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Thursday, 16 May 2013

Crappy Anniversary!

Luis at the London Health Sciences Centre (May 16, 2012)
Today's the day. One year ago, a doctor presented an X-ray showing a mass in my 4-year old's chest. That same day, Luis was airlifted to London for further testing. The oncologist at the London Health Sciences Centre confidently stated that the mass was a cancerous tumour, either leukemia or lymphoma. The news was shattering. Within two days, the tumour was biopsied and confirmed his diagnosis of T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Over two years of chemotherapy laid before us.



A year has gone by. It's amazing that it's gone by so fast and when I look back, that we got through the insanity. There have been dozens of trips up the 401, hospital visits, pokes, chemo treatments, lumbar punctures, a handful of blood transfusions, and lots of tears. There have also been many happy moments, prayers, and love and support coming from everyone around us, even complete strangers. I really couldn't have done it all on my own. Thank you to everyone who has helped my family.

Cancer has become a regular part of our lives. I don't flinch when I talk about the cancer anymore. Giving chemo has become a nightly chore that I take very seriously. Hospital visits are routine. We know the many nurses and doctors by name. They became a part of our life one year ago, and will be there until Luis' adulthood.

Luis is close to halfway through his treatment. Thankfully, he is out of the hospital now. The reality is that his immune system is compromised and the next year will present its own struggles.  I continue to take the advice of the medical staff that first week I learned of the cancer:

"One day at a time".

--Mommy


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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous22 May 2013 at 12:00

    I work at one of The Beer Stores in Essex County. This weekend is our Returns for Leukemia bottle drive, that raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. I've been collecting donations from my customers for the past week or so, and I've raised just over $100 myself. Luis is one of the reasons I do this. He, along with several family friends, has fought through such a tough battle, and I am doing my best to help out.
    I've never met any of you, but through this blog, I feel closer to you.
    I don't really know what my goal is with this comment, but I hope this brings you some small comfort.

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    1. Big Brave Boy23 May 2013 at 19:59

      Thanks for your interest in Luis. Once someone close to you has been touched by cancer, it's hard to turn your back on opportunities to help. I know for myself, that I will always be supportive of organizations that have extended their hand to my family (e.g. ChildCan, Ronald McDonald House, Hospice, POGO, Cancer Society, etc...). And every time I meet a new family whose child has cancer, I instantly feel drawn to help. The Ronald McDonald House is doing a fundraiser too if you want to participate and/or sponsor our team!! (https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1044347&supId=379794416)

      --Jen (Mommy)

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