Good morning. Sorry I didn't update more this past weekend~~~we were very busy!! We finally got Jennifer's room painted, and it looks beautiful! Then we finally got everything put back together. She did a lot of purging, storing, and organizing! She did a great job. Then I helped Rachel clean her room after we got all of Jennifer's stuff out of there. Yay! All the kids' rooms are painted now! Whew. I went to bed every night aching in every muscle and joint and bone in my body! But the rooms look great, and I am happy.
As far as the kitchen sink..................that is another story. Bottom line, when it rains it pours. We have to get a new faucet in the kitchen. So that won't happen until payday. Oh well.
David is doing ok. I am still giving him the zofran every morning. But otherwise he is doing ok. He had PT yesterday and did pretty good. Linda said that since all his steri-strips are gone he can do therapy in the pool. So next week one of his days of PT will be in the therapy pool at the swim center. That will be the first time he has been able to be in a pool for almost 2 years! He couldn't go in a pool last summer because of his broviac. So him being able to go into a pool is one thing he was REALLY looking forward to. Linda thinks the pool will be good for him. He is walking better~~~doesn't need the crutches as much.
Tonight will be exciting for him. He is going to see the Harlem Globetrotters with Angel Kiss Foundation. No parents allowed; but Jennifer and Rachel are going. They have to be there at 5:15 because they get to meet the Harlem Globetrotters before the game. They will have a great time, I am sure. I will post tomorrow and let you know how it went. It is up at UNR (University of Nevada, Reno) so the girls are leaving work early to get there by 5:15. They have great supervisors who let them do things like this. So they will have an exciting, however late, night.
Well, that is about all. Please pray for the kids' safety tonight going to UNR and home again (Jennifer is driving). Please continue to pray for David and all the struggles he is dealing with. Thank you for checking in on David. Have a great day. God bless you. We love you. ((HUGS))
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009 7:32 PM
Good evening. This background is in honor of the Super Bowl on Sunday. Bryon is rooting for the Cardinals........we'll see.
David had PT in the pool today. The water was a warm 92*! It was good because the warmth relaxes the muscles so they can stretch and do their thing. David did very well, he really enjoyed being in the pool. He was actually more sore today than after the 'regular' PT! But that is a good thing! It means his muscles actually worked! He did a lot of exercises and really enjoyed it. It will be a weekly thing. He will have PT in the office on Monday and Friday, and the pool on Thursday. Well, that is what we are going to talk to Linda about tomorrow. I know she was the one encouraging him to do the pool, so I know she won't have a problem with it. Thank you for your prayers, they worked. Keep them coming!!
Today was another beautiful day; too beautiful! It is way too warm. My house still needs a fire, it isn't THAT warm! But today I got in the mood for some iced tea, so I made some Strawberry iced tea~~~thanks Debbie!! It tastes sooooo yummy!! I really appreciate the tea! Thanks for remembering how much I really like that tea. Mmmm.
David has PT again tomorrow with Linda. Pool therapy is with LuAnn. Please pray that he does well and he isn't too sore from today. I am so thankful for the PT! It will get my baby walking again! Can't wait.
We have been chatting with some other folks from our osteosarcoma support group website, and there is one girl who has a $10 million insurance cap! Boy, are we jealous of that! David's lifetime cap is $2 million, and he has used up $1.5 million of that! That is just another reason (among many) why we pray that David does NOT relapse. Remember, David was diagnosed with metastatic osteo (already spread to his lungs), so they told us that it was very aggressive in him. It is an aggressive cancer anyway, but everybody is different, and the prognosis is different for everyone. Remember, they only give David a 20-30% 5-year survival chance. Again, I will NOT put God in a box, we are expecting our miracle. I just need to be realistic for my own sanity. I don't want to be blindsided by 'bad news' should it come. I am tying to trust God to heal my baby!
Well, that is about it for tonight. Thanks again for all your prayers. Again, keep them coming. Thank you for 'standing in the gap' for us when we find it too difficult. I am so glad we serve an understanding God; who knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway. Who is there for us no matter what. Who is there to help us believe when we find it difficult. Thank you for listening. Thank you for visiting and checking up on David. Thank you ever so much for the prayers and the love. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
David had PT in the pool today. The water was a warm 92*! It was good because the warmth relaxes the muscles so they can stretch and do their thing. David did very well, he really enjoyed being in the pool. He was actually more sore today than after the 'regular' PT! But that is a good thing! It means his muscles actually worked! He did a lot of exercises and really enjoyed it. It will be a weekly thing. He will have PT in the office on Monday and Friday, and the pool on Thursday. Well, that is what we are going to talk to Linda about tomorrow. I know she was the one encouraging him to do the pool, so I know she won't have a problem with it. Thank you for your prayers, they worked. Keep them coming!!
Today was another beautiful day; too beautiful! It is way too warm. My house still needs a fire, it isn't THAT warm! But today I got in the mood for some iced tea, so I made some Strawberry iced tea~~~thanks Debbie!! It tastes sooooo yummy!! I really appreciate the tea! Thanks for remembering how much I really like that tea. Mmmm.
David has PT again tomorrow with Linda. Pool therapy is with LuAnn. Please pray that he does well and he isn't too sore from today. I am so thankful for the PT! It will get my baby walking again! Can't wait.
We have been chatting with some other folks from our osteosarcoma support group website, and there is one girl who has a $10 million insurance cap! Boy, are we jealous of that! David's lifetime cap is $2 million, and he has used up $1.5 million of that! That is just another reason (among many) why we pray that David does NOT relapse. Remember, David was diagnosed with metastatic osteo (already spread to his lungs), so they told us that it was very aggressive in him. It is an aggressive cancer anyway, but everybody is different, and the prognosis is different for everyone. Remember, they only give David a 20-30% 5-year survival chance. Again, I will NOT put God in a box, we are expecting our miracle. I just need to be realistic for my own sanity. I don't want to be blindsided by 'bad news' should it come. I am tying to trust God to heal my baby!
Well, that is about it for tonight. Thanks again for all your prayers. Again, keep them coming. Thank you for 'standing in the gap' for us when we find it too difficult. I am so glad we serve an understanding God; who knows our weaknesses and loves us anyway. Who is there for us no matter what. Who is there to help us believe when we find it difficult. Thank you for listening. Thank you for visiting and checking up on David. Thank you ever so much for the prayers and the love. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 7:17 PM
Good evening. Today was a beautiful day. David didn't have PT (he usually does on Wed.) because he is going to the therapy pool tomorrow. Then he will have PT on Friday.
Right now David is at Bible Study with Jennifer, Bryon is at Men's Bible Study, and Rachel and I are home. The kids and I went to sushi for dinner, yummy! It was really good. No, I do NOT eat the raw stuff. Bryon just ate on the way to Bible Study. At least I didn't have to cook tonight. Except, I love to cook. But I really enjoyed the sushi, thanks Rachel (she treated us).
David is doing ok. He is just doing his school work during the day, and playing or watching TV in the evenings. He is looking forward to going in the pool tomorrow, but not looking forward to the PT part. I can't wait until I see my son walking again without the limp. I know I need to be patient with him, it is just frustrating. They told us that it would be at least a year before he is walking, but the lengthening surgeries just set him back. And every 6 months for a few years is not something I am looking forward to (I am sure he isn't either). I know the big picture is him walking 'normal' and all that, but the time between now and then just seems like forever! I have said before, and I will say again, they told us this would be a roller-coaster ride. Well, again, I don't like roller-coasters, and I didn't buy a ticket for this one!!! I WANT OFF!! Ok, I feel better.
Please pray that David does well tomorrow in the pool. I don't know what he will be doing, but I do think it will be good for him. Thank you for checking in on him. Thank you for your prayers for David and the Koury family; we need all we can get! Have a good evening. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Right now David is at Bible Study with Jennifer, Bryon is at Men's Bible Study, and Rachel and I are home. The kids and I went to sushi for dinner, yummy! It was really good. No, I do NOT eat the raw stuff. Bryon just ate on the way to Bible Study. At least I didn't have to cook tonight. Except, I love to cook. But I really enjoyed the sushi, thanks Rachel (she treated us).
David is doing ok. He is just doing his school work during the day, and playing or watching TV in the evenings. He is looking forward to going in the pool tomorrow, but not looking forward to the PT part. I can't wait until I see my son walking again without the limp. I know I need to be patient with him, it is just frustrating. They told us that it would be at least a year before he is walking, but the lengthening surgeries just set him back. And every 6 months for a few years is not something I am looking forward to (I am sure he isn't either). I know the big picture is him walking 'normal' and all that, but the time between now and then just seems like forever! I have said before, and I will say again, they told us this would be a roller-coaster ride. Well, again, I don't like roller-coasters, and I didn't buy a ticket for this one!!! I WANT OFF!! Ok, I feel better.
Please pray that David does well tomorrow in the pool. I don't know what he will be doing, but I do think it will be good for him. Thank you for checking in on him. Thank you for your prayers for David and the Koury family; we need all we can get! Have a good evening. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009 9:54 PM
Good evening. Today was an ok day. David had PT again. Linda did his measurements of his extension and his flexion. He was down to a 25* on his extension before surgery~~~he is now 30*. His flexion was 125* before surgery~~~now he is 120*. Grrrrr! He lost 5* both ways. It is frustrating. I know Linda will get him back; and even better; but it is still frustrating. I feel like it is 2 steps forward 3 steps back!!! *sigh* I know I just need to be patient; thanks, Veronica, for the encouragement. It is just that David was doing so well (minus the limp) before surgery. I am just getting tired of our life being on 'hold' until he is 'normal' (whatever that means!!) But I for sure do NOT want him falling and breaking his leg; or anything else (he already had a broken arm when he was 17-months-old). It is just hard to watch him go backward in his activity level. Please pray that I can be patient with him. He is such a trooper, he for sure doesn't deserve this (no one does). He is going to go in the therapy pool on Thursday, and then PT again on Friday.
We so appreciate all the entries in the guestbook. Thanks for the jokes, Wylene. Thank you for visiting here and checking up on David. Thank you for the prayers and the love.
Well, that is about all for today. Have a great evening. Take care and thanks again. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
We so appreciate all the entries in the guestbook. Thanks for the jokes, Wylene. Thank you for visiting here and checking up on David. Thank you for the prayers and the love.
Well, that is about all for today. Have a great evening. Take care and thanks again. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009 5:28 PM
Good evening. It is beautiful here in Carson City~~~~it's snowing! It has been snowing off and on all day today. It is sticking, and it is absolutely gorgeous. We are so nice and cozy in front of the fire in our family room and enjoying watching the white stuff fall outside.
Sorry I didn't update yesterday; it was my and Bryon's 28th wedding anniversary, so I wasn't on the 'puter all day. We had a good day. We went to Costco to get some milk for today, didn't want to spend alot of time there. Then we went to Reno for awhile, and then we went to Squaw Valley for dinner. It was nice, there is a lot of snow up there. It was cold and snowy, but it was nice. We really like going there, and the 'Blue Coyote' is a great little place to eat. So it was a fun day.
David is doing ok. He is still on that crutch; grrrrr! We want it gone! He says the knee still has the tendency to buckle on him, so he still relies on the crutch. He is feeling ok as long as I continue to give him his zofran. I can't wait for that to pass. *sigh*
We were able to go to church today, yay! Then we came home and Jeremy and Lucy came over and I made tacos for lunch. They were quite yummy. Right now David, Jennifer, and Rachel are at the movies. They have gone to the movies a lot this weekend. They are seeing 'Mall Cop' now; they also saw 'Marley and Me' yesterday. The girls are really good about taking him places. He has physical therapy tomorrow; please pray that it goes well. We are trying so hard to get him mobile without that stupid crutch. He still limps because his right leg is still too short! He will have surgery again in June to lengthen his leg another centimeter. We would like him very 'stretched' so his muscles won't tighten up so much next time. Please continue to pray that PT will really help him. Thanks.
Well, I need to go. You all have a good rest of the weekend. I will let you know how PT goes tomorrow. Thanks for visiting David and checking up on him. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Sorry I didn't update yesterday; it was my and Bryon's 28th wedding anniversary, so I wasn't on the 'puter all day. We had a good day. We went to Costco to get some milk for today, didn't want to spend alot of time there. Then we went to Reno for awhile, and then we went to Squaw Valley for dinner. It was nice, there is a lot of snow up there. It was cold and snowy, but it was nice. We really like going there, and the 'Blue Coyote' is a great little place to eat. So it was a fun day.
David is doing ok. He is still on that crutch; grrrrr! We want it gone! He says the knee still has the tendency to buckle on him, so he still relies on the crutch. He is feeling ok as long as I continue to give him his zofran. I can't wait for that to pass. *sigh*
We were able to go to church today, yay! Then we came home and Jeremy and Lucy came over and I made tacos for lunch. They were quite yummy. Right now David, Jennifer, and Rachel are at the movies. They have gone to the movies a lot this weekend. They are seeing 'Mall Cop' now; they also saw 'Marley and Me' yesterday. The girls are really good about taking him places. He has physical therapy tomorrow; please pray that it goes well. We are trying so hard to get him mobile without that stupid crutch. He still limps because his right leg is still too short! He will have surgery again in June to lengthen his leg another centimeter. We would like him very 'stretched' so his muscles won't tighten up so much next time. Please continue to pray that PT will really help him. Thanks.
Well, I need to go. You all have a good rest of the weekend. I will let you know how PT goes tomorrow. Thanks for visiting David and checking up on him. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009 10:56 PM
Good evening. Here is the picture you have been waiting for.
The kids had a great time. They really liked the guys, thought they were great. They are so funny! They put on a great show, and the kids had a really good time. They didn't get home until after 10:00, but it was worth it. I was really glad they had the opportunity to go. Jennifer did fine driving there; even though she didn't know for sure where she was going. They parked in the parking garage and David didn't have to walk too far; so that was good.
David had a fine day today. He just did his school work, and then he played video games. He is doing really well in school. His leg is still not as strong as we would like it to be. His knee still tends to give out on him when he walks. He has PT again tomorrow morning. Please pray that the PT goes well. He is not really enjoying it, but he is such a trooper and he just plugs along. He does everything Linda asks him to do. It is not easy for him, but he puts forth a lot of effort to do what she asks.
Another child has lost her battle with this monster. Please remember her family in your prayers. Her name is Becky. Thank you.
Well, it is late. You all have a good evening. Thank you for checking in on David and the Koury family. Please pray that David never has a relapse of this awful cancer. Thanks. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
The kids had a great time. They really liked the guys, thought they were great. They are so funny! They put on a great show, and the kids had a really good time. They didn't get home until after 10:00, but it was worth it. I was really glad they had the opportunity to go. Jennifer did fine driving there; even though she didn't know for sure where she was going. They parked in the parking garage and David didn't have to walk too far; so that was good.
David had a fine day today. He just did his school work, and then he played video games. He is doing really well in school. His leg is still not as strong as we would like it to be. His knee still tends to give out on him when he walks. He has PT again tomorrow morning. Please pray that the PT goes well. He is not really enjoying it, but he is such a trooper and he just plugs along. He does everything Linda asks him to do. It is not easy for him, but he puts forth a lot of effort to do what she asks.
Another child has lost her battle with this monster. Please remember her family in your prayers. Her name is Becky. Thank you.
Well, it is late. You all have a good evening. Thank you for checking in on David and the Koury family. Please pray that David never has a relapse of this awful cancer. Thanks. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Thursday, January 22, 2009 8:25 AM
Quick update to let you all know I haven't forgotten you! I am trying to upload the pictures of the kids with the Harlem Globetrotters so I can post them here! I have to go to the dentist this morning to get my teeth cleaned; hopefully I will be able to get the pictures on after that. Have a good morning. God bless you all. Thanks for stopping by.
Chris and Larry~~~you have no idea how wonderful it is to be in touch with you!!! We have missed you so much! Keep in touch. We love you.
Keep checking back! We love you all.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Chris and Larry~~~you have no idea how wonderful it is to be in touch with you!!! We have missed you so much! Keep in touch. We love you.
Keep checking back! We love you all.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009 8:26 PM
Good evening. I gotta make this quick. We are in the middle of painting Jennifer's room. Actually, we are just waiting for the primer to dry.
It has been a very busy weekend. Yesterday David had PT and he did great. He gets really tired quickly, but he just pushes through! He is going only 5 minutes on the bike, but he (on his own) upped the resistance. So it is harder, so he can't go as long. But he wants to make it harder so his muscles have to work more. He really wants to be walking better. He still limps, his right leg is still shorter. He goes back to Dr. O on April 2nd (10 days before his birthday) and we will schedule the next surgery then. It will be sometime in June, we do know that.
Last night Jeremy and Lucy came by to see us. It was Jeremy's birthday yesterday; I can't believe I have a 27-year-old!! When did that happen? How is it that our children get so old so fast?!?! Oh well, I guess I am just getting old.
We have spent the day today preparing Jennifer's room; and Bryon tore my kitchen sink apart. Long story, but we need to flush the hot water lines at the water heater. We are just praying that our water heater is not dying on us! I tell you, when it rains it pours!!! Oh well, such is life.
Well, gotta go. The primer is dry and we gotta get back to painting!! She is so excited to have her room painted! I am too. Now I want my bedroom and bathroom painted.
Thank you for checking in on David. I will post more tomorrow. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
It has been a very busy weekend. Yesterday David had PT and he did great. He gets really tired quickly, but he just pushes through! He is going only 5 minutes on the bike, but he (on his own) upped the resistance. So it is harder, so he can't go as long. But he wants to make it harder so his muscles have to work more. He really wants to be walking better. He still limps, his right leg is still shorter. He goes back to Dr. O on April 2nd (10 days before his birthday) and we will schedule the next surgery then. It will be sometime in June, we do know that.
Last night Jeremy and Lucy came by to see us. It was Jeremy's birthday yesterday; I can't believe I have a 27-year-old!! When did that happen? How is it that our children get so old so fast?!?! Oh well, I guess I am just getting old.
We have spent the day today preparing Jennifer's room; and Bryon tore my kitchen sink apart. Long story, but we need to flush the hot water lines at the water heater. We are just praying that our water heater is not dying on us! I tell you, when it rains it pours!!! Oh well, such is life.
Well, gotta go. The primer is dry and we gotta get back to painting!! She is so excited to have her room painted! I am too. Now I want my bedroom and bathroom painted.
Thank you for checking in on David. I will post more tomorrow. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009 7:11 PM
I read something today, and it is very true. It applies to us as well as David. "Just because it appears that I am doing well on the outside, doesn't mean that I am doing well." You must all remember that our lives have been FOREVER changed. We will NEVER again be able to just relax and not be concerned about the future. I know, everyone can say they are 'worried' or concerned or whatever about the future; but it is NOT the same; that is, unless you are a parent with a child battling cancer. We will forever live from scan to scan, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Maybe (prayerfully) it never will. But that won't stop us from forever being concerned about our son's health and life. I know we sure can't take that for granted! I used to watch the St. Jude's commercials and say, "Thank God for 4 healthy children." Well, not so much. I totally took that for granted. I don't anymore. You never know when that is going to change.
David is doing better every day with his leg. Linda was able to push his leg down and get it straight yesterday! It is a bit painful for him when she does that; she is stretching those muscles. But they need to be stretched! So she is doing a great job with him. And he is doing great. He doesn't like all the exercises she has him do, but he does them! He is such a trooper. He is working really hard. Today he is hobbling around without the crutch! YAY! Of course that was because he couldn't find the one he wanted (it was in Jennifer's room), but whatever it takes! Tomorrow he goes to PT again; hopefully he will be doing even better.
I gave David his first haircut in over a year last night! He just needed it cleaned up around his ears and on his neck. It felt 'nice' to be back giving him a haircut. I haven't cut his hair since September of 2007! Just one more thing that makes it feel 'normal' (a new normal).
Well, that is about it for now. Short post today. Not a lot is happening. We will be busy this weekend painting Jennifer's room. She is getting it all cleaned and ready now. Thank you for checking up on David and the Koury family. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
David is doing better every day with his leg. Linda was able to push his leg down and get it straight yesterday! It is a bit painful for him when she does that; she is stretching those muscles. But they need to be stretched! So she is doing a great job with him. And he is doing great. He doesn't like all the exercises she has him do, but he does them! He is such a trooper. He is working really hard. Today he is hobbling around without the crutch! YAY! Of course that was because he couldn't find the one he wanted (it was in Jennifer's room), but whatever it takes! Tomorrow he goes to PT again; hopefully he will be doing even better.
I gave David his first haircut in over a year last night! He just needed it cleaned up around his ears and on his neck. It felt 'nice' to be back giving him a haircut. I haven't cut his hair since September of 2007! Just one more thing that makes it feel 'normal' (a new normal).
Well, that is about it for now. Short post today. Not a lot is happening. We will be busy this weekend painting Jennifer's room. She is getting it all cleaned and ready now. Thank you for checking up on David and the Koury family. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009 4:30 PM
Good afternoon. Here we are, January is well on it's way! I can't believe it is almost half over already!
We just got home from Renown. The result of the xray is that David's foot is normal. Well, normal for the circumstances. They are attributing it to the extra weight bearing on that foot~~~same as the knee. So, we can breathe easier for the next 3 months. Whew. David is still NED! Yay!! They don't really know why he is still nauseous every day, but they said it is not unusual. Not common, just not unusual. So I will just keep giving him the zofran. *sigh*
David has his 3-month checkup with Dr. O'Donnell on April 2nd, so we are hoping to have his scans April 3rd. We talked to Connie about having that set up that way. We already have the appointment with Dr. O, so Connie said she will try to get David set up for his scans the next day. The Family House is opened (yay) so we will be able to stay there the night of the 2nd. David's birthday is April 12, so hopefully he will have a cancer free 15th birthday!! He will be home for his birthday this year. We should know the results of the scans by his birthday. The scans will be a little 'late,' Connie said they are supposed to be in March, but she likes to save us a trip to the Bay Area when she can. I suppose we could up the appointment with Dr. O................nah, we will leave it the way it is. I don't think a week will make that much difference......at least I hope it won't!! Oh well. It is all in God's hands.
PT went ok today. David had to be there at 8:00~~~~way too early for him. He was tired, but he did everything Linda asked him to do. He is such a trooper! He is getting stronger, and the knee is starting to get straighter. He can't put full weight on it yet, but he is getting there. Please continue to pray that it gets straighter and stronger. Thank you for your prayers.
Remember I asked for prayers a while ago for Teagan? Well, she is doing great so far. But she has scans on Jan. 20th. Would you please say a prayer for her and her family? Please pray for clear scans for her. She leaves in 3 weeks for her 'Make-A-Wish' trip to Florida and Disney World, and it would be great for her to go cancer free!! We grew to love that little girl so much! (and her family, too). She is such a sweetie.
The results of Mattie's CT scan was that the lesions are stable. Stable disease is still disease, but it is not progressing; and that is fantastic! There are no new lesions! Praise God!! Also, Mattie did it without sedation!!! That is such a miracle! I want to say a great big THANK YOU for your prayers for Mattie.
We 'cancer moms' form such bond across the miles. A victory for one of us is a victory for all of us! Anybody not in the situation has no idea what it is like. I am thankful for the friends I have met through this horrible time in our lives: Nita and Wendy personally; and all the cyber friends I share this special, awful bond with. Thank you for being there for me and my family. You are the ones who have been there when others have abandoned us and deserted us. I just can't say thank you enough.
Well, I need to get going. Thank you for checking up on David. Have a great rest of the day. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
We just got home from Renown. The result of the xray is that David's foot is normal. Well, normal for the circumstances. They are attributing it to the extra weight bearing on that foot~~~same as the knee. So, we can breathe easier for the next 3 months. Whew. David is still NED! Yay!! They don't really know why he is still nauseous every day, but they said it is not unusual. Not common, just not unusual. So I will just keep giving him the zofran. *sigh*
David has his 3-month checkup with Dr. O'Donnell on April 2nd, so we are hoping to have his scans April 3rd. We talked to Connie about having that set up that way. We already have the appointment with Dr. O, so Connie said she will try to get David set up for his scans the next day. The Family House is opened (yay) so we will be able to stay there the night of the 2nd. David's birthday is April 12, so hopefully he will have a cancer free 15th birthday!! He will be home for his birthday this year. We should know the results of the scans by his birthday. The scans will be a little 'late,' Connie said they are supposed to be in March, but she likes to save us a trip to the Bay Area when she can. I suppose we could up the appointment with Dr. O................nah, we will leave it the way it is. I don't think a week will make that much difference......at least I hope it won't!! Oh well. It is all in God's hands.
PT went ok today. David had to be there at 8:00~~~~way too early for him. He was tired, but he did everything Linda asked him to do. He is such a trooper! He is getting stronger, and the knee is starting to get straighter. He can't put full weight on it yet, but he is getting there. Please continue to pray that it gets straighter and stronger. Thank you for your prayers.
Remember I asked for prayers a while ago for Teagan? Well, she is doing great so far. But she has scans on Jan. 20th. Would you please say a prayer for her and her family? Please pray for clear scans for her. She leaves in 3 weeks for her 'Make-A-Wish' trip to Florida and Disney World, and it would be great for her to go cancer free!! We grew to love that little girl so much! (and her family, too). She is such a sweetie.
The results of Mattie's CT scan was that the lesions are stable. Stable disease is still disease, but it is not progressing; and that is fantastic! There are no new lesions! Praise God!! Also, Mattie did it without sedation!!! That is such a miracle! I want to say a great big THANK YOU for your prayers for Mattie.
We 'cancer moms' form such bond across the miles. A victory for one of us is a victory for all of us! Anybody not in the situation has no idea what it is like. I am thankful for the friends I have met through this horrible time in our lives: Nita and Wendy personally; and all the cyber friends I share this special, awful bond with. Thank you for being there for me and my family. You are the ones who have been there when others have abandoned us and deserted us. I just can't say thank you enough.
Well, I need to get going. Thank you for checking up on David. Have a great rest of the day. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009 10:01 PM
Cancer Moms
I belong to a special group of womenMy friends and I have an amazing bond.We never wanted to be in this group,Yet we are in, for life.Maybe we have met, maybe we haven’t,Yet our love for each other is boundless.We know the pain the other one feels,And we share our victories small or huge.Words like chemo, IV, Zofran , bald headsAre always parts of our conversations,As well as nausea, tears, and meltdowns…We always know where the closest puke bucket is ,We can hold it in one hand and if necessary,Swallow the sandwich the other hand was holding.We can drive to the hospital ,Park in the dark parking garageMake our way thru the halls of the hospitalAnd to the appropriate floor,Settle in a room, turn the TV on,Give instructions to the head nurse,Silence loud beeping IV pumps,Direct a wagon AND an IV poleTo the playroom without hitting anything.Make our way back to the correct room.And all this, mind you,With our eyes closed at any given time.We know how to draw blood from linesSticking out of little kids chests.We can hold them down with one hand,While a nasogastric tube is inserted in their little nose,And be on the phone with their dads at the same time.We can live for days on hospital food,And on maybe only one meal a day .We know the names of up to 20 different drugs,Their purpose, dosage and time to be taken.We are always on call, 24 hours a day ,Seven days a week.We are used to not always looking our best,Hard to do with only a few hours of sleep.Make up , hair styling, skirts are words of the past .We have become addicted to texting ,hospital, clinic, home, wherever…We talk sometimes at all hours of the night ,We know we can count on someone to be up.Then for one of us, the world stops .She has to walk away, broken.This job is over .The job is over, but the fight is on.Remember, I said we were in this forever.We are friends, sisters, temporary nurses,We are each others rock, each others punching bag,We listen, we vent, we cry, we laugh together .We share our lives and our deathsWe share our pain and our victories.We are strong, but not by choice ,Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose,But never are we defeated.We are not nurses.We are not doctors.We are cancer moms…
That is all I have to say today. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
I belong to a special group of womenMy friends and I have an amazing bond.We never wanted to be in this group,Yet we are in, for life.Maybe we have met, maybe we haven’t,Yet our love for each other is boundless.We know the pain the other one feels,And we share our victories small or huge.Words like chemo, IV, Zofran , bald headsAre always parts of our conversations,As well as nausea, tears, and meltdowns…We always know where the closest puke bucket is ,We can hold it in one hand and if necessary,Swallow the sandwich the other hand was holding.We can drive to the hospital ,Park in the dark parking garageMake our way thru the halls of the hospitalAnd to the appropriate floor,Settle in a room, turn the TV on,Give instructions to the head nurse,Silence loud beeping IV pumps,Direct a wagon AND an IV poleTo the playroom without hitting anything.Make our way back to the correct room.And all this, mind you,With our eyes closed at any given time.We know how to draw blood from linesSticking out of little kids chests.We can hold them down with one hand,While a nasogastric tube is inserted in their little nose,And be on the phone with their dads at the same time.We can live for days on hospital food,And on maybe only one meal a day .We know the names of up to 20 different drugs,Their purpose, dosage and time to be taken.We are always on call, 24 hours a day ,Seven days a week.We are used to not always looking our best,Hard to do with only a few hours of sleep.Make up , hair styling, skirts are words of the past .We have become addicted to texting ,hospital, clinic, home, wherever…We talk sometimes at all hours of the night ,We know we can count on someone to be up.Then for one of us, the world stops .She has to walk away, broken.This job is over .The job is over, but the fight is on.Remember, I said we were in this forever.We are friends, sisters, temporary nurses,We are each others rock, each others punching bag,We listen, we vent, we cry, we laugh together .We share our lives and our deathsWe share our pain and our victories.We are strong, but not by choice ,Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose,But never are we defeated.We are not nurses.We are not doctors.We are cancer moms…
That is all I have to say today. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009 6:14 PM
Good evening. We are home!! Yay!! We left about 6:15 this morning. There was still quite a bit of snow on the way, but it was dark and we couldn't see it. We watched the sun come up. Then it was super foggy part of the way. We made it to San Francisco about 10:00. The funny thing is, we found a parking place, on the street, marked handicapped parking only. It was right on the corner where we needed to be. Usually we park in the garage, and it costs us $20. So we were happy to find that parking place. Praise God for the 'little' things. Anyway, the funny thing about that is we didn't need it for very long! David's appointment was for 11:00; and we usually wait a couple hours just to get in to the room. Well, we checked in at 10:15, they called us back at 10:30, and we were out of there at 11:10!!! Unbelievable! We were still thankful for the parking place; just wish we had it all the time.
The staple removal went ok. David said they still pinched a bit coming out, but he sat still. Good thing there were only 7 this time!! His knee is swollen, and Dr. O said it will be for a couple months. He said he went in there and sucked out fluid, scraped scar tissue, and cranked the screw and the knee doesn't like being 'messed' with; it wants to be left alone. But Dr. O was so happy to see David doing so well. He was smiling from ear to ear. I enclosed a picture of David with Dr. O, check it out. It was good to see Dr. O so happy. He said, "What a difference a year makes." And he is right! David's weight is down some; so he starts milk shakes again!! Then we ate (David at Taco Bell and Bryon and I at Baja Fresh) and came home. It was so good to do it all in the same day! We got home around 4:40, so we were gone just 10 1/2 hours!! Very long day, but so glad to be home!
Thank you for all your prayers. Thank you to those who have sent little gifts to David; he appreciates each and every one! Thank you so very much.
I would like you to pray for Mattie. He had a CT scan today, I am not sure how it came out. Please pray that his scans are clean and clear! If you remember, Mattie is the precious little 6-year-old with osteo in 3 of his limbs. He has had his limb-salvages already. Please pray that his CT is clear, and he does well with PT to get use of his arms and leg back. Thanks. I will try to keep you posted on his progress. He is an adorable little boy who should NOT have to go through what he is going through. Pray for his mental health, also. Thanks.
Well, gotta go make dinner; just leftover taco soup. Thank you again for all your prayers. Thank you for checking in on David. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
The staple removal went ok. David said they still pinched a bit coming out, but he sat still. Good thing there were only 7 this time!! His knee is swollen, and Dr. O said it will be for a couple months. He said he went in there and sucked out fluid, scraped scar tissue, and cranked the screw and the knee doesn't like being 'messed' with; it wants to be left alone. But Dr. O was so happy to see David doing so well. He was smiling from ear to ear. I enclosed a picture of David with Dr. O, check it out. It was good to see Dr. O so happy. He said, "What a difference a year makes." And he is right! David's weight is down some; so he starts milk shakes again!! Then we ate (David at Taco Bell and Bryon and I at Baja Fresh) and came home. It was so good to do it all in the same day! We got home around 4:40, so we were gone just 10 1/2 hours!! Very long day, but so glad to be home!
Thank you for all your prayers. Thank you to those who have sent little gifts to David; he appreciates each and every one! Thank you so very much.
I would like you to pray for Mattie. He had a CT scan today, I am not sure how it came out. Please pray that his scans are clean and clear! If you remember, Mattie is the precious little 6-year-old with osteo in 3 of his limbs. He has had his limb-salvages already. Please pray that his CT is clear, and he does well with PT to get use of his arms and leg back. Thanks. I will try to keep you posted on his progress. He is an adorable little boy who should NOT have to go through what he is going through. Pray for his mental health, also. Thanks.
Well, gotta go make dinner; just leftover taco soup. Thank you again for all your prayers. Thank you for checking in on David. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 8:06 PM
Good evening. It is absolutely gorgeous here, but way too warm!!! Of course, the weather forecast is calling for possible rain tomorrow~~~go figure!! We have to go to San Francisco, so of course it might rain. *sigh* That was the story of our life all last year! We are used to it, so no problem.
David is doing well. He had PT today, and did great. Linda does things to his leg that causes pain, but he is a tough kid and he just puts up with it. She was manipulating his knee cap today, and he was in pain when she was pressing on the staples; but he just dealt with it and it is for his own good. When he had the surgery last week Dr. O scraped away some scar tissue from his knee, so his 'crunchy knee' is not as crunchy anymore. He is sad about that. He liked his crunchy knee. Oh well. He is still walking with the one crutch, his knee is not stable enough to hold him. He tried to do an exercise that required him to stand on his right leg~~~~yeah, didn't work. But that's okay. Linda is working on getting that knee straight and the muscles stronger so he can walk again. She said it doesn't take long for the muscles to not want to work; and he basically didn't use that leg for a week. It happens fast. But he did good today. He is not looking forward to going to S.F. tomorrow. He is afraid that the staple removal is going to hurt. Some of the staples hurt when they removed them from his leg the first time. But we told him that those staples were in there for 3 weeks, so some got imbedded in his skin. These have only been in for 10 days, so it won't be as bad. But it isn't us going through this, it is him. And no child should have to go through what he has gone through; and will still go through. But, with God's help, he will get through.
Children's Hospital finally got the xrays!! I talked to Connie today because I am having trouble getting David's prilosec Rx; and she said that she will have Dr. Raphael read the xrays and she will let us know on Monday the results. We have David's monthly check-up in Reno on Monday, so Connie will let us know the exact results then. We aren't going to 'bleed until we are shot' so we are just trusting God to work it out. We just want to hear the words No Evidence of Disease!! We won't totally rest easy until we hear those words. By the way, Connie is calling Costco to get the prescription with 10 refills!! Yay! So we will be able to get that filled and have it on Friday.
David went with Jennifer to Bible Study tonight. Jennifer and a couple of her friends are 'leading' a youth-led Bible Study and David is part of it. Then when he gets home he has to get ready for bed~~~we are leaving at 6:00am!! Please pray for us to have a safe trip. Please pray for David to not be nervous tomorrow, and that the staple removal goes well. Oh, he is so funny. He is getting very feisty!! I told him that Dr. O might not be too happy with him walking with crutches, and he said, "I don't care!" He is so funny. We really like to see him get feisty like that.
Well, I need to go. You all have a good evening and day tomorrow. I will post when we get home, if it isn't too late. Otherwise I will post on Friday morning. Thank you for checking in. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
David is doing well. He had PT today, and did great. Linda does things to his leg that causes pain, but he is a tough kid and he just puts up with it. She was manipulating his knee cap today, and he was in pain when she was pressing on the staples; but he just dealt with it and it is for his own good. When he had the surgery last week Dr. O scraped away some scar tissue from his knee, so his 'crunchy knee' is not as crunchy anymore. He is sad about that. He liked his crunchy knee. Oh well. He is still walking with the one crutch, his knee is not stable enough to hold him. He tried to do an exercise that required him to stand on his right leg~~~~yeah, didn't work. But that's okay. Linda is working on getting that knee straight and the muscles stronger so he can walk again. She said it doesn't take long for the muscles to not want to work; and he basically didn't use that leg for a week. It happens fast. But he did good today. He is not looking forward to going to S.F. tomorrow. He is afraid that the staple removal is going to hurt. Some of the staples hurt when they removed them from his leg the first time. But we told him that those staples were in there for 3 weeks, so some got imbedded in his skin. These have only been in for 10 days, so it won't be as bad. But it isn't us going through this, it is him. And no child should have to go through what he has gone through; and will still go through. But, with God's help, he will get through.
Children's Hospital finally got the xrays!! I talked to Connie today because I am having trouble getting David's prilosec Rx; and she said that she will have Dr. Raphael read the xrays and she will let us know on Monday the results. We have David's monthly check-up in Reno on Monday, so Connie will let us know the exact results then. We aren't going to 'bleed until we are shot' so we are just trusting God to work it out. We just want to hear the words No Evidence of Disease!! We won't totally rest easy until we hear those words. By the way, Connie is calling Costco to get the prescription with 10 refills!! Yay! So we will be able to get that filled and have it on Friday.
David went with Jennifer to Bible Study tonight. Jennifer and a couple of her friends are 'leading' a youth-led Bible Study and David is part of it. Then when he gets home he has to get ready for bed~~~we are leaving at 6:00am!! Please pray for us to have a safe trip. Please pray for David to not be nervous tomorrow, and that the staple removal goes well. Oh, he is so funny. He is getting very feisty!! I told him that Dr. O might not be too happy with him walking with crutches, and he said, "I don't care!" He is so funny. We really like to see him get feisty like that.
Well, I need to go. You all have a good evening and day tomorrow. I will post when we get home, if it isn't too late. Otherwise I will post on Friday morning. Thank you for checking in. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 10:44 AM
Good morning. Today is Bryon's birthday~~~Happy Birthday honey!
Ok, the news we have all been waiting for. I called Connie because I still hadn't heard from them. She hadn't heard from Carson-Tahoe Hospital. I told her we weren't very confident about them getting the x-rays to Children's. So she called them, and then she called me back. It is a very long and convoluted story; I won't bore you with it. Here is the thing. They did NOT send the x-rays to Children's!! GRRRR!! So they will be overnighting them. But they did send a report that states, "No abnormality", they still think it is just from the way David is walking on his foot, or stress from using that foot more than the other one, etc. Bryon said he won't breathe easy until they read the actual x-ray. We aren't real confident with Carson-Tahoe. So, we will see. But we are happy that the report said what it said. We have a doctor appointment in Reno on Monday, so we will get the official word then.
David started back with PT yesterday. He had last week off; they wanted him to just 'lay low' and take it easy last week after surgery. He went back yesterday and did pretty good. Linda wants him to just use one crutch; that forces him to use his right leg more. He is not in any more pain, thank you Jesus, but his leg is weak. Also, the knee isn't straight yet, so it is not sturdy enough for him to walk without the crutch (the knee gives out on him). So please pray that Linda can get that knee strong again, and the muscles strong, too. He won't have to have his leg lengthened again for another 6 months; yay; so his leg has a lot of time to get strong! We go to San Francisco on Thursday (and the gas prices are going up again!!) so David can get the staples out. He is not looking forward to that! Then we will talk to Dr. O more about what he wants to see with David's leg strength and all that. Please pray for our safety as we travel. Let me tell you; I am so jealous of people who don't have to travel far to go to the hospital. We have to go to 2 hospitals; Oakland Children's and UCSF; and I hate the fact that they are 4+ hours away! I am extremely thankful that our monthly check-ups are only 30 minutes away!! But, there is no pediatric oncology in Northern Nevada, so we travel. We gotta do what we gotta do! Thanks for your prayers.
Well, that is about it for now. Please keep us in your prayers. Have a great day. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Ok, the news we have all been waiting for. I called Connie because I still hadn't heard from them. She hadn't heard from Carson-Tahoe Hospital. I told her we weren't very confident about them getting the x-rays to Children's. So she called them, and then she called me back. It is a very long and convoluted story; I won't bore you with it. Here is the thing. They did NOT send the x-rays to Children's!! GRRRR!! So they will be overnighting them. But they did send a report that states, "No abnormality", they still think it is just from the way David is walking on his foot, or stress from using that foot more than the other one, etc. Bryon said he won't breathe easy until they read the actual x-ray. We aren't real confident with Carson-Tahoe. So, we will see. But we are happy that the report said what it said. We have a doctor appointment in Reno on Monday, so we will get the official word then.
David started back with PT yesterday. He had last week off; they wanted him to just 'lay low' and take it easy last week after surgery. He went back yesterday and did pretty good. Linda wants him to just use one crutch; that forces him to use his right leg more. He is not in any more pain, thank you Jesus, but his leg is weak. Also, the knee isn't straight yet, so it is not sturdy enough for him to walk without the crutch (the knee gives out on him). So please pray that Linda can get that knee strong again, and the muscles strong, too. He won't have to have his leg lengthened again for another 6 months; yay; so his leg has a lot of time to get strong! We go to San Francisco on Thursday (and the gas prices are going up again!!) so David can get the staples out. He is not looking forward to that! Then we will talk to Dr. O more about what he wants to see with David's leg strength and all that. Please pray for our safety as we travel. Let me tell you; I am so jealous of people who don't have to travel far to go to the hospital. We have to go to 2 hospitals; Oakland Children's and UCSF; and I hate the fact that they are 4+ hours away! I am extremely thankful that our monthly check-ups are only 30 minutes away!! But, there is no pediatric oncology in Northern Nevada, so we travel. We gotta do what we gotta do! Thanks for your prayers.
Well, that is about it for now. Please keep us in your prayers. Have a great day. God bless you all. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009 8:05 PM
Good evening. I hope you all had a wonderful New Year. Ours was quiet; just the 5 of us. We just watched the Rose parade, the Rose Bowl game and just had a quiet day. Today we took all the Christmas decorations down; David was sad about that. He thinks we should leave them up all year long. He is definitely my son!!!
We still have no news about David's xray. I called Dr. Hastings this morning, but she wasn't in her office. So..............I guess we wait until Monday. It is in God's hands, we are trying to not worry about it.
Check out the new picture of David's knee. I removed the dressing today and posted a picture of what the knee looks like. He says his knee is still sore, but he is off of all pain meds. YAY!! He is doing ok.
Well, that is about all. I am closing with another poem. I do not write these poems, I just read them and, since they apply to me, I post them. Have a good evening. Thank you for checking in on David. God bless you. We love you.
As I watch you playing,
Without a care.
It's hard to believe
The cancer is there.
You look so bright,
So happy and well.
If someone new met you
They couldn't tell.
Your strength is amazing,
Your courage so strong.
You've fought this disease
So well for so long.
It's from your strength,
that I draw mine.
I know you will come through this,
It'll just take time.
Carry on smiling,
I will too.
Through the hard times
I'll carry you.
You are my world,
The air that I breathe,
I know in my heart
You'll never leave.
Keep strong my love,
The battle has begun,
But with your strength,
It will be won.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
We still have no news about David's xray. I called Dr. Hastings this morning, but she wasn't in her office. So..............I guess we wait until Monday. It is in God's hands, we are trying to not worry about it.
Check out the new picture of David's knee. I removed the dressing today and posted a picture of what the knee looks like. He says his knee is still sore, but he is off of all pain meds. YAY!! He is doing ok.
Well, that is about all. I am closing with another poem. I do not write these poems, I just read them and, since they apply to me, I post them. Have a good evening. Thank you for checking in on David. God bless you. We love you.
As I watch you playing,
Without a care.
It's hard to believe
The cancer is there.
You look so bright,
So happy and well.
If someone new met you
They couldn't tell.
Your strength is amazing,
Your courage so strong.
You've fought this disease
So well for so long.
It's from your strength,
that I draw mine.
I know you will come through this,
It'll just take time.
Carry on smiling,
I will too.
Through the hard times
I'll carry you.
You are my world,
The air that I breathe,
I know in my heart
You'll never leave.
Keep strong my love,
The battle has begun,
But with your strength,
It will be won.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Friday, January 2, 2009 9:41 AM
Quick update~~~David woke up with his pain level being between a 1 & 2! YAY!! So we are thrilled that his pain is subsiding. Today we take the dressing off his leg~~~I will let you know how that goes.
Have a good day; I will post more later. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Have a good day; I will post more later. God bless you. We love you.
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009 2:05 PM
Vicki~~~here is the poem again.
And to others~~~This is not my son's website; this is a website about my son and his family. Cancer is a family diagnosis (as I have said before) and this site is to keep others informed who want to know how David and the entire Koury family is doing in dealing with it. David does NOT read the journal entries, but he does (when he is up to it) read the guestbook entries. Yes, some things are written to him, and some to us. If you don't understand, or like what I post, please, just don't read it. ALL of the other sites I have read are not just from the child, but are about the child and his/her family. For pete's sake, some of the sites are about babies!! Can they write about themselves? Give me a break! These sites are about the child, AND THE FAMILY! I have read sites that even include other non-related people. Again, if you don't agree with, or approve of, what I have said, then don't read this. I can't stress enough that this is about David and the entire Koury family. David is not the only one dealing with cancer~~~we all are in our own way. Please try to understand. If you can't, then read a site you can. If you want to make a site for your child~~~go ahead. I promise I won't tell you what to write; so don't tell me. I know some people don't 'get it,' and NEVER will because they are not in MY shoes!!!
Well, gotta go. Here is the poem for those of you who want to read it.
"I am wearing a pair of shoes. They are ugly shoes. Uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes. Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair. Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step. Yet, I continue to wear them.
"I get funny looks wearing these shoes. I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs. They never talk about my shoes.
"To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable. To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them. But, once you put them on, you can never take them off.
"I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in this world. Some women ache daily as they try and walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so they don't hurt quite as much. Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt.
"No woman deserves to wear these shoes. Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman. These shoes have given me the strength to face anything. They have made me who I am.
"I am a woman who has a child with cancer. I will forever walk in these shoes."
- Author unknown
Kristi and the Koury Klan
And to others~~~This is not my son's website; this is a website about my son and his family. Cancer is a family diagnosis (as I have said before) and this site is to keep others informed who want to know how David and the entire Koury family is doing in dealing with it. David does NOT read the journal entries, but he does (when he is up to it) read the guestbook entries. Yes, some things are written to him, and some to us. If you don't understand, or like what I post, please, just don't read it. ALL of the other sites I have read are not just from the child, but are about the child and his/her family. For pete's sake, some of the sites are about babies!! Can they write about themselves? Give me a break! These sites are about the child, AND THE FAMILY! I have read sites that even include other non-related people. Again, if you don't agree with, or approve of, what I have said, then don't read this. I can't stress enough that this is about David and the entire Koury family. David is not the only one dealing with cancer~~~we all are in our own way. Please try to understand. If you can't, then read a site you can. If you want to make a site for your child~~~go ahead. I promise I won't tell you what to write; so don't tell me. I know some people don't 'get it,' and NEVER will because they are not in MY shoes!!!
Well, gotta go. Here is the poem for those of you who want to read it.
"I am wearing a pair of shoes. They are ugly shoes. Uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes. Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair. Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step. Yet, I continue to wear them.
"I get funny looks wearing these shoes. I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs. They never talk about my shoes.
"To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable. To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them. But, once you put them on, you can never take them off.
"I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in this world. Some women ache daily as they try and walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so they don't hurt quite as much. Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think about how much they hurt.
"No woman deserves to wear these shoes. Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman. These shoes have given me the strength to face anything. They have made me who I am.
"I am a woman who has a child with cancer. I will forever walk in these shoes."
- Author unknown
Kristi and the Koury Klan
Thursday, January 1, 2009 8:56 AM
Thursday, January 1, 2009 8:56 AM
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, it is 2009. So far, it doesn't seem to be starting out any better for us than 2008 did. It remains to be seen. David is still having pain in his knee. We are hoping he is walking on that leg again soon! Please pray that he is able to put his weight on it soon. He tries, but he says it hurts the knee to put weight on it. He is a tough kid, and he knows how to 'push through' the pain, but he has had sooooooo much pain in the past year that the little things get to him. I guess one of two things happens with these kids~~~they either get so used to pain that nothing phases them; or they have had so much pain that they become super sensitive to pain. David has been on both sides of that spectrum. And right now his pendulum has swung to the 'super sensitive' side again. Please continue to pray that his pain goes away. Thanks.
Vicki, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your support and your comments. I know we are in the same osteo boat together, and we are doing our best to make sure this boat doesn't sink! To the other osteo families who read and post here, thank you, too! Only you know what we are going through. We can share each other's pain, fear, triumphs, etc. To the rest of you, thank you for your prayers and support, they mean the world to us. This is a time in our lives when we need all the friends we can get! Some people have abandoned us now in our greatest time of need (the ones we thought would be there for us and David), but we still have you! Thank you.
I gotta say (AGAIN) that I do need you to be patient with me and what I say on this blog. I know some things I say aren't theologically correct; or 100% accurate; or what you might say; or whatever. But I am writing from my heart. And I have been criticized many times for what I have said. I have been criticized here, by 'snail' mail, and by email. Please, before you 'feel the need' to comment (criticize) what I have said, take a step back and think about what you would say if you were in my shoes. If you have been watching your child be in pain; watching others put poison into your child to (hopefully) save his life; watching others take your child into surgery time after time after time; watching your child dying and nobody knows why; etc. and know that there is nothing you can do!! You look into your child's eyes that are full of fear and pain; and you have to be strong for them; when all you want to do is crawl into a hole! You feel so helpless as a parent! The emotional aspect of this situation is overwhelming. It is so hard to put down into words what we feel. That is why a few days ago I said, "Only someone who has a child with cancer can totally understand what I mean." I don't always say exactly what I mean, or what I want to say, but I am just writing what is on my heart at the time. I have been told that a poem I wrote many months ago about 'cancer shoes' could be said about other things, too. Well, so? I read it as is, it applied to me, and I posted it! If you want it to apply to you for something else, go ahead! But why criticize me for putting it here?!?! This is my blog about what is happening to me and my family, so I post things I read that apply to us! I will admit that I have learned the hard way to sometimes not say anything at all; and unless you are in my shoes you have NO idea what we are going through; so be careful what you say. Please don't be like me and have to learn the hard way! I wouldn't want anyone to be in my shoes. Ok, enuff said about that!
I HATE CANCER! I hate childhood cancer. No child should have cancer. You know, childhood cancer is a very underfunded cancer. But think about it. No, or little, funding for childhood cancer means that children die. Well, if enough children die they won't need to worry about adult cancer because there won't be enough adults! They let them die as children! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out!! Please pray for more funding to be given to finding a cure for childhood cancer~~~especially the rare ones. It is hard to get FDA approval for drugs to be used on rare cancers because there isn't enough of a 'control group' because a rare cancer (like osteosarcoma) doesn't have enough kids that have it to make a 'control group'...............Grrrr!!
So, the end result for osteo, is that they are using the same drugs that have been used for 20 years!!! It is time for a change. Will we get one? Yeah, don't hold your breath!
Well, gotta go get David's medicine ready. Have a wonderful day. I pray we all have a good 2009. Thank you for visiting and checking up on David. Please continue to pray for him; and thanks for your prayers. God bless you all. We love you. ((HUGS))
Kristi and the Koury Klan
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, it is 2009. So far, it doesn't seem to be starting out any better for us than 2008 did. It remains to be seen. David is still having pain in his knee. We are hoping he is walking on that leg again soon! Please pray that he is able to put his weight on it soon. He tries, but he says it hurts the knee to put weight on it. He is a tough kid, and he knows how to 'push through' the pain, but he has had sooooooo much pain in the past year that the little things get to him. I guess one of two things happens with these kids~~~they either get so used to pain that nothing phases them; or they have had so much pain that they become super sensitive to pain. David has been on both sides of that spectrum. And right now his pendulum has swung to the 'super sensitive' side again. Please continue to pray that his pain goes away. Thanks.
Vicki, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your support and your comments. I know we are in the same osteo boat together, and we are doing our best to make sure this boat doesn't sink! To the other osteo families who read and post here, thank you, too! Only you know what we are going through. We can share each other's pain, fear, triumphs, etc. To the rest of you, thank you for your prayers and support, they mean the world to us. This is a time in our lives when we need all the friends we can get! Some people have abandoned us now in our greatest time of need (the ones we thought would be there for us and David), but we still have you! Thank you.
I gotta say (AGAIN) that I do need you to be patient with me and what I say on this blog. I know some things I say aren't theologically correct; or 100% accurate; or what you might say; or whatever. But I am writing from my heart. And I have been criticized many times for what I have said. I have been criticized here, by 'snail' mail, and by email. Please, before you 'feel the need' to comment (criticize) what I have said, take a step back and think about what you would say if you were in my shoes. If you have been watching your child be in pain; watching others put poison into your child to (hopefully) save his life; watching others take your child into surgery time after time after time; watching your child dying and nobody knows why; etc. and know that there is nothing you can do!! You look into your child's eyes that are full of fear and pain; and you have to be strong for them; when all you want to do is crawl into a hole! You feel so helpless as a parent! The emotional aspect of this situation is overwhelming. It is so hard to put down into words what we feel. That is why a few days ago I said, "Only someone who has a child with cancer can totally understand what I mean." I don't always say exactly what I mean, or what I want to say, but I am just writing what is on my heart at the time. I have been told that a poem I wrote many months ago about 'cancer shoes' could be said about other things, too. Well, so? I read it as is, it applied to me, and I posted it! If you want it to apply to you for something else, go ahead! But why criticize me for putting it here?!?! This is my blog about what is happening to me and my family, so I post things I read that apply to us! I will admit that I have learned the hard way to sometimes not say anything at all; and unless you are in my shoes you have NO idea what we are going through; so be careful what you say. Please don't be like me and have to learn the hard way! I wouldn't want anyone to be in my shoes. Ok, enuff said about that!
I HATE CANCER! I hate childhood cancer. No child should have cancer. You know, childhood cancer is a very underfunded cancer. But think about it. No, or little, funding for childhood cancer means that children die. Well, if enough children die they won't need to worry about adult cancer because there won't be enough adults! They let them die as children! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out!! Please pray for more funding to be given to finding a cure for childhood cancer~~~especially the rare ones. It is hard to get FDA approval for drugs to be used on rare cancers because there isn't enough of a 'control group' because a rare cancer (like osteosarcoma) doesn't have enough kids that have it to make a 'control group'...............Grrrr!!
So, the end result for osteo, is that they are using the same drugs that have been used for 20 years!!! It is time for a change. Will we get one? Yeah, don't hold your breath!
Well, gotta go get David's medicine ready. Have a wonderful day. I pray we all have a good 2009. Thank you for visiting and checking up on David. Please continue to pray for him; and thanks for your prayers. God bless you all. We love you. ((HUGS))
Kristi and the Koury Klan
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