Go Blog Yourself

I’m sure it’s because our foray in to the world of cancer was a bit extreme, but this quick 4 day trip back to Children’s has been pretty easy.  What has not been easy is seeing Tuesday feeling rotten from the chemotherapy.  The first 2 rounds don’t really count since she was comatose, but she did swimmingly this past cycle.   Day 1 was good, but by yesterday afternoon she was very clingy, stopped eating and cried herself to sleep in my arms.  I’m sure this will sound ridiculous, but I all of a sudden felt choked by the reality of cancer and chemo and all that that holds.  Trust me, Fantasy Camp was officially closed as we headed back to the hospital for treatment this time, but when Tuesday is feeling good we all feel good and it’s easy to down play what we’re up against.  However, Tuesday IS feeling good.  And looking good and doing good and we are focusing all of our energy on this and we’re thankful for every good day.  Today was a good day.  We hung out in the play room.  Did a little painting, did a halloween craft and took a trip outside with daddy.  Charley and I are taking shifts at the hospital and that means we have not seen much of each other.  Maybe this is not such a bad thing.  We are still coming down from the blow out we had on Monday night when we decided to build a quick (HA!) impromptu mud room.  Great idea on the eve of a week stay in the hospital, huh?  Only us.  Of course it’s only “almost” finished and in true Whitt fashion will most likely remain that way for the next 5 years.  In the future, we agree to either take on home remodeling projects or pediatric cancer, not both at the same time.  Oh, did I tell you how much I love Charley?  I could not do this with out him.  (the cancer, not the remodeling.)  

We’re back in for round 4 of 6.  Tuesday was home for 2 weeks and 2 days (but who’s counting) and while in between parties and running around with her siblings, we squeezed in a few photos…

WOW!  ”Biggest End of Chemo Party” indeed.  Thank you to our new friends, the Millers for including us in this awesome event.  Justin Miller was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma two years ago this week.  After 15 months of being cancer free, Justin presented with a brain tumor and is currently in treatment again.  He is a gorgeous child, a true survivor and just oozes life.  Please pray for this special kiddo and his family.  We look forward to getting to know them all better.  We also had a chance to meet the infamous, and might I add adorable, Hope Halloway and her family.  Hope is another little miracle that had Neuroblastoma and is CANCER FREE.  We hope to hang out with the Halloway clan as well.  We know these families have lots to teach us.  Lessons their children have taught them and continue to teach us all.  Lessons of what life is really about.  Thanks be to God for the lessons we have already learned.  You have know idea what life is really about until you are faced with the possibility of your child’s death.  Ok, now enough about that.  We all had a ball and sweet Tuesday even stood on her own two legs and did a little dancing.  Could she be any cuter? 

 

How is Tuesday doing you ask?  

FANTASTIC!

Life has been so fine since coming home.  Tuesday is feeling great, or at least deserves a Daytime Emmy for acting like she feels great.  Her past cycle of chemotherapy is notorious for being particularly pukey.  Not only did Tuesday not puke, but she managed to eat thru the entire course.  Quite a feat for someone who yanked her own NG tube just a couple weeks ago.  Ok, so she’s eating like a toddler but, um, she IS a toddler so we are cutting her some slack.  We have her on an organic diet (always did) with a smattering of McDonald’s (gasp!) french fries.  

It’s been one big love fest around here since coming home.  It feels so good to be back together.  The girls have slipped right back in to twin-ness and Piper is proving to be quite the little mother hen.  She makes sure Tuesday has every creature comfort she may need.  Keeping her in Nuk’s and blankies and snacks.  Tuesday on the other hand spends most of her day trying to get a hold of Piper’s new shoes.  This is where the love ends.  ”MINE! MINE! MIIIIIINEEEEE!!!!!!”, “NO! MINE SHOES!”

Spencer and Axel are fantastic big brothers and huge helps.  And 5.  ANd 7.  And boys.  Need I say more?  

So where do we go from here?

Tuesday goes back in to Children’s on Sept 29th for her 4th (of 6) round of chemo.  If all goes well, we will be in-patient for 4 days.  Aunt SuSu will be flying in from Atlanta to help out at home.  Still taking things one day at a time.  We remain full of hope.  We remain ever thankful to a Loving God.  We remain, more than ever, so proud to be Tuesday’s mom and dad.