Friends of Dallas
http://blog.friendsofdallas.com
Friends of Dallas
Quick trip to NYC Urgent Care
All,
Last week we had a scare. Dallas had been throwing up and a cyst formed over her original surgery site (the bone transplant). I picked her up from school at 11am last wed. and was in Manhattan by 5pm. We were able to meet with Dr. Healey around 9pm, he performed a needle aspiration and put her on an IV antibiotic. The test results came back on Monday and it turned out to be a staph infection. Not sure why she was vomiting and if there was a correlation to the infection, they speculate it was something else. Just another adventure with our new "normalcy"! I have to say we feel blessed but I also sometimes get sad.........I know it's never going to be like it used to be but I wish I had a do over! I would definitely change some things if I did! Just rambling.... hope all is well!
Much love,
Mom
Last week we had a scare. Dallas had been throwing up and a cyst formed over her original surgery site (the bone transplant). I picked her up from school at 11am last wed. and was in Manhattan by 5pm. We were able to meet with Dr. Healey around 9pm, he performed a needle aspiration and put her on an IV antibiotic. The test results came back on Monday and it turned out to be a staph infection. Not sure why she was vomiting and if there was a correlation to the infection, they speculate it was something else. Just another adventure with our new "normalcy"! I have to say we feel blessed but I also sometimes get sad.........I know it's never going to be like it used to be but I wish I had a do over! I would definitely change some things if I did! Just rambling.... hope all is well!
Much love,
Mom
checking in
Hello,
Dad here - I have not posted in a while and had the urge to do so. Everything has been going really well for us. We are 1 month away from the 1 year anniversary of when chemo ended. It is so hard to believe it will soon be 1 full year since Dallas last had chemo. The year was the quickest year I have ever experienced.... We are so blessed and fortunate for what we have. We spent the year just trying to get back to normal, well our new normal as it is..... It has been nice to be able to "enjoy" life's little issues that are thrown at you from time to time - such as our dog getting sprayed by a skunk at 1:00am on a Saturday night rather than always eating, thinking, sleeping cancer worries.....
Dallas's hair continues to grow as well as her confidence and attitude..... She went to her first middle school dance last Friday and she went without a chaperon escorting her. I did pick her up when it ended and was sure to park the car and get out to look for her in the crowd of kids. The look on her face was priceless when she saw me out of the car and amongst the mass of kids!!
I once again need to express my endless thank you to everyone out there that helped us through this, without each and everyone out there, I am not sure how we could have got to where we are today - our appreciation is beyond imagine.
There are so many reasons to be thankful each and every day. I hope everyone realizes that and takes full advantage of life!!
Bill I
(dad)
ps. GO STEELERS!!!
Dad here - I have not posted in a while and had the urge to do so. Everything has been going really well for us. We are 1 month away from the 1 year anniversary of when chemo ended. It is so hard to believe it will soon be 1 full year since Dallas last had chemo. The year was the quickest year I have ever experienced.... We are so blessed and fortunate for what we have. We spent the year just trying to get back to normal, well our new normal as it is..... It has been nice to be able to "enjoy" life's little issues that are thrown at you from time to time - such as our dog getting sprayed by a skunk at 1:00am on a Saturday night rather than always eating, thinking, sleeping cancer worries.....
Dallas's hair continues to grow as well as her confidence and attitude..... She went to her first middle school dance last Friday and she went without a chaperon escorting her. I did pick her up when it ended and was sure to park the car and get out to look for her in the crowd of kids. The look on her face was priceless when she saw me out of the car and amongst the mass of kids!!
I once again need to express my endless thank you to everyone out there that helped us through this, without each and everyone out there, I am not sure how we could have got to where we are today - our appreciation is beyond imagine.
There are so many reasons to be thankful each and every day. I hope everyone realizes that and takes full advantage of life!!
Bill I
(dad)
ps. GO STEELERS!!!
P.E., Hawaii and schools in session.....
All,
We went to the city this past week to see Dr. Healey. She has been released for a modified PE program and to work out with me at the gym. Doc also stated she could use her crutches without the leg brace or one crutch with the leg brace. I told Dallas he should have consulted with me before making that statement as she is NOT allowed to go to school without the brace!!!! Maybe in a few months but the bone is still not completely fused together.
The trip to Hawaii went great. She really enjoyed seeing her family and the ocean. The photo on the front page is Dallas, aunt Carrie, my mom and Chris. Dallas says everywhere in Hawaii smells wonderful, like vanilla!
School is back in session and Dallas loves it! She is excited to attend a school dance next week all on her own. Last year she went to one dance and she had an escort, so this is very exciting for her.
The next visit to see her oncologist, scans and Doc Healey is in February. We have blood work and chest x-rays every two months and we are trying to find someone here local to administer those tests. We may still have to travel to the city for those. Hope all is well with you! Looking forward to the fall and the upcoming holidays. Life is GREAT!!!
xoxo ~ Mom
We went to the city this past week to see Dr. Healey. She has been released for a modified PE program and to work out with me at the gym. Doc also stated she could use her crutches without the leg brace or one crutch with the leg brace. I told Dallas he should have consulted with me before making that statement as she is NOT allowed to go to school without the brace!!!! Maybe in a few months but the bone is still not completely fused together.
The trip to Hawaii went great. She really enjoyed seeing her family and the ocean. The photo on the front page is Dallas, aunt Carrie, my mom and Chris. Dallas says everywhere in Hawaii smells wonderful, like vanilla!
School is back in session and Dallas loves it! She is excited to attend a school dance next week all on her own. Last year she went to one dance and she had an escort, so this is very exciting for her.
The next visit to see her oncologist, scans and Doc Healey is in February. We have blood work and chest x-rays every two months and we are trying to find someone here local to administer those tests. We may still have to travel to the city for those. Hope all is well with you! Looking forward to the fall and the upcoming holidays. Life is GREAT!!!
xoxo ~ Mom
Clear Scans!
All,
We received the news last night that Dallas' scans were clear!!! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers! Faith is beautiful!
Next visit is to see Dr. Healey on September 21st. We will update you with Dallas' trip to Hawaii upon her return. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and try to absorb each and every moment!
Many xoxo's!
Love,
Mom
We received the news last night that Dallas' scans were clear!!! Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers! Faith is beautiful!
Next visit is to see Dr. Healey on September 21st. We will update you with Dallas' trip to Hawaii upon her return. Enjoy the remainder of your summer and try to absorb each and every moment!
Many xoxo's!
Love,
Mom
Scans.....
All,
Dallas has scans this Monday and I just want to reach out and ask for everyone to please say a prayer and visualize clear scans! I spoke with the Sarcoma Team and after November's scans she will not have to continue scans with them, just chest x-rays and blood work. I believe her surgeon's protocol at that point will be every six months. The traveling has been exhausting and as much as I love going to the city, I am looking forward to using my vacation time as true vacation time! I think I have three days left for this year and its only August!!!
The girls are getting ready for their trip to Hawaii on August 30th. I am not quite sure how I am going to fill my time without Dallas but I look forward to hearing about their adventures and seeing lots of photos (hint hint). Dallas has one small spot over her allograph that still hasn't healed and the Dr. stated she can only go in the water for five minutes at a time. He doesn't want it to became saturated and get infected. This is a little disappointing but she seems ok with it.
I hope all is well and you have enjoyed your summer! Will post an update on Monday or Tuesday with clear scans results!
Much love,
Mom
Dallas has scans this Monday and I just want to reach out and ask for everyone to please say a prayer and visualize clear scans! I spoke with the Sarcoma Team and after November's scans she will not have to continue scans with them, just chest x-rays and blood work. I believe her surgeon's protocol at that point will be every six months. The traveling has been exhausting and as much as I love going to the city, I am looking forward to using my vacation time as true vacation time! I think I have three days left for this year and its only August!!!
The girls are getting ready for their trip to Hawaii on August 30th. I am not quite sure how I am going to fill my time without Dallas but I look forward to hearing about their adventures and seeing lots of photos (hint hint). Dallas has one small spot over her allograph that still hasn't healed and the Dr. stated she can only go in the water for five minutes at a time. He doesn't want it to became saturated and get infected. This is a little disappointing but she seems ok with it.
I hope all is well and you have enjoyed your summer! Will post an update on Monday or Tuesday with clear scans results!
Much love,
Mom
Dallas sang
Hi - I wanted to drop a quick note to share with everyone. Georgia and Matt got married Friday evening. It was a beautiful ceremony with a spectacular view overlooking a lake.
During the reception, Dallas got up in front of everyone and sang. I have to brag and boast for it was her best performance ever!! Her voice is leaving the kid stage - it was so strong and full, she is becoming a young lady right before my eyes.....
I was so very proud of her!! She had the confidence and swagger that she once had 16 months ago!! It was so amazing to hear her voice - she captured everyones attention at the reception and took command of her song. The round of applause was huge!!
She keeps pushing me to book her a "gig" - I may have to just do that soon.......
Bill I
(dad)
During the reception, Dallas got up in front of everyone and sang. I have to brag and boast for it was her best performance ever!! Her voice is leaving the kid stage - it was so strong and full, she is becoming a young lady right before my eyes.....
I was so very proud of her!! She had the confidence and swagger that she once had 16 months ago!! It was so amazing to hear her voice - she captured everyones attention at the reception and took command of her song. The round of applause was huge!!
She keeps pushing me to book her a "gig" - I may have to just do that soon.......
Bill I
(dad)
Cast is off!
All,
It's me mom, just checking in to tell everyone the cast came off yesterday! We drove to the city Tuesday after work for a 8am meeting with Doc Healey on Wed. In our meeting yesterday we had a lengthy discussion regarding scans. The topic came up as our previous bone scan that was done here locally is requiring some additional evaluation. It seems that our local radiologist is not familiar with reading a scan on a allograph (Ewing's as well) and had concerns with the way it reads. Basically her leg lights up! I've seen it myself and have always had faith that it's healing and thus shows more activity. Doc Healey agreed with me but since a recommendation was made for further evaluation we have to follow up with an MRI. This also took us into the topic of doing scans at all. The protocol with her oncologist is every three months with a chest x-ray monthly. I haven't been doing the monthly chest x-rays and now I don't want to do the scans every three months. Doc Healey gave me his opinion and I respect him immensely, now I have to find a way to have this discussion/negotiation with her oncologist. I want every six months. We shall see........
As for Dallas' leg, she feels like the bone is missing in the leg that the cast came off of. I think it's going to take a few days/weeks to gain the strength and confidence back as it was always her "good " leg. She is still in some significant pain but handles it very well. She is my hero! Next follow up with Doc Healey is at the end of September.
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. God bless all!
Much love,
Mom
It's me mom, just checking in to tell everyone the cast came off yesterday! We drove to the city Tuesday after work for a 8am meeting with Doc Healey on Wed. In our meeting yesterday we had a lengthy discussion regarding scans. The topic came up as our previous bone scan that was done here locally is requiring some additional evaluation. It seems that our local radiologist is not familiar with reading a scan on a allograph (Ewing's as well) and had concerns with the way it reads. Basically her leg lights up! I've seen it myself and have always had faith that it's healing and thus shows more activity. Doc Healey agreed with me but since a recommendation was made for further evaluation we have to follow up with an MRI. This also took us into the topic of doing scans at all. The protocol with her oncologist is every three months with a chest x-ray monthly. I haven't been doing the monthly chest x-rays and now I don't want to do the scans every three months. Doc Healey gave me his opinion and I respect him immensely, now I have to find a way to have this discussion/negotiation with her oncologist. I want every six months. We shall see........
As for Dallas' leg, she feels like the bone is missing in the leg that the cast came off of. I think it's going to take a few days/weeks to gain the strength and confidence back as it was always her "good " leg. She is still in some significant pain but handles it very well. She is my hero! Next follow up with Doc Healey is at the end of September.
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. God bless all!
Much love,
Mom
Update From Dalli
Hey y'all! It's me, Dalli. Just checkin' in! I hope you're all enjoying your summer! As you may know I just recently had a surgery on my right leg to stop the growth plate. I now have a cast that's from my ankle, to my thigh. So yep, I look like an accident prone! My leg has been still hurting but my pain tolerance gets higher and higher each day! My last day of school was June 23rd-the summer's going by so fast! On the second last day of school I performed in my school's talent show. I sang and play guitar to a Jonas Brothers song! We just recently submitted my three choices for my Make-A-Wish. My first wish is to play a guess starring role on an episode of Disney's series JONAS! My second wish is to play a guess starring role on Disney Channel's series Sonny With a Chance! And last but not least, my third wish is to have a VIP tour of Hollywood Studios! Now, I only get one wish, which is to be determined. In the end of August I get to travel with my Aunt Carrie to Kauai, Hawaii to go to my Aunt Hollie's wedding! Now, if you knew my Aunt Carrie you'd feel sorry for me! I mean, just the thought of traveling about 5,000 miles on a plane with her is kinda creepy, but the thought of having her take care of me for a week is just plain scary! Love you too Carrie! I'm expected to be a flower girl but I'm not completely sure yet. This will be my first time to Hawaii so I'm kinda scared but very excited! On June 28th my mom, Grandpa, and I will be driving down to the city for another check up with the doc.! He will hopefully remove my cast on the appointment day of June 29th. Let's hope! Lately, all of my good friends have been stopping by and signing my cast! It's getting so filled up! Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, and endless support! Hope all is well! Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Much love,
Dalli(:
Much love,
Dalli(:
Out of surgery
Hi,
I wanted to post a quick note - Dallas is out of surgery. Everything went well. Growth plate #3 in her right leg has been removed with success. Also - her port was removed and is gone as well!! This was "installed" in her 2 weeks before she started her chemo treatments last year. So now, just like the cancer - it is GONE!!!!
She will be inpatient until Thursday, most likely Friday then return home. Kris will be resuming her hospital room bedside buddy role for the next couple days. Dallas has a hard cast from her ankle up to her mid thigh and will have it for the next 4 weeks. Sister Carrie is in the city with them but will be coming home tomorrow.
Thanks to all again for all the prayers, thoughts and positive mojo!!
Bill I
(dad)
I wanted to post a quick note - Dallas is out of surgery. Everything went well. Growth plate #3 in her right leg has been removed with success. Also - her port was removed and is gone as well!! This was "installed" in her 2 weeks before she started her chemo treatments last year. So now, just like the cancer - it is GONE!!!!
She will be inpatient until Thursday, most likely Friday then return home. Kris will be resuming her hospital room bedside buddy role for the next couple days. Dallas has a hard cast from her ankle up to her mid thigh and will have it for the next 4 weeks. Sister Carrie is in the city with them but will be coming home tomorrow.
Thanks to all again for all the prayers, thoughts and positive mojo!!
Bill I
(dad)
Life ain't always beautiful
All,
Just wanted to post the lyrics to a song from Gary Allan that sums it up! We have heard of the recent passings of some of our former roommates from Sloan. These were beautiful young ladies that were taken way to early! This wasn't God's doing either!!!! Please say a prayer for all of the beautiful children fighting or who have lost. Their families are suffering more than imaginable. Make peace and appreciate all you have! God bless you!
Just wanted to post the lyrics to a song from Gary Allan that sums it up! We have heard of the recent passings of some of our former roommates from Sloan. These were beautiful young ladies that were taken way to early! This wasn't God's doing either!!!! Please say a prayer for all of the beautiful children fighting or who have lost. Their families are suffering more than imaginable. Make peace and appreciate all you have! God bless you!
Life ain't always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard
Life can knock you down, it can break your heart
Life ain't always beautiful
You think you're on your way
And it's just a dead end road at the end of the day
But the struggle makes you stronger
And the changes make you wise
And happiness has it's own way of taken' it sweet time
[chorus]
No,life aint always beautiful
Tears will fall sometimes
Life aint always beautiful
But it's a beautiful ride
Life aint always beautiful
Some days I miss your smile
I get tired of walkin' all these lonely miles
And I wish for just one minute
I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream, but life dont work that way
But the struggles makes me stronger
And the changes make me wise
And happiness has it's own way of takin' its sweet time
No, life aint always beautiful
But I know I'll be fine
Hey, life aint always beautiful
But its a beautiful ride
What a beautiful ride