Chemo weeks 8,9, and 10.

So, I am way behind on this blog! I wish it was because we were too busy doing way awesome, fun stuff, but honestly, I just haven't felt up to writing lately. We have done some fun things. Week 8 we went to the Make-a-wish headquarters in Murray and Max was able to declare his wish to go to Disneyworld. They made the experience really special. We met with our volunteers and they gave us a tour, had us throw a special coin in the wish fountain and then took us upstairs to the castle turret which is their wishing room. It had a glass floor that lit up, a fountain, and a wizard's hat where you drop your wish (that is rolled into a metal tube). Well, of course, they let Max hold the metal tube and , of course, because he's only 2 he dropped it and shattered one of the glass tiles on the floor. They were really nice about it though. After that, we went up to the hospital and got Max his chemo.

Week 9 of chemo was our half way point, so we had to do a chest x-ray and an ultra sound. Everything came back normal and looking good. It's really nice to be able to be on the down slope now.

Max was feeling good enough that we went to the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days and enjoyed the parade, the carnival, and some family time at the park. Oh, and don't forget the awesome chocolate funnel cakes! Max loved the parade and him and Sam had a blast riding a few rides at the carnival. Of course, I sanitized their hands like crazy after every ride. And was a little freaked out about him being around so many people. But he did great. I handed out fliers at the park for Max's fundraiser that Chili's is doing for us and everyone was so kind to me. I had to take breaks after every few minutes because I'd start crying every time someone would start asking about him more. It was fun to see some faces down town that I hadn't seen in a while.

Week 10 of chemo was yesterday and Max got just the Vincristine. He is now starting to spread them out to every other week now. But that also means that the dosage of the chemo is higher as well. Which also means that the side effects are going to be stronger as well. So, wish us luck! Max does such a good job at the oncology clinic. He's got it down to routine now. He even teases the nurses sometimes too. He still cries for just a few seconds when they are accessing his port, but I don't think that will ever change. It's gotta hurt!

I know I don't talk, or write, about how I feel about all this all that much, I mainly just give the facts, but right now, it's just too painful to share my feelings. Once in a while I have a good cry, or two, and then I can lock it all up and just keep going. I know it's probably not the healthiest way to handle things, but I just need to stay strong for my little hero. I'm so proud of him and the way he's been kicking his cancer's butt.

 This is in the wishing room at Make-a-wish

 They had a sign just for Max as we walked in. These are our volunteers Meagan and Katie.

 He's been tired lately. lol

 This is the boys at the Fiesta Days Carnival.

 More pics from Make-a-wish. I can't figure out how to get my pics in order on here. Oh well.

 This is the tile Max shattered. lol

 Max was hiding in the submarine at the Dentist's office. His teeth looked great by the way.

 PARADE!!!!

 Max rolled himself up like a burrito at the park. He was getting pretty tired.

 This was Max teasing the nurse, and then the heart breaking look on his face when his port is accessed.

P.S. We did get approved for Max's wish. We will be spending 7 days in Florida at the end of October going to all the Disney parks, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. We can hardly wait!

4th of July and Vacation!!!

The 4th of July was great this year. Not our normal celebrations, but pretty great. We kept Max home all day and avoided any crowds since his blood counts were low. We watched fun movies and Sam talked about fireworks all day. We took the boys to Grandma and Grandpa Clements that evening so that Nate and I could enjoy a night out at the Stadium of Fire. That was our first time going and we had a blast! Nate and I are huge Kelly Clarkson fans and she didn't disappoint! The boys did get to watch some fireworks from Grandma's front porch and Sam loved it!

This week was Max's 7th chemo treatment and he got just the Vincristine this week. His blood counts were just barely above the level of needing a blood transfusion, so that was a relief.  Sam came with us again this week and spent the time in the "Fun Zone" with Nate making art projects for Max. Sam is such a thoughtful brother sometimes.

Wednesday we left for Park City for our free two night stay at the Park City Peaks Hotel. We were upgraded to a suite with a huge jetted jacuzzi tub. The boys thought that was the coolest thing ever. They also loved the pool at the hotel. We ate lunch at the Dairy Keen or as the boys call it, the train restaurant. They got pirate swords in their kids meals, so that kept them entertained for the trip. We did some school clothes shopping at the outlets, rode the Alpine Slide, swam in the pool some more, and checked out the shops on main street. The boys had a blast, and it was really nice to get away from reality for a couple of days.

When we got home today, we had a couple of packages waiting for us. One was from a friend of mine since junior high. She and her Aunt sent Max a Buzz Lightyear blanket, Sam a Buzz pillow case, and Nate and I some goodies. Thank you again Julia!

The second package was from our friend Lynne in New York. She is part of the Pediatric Cancer Awareness Bear organization. She sent the boys each a build a bear. They absolutely loved them! They were even kissing their bears. I love seeing my boys being so sweet.

It was a nice couple of days away, but it's nice to be home! Especially to sleep in my own bed with my own pillow!

I know I keep saying this, but I'm so humbled and grateful for all the support we have received through this. From care packages, to donations to Max's fund, to prayers, fasts, and sweet comments of support on FB. I never knew how amazing people truly are. Thank you again to everyone for all the support. We can't thank everyone enough. I just hope to pay it forward someday.

Sam loves getting to go fishing with Daddy.

 Nate and I at the Stadium of fire! We had amazing seats!

 It was hard to get a good pic of Kelly, but there ya go. lol

 Sam at Grandma's with glow bracelets watching the fireworks.

 Max being a pirate and Sam being a knight. They LOVE to play dress up.

 The boys on the train at Dairy Keen in Heber.

 My handsome hubby. 6 years later and he's still so dreamy!

 Max loves his blanket from Julia and her Aunt.

 Max got a Superman bear that has ears that light up.

 Sam got a Spiderman Monkey. He loves it because it matches his Spiderman pjs.

 This is a bear hug from the people at 52 smiles.

 This is the super hero mask from Sending Art Projects to Kids with Cancer.

 Another pic on the train.

 Sam like the moose at the mountain resort.

 This is on the ski lift that takes you to the top of the mountain to ride the Alpine Slide.

 Sam was so excited that him and Daddy beat Max and I to the bottom.