October 21st, 2008 - A fabulous result and adventure all around…
Sometimes we just don’t realise the Weight we’re carrying around on our shoulders until it is lifted and today produced one of those moments. After two days of tests last week, the Oncologist today finally said “Well it all looks good, the PET Scan was negative (no active cancer cells) and the C/T scan shows a significant shrinkage of the mass.” Cameron let out a “Yes!” with one of those clenched first actions that sports professionals use when they deliver the winning shot…Â
The Oncologist took us through all of the scans and the difference was obvious and quite remarkable. She checked Cameron over and is very pleased with his progress, adding that she is now less anxious about him. He will not have to endure any more tests until the 6th January when he will have another C/T Scan. We get to enjoy and relaxing Christmas, which really means a great deal to us as this has been a very tough year for our family and we had no idea what lay in store for us this time last year, or what the outcome would be.   We are thankful to God for each and every day.
Cameron and I were so excited and happy the whole drive home, which seemed to pass so much quicker than usual. It feels like little people are dancing around in my heart! I really want to take this opportunity to thank those friends and family members who have stuck with us throughout this ordeal and for all the messages and calls I received in recent days to say that we are in your thoughts and prayers. This last week has been so full of anxiety for us and my tears are never far from the surface as we have been in survival mode for a while now. A kind word means more than you may ever know.
Over the past month or so Cameron has had some wonderful experiences – all provided by charities who know how tough this journey is. During the recent school holidays he enjoyed a 5 day camp down on the Gold Coast, all provided by Camp Quality and he had a fantastic time. I must confess I found it very hard to let him go… In the weeks leading up to his departure I tried hard to talk him out of going, without success, but I knew medically he was in good hands with experienced supervision as well as a nurse and doctor on hand.Â
There was one adult companion to every 2 children and Cam’s buddy was a little boy from the Gold Coast who has been on a number of these camps, which are annual events for childhood cancer survivors. Of course he also met many other children from all walks of life too and each one has their own cancer story to tell. It’s an extremely positive experience for all of these kids to be able to share quality time together.
No sooner had he returned home from Camp Quality when our family was invited to the Queensland Raceway by the Make A Wish Foundation for a full day of sports car action. Off we went to what we assumed was a scheduled race day with maybe a visit to the pits. It turned out to be a far more spectacular event put on exclusively for all of the families that Make A Wish are in touch and was sponsored by Intabill. The boys all got to go in Porsches, Ferraris, a Lamborghini and other sports cars including v8 Drifters and they also met a couple of celebrity race car drivers including Jamie Whincup (pictured with the boys) who won Bathurst the following weekend. Everyone had an absolute ball! The kids all received free t-shirts, caps and even a brand new racing helmet, which were later signed by the drivers…
I looked on in horror and in earnest at Bill for him to ‘do something’ when they went out for their first spin around the track… He just grinned as some of the cars were passing us in the pit lane, going down the straight at speeds in excess of 250 kph… with my children in them… I worry about them going down a hill on their bicycles and here they are racing around the track at over these speeds! We were both convinced that at least Owen would come in terrified and hysterical, refusing to go again… but it never happened. They couldn’t get enough – even the drifters were doing their ‘drifting’ routine which was Cameron’s favourite experience of the day. Of course, we were one of the last families to leave after an absolutely fabulous day. Â
The effort these organisations put into these events is impressive.
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Enjoy the photos.
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love.”
Psalm 145:8
October 21st, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Hi All,
Aaaaa! What fantastic, fantastic, fantastic news. We are so please for ALL of you, praise the Lord! We do hope that you guys will now have the time and space to recharge those batteries and just relax, as I am sure that has been something that none of you have been able to do so far. Glad the boys are happy in their new school. Cam your hair looks great, very cool surfer dude look! Big hugs and kisses to you all.
All our love the Hanekoms x x x x
October 21st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
OH WHAT FANTASTIC NEWS!! We are so pleased, excited and relieved for you all, especially you Cam. We love and miss you lots and think of you all so often. The photos are wonderful I just cannot get over how you are all sprouting!! Take care and tons of love to you all. Ditto on the hair front Cam, I think it looks very cool! Love Sand
xxxxxx
October 21st, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Cameron, we are all so pleased for you and the family. You have been through a terrible ordeal, but have never given up hope, or stopped smiling! I bet you enjoyed the day in the racing cars (I would have liked that too)!! Say hi to Mum and Dad for me. Take care, love Katie xx
October 21st, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Dearest Leigh, Cameron and family
We are so thrilled to hear your news and are so relieved that you can enjoy some respite from your stress and celebrate our Saviour’s birthday in December together. May God richly bless you all for your unbelievable courage, faith and love you have for each other. With lots of love Cindie Nel (Johannesburg, South Africa)
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:07 am
What lovely news I am so happy for you all. Cam keep smiling and maybe let the hair grow long and then you can put dreadlocks and annoy your mom, dont tell her though!! My Kenneth has them but only at the back of his head, fashoin of today!!! Take care and lots of love and kisses to all, love as always and sweet dreams. love Dee Martin Manuella and Kennethxxxxx
October 23rd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Such wonderful news! Cameron, you are such an amazing young man. Keep smiling and I am sure you are a inspiration to many others. You sure are to us!!!
with love
Karen, Vince, Jack & Tamara xxxxxx
October 27th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
We are so pleased to hear that your results are good! You must be so relieved, excited and pleased to be returning to some sort of normality. Take Care….