We were supposed to have chemo #10 on January 28th, but admission was delayed by a week until February 4th. Once again, Justin's neutrophil counts were too low. His oncologist didn't seem to have a concrete reason as to why. He figures that at this stage, after having so many treatments, Justin's body is just having a tougher time recovering. Nevertheless, he did have his tenth round of chemo and it was a rough one. He was nauseous pretty much the whole time. Only four more!
Thursday was discharge day and, as always, Justin was in much better spirits once we got home. Friday at the twins' school, they were holding a mini We Day in the afternoon and Justin really wanted to go. He slept in on Friday morning and was feeling up to going. He had a good time and met Virgin 103.1's Ace Burpee. Justin approached him afterward and commented that while they have the same hair style, Justin wears it better. Ace agreed!
The weekend was a busy one filled with skating, snowmobiling, and surprising Grandma Breckman (my mom) for her 70th birthday. The boys so enjoy spending time in my old stomping grounds, Westbourne. It's rural Manitoba at it's best. There is such freedom in small town living; where dogs can run free and 13-year-olds can drive! Yes, drive. As in cars, trucks; whatever! I have fond memories of driving around our family farm as a child and love to see the joy and pride on my boys' faces when they are able do the same. It's a place where they can just be kids.
This coming weekend will prove to be another exciting one. On Family Day, February 17th, Trevor's niece Coral is hosting her 3rd Annual Hockey Fights For Kids Shinny Tournament. This year, she is holding it in Justin's honour. All of the funds raised will go toward Children's Hospital, specifically the Cancer Ward, where Justin receives all of his treatments. We have entered a team in the tournament - Justin's Warriors. Justin will play goal with his brothers, Dad, and many good friends and neighbours rounding out the team. I will not be skating as I value my limbs and would like to keep them intact! I will be inside selling Fighting For Justin bracelets instead. It will be a fun-filled day to support a great cause and hopefully we can raise awareness for Ewing's Sarcoma while we're at it.
Chemo # 11 is scheduled for February 25th. We pray that Justin's neutrophils will be where they need to be and that it remains on schedule. We only have four treatments left and I am getting excited that there is an end in sight. Of course, he will still have full lung radiation therapy once all of the chemotherapy is complete, but we are nearing the finish line. There is still much that is uncertain and there are no guarantees, but I can honestly say that I am looking forward to the future - at least in the short term. We have applied for a seasonal campsite at West Hawk Lake again and hopefully we will secure a spot and can enjoy much more time at the lake this summer. We also have Italy to look forward to. Much of my time is spent researching and planning Justin's trip of a lifetime and it does help to keep my mind busy.
I can't believe that it's been nearly eight months since Justin was diagnosed. It's strange. It seems like a lifetime ago and just yesterday, all at the same time. As a family, this journey has changed all of us. We have all had a realization of our mortality. We have all found new areas of strength and weakness within us. We have cried. We have laughed. We have fought, pounded our fists and screamed. We have hoped and prayed. But above all, we have loved. When something like this happens within a family, it can either tear you apart or bring you closer together. Though it hasn't always been easy, we have made a decision to love each other through this. Ewing's Sarcoma will not win this battle. It didn't know what it was up against when it decided to take on the Neudorfs.
We will be VICTORIOUS!
Justin and Ace Burpee
