Looks Like We (Jarod) Made It!!!!

Ok, so technically Jarod did all the hard work, but we really all did make it through the last 2 1/2 months of hell. Jarod had his last chemo treatment this morning...YAY...and now it's time to heal (both literally & figuratively). He will go back to see the oncologist in about 2 1/2 weeks at which time they will schedule his follow up CT scans, schedule removal of his port and give them the protocol for his particular follow-up regiman for the next 2-5 years.

We, as a family, are so grateful for Dr. Filip, Nurse Kim, Nurse Tina, Nurse Robin and the entire staff at Atlanta Hem/Onc for the wonderful care they gave to not only Jarod, but our whole family. They are ANGELS and there was never a day or time when they didn't go above and beyond for Jarod. They have made this journey a little easier, especially for Jarod and Lindsey, and for that I am so thankful. We are also extremely grateful to all our wonderful family and friends for all the well wishes & prayers sent Jarods' way. He will continue to heal in the months ahead and he and Lindsey will figure out where the next path will lead them to. Life will never be the same for them after this experience...it will be better because of it and he will do all this CANCER FREE!!!

Jarod and Mama 5/24/10...last day of chemo!!!

Jarod and Nurse Kim...she truly is an Angel!!!

Lindsey and Jarod...last day of chemo 5/24/10

Jarod, Lindsey and Mama...last day of chemo 5/24/10.

We decided to celebrate with lunch at Front Page News after Jarods' short chemo today and while Jarod and I were putting money in the meter (yeah, it took 2 of us to figure it out!) Lindsey was walking onto the sidewalk and all of a sudden says, "Did a bird just crap in my hair?" Sure enough, it did!!! We laughed (Jarod and I) til I thought my sides would split and she was gagging and practically running to the restaurant to wash her hair out in the bathroom sink! Anyhow, supposedly that's good luck so before we got back to their house we stopped and bought lotto tickets...I think today might just be our lucky day!!!

Although he doesn't look it in this picture...he was VERY happy today was his last treatment. He's looking forward to not being bloated from all the steroids, not having bones/joints ache til he feels like crying, not being nauseous and just looking forward to Life. God I love this kid...

Mothers Day 2010

So this post isn't just about Mothers' Day, but also about family and what a great support system they always are for us. My sister, Pam, was able to fly out from Wyoming for a week and spend some time with us. She is my only sister and we NEVER get to spend enough time together but we always know each of us is there for the other, especially in tough times. I was SO happy she was able to come and to see Jarod and Lindsey and just "hang out" with me for a week.

We had a great Mothers Day weekend with Jarod and Lindsey spending the entire weekend (as well as Georgia Pooch) down here in Newnan. Jarod was feeling pretty good coming off the end of his 2nd cycle of chemo. He and Cleo just hung out on Saturday while Pam, Lindsey and I went shopping. Lindsey got her cartilage (ouch!) in her ear pierced and we just walked around Ashley Park and then to Old Navy. It was fun to hang out with the girls. That night, Cleo cooked turkey tenders, mashed potatos and gravy (technically I did that part!) and rolls for dinner. It was so yummy...there's just something about fresh turkey and the way Cleo cooks it is so yummy! On Mothers' Day, Cleo and Jarod got up early and went turkey hunting...no luck this time. It was such a beautiful day and we were able to be outside all day, playing some cornhole and enjoying the sunshine...especially Pam who came from a temp of 29 in Wyoming the morning she flew here!!! Jarod cooked Gouda stuffed pork chops on the grill that were absolutely fabulous!!! It was so nice to spend Mothers' Day with those I love the most...just wish my other kids could've been here :(

On Tuesday, Pam and I got up early and drove to Atlanta and took Jarod to chemo. This was the start of his third (and hopefully last) cycle of chemo. We spent the night and took him again on Wednesday. He didn't do too bad, but by the time we left Wed. night and started to head back to Newnan he was feeling pretty crappy. He had a bad night Wed and again on Thursday so they gave him IV ativan both Thursday and Friday to try to sedate him and allow him to sleep through the nausea. Cleo was able to be with him on Friday and even though there's nothing any of us can really do for him at least he's never alone and I think that helps. We will know for sure next week, after his blood levels come back and Dr. Filip confers with Dr. Einhorn @ Indiana Univ, if he will only require the 3 cycles or possibly need a 4th. Lindsey has been having her own struggles with her oral surgery...she had the stitches out on Wed and there's still infection so she's on another 10 day round of antibiotics...I know the stress of all this isn't helping and I pray that she will get over her infection soon.

I have always LOVED being a Mama, but this year was more special because I realize just how precious life is and you should always embrace life and show and tell those you love how much they mean to you...not just on Mothers' Day, but every day and live your lives to the fullest. I will always strive to be an inspiration to my kids and laugh more and love even more if that's possible...

Pam and Marcy...May 2010

Pam and Marcy...May 2010

Lindsey getting her ear pierced...ouch!!!

Jarod and Mama on Mothers' Day 2010

Aunt Pam, Jarod and Lindsey...Mothers Day 2010

Lindsey and Jarod...Mothers' Day 2010

Pam and Marcy playing cornhole...

Jarod and Lindsey playing cornhole...

Jarod grilling stuffed pork chops.

As you can see, Cleo wasn't in any of these pics...guess he was the official photographer this weekend..haha! I guarantee you, he was there and supervising us all :)