February 19th, 2008 - The Bulls drop in
Cameron remains in the oncology ward following the drama of the past weekend, but he is really bouncing right back to his old self after a few days off from the first round of chemotherapy, which continues tomorrow. After that he gets to enjoy about 12 days of rest and recuperation to see out the remainder of this, his first 21 day chemotherapy treatment cycle, which has really delivered a fabulous result in terms of the impact it has had on his tumour (I’ve also today uploaded a recent chest x-ray). Hopefully tomorrow won’t be too hard on his system.
The big news and excitement for Cam today was a visit from two members of the Queensland Bulls cricket team! I wasn’t able to attend, but I had been called a few days ago to confirm a suitable date, which we didn’t relay to Cameron so it was a lovely surprise for him when Ashley Noffke and Clinton Perren rolled into the ward bearing a cricket bat signed by the entire Bulls team as well as player cards and a couple of caps – all of which went down a real treat.
Apparently Cameron didn’t stop smiling for about 2 hours after the guys left and when I spoke to him on the phone shortly afterwards I could hear the uncontrollable grin. He was given two player caps. One new one and the other he is particular proud as it is “The one that Ashley has been using all season.†Cam reckons it’s still got his sweat from last weekends’ game… Err, way cool cap Cam! To say he is absolutely thrilled by all of this would be a huge understatement. Thanks Ashley, Clinton and of course to Carolyn Bindon for making all of this happen.
Finally I have managed to discipline my scanner and upload the image I was bragging about over the weekend, about how much Cameron’s cancer had regressed. You can see from the image here the stark difference in the density of the tumour, or mass (really not sure which of these terms is clinically correct, probably neither) between 5th February (left image) and 15th February (right image). The central line, used to administer the chemotherapy is clearly visible in the image on the right.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Cam will be thinking of you tomorrow or our time here in Austria tonight. Keep up the fight we stand behind you. Pity we cant blast it away with the cricket bat!!!!! Must have been a wonderful surprise. lots of love and hugs. Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth xxxx
February 20th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Hi Cam,
Looks like you and the Lord are making fantastic progress. Our prayers are certainly being answered. Keep it up. Did you ask those cricketers if they know how to bowl a “bazooka” like your uncle? Or the old “oh my gosh how are you going to hit this”? Looks like the chemo has administered both to your tumour.
By the way Jade told me yesterday over breakfast, that she had a dream about you and you were all better. She did admit though, that Owen was also in her dream and for some reason he had taken a liking to weeman’s dummy and was now using a dummy again. hehe. Don’t tell Owen. Take care Cam we miss you and you are always in our thoughts.
Ken, Shaz, Jade and Joel.
February 20th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Dear Cameron
Wow, what an awesome surprise!!
We are thrilled you are doing so well. Stay strong and thinking of you always.
Love Debbie, Terry and Jason
February 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Hi Cameron, How exciting having cricket players come and visit. So glad you were surprised and got some goodies from them as well! Glad that your body is responding to the treatment, keep it up and we look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Big hugs to you and mum and dad.
Sending love for better health
Tammy, Jason, Mackenzie and Cousteau
February 20th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Hi Cam,
We have homegroup at our place tonight and will remember you. How could we forget you. We miss all the bouncing boys running up the driveway and bounding through the doors at the Kenealy house!! Fantastic to see the xray. But we shouldn’t be surprised if God created the world, he should be able to fix a body!! We look forward to seeing you again on Sunday God willing. Another few crazy jokes.
How could the crustatcean afford to buy a house? He prawned everything.
What do fish like to chew?
Bubbl gum!
How do sea creatures carry big things?
In a whalebarrow!
Best start cooking dinner before Lifegroup!!
Love Trish, Stuart, Josh and Matt
February 21st, 2008 at 4:29 am
Hi Cameron!
It sounds like you are responding really well to the treatment (Those Cricket players must have been great!), and that x-ray image is amazing, in the way of it decreasing. Good luck for tomorrow, and we pray you come out of the ward soon.
from your old friend,
Alex
February 21st, 2008 at 8:26 am
Hi Cameron, it’s the Walker family! Remember us? Neighbors of Sharon, Kenneth, Jade & Joel in Ridgefield, CT! Sharon gave me the web address and you have been in our thoughts and prayers daily. Sharon is sending off a package to you tomorrow and we have sent some goodies along too. We had such fun with you and your brothers and your mom during your last visit and we can’t wait for you to get well enough to come back and visit us very soon! Jake wanted me to tell you that he got Brain Training for his Nintendo DS (the one he borrowed from you guys) and he too has the Star Wars game and LOVES it. You are the strongest boy that we know, the power of prayer is so strong and is evident in your x-rays, and how you are already so much better. Please know there are people all the way around the world who are praying for you. Something funny…I noticed your dad keeps referring to you being in the “Theater”…I guess that is another word for “Operating Room.” Over here in the states the Theater is where you go to watch a movie! Take care and please send our love to your family.
Love, The Walker Family
Lauren, Michael, Jake, Ava & Bennett
February 21st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Hey Cameron,
Wow what a fantastic improvment already with your tumour shrinking – this is one time when “black is best” we want to see beautiful black (lungs)filling up that white space.
You are being so brave – a true braveheart!
What is so awesome is that God has you in the palm of His hand right now, what a cool place to be!
praying for you every day and expecting God to restore you completely!
with our love Cameron and love to your mum and dad and your brothers. Yours is a shared journey – though you have to do the really hard bits!
Denise and Keith
February 21st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Hi Cam,
Boy! You had us all worried there for a little while, but I knew it was pretty obvious that chemo leaves a nasty after effect and that once you had got over or used to it you would show it who’s boss!!!! Glad you were ok to meet the ‘bulls boys’ bet that must have made you feel BIG and very PROUD. I know I would have!! Hopefully one day you will be able to introduce me to these chaps, I would ALSO like to say hello!!
Well we in South Africa, still have all the faith in your full recovery, and promise me, if I can’t make it to you, you will come and see Grandad in Cape Town OK?? Try not to keep the girls waiting too long for your return!!Keep on smiling and until the next time, big hug and kiss from all of us in South Africa. With much love Grandad Bill XXX