Thursday, November 29, 2007

We are not alone.....

Kelly met another new friend today. We went to the clinic at CHOC to have her labs done, then we went to visit her new friend, Diana, who is still in the hospital. We hope you feel better soon, Diana, and don't have to stay too much longer. Kelly will come visit you again though if you do. Then we went across the street to visit Cheyenne and her mom. Cheyenne is also an oncology patient at CHOC being treated for a brainstem tumor. We had been reading her website and I have talked to her mom, Virginia, and we finally got to meet. Cheyenne was having a CT scan done, so we went to see her there, then we went out to lunch together. She is such a cute, endearing girl. Kelly is looking forward to seeing her again. Even though Cheyenne is only 7, the two of them had so much fun together. She is the oldest 7 year old I have ever met.

It has been nice recently to get to know some of the other families going through what we are going through. We felt so alone when we first began our visits to the clinic. Now, it has become a way to connect with other families in similiar situations. It is good for Kelly, and it is good to me to talk to other moms. I have learned a lot in the last couple of weeks, just from talking to the other moms who are walking through the same fire we are. It is a whole new world we have been thrown into and it helps knowing others who are there also and be able to support each other.

Kathy

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear that you have friends that you can share and compare your experiences. It's strange when your whole life gets focused on staying healthy and the BIG 'C' becomes the major topic of conversation because it is the major consumer of your day and night/sleep and dreams!
We constantly think of all of you and we are sending BIG HUGS and KISSES! We're sending positive and happy thoughts your way!
Love, Darla, Sophie and all

Kimmi said...

It's good to know that you have people that you can talk to who are going through the same thing. I know you know you can always talk to us but it is easier sometimes to be able to relate... I pray for you every chance i get. i really hope that things stay positive with all of you.

Unknown said...

Hi! isn't it great how God brings people into you life just at the moment you need them? So you know that you are being looked after. Keep your positive attitudes and fun personalities and people will be lining up to say "Hi". We're here to support in any way!
love the Nicolosi Family

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly,
It's J.P. from 4-1. I heard that you've got new friends. That was very weird when your mom said "oldest 7 year old." I've been wondering if you, by chance, seen Mrs. Martin this week. I wish you that you will survive from the brain tumor. Well, see you next time.
Love,
Jean-Paul M. Nguyen

Tracy said...

Hi Kelly,
It's not the club you'd ask to join, but it sure sounds like you have met some really special people! I hope your frined, Diana, is able to go home soon - bet she loved having you visit! It's really good you and your mom are making connections - isn't that what it's all about!? I'm looking forward to our families connecting soon! I've been doing some Christmas shoopping and the weather has been cold and rainy/snowy - and I'm actually enjoying it! It's beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas!
Love & hugs!...
Aunt Tracy

Aunt Jenny & Uncle Bob, Kylie and Ryan ie & Ryan said...

Hi Kelly,

It's nice to know you're meeting girls at the clinic and hospital. Diana and Cheyenne are so fortunate to now know you!!!

Well, Aunt Tracy said it's beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas in Portland, but here in Florida, it IS beginning to LOOK a lot like Christmas (with all the decorations, etc), but it doesn't FEEL like Christmas, since it's been in the 80's here all week!! Good news is that we are going to have a "cold" front come through next week, so it will be a little cooler!!

Sending you lots of love,

Aunt Jenny, Uncle Bob, Kylie and Ryan

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly,

It's always nice to meet new people, even if the thing that brings you together isn't so nice.

I hope the scan reveals exactly what the oncologists want to see.

Did I tell you? Some folks on chemo develop a liking for really HOT peppers, sauces, etc. So, if you find yourself grabbing the hot sauce bottle and using it like ketchup, don't worry.

I'll close with a terrible riddle.

Why is it impossible to starve in the desert?

Answer: Because of all the sandwiches (sand which is) there.

Maybe my landlady in Ingolstadt should have shot me.

Take care.
Henry

C. DeSantis said...

Hey Kelly, this is Chiara from Mrs.Martin's class. I hope you feel better in the next few weeks. My sister thinks you are amazing because she's about your age and said she would never do it, so don't stop reading books and trying.
Love,
Chiara

Anonymous said...

Dear Kelly, Mrs. Laude, and all,

I am so gratified that you have found other children and families traveling through this similar roller coaster journey if yours. The friends we met at Family House (like Ronald McDonald House) over the three years we stayed in San Fransisco for my daughter's surgeries, radiation, and other therapies so many years ago made life barable and helped keep our sanity and senses of humor (also a vital coping element). Thank you for keeping us informed as we virtually travel this path along side you. Our prayers of gratitude for your strength and courage, and petitions for a long life of health continue constantly.

With many huge hugs,
Sondra Morrow