIlDU3QCNRVxwR3MQrtaMACBgc98nLEx0VMbs-OZIJcntN0TDJSqcorC6j3FDQsp2zrQ3rqUBvUTEkpdFz9aIBG-W2S_tK0/s400/artquote.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I truly believe Art was a big tool in for all of us through the last two years, especially for Iza and Mimi. It is a way for them to escape, express, and communicate their feelings. At every hospital stay, clinic visit there was some sort of art being created. Child Life was sure to keep Mimi, along with Iza and Magi when they were visiting, busy with all sorts of activities but I would say the number one request was paint. For the second year in the row the girls participated in the Annual Baystate Children's Hospital Art Show. Betsy (Child Life Specialist) was not kidding when she told us this year it would be bigger and better! It was red carpet treatment, music, lots of smiling kids, amazing art work by artists of various ages. The girls had a great time making some more art while at the show and playing with their hospital friends. We always love to see the hospital staff while NOT inpatient.</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 183px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679516436234345570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEIcAbTJqEF2FjNbw_SCkAeuuRCsrniA4AVIRWSAhIryrm-F5fspWiFP5iYZXf2DcAb8JezYFQHK5XiGvW5M5XnRqUGlTx8ag39AM0ssWjGvkh5HyJwprkrtJszU4R7F2aNW4CpeIjuI/s400/Nov+18-26+2011+004c.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Mimi with her artwork <strong>"Mimi Healthy"</strong> a self portrait in which she is holding a large glass of milk and has fancy earrings on.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Iza's piece titles <strong>"Super Sib Iza"</strong> It is a picture of her with a mask and a SuperSib cape on, and every super hero needs a palm tree!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679516443482277794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVWnkFGtFDcJP9SqZ-FR3INddRABq45ZoAULeO7_ttFCgnBfD-MVGuBfR44SyvrfC2L7u5CGNTFHAHDVxhJ-wQjbvywfr34KPv0Lr7kRb4-Ms70WIJyLQ6eqfSU2dMO_wpdTZ-fn685I/s400/Nov+18-26+2011+012.jpg" /><em>The girls with Betsy.</em><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="center">Thank you for such a great Art Show for all the artists, and for healing with art every day. </p>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-45795125867885121052011-11-09T21:57:00.003-05:002011-11-09T22:13:05.956-05:00First OFF Treatment Clinic Visit.We had so many lasts but today was a first post treatment visit. Just a quick finger prick, some chatting, hugs and smiles from our favorite clinic friends while we waited for counts to come back. I mentioned Mimi's day of nausea last Tuesday although it was all better the following day. It might have been just something random that resolved on its own.<br /><br />After clinic the girls ran around with some friends and enjoyed the really nice weather at a park. Alot of parks around here are closed due to all the trees that are down after the Halloween Snowstorm. Mimi was complaining of a headache while playing, it must have been pretty bad because when we got home she skipped her favorite dinner and fell asleep before 6pm, I am really hoping she is just tired and this is not a start of something...<br /><br />Today's Counts:<br />WBC 2.34<br />HGB 11.0<br />Platelets 187<br />Neutrophils 1250Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-23224146052214081502011-11-06T22:00:00.002-05:002011-11-07T08:43:19.402-05:00Officially OFF Treatment.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZeKgfP0gBVXHvxYxYrcv4YCxexqihqBpUfXhT3m76M1IoGXdWBdk7awERRg6fNj_BvleJWTIfVNsAxbtYi__7aRCfYQSyhEzvSRgETqrEr042vylQPbORS_T1g5jP9D-pcy2y0GVd6U/s1600/Oct+28-29+2011+003sm.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672128186402652450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZeKgfP0gBVXHvxYxYrcv4YCxexqihqBpUfXhT3m76M1IoGXdWBdk7awERRg6fNj_BvleJWTIfVNsAxbtYi__7aRCfYQSyhEzvSRgETqrEr042vylQPbORS_T1g5jP9D-pcy2y0GVd6U/s400/Oct+28-29+2011+003sm.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">2 years, 2 months, 26 days<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">over 40 days inpatient</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">over 75 Clinic visits</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Bone Marrow biopsies and aspirations</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Lumbar Punctures</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Blood and Platelet transfusions</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Numerous <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xrays</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Multiple CT scans</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRIs</span></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Just one Nuclear Bone Scan</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">One <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">portacath</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">A very long List of Medications</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">She did it! We did it! I remember over two years ago looking at 4 and a half year old Mimi laying in a huge hospital bed as she was sleeping and crying thinking that she will have to fight until she is almost 7! It seemed like a life time away. There were definitely scary days that felt like the clock never moved and daylight was not coming fast enough. We enjoyed every good day, and made a bad day better. The second counts were just over the "good enough" mark we were out the door doing something and making every moment count. We are done with treatment but we are a part of a club, a club we didn't ask to join. It changed our lives not for good or bad, just changed. </div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Tonight I was putting the girls to bed and Mimi asked </div><br /><div align="left">"Is tonight is really the last night I will give her a pill?"</div><br /><div align="left">I said "Yes."</div><br /><div align="left">"So that means tomorrow I can have a LARGE glass of milk RIGHT before I go to bed?!"</div><br /><div align="left">She has been unable to have milk at least 2-3 hours before she has her nightly chemo and that has been the hardest thing for her. Not the giant needles in her chest or the crazy steroid days... go figure! As I was walking out the room <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Iza</span> looked at me with sad eyes and said "Does that mean tonight I am done being a <a href="http://supersibs.org/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">SuperSib</span></a>?" I assured her She will ALWAYS be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">SuperSib</span>! Everyone went to bed happy.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>Q&A</strong></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><em>Is Mimi's cancer gone?</em> Short answer YES, It has been gone and the last two years we have been doing a lot to keep it from coming back! Mimi went in to remission, meaning there was no longer evidence of cancer cells in her body, soon after we started treatment. To keep it that way she continued with a long maintenance treatment to keep the cancer from returning. This included, daily chemo at home, monthly IV chemo, and chemo administered into her spinal fluid to decrease the chance that leukemia invades her central nervous system. </div><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><em>What now?</em> Starting November 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Mimi will be going for monthly blood draws to make sure her blood counts are what they should be and that there is no evidence of cancer cells. Later on they will be bi-monthly until eventually once a year for the rest of her life. Along with other routine check ups such as <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/echocardiogram/MY00095">Echo cardiograms</a>, to check her her heart for possible damage caused by chemo.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Sometime soon we will also have a date to remove her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_(medical)"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">portacath</span></a> which will be another huge milestone!<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Also she will be closely watched for any <a href="http://www.acco.org/Information/TreatmentandSurvivorship/LateEffects.aspx">late effects</a> due to the intensive chemotherapy she received over the last two years.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><em>Thank you for being part of our little army whether it was for 5 minutes of the last 2 years, 2 months, 26 days or the whole ride. Thank you for all the shoulders I got to cry on, for taking the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Iza</span> and Magi for fun days restoring "normal", for the coffee and tea deliveries to the hospital, for dropping what you were doing because it was a good count day and friends needed to play, for understanding things needed to get cancelled due to low counts, for understanding and for trying to understand... I can go on forever. I am blessed to have met so many people and I hope to continue keeping our little army going as we keep Leukemia AWAY... </em></div></div>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-75019469138768270532011-10-31T22:00:00.004-04:002011-11-04T23:39:57.295-04:00White Halloween!<div align="left">On Saturday the three Princesses and I were at the annual Costume Bowl held by <a href="http://www.griffinsfriends.com/index.asp">Griffin's Friends</a>. Thank you Griffin's Friends and volunteers! The girls always look forward to bowling with our clinic friends every year! This year Iza has shown a hidden talent, she seems to magically make the ball do whatever she needs it to do. She won twice!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 348px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671349987260961346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBoSYMOvVpfpPsyk1ASHOSZ3_jiiwNO7EOOGUW-Bc2gf_rGufpNVLQE4eXSzVHBLVNoMBTnIpAXSHofopn5pSEoRc8whtnNruXu9MGa9r1ksD7BDOEl4KmFuWWepE0L7OsuoodaUz9eI/s400/CoustumeBowl2011.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">At some point while we were bowling big giant white fluffy snowflakes started coming and covering the ground, turning the outdoors into winter wonderland. It was really pretty but also very strange seeing the fall colored leaves covered by snow. Due to the cold and snow the last soccer game of the season was cancelled and so was their schools Pumpkin Festival. Good thing though because winter wonderland turned a little scary, all the heavy snow was too much for the trees that still had leaves, all night we kept hearing branches snapping and trees falling. There were a lot of power outages and power lines down on the streets. We stayed home and when it got too chilly we went to my parents who somehow did not lose their power. Everyone was safe. Monday school got cancelled, Halloween was a day off. Miss MagiBoo got to spend the day with her family and friends, we will always remember her 4th birthday as the Snowy Halloween complete with a SNOWkin made by Toto.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSn_KqED-AjV_tpS6Iblxp4IpEOAOUw6tPf-G4hASValxWyRkpZScmciAUTZxpGvdiPawQm29EiBA_m1nYhhHx1qj3saVyK-P03AMbnawhUnKVLMo8y9z15dnFlte6810MplczQP00fg/s1600/HappyBdayBoo2011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671349989252507394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSn_KqED-AjV_tpS6Iblxp4IpEOAOUw6tPf-G4hASValxWyRkpZScmciAUTZxpGvdiPawQm29EiBA_m1nYhhHx1qj3saVyK-P03AMbnawhUnKVLMo8y9z15dnFlte6810MplczQP00fg/s400/HappyBdayBoo2011.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a>Happy 4th Birthday Magi!!! You are our little Treat :)</p>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-68425675637276227872011-10-25T22:00:00.000-04:002011-10-31T23:30:28.754-04:00Procedure Day. Countdown is on.<div align="left">So it was a big day. LAST Lumbar puncture, LAST time that Methotrexate was delivered into Mimi's spinal fluid.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">She did not think of it as a monumental day, which I guess is how she has gone through most of the treatment she does everything that is asked of her and does it most of the time with a smile on her face. We waited quite a while for our turn to go to the procedure room but she kept busy coloring and reading. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669857378915289026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_MFofUfT-TPmwQz4vB0AvZ1qhPweJx6JM-kxzhXt7yWluAoyGOjxN9J6SW9RXG5zgKHPTimOIushtC1xTp3qpRtPVdQtCe200wxSOrfa0TfqbFKG4rPJEUel0A1-7DuIfN4gqqf1EWY/s400/Oct+25+11+1.jpg" /><br />Once we got into the procedure room, she got comfy with her purple blanket, stuck her finger up in the air for the O2 monitor, asked not to be surprised with the "white sleepy medicine" (propofol, she likes to know when it is coming) and she was out. I gave her a kiss and let the Dr. do his thing. Everything went well, I was called back to the recovery room to wait for her to wake up. She took one very long nap, over an hour after the procedure, we could not get her to wake up. Magi and Iza came with Daddy, when Magi leaned over to kiss her she woke up is was super sweet! Sisterly Love :)<br /><br />We went to get some lunch since Mimi was pretty hungry at that point, pancakes were requested! And that is how we started out LAST 5 day steroid pulse (Dexamethasone)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">Best Part of the day??? This script Below!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669857660358888194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2L096kTUbSLAEGojGkbcG0SDW5R-zfKJD1WbgdSeH5i-LpAdhOXBI2j1ZolGd4XgXvhxLZlBHz2euvP6IWm-QCx6Zd6Mb5AUsXxsICnUddJNbx5PduOQS3gqDhkEBui3BgI8-icckb4/s400/Oct+28-29+2011+001sm.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">Mimi may have her port removed after 11/6/11!!! This one she is excited about! She really wants to have it out before her 7th birthday we hope we can make that happen!</p>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-52484021619657816362011-10-24T21:33:00.005-04:002011-10-24T22:01:13.438-04:00Tomorrow Last Lumbar Puncture.Mimi's Last Lumbar Puncture is scheduled for tomorrow morning. She has had many of them but knowing that your child is going to be sedated and a giant needle is going into her back delivering chemo into her spinal fluid never gets easier. She ate all her dinner and breakfast food tonight since she will be unable to eat in the morning. Iza (the SUPER Sib!) asked if she can stay home from school tomorrow so she can be with Mimi.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-3478880144708661732011-10-24T21:06:00.008-04:002011-10-25T22:09:46.234-04:00Boo at the Bronx ZooFirst we were in MA, then we drove through CT and finally in NY!!! and that is how you get to Bronx Zoo. (a little Dora for you)<br /><br /><br />Miss Magi wished to go to Bronx Zoo for her birthday (which is coming up on Halloween!) and that is what we did this past Sunday. It was a great trip with Babcia and Dziadziu, we all enjoyed a gorgeous fall day outside. Tigers were on top of the list for a favorite animal, Prairie dogs were most fun, and the skunk got the most reaction out of them, go figure! The Bronx Zoo is enormous, we were there for about 6 hours and did not see everything but not to worry we are now members of the Zoo so we will sure be back to see the rest of the zoo!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 326px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667235156743165714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQW71nsb_NXbtcHLz30lZM0aG4w3YgF0loDjG_iHi18YYp2442w5SQ32B-bB6bu3-keIxaxFNE2oF44PwPZKYIK-yI6glegtzNg-PpL3E_x_hESQK-m8hI9z7ZlL81a0P5WdDIyXWeb0/s400/Oct+23+2011.jpg" />Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-51971382669942373872011-10-12T22:46:00.004-04:002011-10-12T23:04:01.513-04:00Clinic Day.Mimi and Iza left school a little early today and we headed over to clinic to check counts. Two weeks ago the three of them were a bit "monkey" so I left Magi at home to enjoy some Daddy time. At clinic everything checked out just fine, Mimi has a cough, which matches Iza's, but her lungs sound clear and she is not complaining of anything. Since her ANC is 2000 her weekly Methotrexate dose was increased to 100%.<br /><br />I have noticed Sundays and Mondays have been a bit tough on her. She takes her weekly chemo on Wednesday, plus Wednesday through Friday takes a bigger dose of her nightly chemo. It catches up with her but she is one tough cookie Monday nights she runs laps around the soccer field during practice. She truly is an inspiration!<br /><br />We celebrated today with a spontaneous Wednesday movie trip to see Dolphin Tale, now the girls want a dolphin as a pet...<br /><br />Counts:<br />HGB - 11.5<br />Platelets - 222<br />ANC - 2000Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-73974707379099938032011-10-10T22:00:00.001-04:002011-10-11T22:50:01.767-04:00Pumpkins and Apples in the Sun<div align="left">That about sums up our weekend. The amazing weather had us outside all weekend.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Saturday we enjoyed a big pumpkin carving bash in for Uncle Chris' Birthday. The girls really got into carving!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 61px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662426218956571506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9xpFsWibQT9bACGXlySGDNA-OCqPrGVAfuYOpBvxUH5N6hU39N9QP_fUQjfSBPpc6GkC2PPJ858YgYaHcEwsXU8GpNnISEtI4CJ6ovVlc3qMvOlqnaZfGTtJ68HSQQGguAFQSwY8lBc/s400/Oct+8-9+2011pumpkins.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Some of the masterpieces of the night.</span></em></div><br /><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Sunday we drove to an Apple Farm, where we met up with some great friends (Aunties!) The girls bounced around, played on the playground, visited some animals, ran around tasting and of course picking apples. When we had enough we headed over to have a lovely dinner party complete with yummy Apple crisp!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662426219438056674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G_RFQaTWVa014WHZ0PW1-2cX13o8rAmIvT_I_b3XJ6_EwG8GKvP5vcejvvsGI0EA2zB80Fkutrboa7qg4G0zs0p8L4AD3DPSFjAffuuV5svGARXWjxaWqdJLVFxYUEHi3oscPs2dOE8/s400/Oct+8-9+2011+apples.jpg" /></div><br /><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Striking a pose while taking a rest in the shade.</span></em></p><br /><p>Monday was another nice day we spent with friends at Forest Park feeding ducks and running around. The running continued at soccer practice. All three girls were sound asleep by 7:03 pm, I say it was a GREAT weekend!</p>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-24765235969064663042011-09-29T22:00:00.002-04:002011-09-30T01:26:49.290-04:00Routine Clinic Day.We have been keeping quite busy the last two weeks. The fall season started with some summer heat and we made sure soak in all the sun before it gets too cold! The girls have been playing and loving soccer, it is so great watching them run around and enjoy being on the team. Miss Magi has started a mini pre-school just one day a week for a couple of hours but so far she loves it, her and her buddy Norah are now Big Girls!<br /><br />Mimi was due for her monthly Vincristine today so she got her port accessed, blood drawn, chemo given. Mimi was seen by the PA, everything looked good, no complaints. She also mentioned we only have one more Spinal Tap before is off treatment! This is scary and exciting all at the same time...<br /><br />Counts:<br />RBC 10.4<br />ANC 1800<br /><br />Since I had all three very giggly girls with me I don't remember all the counts because I ran out of there pretty quickly. I did receive a phone call later on that day to increase one of her chemo doses to 100%. Mimi also started her Steroid week. She was an emotional a mess tonight, she was just sobbing over everything but decided on her own to go to bed early, she is currently sleeping in my bed.Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-35588912382410069102011-09-14T16:00:00.005-04:002011-09-30T00:21:34.605-04:00Clinic Day.Mimi had a quick clinic visit today just to check counts and adjust chemo dose. Her nightly 6-MP chemo is remaining at 75% and her weekly Methotrexate is at 75%<br /><br />She is looking and feeling good.<br /><br />WBC - 2.56<br />HGB - 10.3<br />PLT - 270<br />ANC - 1190Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-30191214718011377422011-09-10T22:43:00.003-04:002011-09-10T22:48:53.793-04:00GOLD Ribbon.<p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Littlest Soldiers</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The medals on our chests<br />Are port-a-caths for meds<br />Helmets won’t stay on<br />Cause no hair is on our heads.</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our weapons of destruction<br />We take every day<br />We fight the battle within us<br />While we struggle on to play.</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We fight with honor and courage<br />No marine could do as well<br />We are only little children<br />Living in this hell.</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So bring on the medals<br />The <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Purple</span> Hearts of Wars<br />The Gold Cross, The Silver Star<br />To place upon our scars.</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For We are the Children of Cancer<br />No one has fought so hard<br />But every day we struggle on<br />Our LIFE is our reward</span></p><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">~author unknown</span></p>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-538135262059969193.post-91893826853327456562011-09-09T22:00:00.000-04:002011-09-10T22:43:39.066-04:00Back to School and Fun!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNlGt9xrST58uXF8y-GnEBCQar0Q-Zz1f69UZqnHBndG-SOdL0tRpoWa4dZLLKiGCncaT-kQTol1LrXcQozs5dm_ynO851jsQvZ0kNlyw9bUZ_VjdEKaZ7vdHVmKBeS6ItvqYpGPKDMY/s1600/BackToSchool.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNlGt9xrST58uXF8y-GnEBCQar0Q-Zz1f69UZqnHBndG-SOdL0tRpoWa4dZLLKiGCncaT-kQTol1LrXcQozs5dm_ynO851jsQvZ0kNlyw9bUZ_VjdEKaZ7vdHVmKBeS6ItvqYpGPKDMY/s400/BackToSchool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650913552845376066" border="0" /></a><br />Iza and Mimi are officially 1st graders! Above are pictures from their 3rd day of school. It rained the first two days and we were all still getting used to getting up early. So far they are loving school and I have not heard any complaints. Mimi was scared to go back to school, she was nervous about getting sick. She understands more than she ever did before, she knows getting sick lands her in the hospital.<br /><br /><br />The weather turned out beautiful on Friday so we set out on a spontaneous art filled adventure with some friends from school. A local college was holding a Family Art Night, the girls created abstract art from cardboard, it was really fun! Above the streets we saw a couple of hot air balloons that took of from a park near by. We walked around the galleries and searched around for some amazing sidewalk chalk art. Below are some of our favorites.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaB_TX5mGCD_AP6N7-oM44-8kbUYyAwLjtWUu_FuCmTD3473JnEPaAttcg0Skjes-yw4y_r4VS8tXVK2I_hXgRKfBzfGMHLh4Py-sy_4xpghyd9a3_XT9HbNvVIedt06Q_DC-A29fx9U/s1600/Sep+09+2011+022a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaB_TX5mGCD_AP6N7-oM44-8kbUYyAwLjtWUu_FuCmTD3473JnEPaAttcg0Skjes-yw4y_r4VS8tXVK2I_hXgRKfBzfGMHLh4Py-sy_4xpghyd9a3_XT9HbNvVIedt06Q_DC-A29fx9U/s400/Sep+09+2011+022a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650913556440987618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUsQUdlQurb3Xq80mFLmrN5OjVqTYQeouS1Su6Lv9HgdvquTsJXiBTVh8guUGxrf86cCmBBs01ZL7lbjncvRWotruzVJ8VId2yEgSWVINRKaqd4z8s1_qQGywxLjJZ_zeoe1p49mJkBk/s1600/Sep+09+2011+029a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUsQUdlQurb3Xq80mFLmrN5OjVqTYQeouS1Su6Lv9HgdvquTsJXiBTVh8guUGxrf86cCmBBs01ZL7lbjncvRWotruzVJ8VId2yEgSWVINRKaqd4z8s1_qQGywxLjJZ_zeoe1p49mJkBk/s400/Sep+09+2011+029a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650913562235897602" border="0" /></a><br />Later at night on the way home we drove to <a href="http://www.lookpark.org/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Look Park</span></a> to see if the hot air balloons were still there. We drove in to the dark park and out in the field balloons were lighting up one after the other. It was amazing to watch. It was a great night!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjh4pGNmx8IqsUd6AOWv2VEhIiMOgqgSCu3IyaTIvF2yHUjc3vkegoJqZjYBwJEOKx7N65dewmQwmHrA8W0Qoffk99xQeEyMIcPwHiR0Zb1QW6KMHavKOyp9g1NreFUFAKA77yhWgA1g/s1600/Sep+09+2011+036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjh4pGNmx8IqsUd6AOWv2VEhIiMOgqgSCu3IyaTIvF2yHUjc3vkegoJqZjYBwJEOKx7N65dewmQwmHrA8W0Qoffk99xQeEyMIcPwHiR0Zb1QW6KMHavKOyp9g1NreFUFAKA77yhWgA1g/s400/Sep+09+2011+036.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650913559187491106" border="0" /></a>Kathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08832908000652986120noreply@blogger.com1