Some of the highlights since I last posted:
St. Baldrick's Fundraiser- April 1-5
Read more here and here. The school really rallied behind the family who set this in motion and was wonderful to include our family in it all. We've been blessed to be living in this community at this time in our lives.
Maintenance Starts - April 24th
This is a HUGE milestone for Madi on her journey. Maintenance is the last phase (Phase III) in her treatment and will last for 2 years from the start of Phase II. So...... That takes us to, roughly, November of 2014. *sigh*
Last Day of School - May 23
I think all of us were ready for this day. :) There were a lot of projects the last quarter of school and Gretchen was really stressed. She made it through, though. Kevin was wonderful and took all the kids to his parents place for Memorial Day weekend. Jim and Sandy then kept all 5 kids for the rest of the following week. I had 7 days to get stuff done without having to worry about the kids. Great time for appointments and a vicious head cold. I was able to get a few things done, watch a couple of movies without interruption, go to the bathroom without an audience, read a little, have a much needed emotional catharsis, and spend some time with Kevin. Over all, just a much needed week emotionally, mentally and physically. Kevin and I were even able to go to Chicago one night and watch the CrossFit Regional Competition. AMAZING! It was nice to meet several of the people Kevin works out with, too.
Haircut - June 3
Our oldest has a huge amount of hair on that little head of hers. She's been asking me for a few weeks to get it cut. I was dragging my feet getting it done incase she changed her mind. (Plus, she has beautiful hair.) Since Gretchen was determined to get it done, I told her about Locks of Love. She was even more excited to get a cut, then!
First cut....
During....
After....
She loves it! It's much easier for her to take care of and much cooler for the summer. A win-win for sure. (As you can see, Madi is getting a full head of hair just in time for summer!)
We've been going non-stop since school got out. This week we had VBS in the mornings and various appointments, play dates, or time spent at the pool in the afternoons. Yesterday afternoon Madi had labs and IVIG. We then met up with Kevin for supper and then a devotional/singing at Gambril Gardens. Today we will be catching up on our neglected house and getting Madi ready for Camp Rainbow.
Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. Life is good, but there are starting to be more emotional issues for everyone as reality (and steroids) have settled in. We are taking steps to deal with it, but prayers are coveted. A big 'thank you' to everyone who has given us gift cards, helped with kids, sent Madi things in the mail and kept us in your prayers. All the little things that mean so much to us! Love to you all!
2 comments:
I love Gretchen's hair, both long and short. Any style would complement her pretty face! I LOVE seeing a new head of hair cropping up over Madi's sweet face too. She looks so happy and herself in that last photo. I had to chuckle about going to the bathroom without an audience. YES. It's the little things, isn't it? Ha! Sound like your summer has been great so far. Thank you for the update. I'm so happy about the word 'maintenance'. Does that mean she is considered cancer free at this point, and the two years of treatment are a safety net? Much LOVE and hugs to all of the Wises from the Hollands.
YES! That's exactly what maintenance means. 'They' have basically determined that this is the right amount of time to help the body maintain its cancer fee state.
Miss you all!
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