Andrea's Closet

In the very beginning when Troy was diagnosed with leukemia Andrea's Closet was something I had never heard of before. After his IV was put in at the hospital he was able to go into a room full of brand new toys and pick any one he wanted. Then came his first bone marrow aspiration and again he was able to pick out of the closet. This repetition continued with each new procedure and soon Troy looked forward to (in a way) getting poked because he knew he could pick a toy from the closet. Andrea’s Closet has made a HUGE impact on Troy and how he deals with getting poked all the time. He knows that if he gets a “beep”, as we call it, in his chest he gets to pick out of the closet. The moment he gets to pick out of the closet he forgets about the pain of the poke. I love, love, love Andrea’s Closet. On their website they say, “A toy is only a small gift, but it can go a long way to help a sick child get through a painful medical procedure. That's why Andrea's Closet was created. When children face frightening medical treatments, such as procedures to treat cancer, burns or other life threatening illnesses, Andrea's Closet brings them comfort and distraction from their pain by allowing them to choose a special gift from a toy-filled closet.” If anyone has 6 minutes to watch a video about Andrea’s Closet here is it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LRqO55Dk7g&eurl=http://www.andreascloset.org/&feature=player_embedded They say it so much better than I could.

So, this year for Christmas our two families decided to buy a whole bunch of toys for Andrea's Closet. This was such a great way for our family to help out and seeing the pile of toys grow was truly humbling. We continue to be blessed with the most amazing family we could ask for. Thanks to everyone for the toys and for thinking of this idea to help out other sick children.

Turkey Waddle Anyone?

Last year our friends ,the Packers, started the “Turkey Waddle” out here in Queen Creek to benefit Troy. It was a 5K run and I am happy to say we are going to have the 2nd annual Turkey Waddle. Abby’s school, Jack Harmon, got totally involved and it was such a huge success. This year the Turkey Waddle is going to benefit the principal at Ranch Elementary. He was diagnosed with renal cancer and is doing well. I understand he is at St. Joe’s rehabilitating. He was able to try walking with a walker this week so he is making hugs strides to heal. I just wanted to get the word out that yes we will be having another Turkey Waddle on Thanksgiving morning at 8:30. We are super excited for the Turkey Waddle and the chance to help out another family struggling with cancer.

Troy is still doing so great and we couldn’t be happier about that. He had a spinal tap 2 weeks ago and this one was not bad at all. Tomorrow we head to the clinic again for another count check. They want to make sure his counts are still good since they upped one of his chemo’s. I’m sure his counts will be fine but they just like to make sure. Thanks once again to all of you who continue to think about Troy and our family. We are truly blessed.

'IRON TROY'

Troy’s friend Cooper told his dad that Troy was going to be Ironman for Halloween and his dad made this poster for Troy. I just thought it was so thoughtful and Troy truly loved it. All is well with our little Ironman these days. We had a quick trip to the ER last week for a fever but other than that Troy is still doing amazing. It is crazy to think where we were a year ago and I am so glad not to be at that place anymore. Life is good but cancer still stinks. Still we can’t complain about a thing right now. We are so excited for London’s Run again in January. If you haven’t registered yet go to the website and register now so you can’t back out. I’m sure it will be another inspiring day. Look for our family at a water station again this year. Thank you all again for your love and concern for our family and especially for our Troy boy!!!!!!

Troy Boy has turned 4!!!!

Our family had such a great summer. We were so lucky to not have any issues health wise for the entire summer. Then the first week Abby went back to school she got sick which, made Chris sick, which made Wyatt sick, which finally made Troy sick. After a night with 103 temperature we had to be admitted into the hospital. Troy felt miserable with wicked diarrhea, no appetite, dehydration, and a bad tummy ache. Finally 4 days later his temperature got better and we found out he had bronchitis. The whole situation was stressful to say the least but now he is doing great. They put a hold on all his chemo till his counts went back up. We just went to the clinic today and his numbers look good so we are starting the chemo again but only at half the doses he was receiving. We have another clinic visit next Monday to check his counts again and possibly give him another IVIG (or antibodies) to help him. Fevers are so scary for Troy to have with a suppressed immune system and I am so grateful that he is doing so well now. He was able to have his birthday party the day before the fever so that was a blessing. Also, last week his Make A Wish team came over to discuss what he would like to do for his wish. At first when we were told that we should talk to Make A Wish I though it was for kids that are terminal. I said NO THANKS, we are not even talking about that. But then I found out that it was for only terminal kids but now it is for kids with life threatening illnesses as well. They came over with balloons, gifts for all my kids, dessert, pop, plates, forks, etc. We did not have to provide or do a thing. They were amazing and everything was over the top. I’ll write later about the details of his wish but it is going to be a great time for the whole family. The Make a Wish team is a married couple with a family of their own that was just looking for a way to volunteer together so they decided to work with Make A Wish. I admire that and think they are awesome. Thanks to all of you for your continued love and support. Everything is appreciated and nothing goes unnoticed. We recognize how blessed we are everyday! Thanks again!!!!

Diamondbacks Game

Tonight we were able to attend the Diamondbacks game thanks to the American Cancer Society. They have a partnership with the Diamondbacks and a few times a year they have seats available for the American Cancer Society. We certainly had a blast and we felt like we received the star treatment with our seats being in one of the party suites on the Diamond Level. Free Diamondback hats were handed out and free duffle bags also. They also gave us a $20 voucher for concessions and even a parking pass. A great time was had by all and we realized the cancer has some perks. Very few but I’m trying to look on the bright side here. Tonight was amazing and the best part was just hanging out as a family together (minus Wyatt). He is just at way too crazy of an age so he will have to come with us next time. If you have a 1 year old you know what I am talking about. Anyway, we are coming up on our year anniversary of Troy’s diagnosis and I am so happy to have the first year under my belt. Troy started off the summer with a spinal tap and another round of maintenance. This start hasn’t been too bad and he really is doing so great. I love that you can look at him and not even know what an ordeal he has been through. Thanks for all the continued support and concern for Troy and our family. We are still so grateful to you all.

Quick Update

Just wanted to give a quick update on Troy since it has been such a long time since I last posted. Yes, the cast is off and we are so grateful to have that behind us. Bagging the arm in the bath is never fun. We had a to take Troy to the ER a couple weeks ago due to a fever. If he gets a fever at all of 100.5 or above we are to take him directly to the ER. Fevers are never good for someone going through chemotherapy. Luckily, we only had to stay for a few hours. They think he had some crazy virus or something. He is doing so awesome right now!!!! I can't complain about a thing. Chris and I are getting so good at the medicine routine. We remind each other and not to brag but we have not missed a dose yet. Actually, I am going to brag about it because it is dang impressive to remember and keep track of all these drugs. Mostly, becasue we realize missing is not an option. He HAS to have these life saving drugs. Literally, these are life saving and it is our job to make sure he gets them. We have realized that the first week of each course of maintenance is the toughest. Starting with the spinal tap, vincristine in his port, and the steroid at home just does a number on him. It is hard at that time because he doesn’t want to do anything and just feels like crap. At least it is only every 3 months. I can’t believe it has been almost a year since this all started. I am beyond grateful that Troy has responded so well to treatment and I feel like he is one of the lucky ones. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

BROKEN ARM TAKE 1 & 2

Yes, Troy broke his arm AGAIN!!!!! Last week we were walking and he tripped over his own feet and landed on his wrist. Thus, another cast for a new year. After crying my eyes out for a day I am dealing with it much better now. Troy, on the other hand, is once again a little trooper and adjusting to the cast with ease. He will have to wear it for 4 weeks and we are already down 1 week. Yea!!! Of course, Troy wanted a red cast since Lightning McQueen is red. The dude is obsessed with cars and now even points out sports cars on the freeway and says he wants one of them. He better start saving his money now.

We headed to the pediatric outpatient treatment center (POTC) on Monday for another spinal tap. I can’t believe we made it through our first course of maintenance already. Time is finally started to move instead of crawl by. His hair is coming in so great and most days I have to comb it because it sticks up. For some reason Troy's hair coming back is just a wonderful thing for me. I think he was darling bald, but I am glad he is getting hair. All in all, things are going pretty good and the doctors and nurses are taking great care of him. We are so grateful for modern medicine. Thanks to everyone for your constant concern for Troy.