Camp Good times -Kids camp 2013

Aidan had two days to recuperate and then it was back up to Camp Goodtimes.  Brandan went along too but b/c he was only 9 he ended up in a cabin with other children.  Brandan is pretty mature for his age so the group he was with was a bit too young for him and instead of enduring the week he opted to come home.   Aidan was a great big brother and tried to encourage him to stay but to no avail.  Aidan did have an excellent week connecting with kids from the previous years and he is just a happy go lucky kind of kid.  He was really happy to see some of the Camp Good times crew from last year also.  One thing that set me back was when I got a call from Shannon to tell me that Aidan was complaining about his hair coming out.  I thought we were past that point but I guess not, anyways he asked to be shaved.  I love you Aidan, always be strong. XO

Camp Goodtimes 2013

Two years ago we went to Camp Goodtimes at Loon Lake sponsored by the Cancer Society.(http://www.campgoodtimes.org) Aidan wasn't able to stay because he had just finished his first round of intense Metholtrexate.  A 1 litre bag of this liquid chemotherapy  had to be administered through his line.  We were so excited about going together and just having some FUN.  Unfortunately when we got there he ended up in the med shed for the first day and a half and then the head nurse said it was best for him to go back home and also head straight up to BCCH.   I am happy to say that we were all able to stay the whole time this round. We had an perfect host paired with us and his name was Kash.  The kids got along with him well and he was just a great guy along with all the crew at Camp Goodtimes.  Julie at the top was another families host but we liked having her with us just as much!  Fresh air, beautiful weather, great activities, no electronic devices, OH and great food.
Thank you Camp Goodtimes for making life as a Cancer kid not so bad. 

July 2013

End of school, the start of summer.  We went to Osoyoos to visit Aidan's grandparents.  Aidan found a comfy chair, something from the Goldilocks and the three bears.  Aidan and his little brother Brandan ventured out onto the lake but soon found it was a little more than they could handle.  Aidan flagged down some people that were fishing and they got a tow back into safety.

What would be a great way to start summer other than wearing goofy costumes and of course cherry picking.  We were Casa de Mel which is between Osoyoos and Oliver BC.  Since Aidan decided not to put on the goofy glasses he is the one that is not disguised... heheheheh.

Aidan attended a remembering ceremony for Lindsay Lourenco along with several other teens, Kristina from Child Life, Andrea and Pam the social workers and one of the nurses.  They released decorated helium balloons, and butterflies out in the open skies.  They shared their memories of Lindsay whom we lost in March from Cancer.   The last two weeks we have lost more of our children from BCCH Oncology.   I don't get it, why does this have to happen what did they ever do to deserve such a short time on earth.    I am hoping they are all together in heaven at least they are now in peace without pain. 



Tomorrow we are off to Camp Goodtimes with Aidan and Brandan.  Paul has just started a new job so he can't go with us but promised he would be there with us next year.   Looking forward to just hanging out and having a great time with my boys and all of the other families.

PREDNISONE

Aidan has come a long way.  He has passed the two year mark and has 1.5 more years of treatment to go.   In an earlier video of Aidan I had documented him taking his Chemo meds, it was painful to watch.   Last night he came downstairs after waiting  for his 1.5 hours to pass after eating his last bits of food.  He got his water and put on his glove and just popped the meds in his mouth.   I can't imagine doing that everyday, I don't even get around to taking my multi vitamins every day. 

Aidan had his dose of Vincristine on tuesday so this is the week of (DAH DAH DAH DAAAAAA)  PREDNISONE

bad enough when you get mood swings from a regular teenager but a teenager on prednisone can be not the best party time.  Keep any sarcastic remarks to yourself and tip toe lighty, once the week has gone by then everything goes back to normal.  Whew.

March 2013

Aidan is just plain Silly.  Did I also mention that he is a teenager and a gamer and loves his Minecraft. 

That is Jordan on the single seat and Aidan and his other slim friend Colby.  Yes they are both sitting on ONE chair.

More February 2013

 Okay everyone is all better now.  We better make up for it and do some eating.  No this was not all in one day, we really do eat healthy but sometimes it is nice to go off the beaten path.  
Stop #1.  the 49th parallel for coffee and a pistachio donut (next time it will be the creme brulee donut)  Aidan had a maple/bacon and a lemon donut.  Brandan got a Lemon donut and a french crueller.  


Food stop #2  Seriously it really was not on the same day.  That is from various food trucks at Nat Bailey Stadium during the Farmers market.  Fish and Chips( Aidan is in search of the perfect fish and chips)  I think the best place is in Revelstoke called Nomads. Suzanna had a seafood taco and pulled pork taco.  I had some yummy chicken and angry Tiger balls. 

Food stop # 3 we went after school one day for Poutine at Belgian fries on  Commercial drive but Mean fries on Granville street looks like a place to check out.

February 2013

I know!!!! What is happening here!!!!!  Aidan caught some sort of bug, he was not well at all.  He stayed home from school and just rested.  When 3pm hit I had to pick up Brandan but I thought hmmm I better take Aidan's temperature.  HOLLY CRAP 39.4 , what the heck.  A fever is 38.5, i went  to a local biomed lab to double check his temperature but they only draw blood.  We all drove up to BCCH and went to the outpatient Oncology clinic.  They were packed but they at least took his temperature to confirm that he did have a temperature. yes it was correct.  So unfortunately there was no room at the inn so we had to scoot over to Emergency.  Luckily as an Oncology kid  you get whisked to the back ASAP.  They took blood and also did some blood culture tests.  He was given some tylenol and then started on some antibiotics.  They were ready if he had to get admitted. luckily we were it at 3:30 and out by 8:30.  Every time we do go to the Emergency we always get put in the room where he was first diagnosed. At least this time I didn't have an emotional break down.  Oh hang on wait, I did have a mini cry because I ran into my friend Paula whose son also has cancer.  They were in also because of high fevers and other things.  OY, get a couple of cancer moms together and sometimes they can just be a bawl fest. 
Soooooooo turned out that his temperature kept staying up so they had Aidan in for the next two days to get more antibiotics.  That made him feel pretty crappy on top of his sore throat and coughing.  
What made it even worse was he was invited to be part of the BCCHF event called For Children We Care Gala.  He was going to accept a cheque from Jason and Emily Ko on behalf of the foundation.  Wow to go on stage and be a part of this huge fundraiser for the hospital.  That night the Chinese-Canadian community  raised over 1 million dollars through generous donations.  Since Aidan wasn't able to show up his grandparents stepped in for him.  Paul was at home with the boys and I was one of the volunteer photographers for the event.  He was really looking forward to fine dining and being able to go into the VIP lounge.  Next time buddy you will get your fine dining. 

The foundation had a plaque for Aidan plus some chocolates.  
Aidan wasn't too happy that i wanted to take a picture of him with the plaque he just wanted to be in bed.