December 29, 2010

So I managed to get a little sleep on the tiny bed with Cody. It was uncomfortable but I got a little. We are waiting to go upstairs and see what the drs say.

We saw the team and we are pretty sure Cody just got himself dehydrated and tried to eat pork ribs that he was not ready to digest. We left the hospital around 1 today and we both went home and crashed. We woke up at 4 and Cody's dad stopped over. Cody is upset about his grandfather passing. He wanted to see his dad. He was only here for a little while and then Cody and I watched the hockey game. He felt much better but just tired as I was. Early bed tonight.

December 28, 2010

Tuesday-Cody saw his dad for dinner last night and went with him around 12 today. They went to the city and went to a museum which we all know Cody hates. Oh well. He ended up leaving it early and going to his uncle's house. He said he did not eat much and was texting me all day. I know he was bored. He got home around 10 pm and about an hour later he vomited. I gave him the anti vomiting med and we tried to go back to sleep. He vomited again around 1 am and that is when I call Sloan and we needed to come in. So off we go and I was able to give him the stress dose of steroids at home. He did not vomit anymore but was dehydrated when we got here. He said he did drink but I have a feeling he did not. He was with this dad for 10 hours. That is the conclusion we got here, so far dehydration. On the way, his dad called back to tell us that the grandfather passed away. He has always had heart issues but I guess it was just time. I feel bad. He was a good guy. He will be missed. RIP Ron Byrnes.

December 27, 2010

Monday-Digging out of the two feet of snow. There were drifts higher than that too.

I went out early to start the walkway. Thank goodness we did not have any emergencies. We stayed in again today. I think we did make it to Subway later in the day so he could get his favorite sandwich. Long day at home again....

December 26, 2010

Sunday-Well today it snowed. And it snowed and the wind blew. The Blizzard of 2010! Needless to say, we stayed in all day and Cody did a good deal of eating. He had little meals but he ate.

We watched a few movies and just hung out and watched it snow....

Decmeber 23, 2010

Thursday-Today was a fun day at work. I made a thank you speech to my teachers. I got through it without tears. Later we had our sing along. Cody was at his school and they had a pep rally for the winter sports. They did a pie throwing contest and raised money for Cody. He got to throw a pie into the teacher's face and he got it! He and Brittany then came to my school and was there for the sing along. Cody was singing his heart out too. It was cute. He walked around and saw my friends and I know they were glad to see him. He was good with the kids. One kid asked him if he had cancer and how he felt. Cody answered him and did a great job. It was a fun day.

December 25, 2010

Christmas Day-

I woke up to Cody crawling in bed with me. Now this was a big task for him. He had to walk up the stairs on his own which he did. He was pretty excited. We opened a few presents and did the skype thing with Casey and he watched us and we watched him. I think he missed us. Cody was thrilled with his stuff and I am happy with mine. It was a nice morning. We watched Roy and Veronica and the kids on Skype too. Cody sent grandma (my mom) a fake lottery ticket so she was calling about that. He got her good. It was funny. We made a ham and just watched movies and ate and chilled for the rest of the day. Guess we will do this tomorrow too as snow is coming. Merry Christmas to all. I hope yours was a good one! Stop and count your blessing and enjoy the time with your family and friends.

December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve-Today was a fun day. We kinda just hung around and then ended up at the movies with Cody's girlfriend. It was a nice afternoon. Then Cody and I went to his friend's house for dinner, surf and turf. All good for me and I even got to have a glass of wine. Cody hung with his friend and a few other kids and had a good time. We got home in time to get a good night of sleep and wait for Santa....Merry Christmas Eve...

December 22, 2010

Well, the Islanders did it again for us!! Not only did they win but we are so lucky to have been connected with such great people. We were down at the ice watching warm ups and one of the players, Trevor Gillies, saw Cody and came to the glass and pounded it with his stick and gave him a huge hello. Then he threw a puck over but we did not catch it. Cody was beaming.

We met with our friend there, Ann. We had a present for her. Well, she comes walking up with a HUGE framed present of some kind for Cody. It was a beautiful framed photo of Richard Park! Cody was so thrilled and speechless.

We were talking with an usher and he told us we could move seats to come closer. As we were standing with him talking, he was talking to a guy and we found out it was Josh Bailey's dad. Josh is Cody's new player. So during the game we were sitting with Cody's friends and Cody decided he wanted to go introduce himself. So he walks over and Josh's dad shakes his hand and he sits with him. They have a chat and Cody walks back just smiling.

We are sitting there watching the rest of the game and Mr. Bailey comes over with a signed plaque thing, like a trading card but made of hard plastic. He says there are only a few of those and he gave one to Cody.

Amazing. As we were driving home, Cody says he feels that having cancer has been a blessing. He would have never have met these people and would not be friends with them. It is hard to put it into words but he was def having a moment. Beautiful night...thanks all!

December 21, 2010

Tuesday-Lots of changes with the visit to Sloan and the best is we do not have to go next week! We are working toward every other week. Life is good. His steroid got switched and it is being tapered. I guess once we got those great biopsy results, it is ok to start the tapering. He is thrilled. We are cutting back on his feeds too so that he will eat more. His skin kinda flaired up but it is just eczema so we are working on it.

A good day for all....

December 20, 2010

Monday-Well here starts a hectic week but a fun one. Cody was up and cooked and showered. He had 2 tutors today. He did well. He even got presents!! We were both tired last night and went to bed early. Cody is going to Sloan tomorrow with his dad.

Good night

December 19, 2010

Sunday-Well, I was really hoping for a snow day but looks like it has passed us by this time. Oh well. It was a busy day. I made lots of cookies for the the cookie exchange tomorrow. I even took a nap today. Cody was pretty lazy too. He slept till around 1. Guess he needed it.

We hung around and enjoyed our Sunday. Here's to a short holiday week!!

December 18, 2010

Saturday-Lots of running around hopefully shopping is finished. We had a great day and went to the Islanders game tonight. It was a good game, the Isles lost in a shootout which was so upsetting. We had fun though...night all

December 17, 2010

Friday-TGIF!! GREAT DAY! Biopsies back and cancer free, still and the skin biopsies revealed that it is not GVH but more of eczema. I was right all along. I was here at lunch when I told Cody and he got tears in his eyes. He was so happy. I cannot imagine how he feels. It is a great feeling.

Cody spent most of the day home alone. His gfriend has been sick so she is not coming near him. He did well and I checked him at lunch and then after work. I came to check him again and went to my work party for a little while. It was nice to relax with everyone. Then I took Cody to eat. All was good and things are looking up. Spoke to Casey too and he is possibly getting deployed earlier so he might be here in February. I hate the fact that is getting deployed but am glad we will get to see him...keep him in your prayers too...night all

December 16, 2010

Thursday- Better day for Cody. After I got home from work, we went to the mall for some shopping and then went to HSE's winter concert. It was a shorter concert but good. It was kinda sad to know that Cody was not in it and he felt that too. Early night and sweet dreams...

December 15, 2010

Wednesday-Phew...I am tired. It was such a long day yesterday and we are both going to bed early!! Cody is sore today but did well. Now we wait for the results of the biopsies...

December 14, 2010

Tuesday-Cody had a tough night of sleeping. Last night before he went to sleep, we talked about this and the 2 yr since his diagnosis. He was upset and said he was thinking about those that did not make it and how he did. He then said, "we are doing this, we are doing this, mom". Yes, we are! Today he was up at 5 and left with his dad around 10:30 and got his procedures and an xray of his foot. He did well and got home late and basically went to bed. He is a trooper. He got a biopsy on his arm too. We will hear later this week about any results. Long day and glad it is over. Good night all.

Decmeber 13, 2010

Monday-Good day back. We found out that Cody's toe that was infecting grew bacteria so it was treated with antibiotics. He feels good and is eating. Today he got himself up, showered and cooked his lunch. He needs to start doing that and to be independent. I am proud of him. Tomorrow is his biopsy for his bone marrow and skin. He is going with his dad and he will be fine.

It is 2 years today that we got this horrible diagnosis. It is actually tomorrow but this was the day, Monday, 2 yrs ago that we started at Schneider's with all this. Hard to believe.

December 12, 2010

Sunday-Terrible weather today for sure! We stayed in all day and enjoyed a day of nothing! Cody feels really good so looks like I am on track for tomorrow. All is good in the fort.

December 11, 2010

Saturday-We took it easy today and Cody ate three meals. We did not run his feeds last night but instead did pedialyte. He was hungry. And everything stayed down so all looking good. We went to the hockey game and we were in the 2nd row! Great seats!! Cody's friend and his dad sat with us. We gave our tix to one of his teachers so they came and sat with us too. The arena was not filled with this losing Islander track. It was a great game but sad they lost.

December 10, 2010

Friday- We got home around 5 today. So exhausted. Got situated here at home and went to bed. No more episodes for Cody, thank goodness. Happy weekend.

December 9, 2010

Thursday-another good day that did not end so well. Cody met with his tutor briefly and felt fine. We went to eat at Friday's and then came home to watch the hockey game. He was feeling nauseous and then ended up vomiting. This was just the start of it. He vomited again with a watery stool around 12. I called the drs and they had me give him a stress dose of steroids at home. It should have done the trick but then he vomited and had diarrhea again and he told me that we needed to come in. This was around 2 am. He was crying and it broke my heart. He kept saying he did not want me to miss work. His dad was here and could have brought him but after it being already 2ish and then how could I focus at work and be worrying about him? It was a no brainer for me. Hey, I got a paycheck and 9 good days. This is just a little setback. We got to Sloan and stayed in Urgent Care till 8 am and I managed to crawl into the tiny bed, a bit bigger than a stretcher but got little sleep. We came up to the day hospital for evaluation. We needed to stay to get some IV fluids and another stress dose of steroids. It is 12 noon now and we are still here but should be able to go home soon.

We got home at 5ish. We ran to get meds and pedialyte and I need to catch up on my sleep now. They are going to do a skin biopsy on Tuesday to check the rashes and skin irritations he keeps getting. It could be GVHD and maybe we need to treat it differently. They will also do a bone marrow biopsy since he is due. I will not be going with him for this one, I will be working. He says he is ok going with his dad. He is a strong boy. I am hoping for a good night here tonight. Night all...

December 8, 2010

Wednesday-Pretty good day. Cody had his tutor and then we went to a board meeting for a foundation that has been helping us. It is called "Contractors For Kids". Cody and I want to give back and we want to help. We sat with board members and guests and there are a few things we want to get involved with. We will do our best. We have some ideas. It was good going there and seeing everyone.

December 7, 2010

Tuesday-Long day for Cody. He was at Sloan with his dad and then they stayed in the city for lunch and then he got home around 6. Changes in skin meds and he is having some dry skin issues. I personally think he inherited sensitive skin from his cord blood. It is not GVHD but Cody worries like crazy that it is. We will start new creams tonight. He is on another antibiotic for an infected finger and a urinary tract infection. That should kick both rather quickly.

Pretty good day for me too...oxoxox

December 6, 2010

Monday...week 2 for me back at work. All went well and it was like the kids did not know any other teacher...it was a great day. We went to the award ceremony for suffolk county and Cody got his courage award from Army Captain Fyfe. It was a really special award and night. I am so proud of him and he had a good time sitting with his friends. It was a good night here for us. Night all. Pics to follow.....he is off to Sloan tomorrow with his dad. I miss that place, really I do.

December 5, 2010

Sunday-All day at the race track ended with Cody getting 2nd place with his car...we even came home in the middle of the day and both took a snooze...beautiful day...

December 4, 2010

Saturday-I was up nice and early today. I was trying to catch up on my Thursday shows and I ended up going back to sleep on the couch. I slept till 11:30. We ran around did some shopping. Cody got a new jacket. I dropped him home and ran out again. We just needed a day to take it easy. Brittany's, Cody's girlfriend came over again and we just hung out. Nice and quiet again and we wanted it that way since tomorrow is the big car race.

Decmeber 3, 2010

Friday-TGIF! Thank goodness this week is over. Cody and I both did well for our first week apart. We are just hanging home tonight. Cody's girlfriend came over and I did some shopping. Looking forward to getting to bed early.

December 2, 2010

Thursday-The day started off perfectly. My family at SH surprised me with a breakfast. It was full of yummy treats and a beautiful sign! I was surprised and could not hold back the tears. It is so good to be back and I did miss them. Today I had the class on my own and it was fine. We did not cover everything but we did it.

Cody did well too. I did not need to come home as his dad was here (surprise) and Cody went to eat with his girl again. And now I am pooped and cozy and he is napping BUT, we have to get ready for the Islander/Ranger game tonight...Good time with Cody and thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!! Now let's just hope they win.

December 1, 2010

Wednesday-Morning was good until Cody called and said he vomited. I wish I could post his message here. He was so cute. He felt fine and dealt with it and it passed and he felt fine.

I went home at lunch to clean up and he showered and it was all taken care of. He did well and when I got home his tutor was here. He even went out to lunch with his g/friend. My day was good too, just tired and trying to catch up. It is good to be back and tomorrow I get the room back to myself.

November 30. 2010

Tuesday- A VERY long day...Cody was up and out of the out at 7:30 this morning. His dad picked him up and took him to Sloan for his treatments and check up. All went well. I had a good day too and started some actual teaching which felt weird the first time, for sure! But I will be ok once I am on my own which is tomorrow.

Cody got home and changed into his jeans and we headed to the high school for a party with the soccer team and then for the long awards ceremony. The party/dinner was great with the coach giving out some silly awards. It was cute. Then into the auditorium for the awards ceremony. I was surprised. Cody was called up with all the athletes for the athletic scholars pins for a high grade point average. The coaches went up and again , I was surprised that Cody got the coaches award with Carcone saying, "he is my inspiration and I know he is yours". That was awesome. He then announced that Cody will be getting the Suffolk County Courage Award from a military guy. Here is the info about it. Capt. Fyfe will be there to give out the award. Cody sat with his coach and he told him about it. Cody immediately got in the car and called Casey to tell him about it. This dinner is on Monday. It will be nice. It was a great night but I am beat!!

The Suffolk County Soccer Coaches Association recently named their "Courage" Awards

after Cpt. Alex Fyfe. Alex Fyfe graduated from Rocky Point High School and the U.S.
Military Academy at West Point. While in High School Alex played three varsity season
collected All-County honors in his junior and senior years. He received All-State honors in
1995. His efforts to bring peace in Iraq through soccer equipment and supplies was a
complete success. Soccer people from Suffolk County and around the world sent soccer
supplies that Alex handed out to the children of northern Iraq.