Recap Time...

Hi friends. I am so very sorry I let this gem slide with silence. I really have good news that things have been busy from my family of five and not from stress related medical issues! As always, thank you for letting me continue to come and let myself talk "out loud" to you guys.

Let's catch up with everyone:
E is doing great and we officially crossed over to the last year of home maintenance. I can already tell it is going to fly by. I used to have to explain we had over a year left of treatment and now I can just say we are done in October. Something so exciting about that. We have a lot of friends that were ahead of us about a year and they are now done. I do have worries about not having that security blanket of the meds to keep the cells in check, but I had a good talk with the oncologist who focuses on the long term of the patients. She is confident with E's diagnosis and her push to be able to tolerate all the pieces of treatment, that is has a positive life long outlook. God bless the doctors that have come such a long way with the awful disease. Blah....dark road sign just popped up, so I am going to turn my car around and go back. See how good I am at seeing my triggers? Yes ma'am.

N is doing great. He was release from play therapy from anger and emotional issues. Don't get me wrong. My dude is still emotional, but we have tools to talk through the situations. He knows how to approach me, I know how to approach him and sometimes, he says he needs his space and we meet again about 15 minutes later. I really praise his for his hard wok on this. He is really finding his place with sports and that is huge for building confidence. I am just so proud of him.

R is at SUCH a funny age. He just sings and talks to any stranger about anything. He asked someone the other day if they wanted to play with him. Ha, the sweet older man just melted and played with his car with him for a good minute. It was a day maker for that man, I am sure of it. He had his yearly MRI to check on the small arachnoid cyst in his frontal lobe, and it has not grown at ALL over the last year! WHOOP. We have to do one more scan in 2 years and if things look good, we are FREE!!! He will not be able to play football or box, to avoid it bursting the cyst, but I am okay with that!!:) But, he is right on track developmentally and that my friends is a miracle baby. God gave us that gift and I am forever grateful.

I was challenged in October to step out my comfort zone and travel to the wedding of two very important people in my life. They got married in Mexico and I just could not miss it. Even if it meant stepping away from my girl and her fever alert issues. Jeff was an angel and supported me to travel (something that is so important to me). My goal was to challenge myself and do something for me, which is hard when you care for others so deeply. BUT, I did it and LOVED every second of seeing Marcy marry the man of her dreams and vice versa. I, of course missed Jeff. It was such a romantic place. Just lovely accommodations and love was just in the air. But, I have really good friends that made me feel perfectly normal to just be and I got to really spend time with my people. That was a worry of mine (being in people's space) and it didn't even phase my stay. But, I did it. The positive energy I picked up was SO full, and SO important to my healing. It was a milestone and I am so thankful I was able to dig up strength to do it and guess what, it all worked out at home too! Jeff is a rockstar and he really let me focus on me. That was a special time and i love my people with all my heart!!!

I have to run, but that sunshine is out right now and I am soaking it all in. Join me, why don't cha?!

Until Next Time

-Jenn

New Game Plan...

Hey y'all! I don't have much time, but I want to check in! So, my sleepwalking/screaming/running is indeed getting better. I still get up, or so I hear, but it is much calmer and almost seemingly that I know that this is a false alarm. You'd think it would sink in after one bajillion times in row that this is all a punk on myself. But, here we are. Jeff seems to think I am not spiking a high heart rate anymore and I have lost the panic of it all. So, I am feeling like a calm and cool crazy person. Check that off the bucket list, why don't ya?!

I have been hooked up with a psychotherapist, since I feel like talk therapy has come to a standstill. Let me tell you, it is so awesome. I only had a quick preview, but from what I saw and felt...weeee. I am hooked and SO happy to try a new avenue to continue my healing from some of this madness. It involves Chinese medicine, tapping, handing control over to God, balance, trusting myself, EDMR and apparently getting some anger out that I have deeeeeep down. I mean, duh, it makes sense...right? I have been in pure survival mode for so much that I could not possibly make sense of it all. So, no time like the present to go for it. I am truly excited and have many appointments set up to get the ball rolling. I figured it won't hurt and mercy me, what if it helps?

A part of me is cringing putting this all out there, but the other part of me feels like this is me reaching back to my roots of starting this blog in the first place to help people out there see that it is okay to not be okay. Seeking help, which comes in so many forms, is okay. It is actually is brave. So, I will just leave this right here and feel good about someone feeling a little better with facing your own battles. We all have them people, so let's do it together. What do you say?

OK, my almost three year old needs a nap and I may go support him horizontally! I think the sunshine will find me all snuggled up on this day!

Until Next Time,

-Jenn

Let There be Sleep...

Hi guys. In this world of blogging. The therapy kind, no news means good news! So, I am happy to report we are just settling into maintenance and I must say...I LOVE IT! I mean. comparatively to the last year. Jeff and I just talked about how much our girl was back to her old self. She has put some weight back on, healthy and strong weight. Her hair is really coming in so beautifully, her spirits are high and she feels good. Yes. That about covers it. Yes!
We had our one year diagnosis anny on August 4th and I am so glad it has come and gone. Those dumb memory posts on facebook had my heart sinking with all the little things that led up to the horror of joining the world of leukemia. I had a hard time revisiting that mess, but we made it with a big trip to the Ranger game with a fancy suite from the Make A Wish foundation, so I love that we had a cool something to do. That will be a new tradition. No doubt.

So, I have been really honest about my struggles of all of this and I had a new twist creep into my world and I am really frustrated. I have always been a sleepwalking monster. My whole life. I have woken up all over the house and I never grew out of it as a kid. It was never too crazy, but my poor roommates in college had the creepy friend (me) walk into their rooms at night and freak them smooth out. Just thinking about it makes me laugh. Sorry girls, that's weird.

So, after Ryder it got a little worse, with me walking to Jeff and insisting we left Ryder somewhere. You might ask where I left an entire child and only realized it around 11, but Jeff said I was ready to argue him under the table. Which, makes me laugh. Sorry honey, that is really weird. But, he would put me back to bed and it was what it was.

Fast forward to the last few weeks. I now am having NOCTURNAL PANIC ATTACKS?!? You might ask what the hell that is, because I had to look up what was happening to me. I shoot out of bed and I mean fast and quick, which causes big bruises. I then run to Jeff screaming that
A) We have not given Ryder his chemo or
B) We have not given EG her meds...

My heart is racing a bajillion miles a minute and I have no idea this is all going on until a few minutes pass and my freaking leg hurts from where I ran into the dresser, or whatnot. It is awful and scary. I hate it and I am embarrassed, but now have to investigate how to stop the madness. The weird thing is that I have over the last few months weaned off my anxiety meds per my doctor because they are addictive. I have never felt better. I really have been working out and drinking a ton of water. I have started working part time at a job I love. I have begun to open the doors to my faith again. All good stuff that I have worked really hard for. I really have started to feel like a smidge of myself, which has me in pure confusion to why now with the sleep monster? Why is this even happening?

SO, back to the drawing board and finding a new therapist since my trusted lady I have been through so much with, is retiring. This one thing alone makes me quiver because how do I even start with my story? Can I just ask her to read my blog and then we can talk?! Ha. Anyways. Isn't it all so strange? Well, I know you guys are my support that I have needed and used this far, so let's keep the party going, shall we?

To my dear husband, through thick and thin, die hard partner. You are a dear for dealing with this all. Remind me to buy you a new car or something really cool when this gets worked out, ummm k?:) Until then, I will be digging a new path to find the sunshine and finding those bright spots not only in the day, but night time too. Mercy.

Until Next Time,

-Jenn

Slowly, but surely...

Hey there summer time. How are things going with you, dear readers?

Well. I have had a productive summer, as far as figuring out my new normal and understanding and accepting the "why me, why us" that pelts me in the head every now and again. I shouldn't say I understand, because I don't. Not one bit of me can throw reason out to the last three years of my life. However, I do believe what I can do is face forward and try to make the most of the days in my future.

Do you guys remember my issue with food, products, ingredients, etc. that was rocking my world. I was a big bag of worry as anyone did anything. Sounds like a blast, right?! What was touched and how fast could we be sanitized, did I read the label, how much sugar? I will stop there because it is so daunting that it makes my head hurt. When we met with other parents in sessions at Camp Sunshine , this all came up. I had not spoken up much in group because I play more of the listening role in that format, but I knew I had to figure out if this is part of the process or if I was taking my own twisty turn.

Turns out that some other families questioned this same lifestyle journey, but the lady with all the degrees and wisdom put it out there in a way that clicked with me. Control. What did I lose (or think I lost) when my babies got sick? Control. I could not fix the scans or blood work, so I made up the scene that I could fuss and obsess over, which was sunscreen, food, lotions, shampoos, and, and, and. I knew right then and there that I needed to pick my biggest concerns, find my right options and be at peace with my decisions. So, this is what I came up with :

* The dirty dozen food items mostly hit with pesticides (This is where I go organic and get the most bang out of my buck)
* I have always been a little picky over meats, but I continue this trend.
*Sugar watch. I try to keep it in check with snacks, bars, etc.
* Dyes - I try to cut them out of our foods. They are a big point of science that people seem to agree on as being carcinogenic. I don't go nuts over it, but I definitely watch for them. (example: red40)
* Filtered water - I bought a huge filter pitcher and just make sure to drink and cook with this water. We have had all sorts of water issues in North Texas. I even had a salesman for a house system (filter) and he showed us the water junk from tap water. We obviously couldn't take on the big chunk of change, but the visual was pretty nasty! SO, I went to what works for now!
* Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, hand soap and shampoos were all swapped for Pure and Gentle Brand. Apparently the original founder of Procter and Gamble didn't like when the company started using crazy chemicals way back when, so he started his own clean company. I ordered this all online and have been pleased with what we are using.
* I try to use the Think Dirty App when I buy products, but it makes me a little crazed. I use this only when I am feeling the brain power for now. It makes my head spin a little!

There you have it. My list of what I focus on for now. I am trying to make all of this a habit. A way of life, so I have stopped for now for a brain break. I have to believe my family is in good hands with this and be at peace with my baby steps. I strive for balance, and I need to let go some and enjoy that life I am so wound up about. Camp truly helped me figure some of it out and I am forever grateful.

I thought I would share my progress because I am a little proud of myself. :) Pat yourself on the back when you can, people! I am proud of you guys for stopping by. I appreciate you all.

Go Find the sunshine, you hear?!

Until Next Time.

 - Jenn
 

Feeling the Love...

My skin is hot, my toes are hot, my head is hot. I am so hot. I am not sure how going to Maine for a week rewired my tolerance for heat, but it did. Lordy mercy, the weather on that side of the country makes me weak in the knees. Now, I am fully aware that I  am not seeing or feeling that crazy winter that they said they had. So, I need to check myself of all of this before I pack my bags. Either way, back to Texas we come.

Camp Sunshine. This magical place exists free of cost to families with different diseases that shake the world of families from all over the country. We, of course, went to the oncology camp and it is as if you are transported into a safe zone. A place where you don't have to explain or try to figure out your spot in the crowd because you are all in the fight together. Siblings find friends in cancer kids, cancer kids find peace with having their people at every corner. They come out of their shells and compare scars and battle wounds. Parents alike come together and it as if we have known each other for years. We meet and talk for hours on end in a counseling setup, we do trust building things, we climb walls, we eat together, we cry together. All in all, the therapy of healing was powerful at this place and I am forever grateful for the people who provide it for families like ours. We are forever grateful and hope to help pay it forward in some shape or form in our lifetime!

I was reminded of my family that lies in my friends here in Dallas. Many of the families there stated that their core group of friends did not show up as they would have hoped they would. I was left feeling just the opposite. My core group of people have been there for every step and I am so honored to call them my friends (or really family). E had to miss her dance recital that was a REALLY big deal that she worked up her muscle tone, learned the dances, and built her confidence to get up on stage. Weeks before the performance, we were accepted to go to camp. She was going to have to miss. This was hard on all of us. So, I sent out the call that I needed my people to help make a random dance class a makeshift recital and they heard the call. Friend after friend, and their kids and cameras, and flowers from those who couldn't make it, showed up with as much excitement as I did. Tears flowed as we watched our girl perform and I was so honored to sit back and just look around. We rolled over for some pizza and we all celebrated. We just celebrated  it all. Nothing like loving one another over beer and a slice of gooey heaven.

I have so many other stories of our core people. So many people who have cared for us, fed us, sent us treasures for cloudy days. I could go on forever. Moral of the story is that we are lucky to have surrounded ourselves with badass people. It really does mean the world to us and gives me all the feels these days.

We are sending Jeff on a scavenger hunt tomorrow for Father's Day, so I have things to get in order. I will be back to see you guys soon!

Much love to you and the sunshine out there.

Until Next Time.

- Jenn

The Next Hurdle...

WELLLLL.......hello there friends. How are you doing? I am sorry I have been quiet on here, but this time it is a sign of my lil' family being super busy! In a GREAT way! We are able to go out and do things, eat dinners, play on playgrounds, enjoy friends at any given moment. It may seem simple, but boy does it become special when it is taken away from you. EG has been back to school since March 2, and she has missed one day from being really tired. She wakes up before us now, gets herself dressed and just relaxes while the rest of us sludge out of bed. She is enjoying her schedule and seeing her buddies and teacher daily. It makes me smile from ear to ear.

We have had E and N in play therapy to work out the kinks of this rollercoaster and I felt SO happy that they were each moved to an every other week schedule. Whew. Progress is a beautiful thing. Our bank account, miles in the car, and overall schedules are happy about this and both counselors have seen the corner turned from both kids. We still have some anxiety issues to iron out, but that is a long term focus and I am right there with them. We are a work in progress, but I suppose that is the way it is supposed to be. Right?!

My newest challenge that I feel weighing heavy on my heart is day to day living. Let me explain. Nobody can tell me why E got this horrid disease in the first place and I find myself to be a level headed gal. I seek balance from everything in diet, electronics vs. outside play, spending on fun vs. practical purchases. It's just the Libra way. I find myself stressing over soaps, germs, diet, water, etc. You name it and I am challenging myself to find the purist possible option for the kids. I have researched and made changes where I can to improve to clean living, but I worry about it ALL the time. I just want to sleep at night knowing I am giving them the best chance to a healthy life.

But, she is a kid. A kid with a sweet tooth. I live by moderation and watch sugar like a hawk, but I am at a loss of what is "right". Should I tell her no, or continue to cringe if she has a cookie (in moderation)? I don't know. I do not know.

I will continue to stick with my gut and trust my sense of balance. I believe that living in a balance finds a sense of comfort and a system that can be a lifelong lifestyle. However, this is my challenge at the moment. I just tell myself that if I do as much as I can, where I can, then I can let it go some. I haven't made it there yet, but I am trying to tackle this latest hurdle. I just can't read the newest research...ever. Because it seems like it changes daily! Lord, give me strength!

Well, no doubt my sunshine needs will be met today. With a bonus 20 or 30 degrees added. Texas, you are so hot. And, I don't mean that as a compliment!

Until next time.

-Jenn

School is Back in Session....

Dear readers, how are you? Are you starting to smell the mercy of spring? The warm breeze and noises that come along with changing seasons have been not lost on me these last fews weeks. My life is in a seasonal change and I am cautiously just watching it with a hot toddy and cheese pizza. I mean, I am ready for anything with that kind of back up, am I right?

So, my fearless fighter is back at school full time and I can NOT express how wonderful her teacher is. I have a pocket full of people over these last few years that I would give angel wings to if I could and she is one of those people. Everything you can imagine a caring, warm teacher to be, she is. She is fighting her own health battle similar to E's and boy has that helped my girl feel secure. Needless to say, I tried to freak out about her return to school (which I did for about six hours), and then we just all fell into place. Just a normal pace and routine and she is just a ray of sunshine. I knew she needed her 3rd grade community, but boy is she happy to be back. Her counts of being on maintenance are being watched and so far, they are right on point. She takes most of her meds at home and we do it early. Before any exhaustion sets in. That is key and we have a handful of food that we can grind the meds up in and we are good right now. This is an up and down process. We hit walls of, "I WANT A BREAK", but we make it. I totally get it, but baby girl you have come so far. Keep going. Just keep going.

So, as I went through the hell months of August -January, I promised I would take care of myself/other stuff. I have a plan of sections and bits, because who can even start on that bit of excitement?

Phase One:
I gave myself a week to get her settled and then...BAM. I went crazy. I scheduled 5 doctors appointments in 5 days. That week made me cray. I went to my PCP and said I need every lab work section done to ease my brain that I am okay. I am a ball of nerves and I need to start unwinding this mess. I was more than excited to see my labs looked great and I am set for the year. Praise Jesus. I also discovered I have pearly whites and no cavities. N and R had a cleaning, R had a 2.5 year check up and E had her numbers checked. I can not with that many appointments, never again. But, we made it and for the most part it was all a great success and they are over. Whew.

Phase Two is a'comin:
I am getting my myself straight in the head. I need to get my behind to counseling. I have my favorite gal, but she doesn't take our new insurance. I need to just get it figured out and go while I have some much needed time off. I start my new gig in June, so this is a sweet spot on my calendar. I also am starting to get back into workout classes that are high paced, high energy, sweat it out kind of things. This is my real therapy, but the two combined are a powerhouse.

Phase Three:
This is yet to be determined, but it will involved getting my love and I back on focusing on us a little. We were pushed to all kid mode, but we need to reset ourselves and we both know this phase is coming, so we are excited to go there after I get myself together. I am no good to anyone if I can't find my peace first. :)

My boys are doing great and getting bigger by the day. N has a loose tooth and that is the coolest thing ever and R climbs to the top of the jungle gym thing at school by himself and it is all he can talk about. I am a lucky gal. That is all.

I am going to find the sunshine before these April showers take it away.Hmmm.

Until Next Time.

-Jenn