March 14th, 2008 - Bad hair [no hair] day
Cameron went to Brisbane for his chemotherapy this past Wednesday, the day after attending school and that treatment went about as well as could reasonably be expected. Of course, this brought with it some suffering for Cameron with side-effects being mainly deep aches and pains. This time the pain is concentrated on his head, neck and all around his ribs, back and shoulders and so yesterday he didn’t even get out of his pyjamas the whole day. I can still barely imagine what it must feel like to be taking medicine that doesn’t actually make you feel better, but worse…Â
The trip to Brisbane was also an opportunity for Cameron to meet with his senior oncologist who is very, very pleased with his progress. She has also scheduled a new, full round of scans next week to determine exactly what impact the treatment has had on the cancer so far, so that the next stage of treatment can be tailored and planned accordingly. He now has a welcome break from chemotherapy for about 10 days and is booked into the oncology ward for the first four days of the next treatment cycle.
So, Cameron hasn’t yet returned to school and won’t do so at least until next week, when he will have hopefully bounced back from this cycle of treatment sufficiently to maybe take on a few days, or half days at school. Meanwhile, today is “Shave for a Cure†day in the Smith household. I said I was going to shave my head to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation in Cameron’s name and Carlton has also entered the fray by having his hair coloured in front of the whole school at assembly today. Sincere thanks to everyone who has sponsored Carlton over the past week or so and also to Eleanor and Vince for their particularly generous online donations.
I know what you’re thinking… Want to see the videos of Carlton being coloured and Cameron shaving my hair off? Click on the “Shave for a Cure†link on the left hand side of this page…. yes that one… and let’s see some final encouragement. Come on folks! This is priceless entertainment. Okay yes it is also shameless promotion, but it’s all for a worthy cause. Just remember… we used to think that cancer was something only other people and their kids get. Think about it. Not for too long though. So far we have raised just over AU$ 200 in sponsorship for the Leukaemia Foundation. The video of these hair day events here online has got to be worth at least AU$ 1000. Go on… let’s do it!
March 15th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Hi Cam,
Great speaking to you yesterday. It amazes me when you just mention that your bones hurt from the therapy and then in the next breath you are laughing and joking with Mom and Gran in the background. You are awesome and so brave. You are an inspiration to us all mate. If Jade and Joel grow up to be a fraction of what you are, I will be happy and proud.
And special mention to your Mom and Dad too, as you have 2 very special people there for you.
Hopefully I will get my Skype working for this weekend so we can chat.
Take care
Kenneth
March 15th, 2008 at 3:29 am
Hi Cameron,
Hope you are feeling better, look really cool with your new hair style. Thinking of you a lot. Cheers Sebastian
Hi Cameron,
I saw your video, I like your hair, you have a really cool cricket bat. I play cricket as well. Love Ross ( Typed by Monique !!!)
Dearest Cameron,
It was wonderful to see you in your uniform, I am sure it was lovely to get back to school and catch up with all your mates! All of us are SO inspired by you, I keep re-reading Dad’s daily entries, you are such a very incredible boy. Thank you for making us all realise how very fortunate we all are. Stay positive, and stay strong! Give your mum and dad a hugh big hug from me. God bless. All my love Monique
Hi Cameron,
It was really nice to see you on the video, be sure that you are in our prayers everyday and we think of you everyday as well. Sending you lots of good wishes from rainy and cold England!!! Hang in there. Lots of love Nic