Hello Friends,
The countdown is on! Lauren is down to two more IV chemo's and one more Lumbar Puncture before the end of treatment in July. We are getting so close. Her numbers for her May appointment were right in line with where they should be so her oral chemo and steroid doses stayed the same. Overall she had a great month.
One of the highlights from the month were when her and another friend from the hospital set up a lemonade stand at a blood drive and they raised $300 to donate to pediatric cancer research. They were so proud of themselves and had so much fun. It really is so heartwarming when people give so generously especially knowing it is going to a good cause.
We have been talking to Lauren a lot about starting Kindergarten in August. She skipped VPK because I didn't want to take the chance and expose her to a lot of germs since her immune system is compromised from the chemo. This will be her first time in school. Not going to lie, I am nervous. But I hope everything will work out and she will adjust just fine. For now we will just enjoy the summer! Thank you for all your support.
Xoxo,
Shawna
.
McKinley is doing really great. She's loving school, LOVING dance & enjoying being off chemo meds. It really is amazing how much she's grown, how much she's developed & how much more personality she has since she's stopped chemo. All things are looking great which is wonderful news. We've been very busy with advocating & promoting childhood cancer awareness month & attending a lot of events. We did have one scare at this months appointment but all was confirmed negative with an ultrasound. Myself, a few other "cancer moms" & McKinleys oncologist were all concerned about a vein by where her port was placed especially since she had a clot in the past. But all was confirmed ok with a quick ultrasound (Thank God). I'm not sure I'll ever be able to take a deep breath but I do try too. We are praying for a Halloween at home this year (last year we spent 8 days in the hospital fighting a nasty virus over Halloween). And although the nurses & staff came by her hospital room to trick or treat, I'm actually looking forward to sweating & fighting bugs on Halloween night this year. It's the little things 😉 Thank You as always for keeping McKinley in your thoughts & prayers.
xoxox,
Karen
LAUREN'S CORNER