A journal of my thoughts, fears and moments of joy as my family learns to cope with my Sammy's diagnosis of T-Cell ALL, otherwise known as Leukemia
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Giving Thanks and Celebrating
We have just had the most amazing couple of days for many reasons. Firstly, we were able to be truly thankful that Sam and Jack were able to enjoy Thanksgiving in a regular way...no fears about neutropenia, fevers, or admissions. We were also spending Thanksgiving with MANY family members who were flying in from all over the country as well as driving great distances. And finally, we were going to host all those wonderful people for the Jack and Sammy Celebration the next day.
Everything was wonderful: great food, company and spirits. The youngest children, the new generation of cousins, bonded beautifully. Our generation marveled at our being the parents, and the older generations enjoyed watching the little ones have so much fun. It really was everything a Thanksgiving should be. We even got to celebrate Sam and Jack's Great-grandmother Lulu's 90th birthday!!!
The Jack and Sammy Celebration was also fantastic. Once again the little ones bonded and solidified their relationships. Cousins and their spouses chilled out with a few drinks, some silly card games, a game of "Shot Checkers" and also enjoyed playing with the kids. Jack and Sam enjoyed being the hosts...the mimosas flowed (not with the kids) and the party was ON! I'm going to let the pictures tell you the rest.
Everything was wonderful: great food, company and spirits. The youngest children, the new generation of cousins, bonded beautifully. Our generation marveled at our being the parents, and the older generations enjoyed watching the little ones have so much fun. It really was everything a Thanksgiving should be. We even got to celebrate Sam and Jack's Great-grandmother Lulu's 90th birthday!!!
The Jack and Sammy Celebration was also fantastic. Once again the little ones bonded and solidified their relationships. Cousins and their spouses chilled out with a few drinks, some silly card games, a game of "Shot Checkers" and also enjoyed playing with the kids. Jack and Sam enjoyed being the hosts...the mimosas flowed (not with the kids) and the party was ON! I'm going to let the pictures tell you the rest.
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| Playing football |
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| Sad when you can't run as fast as your little cousins :( |
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| Jack and his cousins |
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| The Lego Tower of Thanksgiving! |
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| Forming the new band |
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| Big cousin makes Sammy a flying Space-ship...much cooler than an airplane |
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| Generations |
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| Lulu looking very good! |
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| My special boy, Jack |
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| Cute! |
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| Celebration cake |
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| Together! |
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| Brothers forever! |
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| Big and little cuz |
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| Our wonderful aunt and uncle |
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| Artistic moment |
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| The boys take a turn |
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| More Space-ship creating....competition about to start |
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| Beer-shot Checkers!!! |
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| The family |
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| Sammy's back! |
Sunday, November 13, 2011
No More Words!
Now that we are in the 'after treatment' phase, I am lost for words most of the time. Sammy's port comes out tomorrow and then we become monthly visitors for blood work, have cognitive and vital organ testing each year, and basically plod on with life. Cool!
But I wanted to put into words how I felt about this journey and I couldn't...so I cheated and made a slideshow with a song that helps me say it all. We triumphed over adversity and had a whole lotta love along the way to keep us going.
Love boat captain
Take the reigns and steer us towards the clear,... here.
It's already been sung, but it can't be said enough.
All you need is love
Is this just another phase? Earthquakes making waves,...
Trying to shake the cancer off? Stupid human beings,...
Once you hold the hand of love,.. it's all surmountable.
Love Boat Captain
Pearl Jam
But I wanted to put into words how I felt about this journey and I couldn't...so I cheated and made a slideshow with a song that helps me say it all. We triumphed over adversity and had a whole lotta love along the way to keep us going.
Love boat captain
Take the reigns and steer us towards the clear,... here.
It's already been sung, but it can't be said enough.
All you need is love
Is this just another phase? Earthquakes making waves,...
Trying to shake the cancer off? Stupid human beings,...
Once you hold the hand of love,.. it's all surmountable.
Love Boat Captain
Pearl Jam
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Light the Night
Superman Sammy was a wonderful Honored Patient at this year's Light the Night walk at Playland. We had so many people come to support us, including friends form work, our neighborhood (even though many had moved away), and as far as from California and Florida!!! There were many orange t. shirts showing Sammy much love that night.
LPAC danced again and wowed the audience, and the overall turnout was excellent. We have raised $8500 to date and there is more to come.
Sammy was cold and tired by the time he needed to go on stage...we had partied the night before with all our friends from near and far...so he was not as on form as usual once on stage. He did well, however, and I spoke for him and talked about our journey, and how much I want the road we are all traveling on to be CLOSED for good...no more cancer!!!
Sammy and I had been videoed earlier in the day to promote LTN and Sammy was also interviewed by News 12 Westchester. He really is getting to be an old pro at the celebrity thing!
Walking was wonderful, surrounded by so many people who were there to support us as well as the Warriors. Peter had returned home from college to be there and was as much an inspiration as ever. He really is the vision of hope that drives parents forward.
Final numbers and amounts have yet to be counted..I will let you know as soon as they are. But for now, here are some pictures of the night:
LPAC danced again and wowed the audience, and the overall turnout was excellent. We have raised $8500 to date and there is more to come.
Sammy was cold and tired by the time he needed to go on stage...we had partied the night before with all our friends from near and far...so he was not as on form as usual once on stage. He did well, however, and I spoke for him and talked about our journey, and how much I want the road we are all traveling on to be CLOSED for good...no more cancer!!!
Sammy and I had been videoed earlier in the day to promote LTN and Sammy was also interviewed by News 12 Westchester. He really is getting to be an old pro at the celebrity thing!
Walking was wonderful, surrounded by so many people who were there to support us as well as the Warriors. Peter had returned home from college to be there and was as much an inspiration as ever. He really is the vision of hope that drives parents forward.
Final numbers and amounts have yet to be counted..I will let you know as soon as they are. But for now, here are some pictures of the night:
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