Monday, June 24, 2013
Has it really been a month?
Ok, ok, I know, I have been very bad at keeping to a blogging schedule :(
Since the last post:
Sarah had a wonderful 21st birthday celebration.
Her birthday/month ended with her being de-ported! That's right the port is gone!!!!! On May 29th we visited the surgeon and said good-bye to the port. One more milestone reached.
Memorial Day was the Lobster Fest at RRCC, Zen and Sarah's favorite day of the year!
June arrived bringing lots of graduation parties; congratulations to all of our friends and family who have reached a milestone in their lives, college, high school, middle school, elementary school, and yes, we even have a preschool graduate in the family! Good luck to you all.
June also marks the beginning of year 2 post stem-cell transplant for Sarah; and that means shots!!
She needs to be revacinated with all of the childhood immunizations. We will be going back to Overlook Hospital, to the Cancer Center to have this done. Needless to say, neither one of us was looking forward to that. But, she was a trooper; day one we had to wait for 2 hours for 3 shots, and that was nerve wracking. Day two, 3 more shots, but it went much faster, we were in and out in 30 minutes. Let's just say it was a flashback to when she was a baby, we both had tears in our eyes when the needles came out. Next round of six shots is in August, along with another MRI, and then 2 more in October.
I went for my pre-physical blood work last week, and this week it is my turn to see the doctor, only salad until Thursday when i have to get weighed!!
Zen is recovered from all of his injuries, and is back on the golf course, he is not so cranky anymore, which makes all of us very happy.
Greg has been busy working, and catching up with friends.
My mom was here this past week for a few days, and we had a great time. She is amazing!!!
We all went to Westchester on Sunday to my cousin 's house for a mini family reunion. A great time was had by all.
Sarah started work today, she was gone all day, I missed my side-kick. Target was no fun without her!
I think she is going to love working at the Y camp.
Guess I have to get used to doing chores by myself again.
That's all for now.
Since the last post:
Sarah had a wonderful 21st birthday celebration.
Her birthday/month ended with her being de-ported! That's right the port is gone!!!!! On May 29th we visited the surgeon and said good-bye to the port. One more milestone reached.
Memorial Day was the Lobster Fest at RRCC, Zen and Sarah's favorite day of the year!
June arrived bringing lots of graduation parties; congratulations to all of our friends and family who have reached a milestone in their lives, college, high school, middle school, elementary school, and yes, we even have a preschool graduate in the family! Good luck to you all.
June also marks the beginning of year 2 post stem-cell transplant for Sarah; and that means shots!!
She needs to be revacinated with all of the childhood immunizations. We will be going back to Overlook Hospital, to the Cancer Center to have this done. Needless to say, neither one of us was looking forward to that. But, she was a trooper; day one we had to wait for 2 hours for 3 shots, and that was nerve wracking. Day two, 3 more shots, but it went much faster, we were in and out in 30 minutes. Let's just say it was a flashback to when she was a baby, we both had tears in our eyes when the needles came out. Next round of six shots is in August, along with another MRI, and then 2 more in October.
I went for my pre-physical blood work last week, and this week it is my turn to see the doctor, only salad until Thursday when i have to get weighed!!
Zen is recovered from all of his injuries, and is back on the golf course, he is not so cranky anymore, which makes all of us very happy.
Greg has been busy working, and catching up with friends.
My mom was here this past week for a few days, and we had a great time. She is amazing!!!
We all went to Westchester on Sunday to my cousin 's house for a mini family reunion. A great time was had by all.
Sarah started work today, she was gone all day, I missed my side-kick. Target was no fun without her!
I think she is going to love working at the Y camp.
Guess I have to get used to doing chores by myself again.
That's all for now.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Happy 21st Birthday Sarah
Today we celebrate Sarah's much anticipated 21st birthday!!
She is happy, healthy, home and ready to party. Big difference from last year when we spent her birthday in the hospital. Her friends have arrived, and it is wonderful to have a house full of smiling, happy young women; all getting ready for dinner at the club.
We have so much to be happy and thankful for. Sarah finished her first semester back at school and is home for the summer. She has applied for a camp job, and is anxiously waiting to hear if she has been hired. She has settled into a routine, and is happy to be home, at least for now. Sarah's last MRI on May 15, 2013 was clear; hip hip hooray! Dr. M says all is good, she is doing well. We are in the process of scheduling her port removal (next week) yeah, and her shots (all the childhood inoculations were wiped out during stem cell transplant and have to be given again), not so happy about this one. MRI's will still be every 3 months, which I am happy about, even if Sarah is not. I can't imagine how neurotic I will be when they are spaced further apart.
Greg is also done with school for the summer and has been working every weekend. He is slowly adjusting to once again sharing the bathroom with his sister, and listening to her sing when she showers.
Zen is still recuperating from his leg injury, hand surgery and an unidentified arm ache. He has been a good patient, but is missing playing golf! Hopefully all pains will be gone soon so he can spend his days on the golf course (please).
I have been sorting, organizing and packing away "college stuff" and winter clothing. Space bags are my new favorite toy, I love vacuuming the air out! (Pathetic I know).
Almost time to get ready to go to dinner, unfortunately the weather is not cooperating, it is thundering and pouring rain outside, but the party must go on, so off we go to brave the elements!
Pictures coming soon.
:)
She is happy, healthy, home and ready to party. Big difference from last year when we spent her birthday in the hospital. Her friends have arrived, and it is wonderful to have a house full of smiling, happy young women; all getting ready for dinner at the club.
We have so much to be happy and thankful for. Sarah finished her first semester back at school and is home for the summer. She has applied for a camp job, and is anxiously waiting to hear if she has been hired. She has settled into a routine, and is happy to be home, at least for now. Sarah's last MRI on May 15, 2013 was clear; hip hip hooray! Dr. M says all is good, she is doing well. We are in the process of scheduling her port removal (next week) yeah, and her shots (all the childhood inoculations were wiped out during stem cell transplant and have to be given again), not so happy about this one. MRI's will still be every 3 months, which I am happy about, even if Sarah is not. I can't imagine how neurotic I will be when they are spaced further apart.
Greg is also done with school for the summer and has been working every weekend. He is slowly adjusting to once again sharing the bathroom with his sister, and listening to her sing when she showers.
Zen is still recuperating from his leg injury, hand surgery and an unidentified arm ache. He has been a good patient, but is missing playing golf! Hopefully all pains will be gone soon so he can spend his days on the golf course (please).
I have been sorting, organizing and packing away "college stuff" and winter clothing. Space bags are my new favorite toy, I love vacuuming the air out! (Pathetic I know).
Almost time to get ready to go to dinner, unfortunately the weather is not cooperating, it is thundering and pouring rain outside, but the party must go on, so off we go to brave the elements!
Pictures coming soon.
:)
Thursday, May 2, 2013
In the mean time...
We are approaching the end of Sarah's first "post treatment" year, she is due for an MRI in 2 weeks. I have been doing a lot of reminiscing, so much has happened this year that I am thankful for. Sarah is at school finishing her first semester at Ramapo College; doing well and looking forward to enjoying summer and all of the activities she could not do last summer! She participated in Relay for Life and raised a lot of money, this was a very positive and empowering experience for her. Sarah has made some good friends at school, and is looking forward to living with them in the fall. I am so proud of her, and thankful for her continued good health. I am pretty certain that the MRI's will continue at 3 month intervals for at least the next year, Sarah is not thrilled by the prospect, but I welcome the reassurance that all is still going well.
In the mean time, tomorrow I will be putting my nurse's uniform back on to take care of Zen after he has hand surgery, again! This is the third time he has to have hand surgery, this time it is to remove a tumor in one of his fingers. The surgeon is confident that it will be benign, I hope he is right! Poor Zen has been looking forward to this golf season, since he did not get to play very often last year. Almost forgot to mention that along with the hand issue, he also has a torn muscle in his leg and is on crutches! Hopefully he will have a very speedy recovery, and be back on the golf course and in the kitchen cooking soon, for all of our sakes.
Wish us both, patient and nurse, good luck tomorrow, we will need it!
M :)
In the mean time, tomorrow I will be putting my nurse's uniform back on to take care of Zen after he has hand surgery, again! This is the third time he has to have hand surgery, this time it is to remove a tumor in one of his fingers. The surgeon is confident that it will be benign, I hope he is right! Poor Zen has been looking forward to this golf season, since he did not get to play very often last year. Almost forgot to mention that along with the hand issue, he also has a torn muscle in his leg and is on crutches! Hopefully he will have a very speedy recovery, and be back on the golf course and in the kitchen cooking soon, for all of our sakes.
Wish us both, patient and nurse, good luck tomorrow, we will need it!
M :)
One Year Ago Today.....
My darling daughter, wow one year ago today we entered Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, scared but hopeful! I read through some of my blog posts from those first few days, they made me cry. I am so very proud of you and all you have accomplished since then.
I posted this comment last year, "This horrible cancer is like a thief, robbing my daughter of her health, youth and innocence; she is the bravest person I know. Keep fighting Sarah, I know you can beat this; there is a beautiful future waiting for you. Sarah has always risen to a challenge, I am confident that she will find something positive in this horrible experience, and make the world a better place. Together, we will get through this, one day, one hour, one minute at a time."
We did make it through that horrible time, and you are still the bravest, most determined person I know. Keep up the good work sweetheart, you are already making the world a better place with your big heart and beautiful smile. :)
Here are some inspiring words:
We did make it through that horrible time, and you are still the bravest, most determined person I know. Keep up the good work sweetheart, you are already making the world a better place with your big heart and beautiful smile. :)
Here are some inspiring words:
Monday, April 22, 2013
What happened to Spring?
Another week, another weekend; busy running around doing errands and catching up with laundry!
The house got so cold last night, I had to turn the heat back on, ME, the only person in this house that is never cold, so you know it was really cold! Finally saw the movie Argo, it was great. Zen played golf, Greg went to visit friends at Quinnipiac, and Sarah had a busy weekend with Sorority activities and school work; the house was sooooo quiet. We are coming up on Sarah's one year stem-cell transplant anniversary, so far so good, next MRI in 3 weeks.
It is hard to believe that the Boston Marathon bombing was only a week ago. So much sadness and grief, my heart goes out to all that were injured. When are these senseless acts of violence going to end? I keep asking the same question, unfortunately no answer in sight. I can only do my part and try to be more tolerant, more patient, and kinder to all. Are you doing your part??? I will leave you to ponder that question.
The house got so cold last night, I had to turn the heat back on, ME, the only person in this house that is never cold, so you know it was really cold! Finally saw the movie Argo, it was great. Zen played golf, Greg went to visit friends at Quinnipiac, and Sarah had a busy weekend with Sorority activities and school work; the house was sooooo quiet. We are coming up on Sarah's one year stem-cell transplant anniversary, so far so good, next MRI in 3 weeks.
It is hard to believe that the Boston Marathon bombing was only a week ago. So much sadness and grief, my heart goes out to all that were injured. When are these senseless acts of violence going to end? I keep asking the same question, unfortunately no answer in sight. I can only do my part and try to be more tolerant, more patient, and kinder to all. Are you doing your part??? I will leave you to ponder that question.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
What a difference a year makes.
Last year at this time, I was in the hospital with Sarah for her last "regular" chemo treatment; it/she was a nightmare! She was so full of steroids, other meds, and fear of the upcoming stem cell transplant, that she was frantic and insisted on leaving the hospital earlier than she should have. Fast forward to today, one year later; Sarah is happy, healthy, and back at school. My sweet girl is back, the tumor that was making her crazy is gone, no more tantrums and wild behavior. A year ago, it was hard for me to imagine a happy future; but thankfully here we are, thankful for every new day.
Relay for Life at Ramapo College was inspirational; so many young adults working together for a wonderful cause. Sarah spoke beautifully about her experience, and of course I got teary eyed as she walked the first lap with the other survivors.
I too am moving on; Sarah's illness had me "crippled" afraid to live my life. I will always worry about her, that is what mothers do, but I too am living again, going out with friends, pursuing my interests, and moving forward. At least for today, next MRI is a month away, time to start worrying.
Inspirations from the web:
Relay for Life at Ramapo College was inspirational; so many young adults working together for a wonderful cause. Sarah spoke beautifully about her experience, and of course I got teary eyed as she walked the first lap with the other survivors.
I too am moving on; Sarah's illness had me "crippled" afraid to live my life. I will always worry about her, that is what mothers do, but I too am living again, going out with friends, pursuing my interests, and moving forward. At least for today, next MRI is a month away, time to start worrying.
Inspirations from the web:
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| My beautiful daughter |
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| Relay for Life |
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