Everyone thinks Carter is rad!Well, Matt headed back to work today hoping to have a full work week ahead. It’s so hard to not be able to plan the next hour, let alone business development. We really have to be able to drop everything and go to UCLA when we get that liver transplant call…and we are ready for it. I had heard from many people once you are on the list, it’s the waiting that is difficult. It is definitely true, but we are so happy to be home with Carter feeling so great right now. When Carter doesn’t feel good, it is physically and emotionally exhausting for everyone in our family. However, when he is feeling better he shows more independence and wants to play more with Bennett. It’s so nice. The only thing that has been hard the past few days is reminding Carter to take it easy a bit. He is trying to run and walk around a lot, but his ankles seem to give out or maybe it has something to do with losing the reflex in his legs. He has twisted his ankles as he has been walking at least three times each day. Luckily, each time we have our Lightning McQueen ice pack come and save the day. Often, (from both boys) you will hear crying and yelling from our house, “I need Lightning!” Carter has been bouncing back pretty quickly though, and today enjoyed showing off a bit for Grandpa and later for his cousin, Kalyn.
As the days go on we get more and more butterflies and nervous-energy, thinking we are getting that much closer to a transplant. We really have no idea how long we can expect to be on the list. After talking to UCLA on Friday though, the children with other blood types that were in the number one spot (like Carter) have now received transplants. Matt and I have such a sense of relief that Carter is too young to process this all, and he has no idea what lies ahead. The waiting bothers us, but we try to not let it get to us too much because we know it isn’t bothering Carter. However, we also know the importance of getting this done as soon as possible. Carter isn’t in the #1 spot from day one just because they like us, it is a reminder of how ill Carter is and how we need to rid his body of this cancer (and liver) as soon as possible.
Carter, I don't even know you but you are the strongest kid I know! Not only a "rad" kid but one who can definitely sport the shades!! You are all in: and will continue to be in my prayers.......J
ReplyDeleteYep the waiting must be hard...at least this round of chemo was easier so Carter can have some fun. Hey don't feel bad, we yell for ice packs around here all the time but we are 60! Just hang in there and enjoy your time...let's hope you get a call soon so you can all move on. Based on Carter's strong spirit he will probably do really well recovering from the surgery. It seems like a lot to handle with a new baby and your current baby facing surgery but look what you have already been through with flying colors. You and Matt are such a strong force together and everything will be fine. Just breathe and hang on. Big hugs xoxo Cindy and John
ReplyDeleteCarter, we think you are "rad" too! What a cutie! The waiting must be so difficult and we feel anxious thinking about it too. We will pray that you get a call soon and everything goes well as expected. You guys are an amazing family and have been through so much already that I hope you will be able to enjoy a regular and relaxing week at home to be at your strongest at the time of transplant. I am sure it is so nice to see the boys playing together and sounds like they are having the most fun too. The transplant will come when the time is right, just enjoy the home time and getting ready for that next bundle of joy!
ReplyDeleteShelley H.
It is such a blessing that carter can't process what is happening right now, I'm sure a lot of that is because you guys do such a great job of protecting him and making him feel safe! We continue to pray for a liver to come and for it to be the perfect match for Carter and for it to blend perfectly with him and keep him big and strong! Charlie thinks that the lightning ice packs are SO cool...and we all think your whole family is pretty rad. Take care and I hope you have an easy week and the boys get to continue having some good play time together!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Courtney Norton
Your blog was forwarded to me by a friend and I just wanted to tell you how special you all are and strong. Your family is in my thoughts daily and you have helped me realize how special life/family is. We have a 2 year old and his big brother will be 4 in Oct. I am so grateful for them and for your blog. Stay strong and every bit of positive energy I have is sent your way for a transplant soon.
ReplyDeleteKeep the faith Kipp family!! Thinking and praying you get that liver soon. Love and big hugs, Julie Weaver
ReplyDeleteCarter - YOU ARE "MR RAD"!!!!!!! Praying a call from UCLA will come soon.
ReplyDeleteLove to all,Tink
Carter is SO rad! Great to hear that he is up and playing around and enjoying being at home. Hope that the call comes soon from UCLA...
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!
XO, Shan