New 'do

{Jackson rockin' his new mohawk}

All in all, we had a pretty good weekend. Ryan didn't have to work at all, which doesn't happen often, so we got to spend some good quality family-of-four time :)

I know many people have prayed hard for us over the past few days, and we appreciate it so much. I can't really say it is getting easier, or that we are doing better, but all the support and love really does make a difference. We have many things to be thankful for during this process and that is what we are trying to focus on, instead of the "why us" and "what if" questions.

Tomorrow is Round 2 of Chemo. Please say a prayer that it all goes smoothly! This will be the first time his port is accessed while he is awake, and I am nervous about how it will go.

Thankfully, he is blissfully unaware that anything is wrong. He has noticed his scar from his biopsy (broke my heart) and he knows he has a boo-boo (his port). He is really the same Jackson, full of energy and love! Of course, he is still two and that means he throws his fair share of tantrums. That has not changed a bit!

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers!



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Sweetness

Being that Jack is 2 1/2, he did not fully grasp what was going on at the hospital this past weekend. Of course, he did develop a fear of anyone in scrubs, but that is to be expected!

For the most part, he behaved normally during our stay. A little grouchy, kinda whiny, silly as all get out but he was also incredibly sweet and loving. Some things I want to remember...

-When we were first checked into the hospital (not an hour after diagnosis), it was just me and Jack. Ryan took Brayden and my mom back to the house to gather what we needed for an open-ended stay. Needless to say, I was shocked and upset. I cried off and on. Jack and I were in our hospital room and I was sitting on a little couch. He walked up to me after I had started crying again and said "It's ok Momma. No reason to be scared!" and then he went back to watching Dora. I will never ever forget that moment.

-The week before our hospital stay, Jackson came up with a new favorite saying. He asks "Are you my best friend??" no less than ten times a day! Of course, his Daddy and I LOVE to answer that question, and it would brighten our spirits every time he asked over the weekend.

-On Sunday after his second surgery, we were in the recovery room. He was still very groggy from anesthesia and not too happy. I was sitting beside the bed, holding his hands and comforting him. His Daddy was holding Brayden a few feet away. One of the super nice nurses started talking to Brayden. Jackson opened his eyes a little, pointed at the nurse and said "Hey, that's MY brother!" So protective!

-On Saturday, Ryan was laying in the bed with Jackson. It was about as calm as you can expect in a hospital room-we had a break from tests, doctor visits, etc-so we were hoping Jack would sleep. He had other plans! Ryan went ahead and closed his eyes, thinking Jack would follow suit. Jackson told his Daddy "Roll over so I can pat your back. You need to listen to me!" Think he has heard that before?? ;)

I am thankful for sweet moments like these, and I hope and pray for more. They help us to keep our heads above water during this storm.


{Leaving! Alvin and the Chipmunks greet you as you step off the elevator.}

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Save the Date

*Saturday, September 25th, 2010

*Heroes For Children 5k Run/Walk

*Shops at Legacy in Plano, Texas

Heroes For Children is a non-profit organization that supports families of children with cancer. Visit their website to read about the wonderful things they are doing!

www.heroesforchildren.org

We hope to be--we PLAN to be--celebrating Jackson being cancer-free around this time. Come celebrate with us!


{our CANCER SUCKS! face}

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May 21st

May 21st is a date that has always been celebrated--as long as I have been alive, it has been a special day.

May 21st is both of my Grandmother's birthdays. They were born 12 years apart.

May 21st, 2004 is the day I took my bridal portraits (after decorating my Mimi's house for her birthday). Such a happy day.

May 21st, 2005 is the day we moved into our first home together. How exciting that was!

I have always thought fondly of May 21st as it approached. Now, I believe May 21st and I will have a love/hate relationship.

May 21st, 2010 is the day that my son--my firstborn, my lovebug, my angelbaby--was diagnosed with cancer.

Even typing that brings me to my knees, takes my breath away and makes my head spin.

He has a very rare tumor. Hemangiopericytoma.

One doctor (we have met so many) said he had a better chance of being struck by lightening than getting this tumor.

We have been inundated with medical terminology and we are slowly realizing that it is our new language.

We are SO very thankful for the positive things throughout this nightmare: AWESOME test results--his lungs, bones, heart are all healthy and unaffected; FANTASTIC doctors--we have connected with some of the best doctors in the country; INCREDIBLE facility--our hospital is outstanding and top rated; AMAZING support--family, friends, people we have not talked to in years, everyone is being so kind. The words of kindness, love, support, prayers--all are so appreciated.

This is our new life. We will adjust and thrive even. Every ugly thing that we have to endure and put our sweet baby through will be so worth it because it is all one step closer to him being healthy.

If you are the praying kind, we'd love to be on your list.

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