MRI Done

Liam's MRI was moved to an earlier time at 9:00am, so that was nice. Liam didn't notice leaving the house without breakfast or milk, since we had to be there at 8:00am.

This was the first MRI with sedation since Liam's central line was taken out. The central line meant Liam didn't have to get a poke for anesthetic, they used the central line. This morning they gave Liam a bit if gas first, then put in the IV in his hand to use for the anesthetic. They also use the IV to inject contrast to get better images with the MRI.

The "before" picture is Liam and Madison in the room before the MRI. In the "after" picture, Liam is putting the mask on teddy to put teddy to sleep. The anesthesiologist was so good, she did the same for both Liam and teddy. Liam wasn't concerned at all going into the MRI, he did really well. Today he even said the "sleepy medicine" was ok. This is good since he's been talking a lot about how he doesn't like the "sleepy medicine".

The oncologist might not get back to us with the results until the end of day tomorrow. We realize (and are grateful) that we are not the highest priority of urgency now. We will have some patience and try to sleep tonight!

Scan time again already

Just when things almost feel "normal", it's scan time again. Liam's next MRI is this Thursday. Liam is happy and very much enjoying the warm weather. He just plays like everything is normal, unaware that he'll be getting anesthetic again this week. Unfortunately, he is starting to really hate the "sleepy medicine". We might be in for a bit of a bad day, as his MRI isn't until 1:00pm. Because of the anesthetic, he can't have any food or water that morning. Even though Liam doesn't want to eat, he loves his milk. When he can't have his milk, we will have one grumpy bear on our hands!

One Year Ago Today

The day that changed our lives forever. April 30, 2012 we took Liam to the emergency room at the Alberta Children's Hospital. Somehow the triage nurse "just knew". She immediately got Liam through to get a CT scan, and that day we found out Liam had a 4 cm tumor at the back of his head. The neurosurgeon cancelled all her surgeries the next day to make room for Liam's marathon surgery.

I cannot think about that time without feeling sick to my stomach. There are large chunks of time in the last year that are just a blur. I still often wake up and wonder if this all really happened.

I can't say how much I hate cancer for doing this to our 3 1/2 year old boy. I hate how awful cancer treatment is. Liam is facing a lifetime of tests and medical issues as a result of chemo and radiation.

But, having a lifetime of medical issues... means being alive. Even for all the awfulness, I am still so thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that Liam could make it through two major surgeries, and be doing so well. I am so thankful that Liam can run and jump and be a kid. I am so thankful for the amazing care we had. There are so many amazing healthcare professionals, volunteers and child life specialists that go above and beyond for our kids. We had many stressful points and bumps along the way, but treatment is now over. And we got to celebrate the year being over with an amazing wish trip for Liam.

Thank you everyone for everything over the last year. From Facebook messages, cards, gifts, food, donations for the playset in our backyard, to helping out with Madison. I just can't thank everyone enough, we are so grateful for all the support we've had over the year.

The top left picture is Liam on April 30, 2012 when he was admitted to Unit 3 to prepare him for surgery the next morning. He didn't know what was happening, but he knew things were not right. The picture on the right was taken yesterday.

Day 5 Wish Trip - Legoland

The kids loved Legoland! Liam is a big fan of Lego, and the Lego people. He has a big collection of them, from when he was getting his radiation treatments. When he got to pick a prize from the basket after his treatment, for a while he was picking Lego people almost every day!




Look Stacey, I got surfers! And Madison got a Snow White Lego.

   

Liam got a bit scared on some of the rides at Disney, there were a lot rides at Legoland that were perfect for him. Which worked well, since they were ones that Madison could go on as well. It appears as though she will be our thrill seeker!

Day 4 Wish Trip - Disney Hotel & Downtown Disney

We went for a character breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. It was very nice of Goofy to greet us at the door!




 It was the most amazing brunch, they had something for everyone. They had everything from mickey waffles, eggs, peanut butter and jam pizza, hot dogs to ice cream.

As we ate breakfast, different characters came through to meet the kids and take pictures.



















We wandered around Downtown Disney and picked up a few souvenirs. This is Madison with her new Minnie Baby and jewelry. Liam got a Mickey Lightning McQueen and Goofy Tow Mater.


    

Day 3 Wish Trip - Disneyland

The kids were ready for another day at Disney! We spent the second day at Disneyland, we spent most our time in Mickey's Toontown and Fantasyland. We did manage to made it through most of the park.

This day was filled with meeting Disney characters. The kids were thrilled to meet Pluto, Goofy, Minnie and Mickey. Liam was happy to talk to them and give them big hugs (despite the awkwardness of hugging these huge guys!). Madison was a little more hesitant, but was warming to them.

Merida and the bears from Brave were awesome!





Mickey's Toontown is perfect for the kids at age 4 1/2 & 2. We toured Minnie and Mickey's houses and met them both. The kids got autographs from all the characters they met.





   

No one told us that Mickey's hands were around Liam's neck :-)

 

We did some rides, the kids loved Peter Pan's Flight, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster and It's a Small World. The kids did so well, they even lasted to watch the Mickey's Soundsational Parade at the end of the day.

Day 2 Wish Trip - Disney California Adventure

There was no stopping, we immediately had to go to Radiator Springs! For those who haven't watched the Cars movie, Radiator Springs is the town the movie takes place in. A whole themed area of Disney California Adventure is a replica of Radiator Springs. For Cars fans, it is amazing. Liam was mesmerized at seeing Flo's V8 Cafe, the Cozy Cone, etc.

   

The first thing we did was go to the meeting spot for Lightning McQueen and Mater. McQueen was there first, when it was our turn to meet him, Liam ran up and gave him a huge kiss. That was priceless, and unexpected so I did not have the camera ready! A few hours later we went back to the meeting spot and met Mater as well. Mater did not get a kiss, but he got a big hug.



Liam's first ride was the Radiator Springs Racers! Liam loved it, although he got a bit scared at a few points during the ride!

We had lunch with the princesses at Ariel's Grotto. Both kids thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the princesses.



We did quite a few rides, Toy Story Mania, Monsters Inc (Madison's favourite), Luigi's Flying Tires.

We caught the Disney Junior Live show, which was super cute for the kids. Liam sang out loud along to all the songs. The show featured Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins and Jake & the Neverland Pirates. Liam was very happy to meet Jake from Jake & the Neverland Pirates (in his pirate costume, of course)!



We managed to stay the whole day and saw the Pixar Parade, more of the characters Liam loved. The parade had the Toy Story and Monsters Inc characters, which were a hit with Liam and Madison.