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
Praying for rest for the whole family. Praying that Gage is able to have a great day at school tomorrow. Praying that the Lord continues to use your family to bring encouragement and hope to others.
Gage is such a champ.
Wow Rebecca,
Praying you will all sleep well tonight and that Gage’s ear tubes will be the perfect solution to these chronic ear infections. Praying Gage will be able to return to school tomorrow (today?) and enjoy his classmates. Thank you for sharing your week with us so we will know how to pray for you. And, thank you for sharing the pictures. Go Team Holmes!
Love you,
Lisa
exhausted just from reading!!… all of you hang in there!!! as always… our heroes!! xo
Hope this finds the Holmes Family calmed from the last few days. My goodness always seems somethings going on, huh! Praying for Gage’s speedy recovery from the ear surgery. Praying for smoother days ahead full of fun and laughter with few sets backs.
WOW, the plaque is AWESOME! Thanks to “Team Holmes” for everything you do and helping other families in need while your own family faces all these daily challenges. The HOLMES FAMILY IS AN INSPIRATION INDEED!!! GO TEAM HOLMES!!!! YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!!
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU ALL!
Thinking of You,
Rhonda (Laurren’s Aunt)
Happy Mother’s Day Rebecca!!
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:27-29
Wow! What a week you had last week! I am amazed at what you all are constantly dealing with. Your family is amazing! As always, sending my LOVE and prayers!
Thinking of you and praying.
Amy Allison Schniederjan
Blake and Rebecca,
You are constantly in our prayers. Think of you often.
Bailey and Susan