So Much To Do, So Little Time
June 21, 2009 by BloggerNewbie
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“So much to do, so little time!”
I don’t know who coined that phrase but “ain’t that the truth?!”
It has been so long and so much has happened during my blogosphere absence! I miss the fantasy world of the internet.
My only real focus:
As many of you know, my grandson is once again fighting the battle of and for his life! Every time I actually say that out loud I could scream and kick and throw something. Yeah, pretty much a tantrum. I am certainly not beneath acting out that way but when the feeling strikes it seems I am usually not in the opportune place to display or vent my anger. For those of you who are not familiar Drake’s journey and are interested you can start with this story.
Where to begin?
I was working two jobs for most of April. I was trying to wrap up a few things, train the new assistant all the while I was setting up the new system at the new office. One of my very good friends left the law firm he had been a partner in for a few years to start his own law office and asked me to come along and be a part of his adventure! It has been very interesting to say the least. The prior law office that I worked with dealt primarily with real estate and elder law. The new law firm concentrates in criminal, civil, personal injury, malpractice, family law and employment law. Never a dull moment!
And Then?
Halle Lynn Gratton made her entrance into the world on May 6, 2009! She weighed in at 8 lbs 9.8 oz and was 21 inches long. She is so adorable. And such a good baby. I hesitate to say that out loud for fear of, I don’t know, speaking too soon. All went well for the most part. Mommy had plenty of complications throughout her pregnancy but at the end of the day, more like the end of a few weeks, every thing seems to be fine. Danielle wouldn’t know what to do with herself if she didn’t have extreme stress. I would like to actually see that for myself. I can’t remember what kind of young lady she was before this ordeal.
More good stuff – My oldest daughter decided it was time for her to get married. Thankfully, it was very low key, very relaxing and enjoyable. It was a real pleasure to add hope and inspiration to our routine.
Oh, yes, there’s more!
Did I mention that my brother had a heart attack? I truly can’t remember exactly when it (they) occurred. He had a few stints put in, took some time off, got some meds and he’s good. Thank you very much. He had to get better to be here for his new grandbaby. Our family has heart disease (not cancer). Not to be outdone, my mom made a little side trip to the hospital this week. I lose track of days but my husband also experienced an ER trip for chest pains. Luckily (?) he had pulled a muscle. I can’t make this stuff up! My friends have always told me I should write a book.
Again my only real focus:
Drake has endured 6 rounds of chemo, bi-weekly doctor visits, daily shots and continues to be an inspiration to us all. He is clearly amazing and this is not Granny bragging. Just a fact. He has been battling this demon (who will NOT win) since he was 10 months old with only a short reprieve. Doctors, hospital and medicine is a way of life for him and all he has known.
Drake is scheduled for surgery for the extraction of his tumors on Monday, June 29, 2009. I have so many thoughts and fears that I cannot speak. Yet, at the same time, there are so many unknowns that I don’t even know what to fear.
I have decided to believe in miracles and will maintain a positive absolute attitude.
Toodles – Blog Happy!
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“The thing always happens that you really believe in;
and the belief in a thing makes it happen….”
~ Frank Lloyd Wright
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Yay!
April 2, 2009 by BloggerNewbie
I don’t even know what day it is but we received totally great news this week. Right to the point – the chemo is working, Drake’s tumors are shrinking. That is about all we know (or I know) at this point. And at this point, that is good enough for me. I will just take that good news and revel in it for a few days.
As many of you know, my grandson Drake was diagnosed with cancer when he was just 10 months old. He had been in remission for about 10 months this past January (2009) when the ugly, nasty, “c” word came back. I previously tried to explain his story as best I could but sometimes I don’t know where to begin!
To add more challenge to the family, my daughter is expecting a new baby the first week of May. Finally, she can be excited about the anticipation of a new baby girl!
So much is going on I haven’t had 5 continuous minutes to put together. I have had computer/internet/network problems all over the place – work, home, friends, family. I used to like working on computers! Well, it’s back to business.
Toodles – Blog Happy!
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” Once you choose hope,
anything’s possible…”
~ Christopher Reeve
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Veteran’s Day
November 11, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
“Veteran’s Day”
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
For all who served and for all who serve, we can never thank you enough. This day is in honor of you. On this day, if not every day, we thank you for your service and sacrifice.
There are many sacrifices for those who serve. From the ultimate price of loss of life to time away from family and everything in between. Thank you and God Bless you and your families.
Toodles – Blog Happy!
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Do You Know What To Say?
October 18, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
“Do You Know What To Say?”
Do you know what to say? More importantly, do you know what NOT to say? I know that in difficult situations, people are nervous and say the first inappropriate thing that comes to their minds, but I’m here to suggest a few rehearsed lines that will work in a variety of situations. Read more
Popularity: 17% [?]
Blog Action Day – Poverty
October 15, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
“Blog Action Day – Poverty”
A Personal Story
When I was a kid… He he he. Yeah, I say that to my kids all the time. Hey, it’s one of the few perks of being an adult.
Seriously, when I was a kid we were poor. My mom was a single parent with eight kids in the late 60’s. Need I say more! There is definitely a place in heaven for my mom. She did a great job. All eight kids entered adult hood without too many scrapes. No druggies, no criminals, all hard workers!
Read more
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Today is Childhood Cancer Awareness Day
September 13, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
Today is Childhood Cancer Awareness Day
Childhood cancer kills more kids each year than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined. 
A measly three percent of the budget for the National Cancer Institute goes towards pediatric cancers. 12,500 of our innocent, precious children will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
One in four will not survive childhood cancer, two in four will suffer long term/chronic side effects.
Many of those who survive the brutal treatments will be scarred in ways that will greatly affect their quality of life. Those who do not survive leave behind devastated families with heartbreakingly empty arms.
“Most of us have far more courage
than we ever dreamed we possessed..”
- Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)
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It’s Hard To Believe..
September 11, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
It’s hard to believe it has been SEVEN YEARS since that fateful day on 09-11-2001. Wow. Some days it feels like yesterday, some days it feels like 20 years ago. 
And yet again, some days it feels like it never really happened at all. That kind of thing doesn’t happen to us, not the United States of America! It will forever be one of those discussions that people will ask “do you remember where you were that day?” Read more
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September 13, 2008 – Childhood Cancer Awareness DAY
September 9, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
September 13, 2008 –
Childhood Cancer Awareness DAY
Can you think of anything more important than our children? No.
The wonderful world of the blogosphere bands together on all kinds of worthy causes. We should be proud to know we make a HUGE difference in whatever we speak about.
You’ve heard about how “every vote counts”? Well every dollar counts, every action counts, every prayer counts. The gold ribbon is the symbol of childhood cancer because our children are more precious than gold.
How would you feel if you knew that writing a post asking people to act on something, anything to do with childhood cancer saved a child’s life?
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Saturday, September 13, 2008 is Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. Please do something.
Toodles – Blog Happy!
Cancer you monster, let go of our son. We won’t let you take him, don’t think you have won. Thought you could sneak in like a thief in the night, Trample our spirit, then take our child’s life. You started this battle, but we’ll win this war. We caught you red handed, you’ll live no more. We fought you with chemo, it made him ill. Your time here is short, its you this will kill. With courage and faith, his fear he’ll walk through. There is no surrender, just the death of you!
~ Author Unknown
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There Are No Words
September 4, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
There Are No Words
This is the conclusion (for now) of our story we are sharing for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. We struggled with telling our story. It is very painful. “I Don’t Know Where To Begin“, Many times we would ask ourselves – “Now What Do We Do’. We only had once choice – Hope Is Our Only Hope.
There are no words to describe the frustration and sadness of having to stand by and helplessly watch our little boy fight for his life. He was a trooper though. He very seldom complained.
Drake started his chemo and was able to come home between treatments. His immune system was so compromised that he was only home a few days at a time before he was back in the hospital with one infection or another. I didn’t even know half the time what exactly was making him sick. All I know is that he was sick. He didn’t really have too many days in a row where he felt well.
It was time for his first scan to see if the chemo was working. He had finished two rounds. I was hoping it would shrink at least 10%, I secretly prayed that it worked and that I would even take 5% – just please let it shrink. It has to work. I don’t think there was a plan b.
Words cannot describe the joy and relief! The chemo was working. In fact the tumor had been reduced by almost 30% and his lung was starting to slowly inflate. Thank you God! I think I’m going to be sick. (That didn’t make sense.)
We weren’t out of the woods yet and we still had a long way to go. This is definitely a rollercoaster ride. Another two rounds of chemo. Poor baby. In and out of the hospital, sick, lost his hair – cute little bald guy. Mommy’s nerves are wearing thin. This is so all consuming. But she’s doing such a great job managing it all. I am so proud of her. Everyone had to go back to work so the primary care fell on her shoulders and her husband’s shoulders. Her husband is awesome.
Drake has spent his first Christmas; first birthday; 
and first Easter in the hospital. I promise him this is not going to be his celebrations next year. My daughter knew that she would be returning to the hospital whenever a holiday was approaching. It was just their routine. The staff at the Children’s Hospital Boston made sure their celebrations were as “normal and traditional” as possible.
Time for Drake’s next scan. Please let the treatment still be working. Yeah again! The tumor is still shrinking. They think they can remove the remainder with surgery. Oh no – not surgery again. The last “little” surgery was devastating to him (and us.) It was time.
The surgery would be 6 to 8 hours long. The doctors promised they would take care of the baby like he was their own son. We had come so far, there was only one outcome. The chief surgeon came out 6 hours later and told us he’s confident he has removed the entire tumor. He had to remove part of his lung, part of his diaphragm and some of his muscle on the inner wall. The doctor said Drake was doing very well. He was stable through the whole surgery.
Drake came out of recovery without the respirator. What a strong dude. He had a few connections but he even woke up a few times. He had quite an incision but he came home within a week. Unbelievable. I was amazed.
He would need two more rounds of chemo. I can’t even imagine what that poison is doing to his healthy tissue. All I know is it saved his life. The first scan would be three months after his last round of chemo. The tumor can’t come back because they have no plan b.
His first scan was a success. Wahoo! Drake has been cancer free for three months! He is running all around causing all kinds of trouble. We can finally see his personality. He has a great sense of humor. He doesn’t stop yakking! He just had his first hair cut.
Our baby is a happy story; a story of hope and faith. There are too many that don’t have a happy story. That’s not right. These little guys are innocent children. We need to do something. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. There is probably a cancer fundraiser in your area this month. Please participate. Every little bit helps. The actual day is September 13. Please say a prayer for the children, their families and their medical teams on that day.
There are so many ways to help and participate. Little ways to big ways. Everyone can do something.
Toodles – Blog Happy!
” The more you care,
the stronger you can be…
- Jim Rohn
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Hope Is Our Only Hope
September 3, 2008 by BloggerNewbie
Hope Is Our Only Hope
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is very important to share stories and make people aware of the reality of childhood cancer. It is ugly and it is real and yes, it does really happen. There are also stories of joy and hope. And I can tell you from experience, joy and hope are scarce when you and your family are suffering through cancer.
The beginning of our story started with the shock of cancer. That happens to other people. Not our family. This can’t be happening. Hospitals and doctors have made plenty of mistakes before; after all, they are human. He’s just a baby. When are they going to fix him so we can take him home?
Now what are we going to do? Yesterday, I brought you to the start of the baby’s treatment. Oh, I think this is going to be a long road. It was about 10 days before Christmas. They wanted a larger biopsy to test the tumor outside the body; I guess they wanted a one inch by one inch chunk. Why don’t they take a bigger chunk? Maybe that would buy a little more time. We were concerned that the tumor was going to grow and we didn’t know what, if anything, chemo was going to do. There wasn’t any more room for this ugly thing to grow.
The team of doctors tried to prepare us for how Drake would come out of surgery. The little guy was going to be on a respirator, he was going to have tubes coming out of every spot on his little body. He would be in intensive care for a few days. He’s just a baby. I hate this.
But he amazed us. Drake came out of the procedure without a respirator, without any feeding tubes, without any other tubes. What a tough little guy! When we were finally able to see him, I peaked in his room while the nurses were settling him. I could see he was looking around for someone familiar. When he spotted me he tried to get up but decided that was not such a good idea.
We spoke too soon. We weren’t prepared for the little guy’s reaction to this “little” biopsy. Now I knew why they couldn’t remove anymore of the tumor. In the night all hell broke loose! He was having difficulty breathing so they reinserted the respirator which he didn’t like too well. He was transferred to pediatric ICU. They put him into a medicated induced coma. They haven’t even started treatment yet.
My daughter and her husband hadn’t been home in a month. 
My daughter wasn’t holding up so well. We decided it would be a good idea if she went home to be with their daughter for a couple of days. Their daughter was getting a little worried about her brother. It was getting close to Christmas.
We were going to have to celebrate Christmas for Emily. We went back to Boston the weekend before Christmas. We brought Emily, all the Christmas gifts and an artificial tree to our room at the Ronald McDonald house. We were lucky that we had a room at the Ronald McDonald house with kitchen utilities and our own bathroom. I had my Christmas with Emily a few days early. I had my video camera to capture granny’s girl when she discovered she would get to open presents early. Drake was spending his first Christmas “sleeping”. The team of doctors had taken Drake off the respirator Christmas Eve hoping he was going to be strong enough to breathe on his own. One of my other daughters stayed at the hospital with Drake so mommy and daddy could have Christmas with Emily.
Christmas morning at my house was pretty quiet. My husband and I were both preoccupied with our own thoughts and pain. I told him this was the worst Christmas ever. I called and spoke to Emily and she was excited that Santa Claus did know where she was. And of course she got just what she wanted – Hannah Montana stuff! They were on their way to the hospital to see Drake. My daughter called me about 15 minutes later and I could hear Drake in the background! They had him sitting up and he was jabbering away! This is the BEST Christmas ever.
It’s time for Chemo. We’ve all heard the horror stories. 
We were trying to prepare ourselves for the crap this baby was going to have to endure to “maybe” reduce the size of his tumor. The plan was: he would have a round of Chemo wait two weeks then another round before they would know if anything was happening. More excruciating waiting, more praying, more begging. Drake was going to be able to go home between Chemo treatments. He had been in the hospital for two months. It was going to seem good to have some resemblance to normal.
My story is a little longer than I thought. I need another break and you probably do too. I will definitely try to conclude my story tomorrow. There are no words.
Toodles – Blog Happy!
” Once you choose hope,
anything’s possible…”
~ Christopher Reeve
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