LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 07:55 PM

Might have been a bumpy last lap but, hey, like they say, "Anything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger"...

So proud of you, Michelle...

"Hey" to the youngin' from Uncle Bobert...

BTW...


































...it's over!!!

B:~)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 06:48 PM

Jeremiah was next to the bed as we were in a hotel room. He sleeps in his own room, in a crib at home during the night and some day naps.

Mt fear and hesitation is about the concern of it returning and not being under the constant medical eye. Normal, yes.

More soon. Sleeping baby in my arms.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 04:21 PM

...sheer elation, a little fear and hesitation and relief....

LF, gotta tell ya, that is totally normal. Cancer/Chemo has been your "identity" for a significant period of time. It's always hard to give up something that has kept us alive, and that we have identified with-- no matter how nasty it was, that's how human beans are wired-- little bit of Stockholm Syndrome there Cn CS can expand upon.

Just be kind to yourself on all levels of all feelings, as you adjust to letting go of the chemo schedule-- the moment they tell you that you can. JTL will help with that! Some of that will be under your conscious control. Some of it will not. Just ride the waves with as much Grace as you can, and let the rest [the self-evaluating] go.

===

BTW there are actually people who say not to keep the baby by the bedside. Screw that! Keep him where you want him. He'll tell you when close is "too close."

As far as babythread-- YES, and (IMO) best if kept in short threadlengths with new threadnames as he moves thru phases (or you do as a mom).

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 03:09 PM

Am I the only one who has been tempted to share an expurgated version of this story with friends at work, but know I'd burst into tears telling it? Good tears mind you, but still, tough in the workplace.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:39 PM

Hooray! I lost a thread this morning, letting you know that I was holding you in my heart as the procedures began. Safe home, dear one, and let everyone help you out this week- Jeremiah knows who the real mommy is, and he will thrive all the better for getting to know the loving community that surrounds him!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:25 PM

Thirty more minutes and I get to see my husband and baby and NO MORE CHEMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a very tired, happy girl. Mommy and baby will sleep all the way home....good thing Daddy is driving, huh?

:)

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: ClaireBear
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 02:00 PM

What an incredible mommy you are. What an incredible spirit you have. Bless you, three times three.

Claire

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 11:00 AM

Little Jeremiah was up often last night. He wasn't necessarily crying but rather cooing in his sleep. He was right near me so I think I was way tuned into every little sound. Needless to say, sleep was nearly impossible for me. That's ok. He was really only up 3 times, and up for good at 5:00am when we had some fun Mommy and Baby time...cooing, giggles, singing...playtime!

As for my last chemo. They accessed my port just fine. For whatever reason, the actual port has settled further into my chest a little deeper today....maybe from all the baby holding action. No matter, just meant a few slightly uncomfortable pushes. Then it was off to see the doctor to find out the results of the bloodwork.

Platelets: WAY up. GOOD NEWS!
Hemoglobin: UP! GOOD NEWS!
White blood cell count: Below the acceptable line. But wait...thre are two parts that they count, the first part was too low. The Dr. said that if the second half was a particular number or higher, it would be a go for my treatment. I asked him the list of questions I had written down while we waited for the other half of the white blood cell count to come in. The doctor said that even if it was a little low, he'd be willing to push it and let me have the treatment anyway. The numbers finally came in and the 2nd half was WAY up!!! Treatment is a GO! I am currently sitting in the chemo chair, pre-steroids and meds taken, 3 cups of water at my side (saves wandering around with the chemo pole as I am here alone today), port is being flushed and actual chemo meds starting soon. THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pete has Jeremiah back at the hotel. We had hoped to bring him back here where I am even if just to show him to the nurses but no one under age 16 is permitted back here for both Jeremiah's sake and that of others receiving treatment. I'm bummed but I understand. My nurses will be going out to the waiting room when Pete brings my lunch so they can see Jeremiah...they are all very excited! ring

I will have to wait until the end of the day or later tomorrow to find out the really important numbers, that of the CA-125. I am praying that they have stayed stable or fallen some. A dramatic rise indicates tumor activity.

I am tired and will be able to sleep during this treatment. I have mixed feelings about it being the last one.....sheer elation, a little fear and hesitation and relief.

I'm sure today won't be the end of my story or at least this thread. I still have my 2 weeks of recovery from this treatment and am working on figuring out how I will do with Jeremiah on the painful days....definitely can't do pain meds with a baby around!!! I have friends that will help...I know they will. All I have to do is ask. Some have already offered. Realisitically I KNOW I will have to take them up on it but I'm feeling a little selfish in that I don't want to pass Jeremiah off to anyone else just yet...even if it is for only a few hours!
Ok sweet people, I'm going to drift for awhile. Do ya'll really want a thread just about Jeremiah? I am keeping a blog about him but I'm unsure just how many baby stories people really are interested in hearing!!!! I don't mind sharing, as you know...I like to write and do it a LOT!

Lator Gators!

Michelle
Petal
Miss Maybelle
Mommy
:) :) :)

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 10:27 AM

I agree BTW about a new thread (post-chemo) for JTL. I think LF ought to start it and lead it.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 09:33 AM

I have to say, the course of this thread and the rocket ship to the moon stunt at the end make this one keeper!

Take care this week, Michelle. Get past the last of the chemo and you're ready for liftoff!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 08:52 AM

:~)

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Jun 10 - 06:58 AM

sleep well

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 10:26 PM

:) :) :)

Goodnight my friends.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:45 PM

Ol' hillbilly gonna be ridin' shotgun if ya' don't mind, Michelle... Yeah, I know that the youngin' oughtta do that but, hey, I got seniority... Plus, half way good at changin' diapers (Virtual, that is...lol...)

Seriously, girl... This is the end of the road for the cancer so you just tell yer doc to take his best shot 'cause you're outta there... Too busy now for dumb ol' cancer... Gotta a kid to raise...

Hooray!!! Comin' into the home stretch...

You are my hero tonight...

All my prayers and warm thoughts will be ridin' with ya'll (Mom, Dad and Jeremiah) tomorrow...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:34 PM

Hi Everybody!

   We are at the hotel after a long but good day! Jeremiah's first trip to the Dr. went very well and the doctor says he is in perfect shape! He weighed in at 12.2 pounds! :)

   At the moment, he his happily sacked out after soaking in all kinds of love from Mommy and Nana. :)

    7:45am: Port Accessed, then the Dr., then the actual chemo (I hope!)

Sweet dreams all!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: ClaireBear
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 12:28 PM

Great idea, SRS!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 11:00 AM

Should we do a new thread and do a virtual baby shower?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:42 AM

Love to YOU, dear- what does Jeremiah need? You've got a lot of aunties with needles at the ready!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: LilyFestre
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 08:08 AM

hi all!

   sorry for all the lower caps but i have a sleeping wee in my arms.   he is soooooo sweet!!!!   

    chemo is first thing tomorrow morning. mom, jeremiah and i will go down today and stay over.....lab work at 7:45am. hoping to pick up a few more summer clothes for jeremiah today too. also he has his first visit to the dr today.

love to all

michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:38 AM

Well, according to my calendar, today is the least round of chemo???

Any confirmation???

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Jun 10 - 07:26 AM

I've been away for the weekend & come back to this news.

what a little cutie! lucky you & lucky him to have such parents!!

sandra

Subject: AnyClone Help Request
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:59 PM

It is not actually incredible news. It is fabulous news, but there is nothing unbelievable about it. I've seen the wee lad. He's here! :~) And he deserves the MOST positive thread title.

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 08:58 PM

Wow! He's beautiful. Congratulations to you all.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 08:53 PM

What a wonderful end-of-chemo gift ... I'm thrilled for you, and even more thrilled for Jeremiah, who got the two of you for parents.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 07:16 PM

MORE PICS PLEASE!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 06:29 PM

I am sure she will make time to montage him though!

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 05:49 PM

me thinks we won't be hearing so much from Michelle in the next few months.... She (rightly) will probably be spending as much time with this little man as possible.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:22 PM

Books! Yes!

One is on the way already. There is a really neat set we've been gifting to our god-daughter on her special occasions, since she joined the planet. New series, but oldfashioned in look and feel. I think JTL is going to need a set.... and since we got to see him first, I'll go ahead and start!

[waving magical mystical conductors' baton across mousepad-- in 3/4 time of course]

~Susan

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: mouldy
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 02:16 PM

Awww! Congratulations! He's gorgeous!

He looks such a happy chappy, too. You lucky pair, you!


Andrea

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Ebbie
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 12:01 PM

He's absolutely adorable. And I love Pete's body language.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 11:40 AM

Wow! What a difference a week makes, eh?

The endorphins you'll be generating from this will certainly boost all of your levels that need boosting!

Now, where are the kids' books? I hope you're reading to this little guy? It's never too soon for that!

SRS

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 10:18 AM

And now you know what the breathlessness was all about. Jeremiah was knocking at your door. He is beautiful. Congratulations, Mom and Dad.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 09:18 AM

Baby hugs are medicinal. Force yourself to do several a day--for your health, of course, not just because he's within arm's reach & you can't STAND not having your arms around him. Welcome home, Jeremiah. Another excuse to sit on the porch (in a rocker?) & sing...Tw

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 08:41 AM

:~)

~S~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 08:35 AM

Squeeeeeeeeee!!! What a beautiful baby boy! He has such wise eyes, too. Abundant blessings on you, Pete and Jeremiah- yes, what an amazing, incredible celebration!

So, it would seem that he's NOT from Ethiopia? Doesn't matter at all- he belongs to you!

Loads and loads of love-

Allison

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: gnu
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 05:29 AM

Awwwwwwwwwwww.....

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 04:40 AM

Absolutely gorgeous.... So happy this little boy blessing has been placed with you. And I bet his happy parents will bless his life beyond measure.

Love that he got to choose his name.

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible news!
From: Little Robyn
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 03:19 AM

What a little treasure.
He's beautiful Michelle.
Robyn

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-last chemo coming up & incredible n
From: KT
Date: 13 Jun 10 - 03:09 AM

Wow!! Congratulations Michelle!! What a great adventure this life can be!!!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 10:59 PM

I fixed it for ya (forgot the "http//")

What a beautiful boy! My goodness, talk about timing. Congratulations, Mom and Dad and Jeremiah! There's some more real healing taking place for sure, now. It's amazing what little ones can do to cheer us up and inspire us.

kat

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 10:49 PM

HMPH. That link doesn't work. Try cutting and pasting:

www.jeremiahthomaslawrence.shutterfly.com

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 10:48 PM

It's small at the moment, but for pictures of Jeremiah, go here:

Jeremiah Thomas

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: Bobert
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 10:00 PM

Ain't in the Bible this way but we've all heard the ol' country expression that "God works in mysterious ways..."

Thank you, Lord...

Now you and yer son, Jeremiah Thomas, have a nice little victory lap thru & ***OUTTA*** the Chemo lab...

B~

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 09:59 PM

CONGRATULATION!

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: LilyFestre
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 09:51 PM

Well my friends, I have some BIG news!!!!

As many of you know, Pete and I have been involved in working towards adopting a baby from Ethiopia. Earlier this week we received a call that a baby within Pennsylvania was in need of a home and were we interested? YES! Of COURSE we said YES!!!

Yesterday at 4:30pm, Jeremiah Thomas joined our family. He is 3 months old and we are completely and totally in love!!!

He will be joining me for my last chemo treatment.....I couldn't figure out how to celebrate so God sent us a little surprise.....nothing could make me happier!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Photos soon!

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 02:48 PM

And how are you today, dearest one??????? ♥♥♥

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: Bobert
Date: 11 Jun 10 - 08:10 PM

Good plan...

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: LilyFestre
Date: 11 Jun 10 - 09:57 AM

Just poking my nose in to say good morning. I did what the Dr. said and slept ALL NIGHT for a change...sleep is good. My plan for today is to do little things here and there, maybe write a few long overdue notes, to read and rest.

Michelle

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 10 Jun 10 - 07:42 PM

Listen to Unca Bobert- he's a good'un! Me, I keep having to restrain my self from jumping in the car and driving the 10 hours or so to take care of you- much as I'd like to, it's not to be, at least not for now. You sound as though you have wonderful support there, and these dear folks here have great things to say as well. You just hang in there, ok?

Subject: RE: LilyFestre-one more week then last chemo coming up
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Jun 10 - 06:40 PM

what Bobert said - all this will pass.

love from sandra (who has problems with breathing properly)