Do you see it?

I was wondering if you see the good in people? Since our world was rocked on 9/19 I've been amazed by all the good I see around me. Was it here before? probably. Did I embrace it as much as I do now? Not nearly enough.

We feel warmly wrapped in a blanket of love. Family, friends and even complete strangers consistently go out of their way to show they care. More importantly people let us know we are in their thoughts, and that they are following Connor's journey. We feel less alone in the march with all of you around to hold us up.

Even you, that person that religiously reads my blog, that I may not know, that never leaves a comment, but comes here everyday, helps me.

As we get prepared for Connor's 24th day of radiation, my body aches with anticipation to complete this phase of treatment. At the same time I tremble with fear, since radiation has become so routine, and the next phase of treatment (Chemotherapy) becomes the unknown. I know that it too will become (albeit unfortunate) familiar.

My son was in all his glory today. Laughing, cracking jokes, full of excitement, inquisitive, and loving. We definitely celebrate the good days like we had today.

I stare at my son sometimes (he hates it by the way) and I try to take a mental picture of him right now, this day, this moment. I know that moment is the only one that matters.

I see a boy who doesn't dwell on what is happening to him, but rather a brave Jedi who embraces his life no matter what it has become, or has been placed before him.

At the library the librarian started talking to Connor about his book selection (I think he checked out the whole children's section that day, but mostly dinosaur books). "I see you like dinosaurs", she said. "Yes, he said. You see I'm an explorer, and I like to explore things, I like to search for rocks and treasure". "That sounds exciting", she said "Yes it is. Sorry I can't talk anymore, my throat is dry because I just had Radiation".

So tonight I ask that you embrace your life. See the good in people around you. Take mental pictures of those you love. Tackle the obstacles that are thrown in your path (as best you can), and explore life.

we're down to 8 ...

As we headed to Portland today and I looked out the window I couldn't help but smile. Although Connor still has a long journey ahead of him, we are looking forward to celebrating our last day of radiation treatment. When Connor completes his 30th day we will fill up 30 balloons and let him pop them (so if you hear loud popping it's just us in the backyard !!)

My heart aches when I see new children in the radiation office. It's not a place you want to see new faces.

I wanted to thank everyone for purchasing Connor's cards. Everyone has been so kind. One of Connor's nurses has offered to include a basket of his cards on her craft table at the hospitals upcoming bazaar.

His goal is to sell at least 40 cards and Donate a DVD player before Christmas.

Connor was pretty sleepy after treatment today. He took a long nap on the couch after we got home. We spent the rest of the day doing some art, playing UNO, taking a short walk and relaxing.

His appetite is improving, and he was real fond of "breakfast" for dinner tonight. He ate extra maple sausages.

The best part of our day
Sitting and watching our sweet sweet boy sleep, and get some much needed rest.

9 more radiation treatments left

I'm actually able to see a glimpse of the radiation finish line. When we first started I didn't think that would ever be possible, hearing your child will need 6 weeks of radiation treatment seems like a lifetime when you are in a cloud of the unknown. As things become more familiar it does become easier.

I'm so proud of my son every Monday when he hops up on to the table to get his port accessed, he squeezes his daddy's hand and cracks jokes with the nurse. Then he travels down the hall to the radiation room, hops up on the table, asks for a warm blanket, starts his anaesthesia, rolls over onto his tummy and falls asleep.

He does all that they ask.

Today I accidentally leaned on the big button that shuts the door in the radiation room. That thing is huge I should definitely take a picture of it ! (for those who know me, the fact I did something like that shouldn't surprise anyone lol). The look of panic flashed across my face. The big door closes on it's own and I wasn't sure how to stop it from closing, and for fear of being crushed by the giant door I didn't want to stop it manually. NOTE TO SELF: Push the button again to stop it. (I won't be doing that again, I'll be staying away from that button).

We really enjoyed spending time with Connor's Chemo Pal Nick today. Although he is Connor's Pal, we enjoy the time with Nick as much as he does. We filled a whole hour playing Old Maid and Go Fish.

As we wander around the hospital we are constantly running into various medical personnel who have helped Connor at one point or another since his diagnosis. It's nice to see that these people genuinely care about how he is doing and remember him.

Chemo went off without a hitch, another dose of Vincristine. We are keeping an eye on some coordination problems and eye problems that can be a result of the Vincristine. Connor's white blood count is very low, He shouldn't be around groups of people, so he will be hanging out at home until his counts recover. Although he has completed the radiation to his spine, the effects of radiation are still present and can limit production of white blood cells in his bone marrow.

What made me smile today Connor and Greg spending "Guy time together"
What blew my socks off: That huge wind storm we had today !
The best part of Connor's day: Playing a snowboarding game with his dad