Thursday, May 7, 2009

The results are in!


One week ago today we ended another grueling round of scans --- Grier bears the physical part of all 5 tests but we have the emotional part.  We are very careful to make Grier feel like everyone in the world does this and this is no big deal-- I think he actually believes us.  I know this from funny stories people tell me-- he tells them about getting his picture taken in a "doughnut" machine  (CT scan) or when he was asked about going on vacation... he quickly said he was going to NYC to live at the Ronald McDonald house!!  I always cringe when I hear these stories but I guess it is what it is and it shows he feels like everyone does this sometime in their life!
I think I thought these scans would get easier over time but I am so wrong!  We have gone without treatment for almost a year and they seem to get harder.  I think one reason is because we have met so many people fighting to keep their kids alive and we read their updates and know that the statistics are right--- not good! Relapse happens for NO reason and is unpredictable-- I always seem to hear about multiple relapses right before Grier's scans and it makes me mentally prepare for the "what-ifs"--  I told someone recently I always leave Charlotte with a PLAN A and a PLAN B!  
I hate waiting for tests results and even though we heard preliminary results of the big one ... THE MIBG"  before we left last Friday ... I still wait to hear about all 5 before I really exhale!  I have gotten better about anticipating the calls early in the week-- I know that a couple of the tests take several days and that does not include weekend days--- so Thursday was my guess this week--I also hate to see the area code 212 come up on caller ID--- so I have learned to email Dr. Kushner--- hitting send is really hard because I want to know but also I would rather NOT!  Denial is a good coping skill I have!!  This morning I sent the email I always send.... Hi Dr. K--- any news on Grier's work-up?  I left and took the kids to school and on my way home I was wondering if he had responded yet--  I was not far from home but I had to know so I checked my email from my phone---- I heard the ding... and I was afraid to look--- knowing all too well it could be someone else!!! Well--- I looked and it was from him and I could see most of his email without opening it--- It said the same thing it said in January-- " NO NEUROBLASTOMA... WONDERFUL!   I checked the date to make sure that was from today and then cried--- happy tears!  The rest of the day was spent getting ready for PLAN A!  We have a birthday party to plan for Grier... & SUMMER PLANS for all of us...!  I am so happy I can tell Hayes and Grace that for the first time in 2 years I will be at the end of the year awards at their school!!   I am also thrilled that Grier will finish a full year of preschool--- this has not been done since he was in the Toddler Class at Covenant!  
Thanks for all the notes and messages sent last week--- they help us get through!  A special thanks to Kim Robertson---thanks for always thinking of us during these stressful times!
I will update later-- with pictures of Grier's Super Hero Party--!  His choice in the theme but very appropriate!  He is a Super Hero! 
 

GO STEEL FAB!

GO STEEL FAB!

Go Grier Go Magnets are Here!

Go Grier Go Magnets are Here!

Grier's address in NYC

Grier Christenbury
Ronald McDonald House of New York

405 East 73rd Street

New York, NY 10021

Before 3F8

Before 3F8

After 3F8

After 3F8
30 minutes later

Free Money for Go Grier Go!.. just by shopping online!!

iGive.com

Grier leaving NY-pres and going back to MSKCC

Grier leaving NY-pres and going back to MSKCC
www.cornellpediatrics.org-- Great hospital!

Grier going for a ride in the ambulance across the street

Grier going for a ride in the ambulance across the street
just transporting-- not an emergency!

Grier patiently waiting surgery to remove tumor

Grier patiently waiting surgery to remove tumor
Monday 10/29/07

Go Grier Go Picnic in the Park

Go Grier Go Picnic in the Park
Thanks to everyone that helped!!!

On the way to NYC!

On the way to NYC!

Grier at the "new" clinic at CMC

Grier at the "new" clinic at CMC
Playing with the doctors and nurses 10/19/07

Some of our team at the Hopebuilders 5k

Some of our team at the Hopebuilders 5k

HOPE IS GOOD!!

HOPE IS GOOD!!

Supersib- GRACE

Supersib- GRACE

SuperSib-- HAYES

Grier and his Wonder Pets fly boat cake!

Grier and his Wonder Pets fly boat cake!
I am 3!

Grier & Grace at Covenant

Grier & Grace at Covenant

Grier & Pat

Grier & Pat

Go Grier Go!

Go Grier Go!




Jack and Charlie wearing Go Grier Go T's

Jack and Charlie wearing Go Grier Go T's