Thursday, October 30, 2008

Cancer Sucks

UGH. What an emtional day. Mike and I attended the funeral for one of his soccer buddies wife who lost her battle with her brain tumor on Sunday. Leah left behind two young children and a loving husband. It is such a loud reminder that each day we have here on earth is a gift.

Kevin is going back to school full time tomorrow. I worry about him not getting enough rest, but he isn't taken naps after school when I pick him up close to noon. He is pretty far behind in school so we are upping his tutor to twice a week. Kevin is also feeling pretty awkward at school with all of the kids. He doesn't like looking so different and has expressed missing St. Jude because everyone was just like him. He could blend in. I think I am going to take him to a counselor to help him cope a little.

Everyone is really excited about Halloween. Kevin is so happy Kyle is coming over to go trick or treating with him. Kevin won the best costume award at cub scouts Wednesday. Last week Scotty won the craved pumpkin contest at the neighborhood Halloween party.

Thanks for checking in on us,
Rachel

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rachel,

Hope things eventually smooth out with school. If it helps (to not feel alone, at least), Ethan has confessed to us that the kids at school treat him differently. They are super sweet to him, but treat him like he's a bit fragile or much younger than them. He says it doesn't bother him too much, but I wonder if it will soon become old. When he demonstrated some of his new karate moves for his classmates, they seemed truly impressed and surprised. I think Ethan's self-esteem inflated a little bit that day, at least.

He doesn't talk about the emotional issues that I'm sure he must be facing. If it goes on much longer, we will definitely seek some outside help to get him to open up about what he's feeling.

Hope everyone had a fun Halloween. A year ago today, Ethan was stuck in bed all day getting his stem cell harvest procedure down in the Blood Donor Room. He was pretty bummed to miss out on Halloween, so this year was special just because he could dress up and be out of the hospital.

We'll be checking in on you and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

--Tae :)

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about Mike's friends wife. Cancer does suck. I hope Kevin transitions back into school smoothly. Heather is still doing her homebound. She is really liking it so far.

We head back to Memphis on the 9th for all the follow up scans. I will feel better once this is behind us. Heather is very excited to go back and visit everyone.

You will have to let me know when a good time to call you would be. I would love to catch up and I am sure we both are feeling some of the same emotions. No one knows that more that a cancer mom. This is a bond none of us asked for but one I will cherish forever.

Hope to talk to you soon. Hope things go smoothly for Kevin. It just takes time. For kids unfortunately a day seems like forever. We are praying for you always. Much love, Terri and Heather

Anonymous said...

Hi Rachel, long time no talk. I have to tell you my heart and soul is so with you in all that you have been dealing with over all of this!!! My prayers are with you and your family. I miss you much my dear friend. I have wondered how you been so looked you up. Would love to hear from you. Again, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim
TimBritton84@aol.com