Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Last 14 Months in a QUICK Nutshell

Can you believe it? In some ways it doesn't seem like he's been going at this for over a year, but in the same breath, it's been such a looooong journey!

March 2010

June 2010

June 2011

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Diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma June 29th, 2010

* Weighed in at a whopping 23 lbs.

* Wasn't walking, doctors said he may never walk again.

* Underwent a laminectomy (removal of tumor wrapped around his spine)

* Couldn't pee on his own, doctors said he may never pee on his own again.

* Decided to get started on a year long chemo regimen (First date of chemo July 1st, 2010)

Somewhere in the Middle:

* Many trips back and forth from Casper to Salt Lake City (6 hrs 1 way, approx. 2x a month)

* Many unexpected trips to Casper's so called hospital (don't ask), usually because of fevers

* 6 weeks of intense radiation therapy

* 2 Life Flight rides (much quicker than driving... maybe not as cost efficient)

* Enjoyed his 4 year birthday!

* Experienced many, many, many days full of ups and downs if only to lead us to...

Today: August 2011

* Weighs in at 27 lbs and climbing.

* Walks all over the place without assistance. (His walker is old news, says he had that for when he was 3; now he's 4 and doesn't need it to walk!)

* Peeing like a race horse, (couldn't resist) and has even started making it to the bathroom all on his own... when in a good mood! :)

* Learned to deal with an NG tube and esophageal stricture due to the radiation therapy

* And finally ................. drum roll, PLEASE ..............................


Finished ALL of his chemo treatments!!!! Yay!



What an amazing kid! Please keep Oakley in your prayers as we wait to do his scans next week to see where his cancer status is!

7 comments:

  1. Joy, Dave and Family, I cannot believe the year you have been through! What an amazing example of strength you are. We love you all and will keep Oakley in our prayers. Hope his results come back with good news. Hugs to you and your sweet family!
    Jenny John

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  2. Your family is an inspiration to us all. We will continue to keep Oakley and your family in our prayers!! Good luck with his scans! (Loved the peeing like a racehorse comment!! Brought back old time memories!!)
    xoxo
    Krista

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  3. Such amazingly good news. He does know our names.
    Rick and Barbara Byrem

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  4. Hi Joy,

    Elaine is my sister (in law) so I have been following Oakley's story since the beginning. We've all been praying for your sweet boy and I check your blog regularly for updates. I have never commented, but this post brought tears to my eyes and I just had to say something. What an incredible little boy you've been blessed with! And what an incredible mommy he has!

    Stay strong, little Oakley! We don't actually know you, but we sure do love you! :)

    ~Melissa :)

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  5. You are always in our prayers. What a beautiful update! Keep em coming! Go Oakley! We love you!

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  6. How are you all? How is Oakley doing? Are you coming home for the holidays? If you are, call us, we would love to get together! Miss you!

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  7. Oh Joy, you can't imagine how many thoughts and prayers went your way from us, and I am SURE from many many others! So happy to hear the good news about Oakley, still praying things are going up still!!! We love you guys

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