PIT STOP

I wanted to re-post this letter from my friend...we have several things in common and she knows this situation all too well because her son, Liam has been fighting NB for the same time as Grier.  I actually just read the post that everyone kept talking about.... I knew it would be fine because we share a lot of the same opinions about this fight.... want to read Liam's site... http://princeliamthebrave.blogspot.com  

I know everyone is slowly finding out about this "pit stop"-- that is what I am calling this relapse... and I don't want panic .... I know from experience that not everyone stills reads the blog so it may be a shock to some.... Please remember that it is not only Grier that is taking this pit stop in the race against Neuroblastoma but also Hayes and Grace---  I have been asked about visiting Grier at the hospital.... and I am fine with that... PLEASE call first to make sure our day is going ok..... I have done this enough to know some days are better than others.  Also if you have been sick... even a slight tickle in your throat that you think is allergies.... please send him an email or sign the caringbridge site instead of a personal visit....  If you come to visit... be prepared... I do not need "chair sitters"--- sorry if that offends people but it is full time entertainment in the hospital room... we do crafts and watch movies and hopefully we will get a wii to play in the room.... and if they will let us we will go outside on the greenway.... also no tears in the room... we make this like a vacation.... "a sleepover" is what we call it sometimes... and really anything goes....

There is a possibility that chemo will not start tomorrow... is may be delayed a few days because Grier has a cold... we will find out tomorrow at 8:00am --- if he does not start it will be life as usual-- school.. etc.  I will update as soon as I know-

ready to start the race again....
AVC

ps--- I guess the race lingo is appropriate since race week in coming up soon in Charlotte--- There will be a HUGE bake sale inside the Taylor's Finish Line Festival on Sunday the 23rd...... thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers.... 15,000 cookies were packaged and boxed for the sale--- plus we will have local bake goods from local folks and bakeries....... POLKA DOT BAKE SHOP has donated a ton to the bake sale.... 100% of the money raised will go to research for Children.....ticket money from the festival will be donated to Levine Children's Hospital and Make A Wish--- 

If you have a company or work for a company that would like to match what the bake sale makes.... let me know..... I know there is a "good company" out there that will step up to the plate... please look at www.cookiesforkidscancer.org for more information--- 

Dear Friends of Amy - Soooo, I thought it might be helpful to pass along a few practical tips on how to handle your friend who needs you now more than ever. Unfortunately, I know exactly how Amy feels today. 

- Looks of pity are not allowed. It drives us cancer moms nuts. This situation is what it is and you just move on and fight. The only looks she wants to see are ones of steely reserve to fight. 
- Saying, "I'm so sorry" is actually really hard to hear. You say those words if there's nothing that can be done...that's certainly NOT the situation here. (Conversely, saying it sucks is actually good...because, well, frankly, it does!) The word sorry pulls the wind right out of your sails. 
- The people who are the most helpful are those who just do without being asked. Amy will be running on fumes and adrenalin and she balances her family responsibilities with cancer treatment. She doesn't have time to think about what she needs or to think about who she should call to ask. Those who call and say, "here's what I'd like to do" are cherished. 
- Please don't ask questions...Amy will share with you what she wants to share when she wants to share. And besides, our job is not to ask questions...our job as FOAs (Friends of Amy) is to support her and keep that boat afloat. 
- If you want to send a gift...stuffed animals are certainly nice but Grier is about to go through a period of boredom and isolation...gifts that "do" and "engage" are much more helpful.
- Whenever someone asks me what they can do to help, I tell them to have a bake sale to support research. The reason my son and Amy's son are in this situation is because we as a country don't support pediatric cancer research. Apparently not enough children are impacted by the disease that claims the lives of more children every year than any other to justify supporting research. Grier and my son Liam need as many options as possible which is why supporting research is a tangible way to show Amy your love and support. Don't give in, fight back. As one of the oncologists who treats both Grier and Liam said, "It's not science that's holding us back...it's funding." Imagine how it feels to Amy and me knowing that there are treatments just waiting for funding. It's maddening. 
- A quick, "thinking about you" goes a long way.
- The type of chemo Grier is about to undergo is a tough one...but very effective. The main thing it does is suppress blood counts for a long time. I think, if I remember correctly, for Liam it was three weeks. It's a long, exhausting process but she's ready...she has to be...Grier needs her and she needs you. 

OK everyone. Now, let's go do some chemo. 

Amy's Friend Gretchen