June 9th, 2008 - The waiting game
Cameron’s last day of radiation was made so special by the radiation therapy team. They painted his mask with a Reds Jersey and when we arrived for his treatment one of them came out in her Reds Shirt and cap and took us to the “torture chamber” and they all had Reds shirts and caps on and gave Cameron a rousing final welcome. They were so pleased for Cam and you can imagine how happy he was. The day before he’d had surgery to have his central line out and insisted on visiting everyone in the ward and meeting “M” at the Wonder Factory later in the afternoon no matter how hard I tried to convince him it wasn’t a good idea. He wanted to see his friends he had bonded with and allow them to share his joy as only they could understand how much it really meant. We miss them all and pray every night that they too will soon be at the same stage as Cam.
Monday we all attended our Australian Citizenship Ceremony and it felt good. Another milestone reached – every one of them reminds us how far we have come and how blessed we all are. Particularly since we have had a little over a week back at home now and everyday Cameron’s hair is growing back a bit more, including his eyelashes and his body shape is slowly starting to change, again. It seems strange not seeing the central line hanging out of his chest and it makes me smile inside whenever I see his chest. The dressing pulled some of his skin off which also became a bit infected, so he could not go back to school as expected, until Wednesday but that is all healed too now. Six more days of the Clexane injections and then that will be over too!Â
On Wednesday he was playing dodge ball at PE and ran around at lunch time which must have been so liberating for him. That evening his thigh muscles were very sore, but for once this was a good ache! He had one little steristrip hanging on until Saturday and yesterday he had his first swim in the sea! The weather wasn’t great, but we couldn’t keep denying him the swim he has been craving since February and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. So for now we are home until the 23rd June when we go to back to Brisbane for his heart echo and to see his oncologist. Sometime that week he will also have a respiratory test and the main events are on the 26th and 27th June – these are the PET and C/T Scans, which will tell us if he requires any further treatment! We remain steadfast in our belief that it is all over, but until we have formal confirmation of this we will adjust back to life in the Sunny Coast…
Â
For the next two years I will be involved with the Family Advisory Committee for the Queensland Children’s Hospital, which I am both excited and honoured to have been invited to become involved in. On Tuesday evening I went on a tour of the brand new Mothers Hospital – which opened the following day – including the Neonatal ICU, birthing suites, wards and it was very impressive. I would love to have had my children in a hospital like that. I feel so honoured to be a part of this planning phase, helping future families to have an improved hospital experience.
Â
I hope to get the photos up soon of the final day of radiation. Until next time we look forward to a couple of weeks of “normal” bliss!
Â
“The Lord gives strength to his people. The Lord blesses his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11
June 9th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Hi Cam,
Nuff said, it seems you have been able to do much of what others can do and I am so pleased that you were able to enjoy the sea once again. Lets hope and pray all will go right from here on in. I would like to hear from you sometime, so try and let me know how it’s all going soon OK? All the family in SA send their very best wishes, love and prayers. I will write again soon. Much love Grandad Bill XX Cape Town South Africa
June 10th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Hi Cam
Well done sweetness it must have been a pleasure going into the sea again but a little cold hey! Never mind. Summer will come again soon!!! Must have been a good feeling having sore muscles your old Aunt gets it every time I go on my long bike rides I always over do it!! And it is not only the leg muscles that ache but also the butt!!
Take care and God Bless tell your mom I am glad shes found something rewarding to occupy her she deserves it. Big hugs to your brothers and mom and dad and gran and of course you too. love you all Dee Martin Manuella and Kenneth xxxx
Hold thumbs for Kenneth 16 and 17 he has his final oral exams
June 10th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Hi Cam,
Sorry such a long time since our last posting. Have been reading your remarkable journey every step of the way and we are all so glad that the end is in sight. Yes, we believe you are cured! So glad you are home now, and enjoying doing the things you love. The sea must have been cold!!!! Keep going ‘wonderboy’, give your brothers and mum and dad a big fat hug from all of us, and the biggest hug is for YOU! Lots of love, Nic, Monique, Seb and Rossxxxx
June 13th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Hello Cameron,
It is so wonderful to be able to keep up to date with your journey. Wow we are glad that the end of this chapter is in sight.
Did you watch the rugby game? Vince is indeed a happy queenslander today! We also read the weather has been wet but I am sure that will not stop you getting to the beach.
Congratultations on becoming an Australian, and even more congratulations on your recovery! We will be thinking of you on the 23rd June and look forward to hearing more news soon!
with love
Karen, Vince, Jack and Tamara
xxxx
June 17th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Hello my darling, I am so pleased to hear all your news. You are such a star, I hope you enjoying yourself now and having lots of fun with your brothers. Take care and remember you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Tons of love Sandy xxx
Pls send love to Mum and Dad for me xxxx