"Flashes of Hope"

We have been going to the Aflac Cancer Center for just over a year now-and I always wondered if we would happen to be there on one of the days that the group Flashes of Hope comes (every other month). They are a group of professional photographers that donate their time (and talent) by taking pictures of the kids and their families for free at the clinic. We had a nice surprise when we walked in yesterday and they were there! Connor was great, much to our surprise, and sat for a few photos... The people were wonderful, and knew all the tricks to getting smiles out of little kids. One word-Bubbles! :)

The day was long, as expected, but Connor did great. He had a low grade fever, but didn't require any extra treatment since it wasn't over 101 F. He received his IVIG and the new antibiotic he will get for the next 4 months.

Poor guy had a rough week. He took his high dose steroids Saturday, Sunday, and Monday...by Monday he was in terrible pain-all over his lower back, hips, and legs. (common side effect of high dose steroids, is flu-like symptoms, bad body & muscle aches) I couldn't stand to see him like this and Dr. George called in some hydrocodone, in case it got worse. Motrin has been a lifesaver, and as of today,
(Thursday) he is STILL tugging and pulling at his little legs in pain...so awful to know he is hurting, but the steroids DO seem to be helping the OMS-so on we go with treatment.

Looks like we will be heading back to Atlanta on the 30th for the big CT scan. Keep those prayers coming for good reports! We sort of expect Connor to require the NG tube, but are hoping he might drink the contrast. (we can dream, right? lol) The next day will be routine stuff, IVIG & antibiotic. We can't wait for this scan to be over-after this one he will jump to a 6 month scan schedule! Woo-hoo, I can hardly wait!

Connor had speech today and we had good news on the age level of his development from his therapist. She thinks he is measuring at a 20 month old level-and he is 28 months-so that is only 8 months behind! :) Not in the speech area of course, there he measures at about a 15 month old level...but it IS progress, so we'll take it! Afterwords, we went to playgroup-where Connor really seemed to enjoy himself, although he stayed in my lap most of the time-he played and smiled a lot.

Sorry if any of you haven't heard much from us lately. Just keeping tight schedules with all that is going on. We appreciate all the love and prayers for our family, it helps us tremendously to not feel so alone in this.

September 13th is Childhood Cancer Awareness day. I plan on wearing my gold pin-and of course remembering all the newest angels in heaven this year. If you can, maybe find a way to celebrate the day. I can think of lots of ways-find a site like Lunch For Life, or Coins 4 Kids-if you want to donate to the cause, or give blood, or just say a special prayer for a cure. That one for sure! Love to all-

Debbie