Marking Our First Anniversary

It's hard to believe it's only been a year since Carson was diagnosed with leukemia. This is probably the point where we should start some kind of family tradition - where we go out and do something special to celebrate Carson's battles. However, that would be something an organized family would do...which we are not. Instead, we are going to a swim meet, to the grocery store, and will later have friends over for dinner.

That said, we can recount the events of July 10, 2009 in excruciating detail. It's been a loooong year. (Click here to see our first blog entry.)

Here's how the past year would look using numbers to tell the story:

• 8 - number of hospitalizations
• 70 - number of clinic visits (outpatient)
• 3 - trips to the ER
• 11 - trips to Radiation/Oncology
  
• 14 - number of spinal taps
• 4 - number of bone marrow tests
• 13 - number of times under general anaesthesia
  
• 60 - number of nights spent in the hospital
• 4 - number of bottles of strawberry syrup used (to flavor medication)
• 360 - number of sick leave hours used
• 25 - number of weeks with in-home help from family
  
• 153 - number of blog entries
• 99 - number of refills allowed on Carson's maintenance medications (including chemo)
  

Despite how "terrible" this all looks, being around the kids fighting cancer can be an amazing experience. Don't get me wrong - no one wants to be there and there are many out there with a much tougher battle. But seeing the spirit of these kids is a reminder for all of us: don't sweat the things you can't change and make a point to enjoy every day.

The past year has been an amazing journey. We have been blessed with loving family and friends, and a great team of doctors. And, yes, this is worthy of starting some kind of family tradition to celebrate. Even for a family as disorganized as ours.

Paul.