Intrerrupted by a Fever.

Last night out of nowhere Mimi got a fever, of 102.7. She did complain of a random stomach pain through out the day but no other issues. With the fever came shoulder pain and leg pain. We got admitted around 10pm last night. She was NOT happy about missing a movie with her sisters but knew she was going to the hospital. We got here her fever kept creeping up, half hour later the Tylenol kicked in pain went away and we both fell asleep and slept through all the vitals.

This morning she woke up and was quick to request Fruit Loops and pancakes. So she is feeling much better but we are here for another night. Random fever means waiting 24 hours for blood cultures to come back. Her liver enzymes are also elevated so that is being checked out.

Iza and Magi are playing with their friends, Thank you Jess for taking the monkeys. They will probably come by later tonight. Mimi has painted pictures for them, now she is watching Soul Surfer the movie she missed last night.

We had a wonderful time at Camp Sunshine last week I will update out vacation with pictures later this week.

I say SUN you say SHINE!

Sunshine!

CAMP

SUNSHINE!!!

On August 7th for the fourth time in the last 12 months we made a trip to Maine. Auntie Tracy The weather forecast did not look promising at all, our drive was gray and rainy. But like magic the clouds started disappearing the closer we were getting to our destination and when we parked to check in the sun was out! Magic of Maine!

The girls made friends instantly with other kids and counselors, we also saw some friend from our previous visits. As always the week was filled with activities and adventures. Iza and Mimi's highlight of the week was probably fishing on a boat with Master Bass Fisherman, they both caught fish! They loved it! Lots of swimming, crafts, playing on the lake, just being kids and having fun.

While the kids were enjoying their activities adults had a fun schedule too. It is always fun to play really silly games and just relax. Sessions are always filled with knowledge, inspiration and hope. As we get closer to our off treatment date I always wonder about long term effects. I met a wonderful girl many years off treatment who gave me so much hope, she has survived cancer and never let it stop her from achieving her goals in life. Naturally Iza and Mimi glued themselves to her and talk about her often, I am sure her phone is alerting her with texts from the girls. I try not to dwell on the effects of chemo but knowledge is power and it is always better to be prepared. I met parents who have kids in various stages of treatment as well as years off treatment, all of us in a club we don't want to join but so glad a place like Camp exists and we can come year after year until one day there won't be a need for this "club".

The girls out on the porch enjoying the fresh Maine air.

Tracy acting, while Mimi reads the poem Sick by Shel Silverstein. During the Talent Show. Magi slept through it and Iza was not feeling to well and missed it also.

Magi during the masquerade ball, I think she went through about ten different costumes.

This was Ballerina turned Unicorn.


Wish boats. A special night at Camp.

All the kids make a wooden wish boat and while a song plays

they release them out in the water and make a wish.

The door Picture.

Winter Wonderland at Camp Sunshine

On Tuesday (2/22) we made a quick trip to clinic for counts which were great so with giant smiles on every one's faces we filled the car up and off on our adventure we went. The whole time the girls thought we were going to visit Auntie Tracy for a couple of days. They were getting a bit suspicious asking why we need our pillows, towels and a bunch of outfits. Mimi and Iza were very confused as to why there were bathing suits packed, I was able to somehow make answers up. Wednesday we woke up ate and back in the car we went I told the girls to take a long nap, when they woke up Mimi read a sign that said we were in Maine. A couple miles later she saw a sign that said "CAMP SUNSHINE" with an arrow to turn left. All three were screaming "Turn LEFT Turn Left!!! Can we go there??? Can We stay!!! Pleaseeee" To which Tracy and I replied "Sure!"

Three Very Happy Campers

It was so great to be back! The girls ran around looking for counselors from the summer and were overjoyed to find some of their favorite people. I kept another secret, one of Mimi's friends from clinic was coming to camp as well the girls were all happy to see each other.

The five days were filled with winter activities; ice skating, snow shoeing, horse drawn slay rides, walks in the snow, sledding. Aside from outside fun the girls enjoyed games, arts and crafts and the indoor pool, Iza and Mimi got to go daily and loved it! The talent show was such a hit! Iza sang Baby by Justin Bieber she brought her J.B. pillow up on the stage with her. Mimi did three cart wheels. While Magi went right up and sang Three Little Monkeys, no fear of the audience at all. We were all equally tired at the end of each night.

The Gang

While the kids were off doing their activities with some wonderful counselors, adults got fun time also, as well as some time to be able to meet and talk to other parents who understand, relate and share their stories.

We had such an amazing summer session last year that I wondered how the winter session will be and it was so wonderful. It truly was a Winter Wonderland. We got about 16 inches of snow during one of the days, it was beautiful to just sit at the fire place in the dining hall and look out the window as the snowflakes were dancing.

Gorgeous View of frozen Sebago Lake.

Once Again Thank You Camp Sunshine and everyone who makes it possible we can't wait to go back!!!

we are counting down the days until March 18th when we go back for a special Twin with Cancer weekend.

Wish List for Camp Sunshine.

In the mail this week we got a newsletter from Camp Sunshine. The girls were interested in the stories most of them were about all the donations the camp receives. On the back of the newsletter was the camp's wish list. Both girls decided they want to use their money and buy some things on the list and drive it to camp.

We will be shopping this week and filling a box of arts and crafts supplies, birthday candles, stickers and whatever else the girls think of. If anyone else would like to contribute to our Wish List box for Camp Sunshine let us know :)

What the girls DON'T know yet is that the week of Winter Vacation they WILL be going to Camp Sunshine for the winter session. I have not told them yet so far I have been able to keep it a secret. I can't wait to see their faces when they find out. They have been asking to go back almost daily, they wished it while they blew out their birthday candles and even asked Santa!

Flashes of Hope

While at Camp Sunshine we had an opportunity to get photographed by Flashes of Hope, such an amazing organization. All photographers volunteer their time and talent, all the services are free of charge. The photographer was very playful with all the girls and captured their silly smiley faces.

We HEART Camp Sunshine!!!

I was pretty sure we would have fun. We had so much more than that.

The drive to Maine was relaxing, perfect blue sky and green all around, all three monkeys sleeping. From the minute we parked the car to check in we had "yellow shirt" volunteers helping us in whatever we needed mostly running after Magi.

The energy through the whole camp was so positive everyone wanted to be there, to have fun and to make sure the kids were happy. Everyone there was on a road of uncertainty but with one goal, to live happy. Kids became friends instantly with other kids just like them and with counselors some who once were the kids at camp. I had the chance to meet parents going through similar challenges and be able to listen and even learn. I listened to a forum of teenage campers, some in treatment some siblings of cancer patients, all wise beyond their years sharing their fears as well as accomplishments. This week was much needed.

During the week we also had some celebrities at camp NESN employees came up to volunteer and have some fun with the kids, in the video you can see us in the background and a shot of Magi with Mike Wozowski.

click for larger image

All the campers decorated wooden wish boats, one night after dinner everyone met at the water and after their candle on the boat was lit they set them in the water and made a wish. I am not sure how I managed to get this photo since my eyes were filled with tears but I caught the moment Mimi wished.

Yey to smashmellows, campfires, songs, lots of silly bandz trading, new friends, naps, tree climbing, yummy food, chocolate milk with every meal, smiles, answers, paddle boats, ice cream, turkey dinner, all the wonderful volunteers who will hold a spacial place in our hearts. Tracy for being a Lapierre gal for the week ;) I can go on forever! The girls can't wait to go back!

THANK YOU CAMP SUNSHINE AND TO EVERYONE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE!

Enjoy the video! We heard this sond LOTS of times during camp.

Packed.

After a rocky Wednesday everyone is looking good and feeling great.

So...
GPS charged.
Camera charged.
Pharmacy packed.

We are almost ready to start a week of fun!!!

Today we go to Six Flags for a picnic and some rides. Not the Superman ride although Mimi is convinced she grew enough since last month and is able to go on it. After a day of fun we are driving to auntie Tracy's house to hang out with some awesome aunties and Sunday morning we will drive up to Camp Sunshine in Maine.

We will miss you Daddy Dan, stay out of trouble! ;)

Clinic Day.

It is a million degrees outside, okay so maybe just 103 according to my car, but it is HOT! So other than the clinic we will be staying home for the most part. Mimi got her port accessed, while getting her feet rubbed, got her chemo (Vincristine)and we waited for counts. Which were not so great, but we will continue all chemo and check counts next week to make sure they are going up. Which I really hope they do because she is very excited to go to Six Flags next Friday with everyone from clinic, thank you to Griffin's Friends! Next weekend we are planning to drive to Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine. So we need good counts! Today is also a start to a five day steroid pulse.

Today's Counts:
WBC - 1.26
Hgb - 11.2
Platelets - 173
Neutrophil - 580