Friday, October 1, 2010
Our trip to the Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch
We went to one of my favorite places, The Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch. This place to me is what fall is all about. It was a beautiful evening and my kids loved walking around looking at all the pumpkins. Tonight was opening night; can you tell I am feeling really anxious for fall?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Payton's Echo/EKG
Payton with Nurse Victoria
Payton was so brave getting his blood drawn
It has been an extremely long week of testing and waiting for Payton’s results. Payton had his Echo/ EKG and Scans on Monday. I keep hoping that this will get easier and the anxiety will go away, but it just doesn’t. The day went so much smoother not having to sedate Payton. The Sonogram and Chest X-ray felt like nothing compared to the lengthy MRI and CT scan that we usually have to do. I have to admit that I have stressed a bit about Payton’s Echo/EKG this week. This is the testing that is done to check his heart, to make sure that the chemo has not caused any damage. This testing usually has taken 15 to 20 minutes in the past and been quick and easy. The tech took over an hour and I thought that I was going to have a full blown anxiety attack while watching her. I kept wondering why she was taking so long and what if something was wrong. It really stressed me right out. I think that we have done this all so much routinely, that we know what to expect and if the testing takes longer then we expect we start wondering if something is not normal. It was a long week waiting to hear and I was just as worried about the results of the Echo/EKG as I was the scans.
FINALLY, we got our results and everything looks great. I found out that the tech was given instructions to also look for tumors around his heart and throat area and that is why it took as long as it did. Too bad I didn’t know that prior and I could have saved myself some serious worrying. It was such a great appointment on Friday in the H/O clinic. We saw many people that we love and appreciate for taking care of Payton during his chemo days. We got to see a friend Victoria that used to be one of our very favorite nurses on the 3rd H/O floor of the hospital. She has since moved to the clinic. I got all teary as it brought back tons of memories of our hospital stays. Victoria was always so sweet to Payton and used to sit on the floor with him and play. She was so excited to see Payton and how much he has changed in 2 ½ years. We also saw Dr. Heym, one of our favorite Oncology Doctors. All of these people have played such an important part of our lives. Last but not least we got to see Dr. Bowman. It is always so good to see him and hear his outlook on things. Dr. Bowman is so pleased to see another clean scan. He is staying optimistic that Payton will keep doing well. Dr. Bowman also said that we can finally start spreading our scans apart every 6 months now. Great news! Every three months comes way too often.
On Friday we met with Ms. Lisa whom works with the Life after Cancer patients at Cook’s. She has taken all of Payton’s records including his chemo dosages, hospital stays, radiation dosages, medicines, transfusions, etc. etc. and put them all in a book. She talked about the importance of Payton eating good foods and getting enough exercise to keep his heart strong. What a great idea to have it all together so that Payton will always have that information if and when he needs it. She talked about how Payton will always need to be seen and tested once a year for the rest of his life. She discussed all of the side effects that could possibly occur from Payton’s treatment. We have heard this all before, but it was a bit hard to hear it all again. I think sometimes you place it in a box in the back of your head so that you don’t have to think about it. We know of the risks, side effects and statistics regarding the high doses of chemo and radiation that Payton received. We know all this and yet I know that these statistics are nothing, because Payton’s life is in Heavenly Father’s hands. It is such a blessing and comfort to have this knowledge. There are times that it has taken a huge leap of faith and I have learned how little control we have over life and situations that occur. I have always been one that has wanted control over everything in my life and have realized the last few years, how little control we really have. Payton at the age of 5 has shown me how to have faith and how to live life to the fullest. I am extremely grateful for fabulous news. I take none of these clean scans for granted and thank Heavenly Father for every clean scan I see. I am grateful that I have two wonderful kids in my life; being a mom is the greatest gift in the world.
Payton with Nurse Victoria
Payton was so brave getting his blood drawn
It has been an extremely long week of testing and waiting for Payton’s results. Payton had his Echo/ EKG and Scans on Monday. I keep hoping that this will get easier and the anxiety will go away, but it just doesn’t. The day went so much smoother not having to sedate Payton. The Sonogram and Chest X-ray felt like nothing compared to the lengthy MRI and CT scan that we usually have to do. I have to admit that I have stressed a bit about Payton’s Echo/EKG this week. This is the testing that is done to check his heart, to make sure that the chemo has not caused any damage. This testing usually has taken 15 to 20 minutes in the past and been quick and easy. The tech took over an hour and I thought that I was going to have a full blown anxiety attack while watching her. I kept wondering why she was taking so long and what if something was wrong. It really stressed me right out. I think that we have done this all so much routinely, that we know what to expect and if the testing takes longer then we expect we start wondering if something is not normal. It was a long week waiting to hear and I was just as worried about the results of the Echo/EKG as I was the scans.
FINALLY, we got our results and everything looks great. I found out that the tech was given instructions to also look for tumors around his heart and throat area and that is why it took as long as it did. Too bad I didn’t know that prior and I could have saved myself some serious worrying. It was such a great appointment on Friday in the H/O clinic. We saw many people that we love and appreciate for taking care of Payton during his chemo days. We got to see a friend Victoria that used to be one of our very favorite nurses on the 3rd H/O floor of the hospital. She has since moved to the clinic. I got all teary as it brought back tons of memories of our hospital stays. Victoria was always so sweet to Payton and used to sit on the floor with him and play. She was so excited to see Payton and how much he has changed in 2 ½ years. We also saw Dr. Heym, one of our favorite Oncology Doctors. All of these people have played such an important part of our lives. Last but not least we got to see Dr. Bowman. It is always so good to see him and hear his outlook on things. Dr. Bowman is so pleased to see another clean scan. He is staying optimistic that Payton will keep doing well. Dr. Bowman also said that we can finally start spreading our scans apart every 6 months now. Great news! Every three months comes way too often.
On Friday we met with Ms. Lisa whom works with the Life after Cancer patients at Cook’s. She has taken all of Payton’s records including his chemo dosages, hospital stays, radiation dosages, medicines, transfusions, etc. etc. and put them all in a book. She talked about the importance of Payton eating good foods and getting enough exercise to keep his heart strong. What a great idea to have it all together so that Payton will always have that information if and when he needs it. She talked about how Payton will always need to be seen and tested once a year for the rest of his life. She discussed all of the side effects that could possibly occur from Payton’s treatment. We have heard this all before, but it was a bit hard to hear it all again. I think sometimes you place it in a box in the back of your head so that you don’t have to think about it. We know of the risks, side effects and statistics regarding the high doses of chemo and radiation that Payton received. We know all this and yet I know that these statistics are nothing, because Payton’s life is in Heavenly Father’s hands. It is such a blessing and comfort to have this knowledge. There are times that it has taken a huge leap of faith and I have learned how little control we have over life and situations that occur. I have always been one that has wanted control over everything in my life and have realized the last few years, how little control we really have. Payton at the age of 5 has shown me how to have faith and how to live life to the fullest. I am extremely grateful for fabulous news. I take none of these clean scans for granted and thank Heavenly Father for every clean scan I see. I am grateful that I have two wonderful kids in my life; being a mom is the greatest gift in the world.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Payton's 2 1/2 year after treatment scans
Tomorrow is Payton’s 2 ½ year after treatment scans. Where does the time go? We are so grateful that Payton has recovered so well from his surgery 4 months ago in April. Payton learned a great deal of faith and prayer through this past surgery. I remember him waking up in the middle of the night crying because he was in a lot of pain and he would say, “mom, hold my hand and pray that I will feel better.” He then, would quickly fall asleep and be fine. Payton on several different occasions will suggest that we have prayer. This past week Savannah came home with a stomach bug and Payton was really concerned about her. I was busy in the kitchen getting Savannah a drink. When I returned to the bedroom I found Payton saying a prayer next to Savannah. He said, “Help my sister to feel better because she doesn’t want to be sick anymore.” I immediately had tears rolling down my face. When Payton finished his prayer, I asked him what he was doing. He replied, “Mom, we have to ask Heavenly Father to help us when we are sick.” I was really taken back that my five year old was telling me this. Payton is such a true blessing in our family and I fully believe that he is here with us for a purpose. What amazing faith he has at the age of 5.
Back to Payton’s scan’s tomorrow. Payton will have an ultrasound, chest X-ray and Echo/EKG tomorrow. We are so excited that we no longer have the CT scans and MRIs. I am extremely happy that he doesn’t have to be sedated anymore as well as be exposed to as much radiation. Our oncology appointment with Dr. Bowman is not until Friday, so it will be a long week waiting for results. We are staying very optimistic for cleans scans and a good week.
Back to Payton’s scan’s tomorrow. Payton will have an ultrasound, chest X-ray and Echo/EKG tomorrow. We are so excited that we no longer have the CT scans and MRIs. I am extremely happy that he doesn’t have to be sedated anymore as well as be exposed to as much radiation. Our oncology appointment with Dr. Bowman is not until Friday, so it will be a long week waiting for results. We are staying very optimistic for cleans scans and a good week.
Monday, August 23, 2010
First Day Back To School
I am feeling really emotional as Payton is getting ready to start Kindergarten. I recall feeling so scared and unsure if I would see this day come. What a crazy few years our life has been. I still look back and cannot believe that Payton went through cancer, radiation, surgeries, chemo, and a possible scare relapse. At times it feels like such a blur. We are all doing well at moving on and putting it behind us. At times like this when I recall wondering if I would see him attend Kindergarten it brings it all back again. I am so truly grateful that I have Payton with us today. There has not been a single day that has passed that I haven’t poured my heart out and thanked Heavenly Father that I have my little one with me. Payton to me is a constant reminder to be thankful for all the little things in life. I am thankful that I am his mom. I am thankful for all the time that I get to spend with him and cannot seem to every get enough of him. Payton asks me a question every day which is “Mom, why do you like me so much.” He says, “You kiss me a lot every day and you are always so nice to me.” It’s like I have a pair of sunglasses on and I see things through different eyes. I don’t think that will every change. Payton is so precious. Chad and I look and Payton and then look at each other all the time and I always know that we are thinking the same thing. How truly lucky we are to have our little guy. We just eat up every moment that we have with him.
So back to today, I am sad but also feeling so amazingly grateful to see my little guy attend his first day of Kindergarten. My family wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have Payton as part of our lives. Even though I am sad that this means I will get to spend less time with him, what a great day it is.
So back to today, I am sad but also feeling so amazingly grateful to see my little guy attend his first day of Kindergarten. My family wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have Payton as part of our lives. Even though I am sad that this means I will get to spend less time with him, what a great day it is.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Bear Lake
We arrived at our cabin in Bear Lake and Grandpa and Grandma had everything set up and ready to begin our Sports Spectacular Event. The kids were really excited to spend time with each other. Grandpa and Grandma had sports shirts, lanyards, hats and water bottles for each of the kids. The rules and schedules were explained.
The kids were given a sports pass to put on their lanyard. The kids could earn 1 sticker by participating in an event and 2 stickers by winning a competition. The stickers were placed on the back on their lanyards. Once the kids earned so many stickers they could go to the dugout. The dugout had prizes for the kids to choose from. Each prize was on a point system of 1, 2 or 3 stickers.
The kids also received a rubber duck to put on their lanyard. The kids could earn additional ducks for good sportsmanship and for helping do chores without being asked. During different times of the day Grandpa and Grandma would do something called “feed the ducks.” The kids would get a certain amount of treats for how many ducks they had earned. Every duck looked different and Grandpa had an exact match of every duck. Everyday Grandpa would place a different duck on his lanyard. If at any time any of the kids had a duck that matched Grandpa’s duck and they were to notice, they would receive a dollar bill.
Grandpa and Grandma also had a Sports Gnome. Every day Grandpa and Grandma would hide the Gnome and give the kids clues to find it. The kid that would find the Gnome would get to pick out a $5 Gift Card.
The kids competed in a hula hoop and double shot basketball competition today. It is great having everyone together.
The kids were given a sports pass to put on their lanyard. The kids could earn 1 sticker by participating in an event and 2 stickers by winning a competition. The stickers were placed on the back on their lanyards. Once the kids earned so many stickers they could go to the dugout. The dugout had prizes for the kids to choose from. Each prize was on a point system of 1, 2 or 3 stickers.
The kids also received a rubber duck to put on their lanyard. The kids could earn additional ducks for good sportsmanship and for helping do chores without being asked. During different times of the day Grandpa and Grandma would do something called “feed the ducks.” The kids would get a certain amount of treats for how many ducks they had earned. Every duck looked different and Grandpa had an exact match of every duck. Everyday Grandpa would place a different duck on his lanyard. If at any time any of the kids had a duck that matched Grandpa’s duck and they were to notice, they would receive a dollar bill.
Grandpa and Grandma also had a Sports Gnome. Every day Grandpa and Grandma would hide the Gnome and give the kids clues to find it. The kid that would find the Gnome would get to pick out a $5 Gift Card.
The kids competed in a hula hoop and double shot basketball competition today. It is great having everyone together.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Summer 2010 Sports Spectacular
The kids were super anxious for their summer trip to begin. The summer theme this year was Sports Spectacular. We arrived in Utah and Grandpa and Grandma kicked off our sports spectacular with a cookout, cotton candy and games. My sister Jennifer drove in from Arizona with her three kids: Noah, Riley and Ella and her new husband Kevin with his children: Kari, Kirsten, Kaitlin, and Trevor.
The kids were all really excited to see each other. Payton and Ella enjoyed exploring Grandpa's garden. They picked raspberries and were so cute conversing back and forth. It reminded me of how much I enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
The kids were all really excited to see each other. Payton and Ella enjoyed exploring Grandpa's garden. They picked raspberries and were so cute conversing back and forth. It reminded me of how much I enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
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