This post is long over due, I have wanted to sit down and blog but never seem to have the time. I'm so excited to let everyone know that Miss Sassy Pants tests all came back clear. Last Monday she went in for a CT scan, chest x-ray, and an ultra sound. It was so hard to keep her still for all of these procedures, luckily my Mom came to help me, sometimes it takes 2 people to keep Izzy's entertained and under control. The doctor look a long time to come into the room to discuss the results, which really had me on edge. Then Izzy's nurse came in and told us the doctor was running behind, but didn't want us to worry about the tests because they all looked good.
Here she is pretending to remove the picc line from one of her dolls. This helped her to understand how it works when they take her line out.
Then, here is her nurse removing the line that went straight to Miss Sassy Pants heart to give her chemo, anti biotics, and anti nausea medication for the last 4 months.
What's next you ask? Well we get a little break from having to go to PCMC on a weekly basis and don't have to go back until July. Then for the next 36 months Izzy will go in for scans, xrays, and ultra sounds to make sure the cancer doesn't come back.
I don't know if I will ever fully believe that Izzy is safe from cancer. It may sound dumb to some of you, but this experience has rocked my world so much that I feel like I will always worry that it will come back. Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware that the relapse for Wilms tumor is low I just can't help but think that we will forever be affected by this terrible disease.
If there is anything I can hope it is that people stop being so naive about childhood cancer. It's real and it really sucks! I never thought a child of mine would have cancer, in fact I don't know that I knew anyone under the age of 18 who had cancer. Cancer stole many things away from Izzy and our family during her treatment and it will forever be a part of her life, she has scars all over her body to prove it. I know her hair will grow back and she may forget a lot about this whole experience, but me I don't know that I will ever be the same person. I do know I will forever be an advocate for childhood cancer research though. And I hope that those of you who still follow Miss Sassy Pants blog will be there with me. Izzy isn't the only child I know now that has had to battle this ugly disease, you can look at the side bar and find blogs of Izzy's friends who are still fighting and it's not an easy fight.
For those of you who are on facebook you may be tired of my status updates about the CureSearch walk on July 9th, but I am bound and determined to bring awareness about childhood cancer and how important it is. The walk is a 5k (3 mile) or 1 mile walk around Liberty Park. You can bring wagons and stroller to the walk and kids can register for free. Adults are only $10. This walk isn't just about walking, it's about supporting a cause to help reach a day when there is a cure for childhood cancer. It's a day to celebrate and honor children from Utah who have been affected by children's cancer. The event will have prizes, music, food, and fun activities for the whole family. My dream is to one day have as many participants and support as I saw at the Susan G Komen walk/run for breat cancer las Saturday. If you would like to register for Izzy's team please click on the link below and select the Register button at the top of the page. If you can't attend the event or you live too far away you can be a virtual walker. Please help me make this event into something to honor Izzy and other children who have battled cancer. They deserve it!
http://www.curesearchwalk.org/saltlakecity/misssassypantssupporters388
Much Love,
Jennie
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I was trying to think of something just for Izzy, I decided I will join your team (I can still do that..right?)I'm so proud of you,your parents gotta be proud to see the women you've become. Just like my little Dusty You've both stepped right up, whenever/whatever/. Your incredible! And I'm so amazed at Tommy and Izzy,,even Rogue, talk about strong kids. I love you so much. ♥♥
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy, Jennie!!
ReplyDeleteIzzy!!! Yay!!! I knew you could kick cancer's booty!!! You did it!! I'm so happy and proud of you. You're a very tough and determined little girl and you should be proud of yourself.
I pray for you always. Love you!
hey you. i just registered for that walk, or whatever. i SO wish i could be there in person. it's almost literally killing me to watch this happen from so far away.
ReplyDeleteyou have always been there for me {aside from that time y'all let us take the bus instead of giving us a ride! hahaha) and i hate not being able to be there for you.
i love you so much jennie. i am in awe of your strength and miss izzy is so lucky to have you as a mom.
congrats on all the clear tests!!! i am so happy for you guys! how wonderful to be emerging on this side of things.
ReplyDeletei didn't know that the relapse rate for wilm's tumor is low - that is GREAT! what is it exactly? i'm always interested to learn about the relapse rates for different types of cancer. and i understand your feelings about not knowing if you can "relax" and truly believe the cancer is gone. i think it's normal for all of us cancer families to be wound up for a long time. but time is a good healer (as long as it's worry free time without problems and side effects - ha!)
Every time I read this, I'm so inspired by YOU!!! I'm so lucky that you are my daughter in-law ♥♥♥
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