Day 146 October 28 2009

Wednesday-Today started out a little stressful but ended with the best night we have had in almost a year. We had another positive blood culture so that line had to be pulled today. An IV in his arm was started after several trys and with Cody handling it the best he could. In the morning, I went to scout out the drs. We had the Islander/Ranger Puck Drop for scheduled for the night and I had to know if we were going. I waited to get them when they came out of report and got the news that we could go to the game!! It was an emotional time and then trying and hoping and praying that the infection was from the line and not from something growing somewhere else in his body. We got an IV in, got his antibiotics and we were on the road at around 3:15. It was yucky weather and even at that time, we hit lots of traffic. We went to McDonald's and he got the OK to have chicken nuggets which he has been wanting. He had a few bites and it stayed down, thank goodness. We got to the coliseum and I called our connection. She met us downstairs and the fun began. Cody was presented with his own Islanders jersey and his favorite number on it. So cool. He immediately put it on. There were camera guys and a photographer there with us too. We met the contact person from the Feldman's, Jeff Picker. We were escorted to the area where the players come out of the locker room and go on the ice. Cody got to stand there and do the high 5's to them. It is amazing how focused they are before the game. It was definitely amazing. I snuck in a few too! Then we went to the ice and watched them practice. We followed them back to the area to wait for game time. We could hear them roaring in the locker room. So cool!! Then they came out for game time. Cody was briefed by the MC guy about walking as even with the carpet, he could slip. I was so nervous. So after the national anthem was played, he started his trek onto the ice. He walked along the side and past the players and they all high 5'ed again. He made the walk to ceneter ice. I could not hold it together any longer. The flood gates opened as I was snapping the photos. Cody was great!! He stood still and waited for the two players to come meet him. They made this huge announcement about him, about how he was released for today to do this and how he is fighting this cancer. He was given the command. He dropped the puck, shook hands with the players and one was his favorite player, Richard Park. He then made his walk back to the player bench, high 5'ed again and safely, returned to his mama...PHEW! We went to do an interview and we hear the scoring. The Islanders scored in the first minute of the game.

We get to our seats and are ready to enjoy the game. Intense game, Islanders win, fights break out, crazy fans! We wait for Ann, our connection and are escorted down to the locker room area again. We stand waiting for the players to come out from their showers and whatnot. Well, they come out and they come right to Cody, calling his name! He chats with them casually and even conversed with the coach. DiPietro was there, the famous goalie that is out on injury. We met a few of the wives/girlfriends too. He got a nice hug and conversation with Richard Park and lots of photos. He got them all to sign his new jersey and then Tavares comes out with a signed stick for him. I think we all became speechless at one point. Cody was on cloud 9 and had one of the best nights he has had in a very long time. He was very tired and barely made it up the stairs and to the car. I got him back to Sloan in 30 minutes. I wish someone would have taken a picture of us. Here we are in Ranger territory, he is decked out in Islanders gear, stick and bag of goodies in hand, in a wheelchair with me pushing him at 11:30 in MSKCC. He made it into bed and took a huge breath before going to sleep. It was amazing, as we keep saying. Thanks to all that made this happen!