It REALLY is over!

That's what I said yesterday just after the surgeon left Paul and I in the waiting room of the hospital after explaining that Carson's port removal surgery was all done and had gone well.

We waited about 20 more minutes and then spent the next hour and half in recovery with Carson.

Before we left, we were handed the port in a plastic storage bag.  Carson asked to keep it.  Wouldn't you want to keep something you've had for half your life?

We were all home by 11:30 (even after stopping at McDonald's for post surgery chicken nuggets and fries).

Hard to believe we are starting a life where a fever doesn't mean an automatic trip to the ER.  Hard to believe we won't need numbing cream and Press N Seal before heading to the clinic.

Clowning around in the prep room

He was a little grumpy post surgery, but a little hungry he was not.

Goldfish, Cheetos, Teddy Grahams, popsicles and apple juice were all consumed before we left post op.

Then we stopped at McDonald's for even more food before arriving home.

Today, Carson is tired and has a sore shoulder, but he's doing well.  He slept 14 hours last night, then came home early from school and took a two hour nap!  Gotta love that anesthesia!

-Jennifer

Keep on Goin'

We had a brief moment to contemplate Carson's end of treatment on the 16th and then things just kept on truckin'!

The morning of the 17th was the Spend Yourself 5K, which Paul and Francesca ran.

PK, FK and Bethany post race

Later that day it was Francesca's birthday party at the bowling alley.

Sunday morning was Francesca's actual birthday and another round of gift giving............

.......and then we were on to Thanksgiving

Yes, we ate chicken enchiladas and Carson had his Thanksgiving mac and cheese.

We were joined by our friend Katelyn, who did not find chicken enchiladas strange at all!

.....and a visit to Ford's Theatre on Friday

 Not the best pic, but proof we were there.....yes, that's Lincoln's box way up at the top.

......another 5 K today in honor of our friend's son, Joshua Newman

A much colder 5K than last weekend, but still a great cause....epilepsy awareness.

.....then, later this afternoon,  Carson's birthday party back at the bowling alley.

BREATHE....BREATHE....BREATHE

save that for tomorrow.......

and Monday will bring about Carson's port removal surgery scheduled for 9AM.

WHEW!!!

Now it is on to Christmas stuff!!!

Free to a Good Home

Free to a Good Home

One new, unopened strawberry syrup bottle

Multiple medicine dispensers - well used. :)

It is indeed a Happy Thanksgiving around here!

End of Treatment - Day 1225!

Day 1225 - yesterday  - our war on leukemia came to a close.

What began as one of the biggest crises of our lives, ended with absolutely no fanfare, other than a celebration of a little boy's 7th birthday, and a quick shot of 6MP about 10:30 last night.

Presents!!!!

 

 My very own tool bag, tool apron and construction hat!

 

So many Legos, so little time.....

Here it is folks:  The last dose of 6MP 

Carson's last dose of 6MP, as usual, he didn't even wake up, even with the flash from the camera.

Also as usual, the full weight of "last doses" did not hit me until this morning.  I DELETED the medicine reminders for prednisone, methotrexate and 6MP from my phone.  I didn't just have to turn them off, I DELETED them.

They no longer exist,

 just like Carson's cancer.

 

In continual praise to God,

Jennifer and the entire King family

Last Push

Carson had his LAST Vincristine push on Nov 9th.

We visited with Dr. L first.  Carson's usual exam was completed only after the Legoland album viewing....

 Next it was on to play the Wii and wait for the chemo.  Carson could not manage to stop playing the Wii long enough to appreciate the occasion.

 Since it is also his birthday week, Carson received some birthday presents, was serenaded by some of the staff and received a certificate.  Evidently they thought he was a great patient.

We will stop all chemo on November 16th, his 7th birthday.  Arrangements are being made to remove his port.  And just like that, it's almost over................

-Jennifer

What Carson Did This Summer Part II -Our Make-a-Wish Trip

Ok...we're a little behind in our updates.  We had all the best intentions - to upload our September trip as soon as we go home.  Instead, we went to the hospital for the better part of a week, sickness invaded our house, then Jennifer had surgery...the list goes on.  Anyway, for the record, here's our Make-a-Wish trip to Legoland Florida.

After an "in depth" interview with Carson, Make-a-Wish put together a dream come true package for our family - two days at Legoland Florida, one day at Busch Gardens Tampa, and one day at Disneyworld.  Our trip started on August 26th when our ride to the airport arrived at our house.  A stretch limo!

 A very excited Carson prepares for his first limo ride!

Rough Start Pays Off

The limo ride was pure joy, but the start of our trip wasn't exactly smooth.  Our flight from DC was delayed by 7 hours.  When we arrived in Orlando, it was late and rain bands from hurricane Isaac were barreling down on the city.  Monday morning was a complete wash out as bands continued to move through the area.  Looking at the radar on tv, however, it looked like things might clear up a bit after lunch.  We called to Legoland to make sure they were open - they were - so at lunch we headed out.

Welcome to Wally World!  Carson and Francesca prepare to enter a deserted theme park.

Turns out Legoland was open and fully staffed, but otherwise DESERTED!  There were only about 20 cars in the parking lot once you added them all up.  We were the only ones in the stores.  And we walked onto any ride we desired.  For those of you who saw National Lampoon's Vacation, it was like the Griswold's when they went to Wally World!

 

 Carson has the roads to himself - phew!

Tuesday we spent half a day at Legoland and half a day at Busch Gardens.  Wednesday we were back at Legoland (and the water park).  Thursday we hit Disney's Magic Kingdom.

The animal theme at Busch Gardens was a big hit!

Success!  We got our parents onto the Teacup ride and spun them into oblivion! 

Rejuvenation!

By the end of the trip we were wiped out...but in a good way.  The time together - time just to have fun - was a delight beyond measure.  For those of us who have grown too old to remember, Carson and Francesca continue to be walking reminders that we need to enjoy the day.  As parents we frequently say don't fret the small stuff. But it's the actions of our children that teach us not to fret the big stuff, either.  Thank you, Lord, for that reminder and thank you Make-a-Wish for providing such a wonderful experience!! 

-Paul