Facebook Roundup

This week, Grandma Crofford, Grandma Green, and Aunt Cindi all visited!  It was a week with a lot of things going on, with as much fun that could be squeezed in between.  Here are some posts from Wendi and Cindi during the week:

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Tuesday March 30
7:32AM - posted by Cindi
Taking my nephew to treatment this morning. Wishing there was no such thing as cancer. But spending the last few days at the Ronald McDonald House has made me see that these kids are just kids. They run around smiling and laughing. They are going through what most adults can't handle and they are smiling and laughing. We all have a lot to learn from these children. A big thank you to all the volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. They provide food and crafts every day for the kids and their families. We are so thankful for all of the support from everyone. The next time you go to McDonald's give to the Ronald McDonald House. They are worth so much to these children.

10:18AM
Waiting for Mark's labs to return. He's tired, dizzy, and has a cold. Not sure yet what today looks like.

10:26AM - posted by Cindi
Mark is going in for his first blood transfusion this morning. His hemoglobin was really low. We found out that his blood type is O-negative. Which is really rare. It's also universal, which means it can be given to a anyone in an emergency. So when he is older and donates the blood bank will love him! He is pretty tired and dizzy today. This could be from the fun filled day yesterday but more like from the cold he caught and his low hemoglobin. They are packing fluids today. Hoping this will help also. Thanks for all your continued love, prayers and support.

Taking chemo like a champ

11:12AM
Quick update: White blood cell count is good and he's feeling better now that he's had fluids (his heart rate was at 140 when we got here, now it's at 85). His hemoglobin is low, though, so they have to do a transfusion today, but his appointment at Proton Therapy can't be moved because he had such a specialized type of setup. So we're doing chemo then proton then transfusion.

5:39PM
Almost done for the day. The transfusion just finished. In about half an hour we'll head home, and he's on bed rest until tomorrow morning. Been at appointments since 8:30 this morning, but he's feeling better now. Thanks for all the prayers.

Tuesday March 31
11:34PM
Got the results of Mark's neurocognitive testing today (basically IQ testing with motor skills and memory added in - they do this as a baseline when treatment begins and then track him as he grows). The doctor I spoke to, the retiring head of the department here, said Mark scored in the 99th percentile on most of the test (fine motor was an exception, but we think that's due to surgery and chemo), he's extremely bright, and we should start saving now for an ivy league school when he gets older (he said this last part at least twice). Nothing we didn't know, but it's fun to have it confirmed, especially when the doctor sounds so impressed.

At the US Open
event for RMH guests

Wednesday April 1
7:13AM - posted by Cindi
Long day today. Taking my oldest nephew to school. Picking up the rest to take my mom to the airport then back across Houston to go to the PGA event hosted for the kids at the Ronald McDonald House. Then take myself to the airport and go home. I'm sad I'm leaving. I didn't realize how stressful some of these appointments can be. They are so close together that if it wasn't for the rental car Mark would have missed his transfusion. I know this is taking a toll on my sister, even though you would never tell by looking at her. She is always smiling. My sister is an amazing woman. She is definitely worth more then rubies.

3:26PM - posted by Cindi
We had a great time at the US Open today. Mark loves golf so it was really fun for him. He even got his hat and golf ball autographed. It didn't take long before he was worn out and ready to go rest but I know he will remember this day. It's so good to see that beautiful smile in the midst of everything going on in his world.

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Gabriella being interviewed

Gabriella was interviewed at the PGA event, by MD Anderson media staff who talked with her about her generous nature, see the picture.  And let us not forget the huge contribution being made by my oldest son helping make everything "go" in Houston.  Tomorrow is his 17th birthday!