April 13th, 2008 - A week of relative bliss (new pics in gallery today)
The last five days have been as close to normal as we have come since Cameron was diagnosed with Cancer. It seems hard to believe that later today we will once again be returning to Brisbane for his next round of chemotherapy scheduled to start tomorrow. This past week was Queensland school holidays and we have been making regular visits to the beach for short walks, which Cameron has really come to appreciate. A nice turn-around from a few weeks back when he really didn’t want to go near the beach for fear of the torment of not being able to swim. Now he starts most days asking when we are going.
Of course the time outdoors in the fresh air and the light Exercise has really been beneficial to Cameron. He also likes skimming rocks across the water and just generally enjoying the wonderful warm days and calm ocean that we have been experiencing recently. Sometimes we take Radar the dog to the beach too, but he isn’t allowed on all the beaches so we either go to Point Cartwright, or North Shore where he can run around off his leash. At the Mooloolaba pier we see turtles frolicking in the sea and watch the fishing trawlers going out to sea. The holiday-makers from all over are here enjoying all of the things that drew us to this lovely area. We are so blessed to live in this part of the world. Meanwhile, back at the ranch it seems all the 3 boys are ever really interested in is playing on the computer, killing one another in TV games and of course watching TV. Sometimes it seems our visits to the beach, the occasional game of Mah Jong with Gran are merely distractions from the electronic world these kids are growing up in.
Â
Of course our week was filled with a few usual medical issues, such as having the insuflon in Cameron’s leg changed a few times. A couple of times our family GP Dr Don Thackwray kindly came to our home to do it. Cameron likes this I think partly because he also happens to be a practicing anaesthetist so does it quite painlessly, but he always takes time to chat with Cam. Of course the week wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to a hospital somewhere. This week it was two visits to Nambour hospital – once for an insuflon change and once for central line care. Meanwhile Cameron continues his regime of daily medication that includes 4 times a day mouth care and twice daily injections, plus regular trips to the local pathology lab in Maroochydore for blood tests.
Wherever we go now it seems people tend to know us and take a genuine interest Cameron’s well-being. We are all very grateful to have remained in good health and avoided any serious issues or sickness requiring hospitalisation. Serious complications are quite common among cancer patients, so every parent caring for a child with cancer remains constantly concerned and vigilant for them – particularly when their blood counts are as low as Cameron’s have been. Overall it has just been such a joy to be home together once again and to be reminded how it is often the simplest things in life that mean the most.Â
Yesterday as we walked along the beach Cam said “When my central line is out Mom, I am going to get on my board and paddle right out, get off and just tread water. It is going to be so great”. The beaming smile on his face as he pointed out across the perfectly still ocean on this perfect day, vividly visualising this event in his future, I felt such a surge of happiness and pride. At that moment in his mind he was actually experiencing it and of course in so doing, exercising his faith. In spite of everything – including recently starting to lose his eye-lashes into his eyes, which is a terribly painful experience that happens numerous times every day – Cameron remains focused and determined.
“As for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more.” Psalm 71:14
Â
April 13th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Hi Cam
What a wonderful picture at the beach, the waves so gentle like the mediterranean, looks wonderful, tell mom thanks for the fotos, your 2 younger brothers have naughty written over their faces so lovely. But its nearly winter time there now so by the time it warms up again I am sure you will be able to go for a board and swim. Give your brothers mom dad and gran a big hug from me, I will be thinking of you tomorrow. You take care brave young man sweet dreams and god bless. love as always Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth xxxx
April 14th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Hello there, from a very cold UK! Wow the photo’s make us miss the sun, surf and sand so much!
Great to see all the wonderful family moments your sharing! No school hols for Jack and Tamara here..straight back to school for them! Enjoy the hols and keep smiling through! We are thinking of you!
Love always
Karen, Vince, Jack and Tamara xxxxxx
April 14th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Howzit Cam & the rest of the gang, how divine is that pic, makes you want to get onto the next plane and come & see you (esp looking thru the rest of the photies, how surreal does this feel). Hey, Cam my hair is short too (not sure if I mentioned it before, maybe I did)not as short as yours but its short, may go a bit shorter soon. Wearing my yellow bangle & think of you everyday. As I mentioned before, Jade & I pray each night & you & your family are always in our prayers. You always look so radiant, well & happy! Please ask your family for lots of cuddles from us & give them cuddles back (& maybe a lick to Carlton). Sorry its been awhile since I wrote. Love & miss you heaps, love shaz, ken, jade & joel xxxx ps. you would just love Joel, he’s so cheeky, trying to say so many words and loves running away from Jade or after her. They play so nicely together. Jade is growing up, getting taller & more beautiful, she’ll be on spring break this week & then back to school for about 6 weeks & then its summer break & then kindergarten in September. Its warming up & the daffodils are beginning to show & the buds on the trees. Birds are cheeping & busy flying about, its such a divine time of year. We were out at the park a few times last week it was so warm & beautiful. Spring has finally arrived, yeah!!!
April 15th, 2008 at 12:01 am
Hi all you wonderful people!!!
Just to say, we are thinking of you all on a daily basis and that we are praying for Cameron and for all of you.
Thank you for the regular updates, we all look forward to reading of Cam’s fab progress.
Keep up the good work Cameron, you are soooooooo very, very special. You inspire us with every update. Thank you.
God bless you all!
All our love the Hanekoms xxxx
April 18th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Howzit,
Hope you are getting to the beach more often. Weather is getting warmer here, so not too long until we start hitting the beach again.
You are amazing, in that each photo you are still smiling ear to ear. I watch and learn. Miss you guys and the kids say high.
Cheers
Kenneth