One Year Ago!

Sitting in the hallway of the Oncology Clinic at Banner University Medical Center. Waiting for her room to be ready for her to be hooked up to the last dose of Chemotherapy. 

I remember this day vividly. A day filled with excitement and anticipation. A day that seemed so far away 14 months earlier. From the day of diagnosis and surgery following the next morning life was a whirlwind and time stood still. It is a time when you are lost, not knowing what to expect and holding onto Hope, for any good news, for direction in what you are supposed to do.

Looking back on all that treatment entailed and what Cydney has endured since June 30 2017, it is hard to find words that describe how strong and brave she is and has been. Some have asked "How do you do this?" "I can't imagine going through this with my child. I don't think I could be so strong." To them I say, you could and you would. "Because you have to" You as a parent will do everything you can for your child; you put your feelings, fears and worries aside to assure them they are not alone. You are their biggest and loudest advocate.  You wish to take their pain, sickness, fear and worries away. I don't wish for anyone to have to face this with their child!

With September being the month of Childhood Cancer Awareness it is a time of year people focus  on bringing the awareness and funding to childhood cancer research. It is a time to wear gold to show support for those Children affected by Cancer, the treatments they endure and the after effects many will now face for the remainder of their lives. It is never a world you believe you will face until you receive a diagnosis that turns your world upside down.

The difference a year makes: 

September 2018

September 2019

Cydney continues to do very well. She is attending school full time this year, receiving therapy services throughout the day and spending as much time with her class as possible. She is able to receive adaptive PE classes as well.

Therapeutic Horse Riding at TROT has started back up. Cydney was excited to get back to class and ride Ringo again.

Next week she goes in for her year off treatment MRI and followup with the Oncology Team at Phoenix Childrens. As always we are looking for clear scans and No Evidence of Disease.