We made it!

Sorry for the long delay in updating.  There is so much I could have shared, but I would have needed a Twitter account to keep you up to speed!

It’s been a busy couple weeks…many doctors appointments, pharmacy runs, phone consultations and more. It’s really much more than you could possibly want to know, but it’s been a whirlwind. Two major things in all of it…Gage got another ear infection (yes, after the tubes) and then his ear was so blocked up no one could see if the tube was still in there (if not, back to the OR to get another one). Thankfully, the tube is still there…but so is the infection. So, more antibiotics, follow-up appointments, etc .

And, on a much more fun note, Gage finished kindergarten today!

I still remember the emotions of sending him off to school after the many hard, hard months at the beginning of his treatment. And, although the year has certainly had its rough spots, he’s loved kindergarten. I’m so excited that he’s had such a great year…and so thankful to take a break from the push-and-pull of the daily decisions we have to make during the school year.

Here are a few pics of the kids at drop-off this moring…

Thanks for checking in…and see you June 20th!

RH

Endurance

People often say to me, “We still pray for Gage and your family often. How can we best pray for you?”

It’s safe to say that praying for endurance would be a no-fail request right now. We have six days of school left, and it’s getting harder to get everyone there each day…especially Gage who is a bit run down by the year and knows how to work the system to get home early. Of course, it’s hard to know when he absolutely must come home early, when he’s just so-so and when he’d just rather be at home. And, honestly, I understand why he wants to come home for all three reasons…but it does make the days unpredictable, and I’m tired of pushing him to stay at school.

And, on every level (physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally) we’re just tired from fighting leukemia in our family for almost two years. It’s a daily battle on many fronts and adds a bone-weary exhaustion under the surface of the rest of the busyness of life.

Still…we are encouraged and excited to see the responses come in from many of you who are coming to the big event on June 20th. It will be a great night…and here are the details again in case you missed them:

Thanks for your prayers.

RH

4 for 6

Well, if you wondered why I haven’t updated the blog in a bit, it’s because we’ve been at clinic 4 of the last 6 days. Whew…ready for a break.

But, here’s what’s been going on…

Last Wednesday night, Gage went to bed feeling crummy and woke in the middle of the night with horrible pain in his ears. After calling the on-call oncology doctor, we doubled his prescription pain meds and gave him ear drops. Finally, he got relief and slept. Still, we knew we would have to deal with yet another ear infection in the morning.

Thursday, we went to the cancer clinic so his doctor could see him and check his blood counts. We got a dose of IV antibiotics and an 8:00 a.m. appointment with the Children’s ENT for Friday morning.

Friday, we went to the 8:00 a.m. appointment, where the ENT doctor recommended ear tubes ASAP. Then, we went to pre-op to have Gage checked out prior to his ear tube surgery. Then, we finished the day at the cancer clinic for a second dose of the IV antibiotic.

Here is Gage playing army men on Friday at the ENT clinic:

And, a visit to the prize closet at the cancer clinic after the IV antibiotics. The standard? One prize per “poke.” Some days, he gets several of each.

Saturday & Sunday…we tried to catch our breath and not spend the weekend dreading Monday & Tuesday.

Monday, we went for Gage’s monthly chemo visit at clinic. He got chemo in his port, took extra Monday chemo, started a week of steroids and had a breathing treatment. Another full day. And, we also visited friends (and frequent blog visitors) The Green Family after their daughter’s most recent surgery. Last, we stopped to see the Team Holmes signs that are finally up by two inpatient rooms on the 10th floor (inpatient cancer floor).

Gage & Laurren making fun stuff in the oncology waiting room, led by the childlife staff:

Gage working hard on his tie-dyed artwork!

While we waited to see the doctor, the clowns came to visit…always a favorite!

Gage always gets such a kick out of the clowns…especially their well-used whoopie-cushion!

So cute…nothing like laughter to pass the time!

We all loved the amazing juggling of this clown

Gage signing the clown’s jacket…adding his name to the many already there

Another poke…another visit to the prize closet. The kids always know what they’ve “earned”!

Blake taking Gage to the 10th floor to show him the Team Holmes plaques by the doors of two rooms. Thanks to many of you who have given and are part of the “Team”!

The plaques…

Blake & Gage…

Today, we arrived at 6:30 a.m. for Gage’s ear tube surgery at Children’s. He was such a champ and didn’t complain about the fasting, the procedure, etc. And, by lunchtime, we finally made our way home. Whew.

Waiting for the day to begin this morning…

Tonight, Gage is upstairs sleeping and seems to have recovered smoothly from his day. Hopefully, he’ll return to school tomorrow for the first time in a week.

So…thanks for praying even when we’re too crazy to post. We really appreciate your support on this long journey.

RH

June 20th Here We Come!

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the two-year mark in Gage’s treatment. Yet, it will be here before we know it. And, as we did last year, we are planning a big night to mark the occasion and to raise money for Children’s Medical Center here in Dallas.

To refresh your memory, last year we committed to raising $150,000  for Children’s over several years so that they could hire the first full-time childlife specialist for the inpatient oncology floor at Children’s. This amount covers three years of her salary, and she started last fall…after the generosity of so many of you made her job possible. We’ve raised much of that money, but there is still work to be done.

So, for those of you who still say to me that you wish you could help…here’s your chance!  Because of the generosity of family and friends underwriting the evening, the entire $50 per person ticket price is a donation to Children’s Medical Center.

I’m sure I’ll share more in the weeks to come about the difference that the new childlife staff has made, but you can read about the general idea under “How Can I Help?”…and you can mark your calendar for June 20th and send $50 to reserve your spot!

Send checks payable to “Children’s Medical Center Foundation” with “Team Holmes” in the memo line to:

The Holmes Family
4424 N. Versailles
Dallas, TX 75205

We’re already looking forward to the big night and hope to see a crowd full of familiar faces like last year!

Thanks for continuing to walk this road with us.

RH