December 27, 2011

Tuesday-so the holiday festivities have ended. I was able to hold out the surprise and Cody did not know his brother was coming! Cody came to my school and then Casey and Nicole came there and surprised him! It was great. I think Cody was in shock. They had a very short visit but we had fun and it was great to have them here. We had Christmas dinner with Nicole's family and then said a tearful goodbye ( I always cry) when we left them. They are back home safely.

Tomorrow is a huge day for Cody. He is getting his mediport out! It is a huge milestone in his recovery. Next is the feeding tube so we will see what they say about that. He is taking ensure through it and no longer the recommended solution he was on for 2 years. It is time to get that out but he is worried so we will see what the drs say.

He did VERY well his first semester at Dowling! He got two A's and a B+ and a B-!! We will take it! He was very proud of himself as he should be!

He leaves Friday for a week in Canada with his dad. I already miss him. He is flying alone and he will be fine!

It has been a nice ending to 2011. I pray for good health and happiness for 2012!

December 20, 2011

Tuesday-Busy and hectic week. Tonight Cody went to the new race track. I am really trying to get him out there and to do more on his own. I realized something as I was talking to my dad. I think the reason he is not really making friends at school is that he does not have much in common with them. They are doing the partying/girl, etc thing and he is not there yet. He goes where he feels comfortable. At the coliseum, he has the Islanders in common. At the race track, he has the cars. He needs to have something to keep it going. The school thing might come but it will take a little while.

I am very excited about Casey and Nicole coming and I cannot believe I kept it a secret. I have their presents hidden upstairs. Cody has no clue whatsoever. I wish I was going to be here when he gets here. Trying to work that out.

Until next time....

December 14, 2010

Three years ago, my life changed forever. I battled the most difficult fight of my life. When I took Cody in for bloodwork, never in my scariest dreams did I think they drs would give him a diagnosis of leukemia. I did not even know what leukemia was. One could never prepare you for the moment when you hear those words, 'your child has cancer.' Cody faced it head on with so many challenges along the way but and I only heard him one time say "why me, mom?" He fought and struggled and dealt with all that came his way. He was upset, scared and sick. I know I could not have done it the way he has. We worry about the future as one does with this disease and continue to pray each night. I pray that his strength and our positive thoughts will always prevail.

We talked about what we wanted to do to celebrate his 3 yrs of surviving and he chose "The Melting Pot". We took Casey there back in June of 2008 for his graduation from high school. My brother, Roy was in town for it. He has not been able to eat there because of the raw food and his immune system. We had a very nice and quiet dinner.

I have a few emotional moments today as I do around this time of the year. I think back to all those that were there within hours of hearing the horrible news and it brings me to tears. I was not in a coherent state but I do know each and every one that visited or called or texted or emailed. This is what kept us going. I read the facebook comments and I am grateful. I read what Cody wrote today and then saw a response back from an Islanders player and I was so touched.

He has come a long way. Tomorrow will end his first semester of college, he interns, he took a trip to Canada this summer and will fly there later this month. He drives and is functioning on his own. He is lacking in the friends department but I am confident that will come soon. He has some catching up to do.

I hope someday that this will be behind us and I pray for the families I know that are dealing with this awful disease. There is hope.

Love you lots, Cody and keep going strong!!!

November 27, 2011

It is hard to believe that another year is coming to an end. I have been reflecting a lot and cannot believe what we have gone through. Our lives seem somewhat back to a sort of normal state and I pray it stays there.

Cody worked with the Islanders today and he looks great! I wanted to post the pics.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving!

We have our tree up and the decorations out..bring on the holiday season!!

November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am sitting here tonight and Cody is working at the Islander game. I left at 8 this morning for work and have not seen him. He had a busy night last night at the new rc race track and then all day today basically at the Islander game and then back again on Friday. I was just reading last year's post and the year before. So happy we are home and doing nothing. We were invited to go to a few friends but are choosing to be home. I am making the whole meal tomorrow for Cody and I.

I found out Casey is coming for a few days at Christmas. Cody does not know this. Casey and Nicole are coming for a few days and it will be nice to have them. It was be a huge surprise for Cody.

We have a lot to be thankful for and I wish each and every one of you a special Thanksgiving with lots of love and healthy thoughts.

November 12, 2011

Saturday-Yesterday was Veteran's Day. Thanks to all those that served and continue to serve to protect us here. A very special thank you goes out to my boy, Casey. Your job scares me every day but I am very proud of you and I know you will always do the right thing and stay safe.

Yesterday we went to Sloan after not being there for 6 weeks. The weight is stable, not really gaining but we are trying. Cody gets only one can of feeds which is 250 calories. It is easy to cut that out. Do what I do, eat a bag of chips or a bowl of ice cream. We are allowed to cut that out and are slowly cutting back on the fluids. He is definitely drinking better. He got a few more immunization including tetanus and started hepatitis. He is a bit sore to say the least. He was a trooper and got all three at the same time, meaning three cute nurses and one assistant one.

On Tuesday, he had a tough day. A loose stool did not allow him to get to the bathroom in time while he was at school. He was humiliated to say the least. It was before class so he took the VERY long walk back to the car and I was able to meet him at home. Could have been caused by the senokot but not likely. More likely it was caused from the sugar free gummy bears he ate. Sugar free foods can do this because of the additives. He got the sugar free ones because he likes the texture better. We had to go back that evening for an alumni meeting and he was fine. I know some kids noticed and made a few comments as he walking but not any he knew. He went back to class on Thursday and we are kinda just not talking about it. He did tell the drs yesterday which I am shocked but this is where his support is. He continues to amaze me with his strong outlook.

We also got a call from Casey and he and Nicole are surprising him for Christmas. They are only coming for a few days and we will have to share that time with Nicole's family. Cody will be happy and any time I get with my son is appreciated. Now I have to keep it a secret!

Enjoy the upcoming holiday season my friends!

November 3, 2011

Well, we survived the wedding weekend and it was a stressful one!! Started with a changed fight and that day ended with Cody and I driving from Atlanta to Savannah-4 hours. We made it and did not miss the rehearsal dinner. Wedding day was beautiful. The weather cooperated and was perfect! Everyone looked amazing! Reception was fun but ended on a hectic note but everyone was fine in the end. I would have liked longer time there and to visit with my son and his wife but we will do that another time. We walked around Savannah and it is a pretty little town. Hope to get back. Hope Halloween was fun for all!!