Kite Camp and showering babies... Day 268 07AUG09

Joshua and Jarrod finished Kite Camp this evening. What a wonderful time they both had! We went over to the Cancer Center tonight for a family dinner and awards for all of the campers. The food was great and the crafts that the kids did over the course of the week were amazing. The whole week was amazing for both the boys and they had so much fun. A big thanks to all the people at the Cancer Center for everything.

Pictures to follow tomorrow if I can get them done around Jamie's baby shower. The boys and I are still a little unclear why a bunch of women want to get together and wash babies but hey what the heck. When in Rome. We are planning on hanging out with Christian while Jamie gets showered. Again, weird.

Hopefully the weather will be good tomorrow and we can get a little time in the pool over at Christian's apartment. That would suit the boys just fine.

Bouncing... Day 267 06AUG09

The boys went to Pump it Up today at kite camp. It is a place filled with inflatable bouncy things. The kids got to run around and jump, slide, and have fun. Joshua went at it a little to fervently and wore himself out for a bit. After a little rest he was back up to speed. Tomorrow is the last day of camp and it should be a lot of fun for the boys, They have really enjoyed all the activities this week.

A little tired... Day 266 05AUG09

Jarrod spent another fun filled day at Kite Camp. Joshua went with us this morning but decided once he was there that he did not feel up to staying. I drove him back towards home and met Renee so she could pick him up. He was tired and the chemo is hitting him today. He spent the rest of the day with Renee at home playing. She said he did fine and was not totally worn out. They went back up to the Cancer Center later in the afternoon to see the juggler and trick performing dog that was the afternoon's entertainment. Jarrod made a beautiful necklace for his mom which she was proudly wearing when I got home.

Jarrod filmed his LEGO crane this evening and I present his work for your viewing pleasure.



Tomorrow it is back to Kite Camp, Joshua told me tonight that he will feel good enough to go tomorrow.

I hope he is right.

Disney Quest... Day 265 04AUG09

Joshua and Jarrod spent another fun filled day at Kite Camp. Today they got to go over to Disney Quest in Orlando for some serious gaming fun. They both had a great time and were full of stories when they returned.

Josh is doing well so far and his energy levels are good. The biggest challenge for now is keeping track of what pills he is supposed to take and when. Add to the mix that what he takes changes almost weekly and it takes some real thought to sort it all out. I am sure it will be old hat in no time. Renee made up weekly schedules and posted them on the cabinet door over his meds in the kitchen.

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!

Tennis anyone?... Day 263 02AUG09

Joshua, Jarrod, and Renee were really tired from their trip and slept in late. It was a chance to get caught up on sleep a little. Christian and Jamie came over a little after lunch time and spent the day with us. Jamie looks like she will pop at any minute even though she still has a while to go . She has been doing great and our granddaughter is very active.

The boys spent the day playing and having fun. We went out and braved the heat because Josh wanted to play a little street tennis. He may not be able to run very well right now but he can still hit the ball awfully hard.



After an afternoon of playing it was time to eat. Joshua had requested a special dinner of salmon, sushi, and salad to bolster his counts for tomorrow. I was only to glad to prepare it for him. Jamie had her customary spaghetti, she is not real fond of fish lately.

In the morning Joshua is back to the world of cancer and off to the clinic to qualify. He will get an LP and chemo and then begin the maintenance phase of his treatment which will last for several years. THe rest of the week Joshua and Jarrod get to attend Kite camp sponsored by the Children's Cancer Center. They are both very excited about it. They will be doing lots of fun things all week long including a trip to Disney Quest in Orlando. Sabine, one of the nurses from the clinic will be there all week to keep an eye on the kids. It sounds like they will have a great time. Details to follow...

The boys are back in town... Day 262 01AUG09

The boys are back in town. They got home early this evening after a long drive down from Port Huron. It is great to have them back home at last. Everybody is pretty tired and I am sure we are not going to get up at all early tomorrow. Joshua and Jarrod had a great time on their trip and look fantastic. Jarrod is already several shades darker than me and they both have that healthy, I played outside a lot, glow to them.

Tomorrow we will rest and unpack and do laundry and all the other things that follow a trip. Tonight though we are all under the same roof again safe and sound.