Monday, August 3, 2009

Celebrate.....We Started Maintenance!... Day 264 03AUG09

It may not seem like a big deal to others but to the Gandy Family, starting Maintenance is one of those small milestones that are celebrated! Joshua qualified today and received his first LP of Maintenance, along with Vincristine, Mecaptopurine and the dreaded Prednisone (only for 5 days, thank God!). Maintenance is Joshua's last phase of therapy out of a total of 5. It will last for 3 months and then keep repeating itself until treatment is over, which, unfortunately, is about 3 years from now. Chemo will now be mainly in the form of pills which makes it easier. Joshua's hair is also starting to grow back, but he is insisting that we shave it. He absolutley loves his bald head!

After Joshua had his LP this morning, I took him to meet Jarrod. We had dropped Jarrod off early in the morning at the Children's Cancer Center. This week they are hosting Kite Camp for the children. When we met up with them they were at Color Me Pottery in Hyde Park and starting to make some lovely creations. Joshua was still a little groggy but that soon disappeared. He had a wonderful day with his brother and some new friends. Kite Camp will last all week so I'm sure he will have lots of stories of the fun things they have planned. We will get our creations at the end of the week so we will make sure to show some pics then. I even got to stay later than the kids and paint something myself to celebrate our accomplishment today. Very theraputic and relaxing for me!



3 comments:

Nonna said...

Hey Snuggle Monkey,

WhooooooooHaaaaaaaaaa! Maintenance. How wonderful. And pills instead of injections. Life just keeps getting better.

I'm delighted to hear your hair is starting to make a return. I have to admit though, I am a little saddened that you want to keep the 'cue ball' look. But, hey, it's your head and you've certainly earned the right to make that particular call.

Sounds like camp is pretty cool. I can't wait to see all your creations and activities.

Hang tough Mighty Warrior - hair or no hair, you are The Champion.

Tons of Love, Hugs and Kisses,

Nonna

Laura and Frank said...

Celebrate, oh yea, come on, life's a celebration! You're going to have a good time.... (have your dad play the song for you on his guitar!

This is the most totally awesome news in the whole wide world. It ought to be on the front page of all major newspapers. Prayers are answered and Joshua the Warrior is succeeding in keeping the dreaded cancer at bay! It's so wonderful after the great vacation that you had in Michigan to come home to this! when I talked to your Mom on the phone yesterday I could hear the huge smile on her face. Personally, I am dancing in the streets for the whole Gandy clan! Jarrod you are a super big brother and soon you will be a wonderful uncle to a sweet baby girl and Joshua, when you're ready, you'll let that hair grow. I love you all. Laura

Jamie(Sister) said...

OH YEA!!!! That is so awesome Joshua that you qualified!! Whoo hoo thats great!! I am so so happy for you and i know you are very excited. =) Now you get to go to camp and have tons and tons of fun with Jarrod. I cant wait to see all of things you and Jarrod make this week and you two tell all about the fun you are had!!!
Is that a monkey Joshy..?? =) Are you going to paint it? I cant wait to see it. Well i love you tons and will see you on Saturday!! =) Its the baby shower!!!

XOXO LOVE JAMIE BELLA CHRISTIAN