“Today?” he questioned as his bottom lip quivered, and his eyes filled with tears.
“Yes honey. Today,” I replied, fighting my own emotion. I decided right then we need help! We need to learn to celebrate chemotherapy. I’ve heard of people dressing in a particular color on chemo days…but I’m really at a loss for any other ideas…and I’m not sure wearing a specific color would make a chemo day better for Jace. Come on friends…any thoughts? I need some fun ideas. Can anyone think of anything??
Luckily, Doctor H, Linda, Leslie, and Becky (our fabulous nurses!) and all the other staff at the Doctor’s Office saved the day this time by spoiling Jace as usual. At least he looks forward to seeing his “other family” at Teton Oncology. I even have proof of how much he gets spoiled:
(Thanks Linda and everyone. We sure love you.)
Chemo went fine, but I know WHY Jace’s lip quivered when he realized he had chemo that day...he has been sick to his stomach in the mornings since his treatment, his back hurts, he's weak and tired, yet he can't sleep, and he’s had a headache. In other words, he KNOWS now what chemo does. He really hates feeling sick, but one cool thing about Jace is if you ask him how he’s doing, he’ll always say fine.
I just asked him why he always replies that he's "fine" when I know he feels yucky. He replied, "Because I AM fine, mom. Helloooooo?"
Jace you continue to amaze me! You are so strong and brave. It's sad to say but my 11 yr old wouldn't handle any of this as well as you have. Jenna (my 5 yr old) asks if we still need to pray for Jace before she says her prayers. And the answer is yes! Pray for Jace and pray that we can be more like him! Keep smiling:) Love, the Robbins
ReplyDeleteI can totally hear that.... HELLLLOOOOOO!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat about a little chemo party the night before. Something he can look forward to, like an ice cream sundae party or night to the movies. Truly you are talking to the least creative person out there. Keep up the great attitudes! I can so hear his heellooo!
ReplyDeleteMy sister-in-law came across your blog and passed it along to me. Our three year old daughter, Elena, also has ALL. We get her treatments at Primary's in Salt Lake.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about Jace and your family's experiences. What a strong little guy he is! I've browsed through posts on your blog and I cried when I read your first few posts about his diagnosis. It's wonderful to read about how well he is doing now - he looks so good! I laughed though at your post a few posts back about people saying, "Wow - he looks so good, is he all better?" and "So, are treatments over?" We are only 6 months into the process and we get that, too. Oh, people. :)
I absolutely love, love, LOVE what you guys did for Jace's one year diagnosis anniversary! That is so fantastic! What a wonderful way to pay it forward! We want to do that when Elena has her one year anniversary. How did you go about setting it up? Did you need to talk to the hospital and get approval first? Where did you take the finished packs to? We'd really appreciate your insights. I just think it is such a fantastic idea!
As for ideas to make chemo days better: you could do a special "chemo day" present that he gets to open at the doctor - a book or toy or treat or movie he's been wanting, etc. also, elena likes to go have "mcdonalds food" (as she puts it) after chemo - it's her special treat. obviously, we go through the drive thru and not inside. but, it makes the day a little more exciting for her.
We have a blog: http://myhoffmans.blogspot.com/, if you want to read more about Elena.
-Briana
I am so glad to hear an update on jace! He is so tough all the time! We sure look up to you guys!
ReplyDeleteHang in there Jace! We sure do love you!
ReplyDeleteoh, i forgot to leave my e-mail address, if you have a chance to answer my questions about the packages.
ReplyDeletehelpthe3percent@gmail.com
thanks! Briana
what a TOUGH IRON MAN you are jACE! We think of you and wish you didn't have to feel so sick so often. Shelly is so glad to see you at school this year though! We continue to pray for you and have your name at the temple! Love, The Sommer family
ReplyDeleteI just read your whole blog from beginning to end, and cried through almost the whole thing. Sweet Jace is so handsome and amazingly strong. Your words have brought comfort to my soul and strengthened my testimony so much. I appreciate your honesty while sharing your feelings about your family's experience. It helps me put my own trials into perspective. Thank you for sharing and being so strong.
ReplyDeleteI love you Jace! You are so awesome! Thanks for inviting me to your baptism, it was wonderful! Just an idea - I had a patient that said she celebrated her chemo days. She explained that what she was really doing was celebrating life and chemo was providing that for her. She planned something special to do each chemo day to reward herself and celebrate her fight for life. Some days she would buy something she had been wanting, others she went to lunch with friends, or a movie. It was always fun to find out what she had planned for the day when she came in for chemo. Sure do love you guys!
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