Physical therapy and meeting with different doctors has continued to make our days pretty busy. On Monday, the oncologist said he didn’t need to see Carter for one month. We were so excited, until we got home and CHOC called saying Carter’s blood work came back and his hemoglobin is low. They’d like us to come back in one week, and he may need a transfusion. So, eventually our visits will be less frequent…just not yet. Also at the appointment, Carter got three shots in his legs at the same time. They had five nurses come in…two to help hold him and three to give the shots. He was a trooper. His legs are black and blue and he was limping for about 24 hours, so we know it must have hurt. He’s one tough cookie and never complains though.
Now that things are slowing down a bit for us, we’ve had the opportunity to check in on some other children with cancer. It’s very humbling to read up on these other children we have gotten to know physically and virtually through Carter’s journey. Many of these kids are still battling this disease. Two that we checked in on this week were diagnosed with hepatoblastoma 1-3 years prior to Carter. They’ve had surgery after surgery, lesions showing up on their lungs and other areas. It is heart-breaking. We are so lucky. When Carter was diagnosed and we went through the initial barrage of scans and tests, we didn’t appreciate just how fortunate we were that Carter’s cancer had not metastasized. We have hope that these children will pull through this, but we ache for them and their families for having to endure such a long and tumultuous road.
If you can’t think of anything you need or want for the holidays, ask for someone to make a donation to pediatric cancer research in your honor. This is an extremely under-funded cause and your contribution can make a huge impact. Children are resilient and they can survive this disease, the hospitals and doctors just have to be given the right tools to help. www.CureSearch.org Thank you!!
So glad that things are going pretty smoothly now for Carter. What a glorious time of year to appreciate friends, family and good health. Big hugs to all the Kipps and we hope you have a joyous holiday with your three adorable boys. Joy, joy, joy!
ReplyDeletexoxo Cindy and John
Yeah..a little normalcy restored!!! I never realized how much I loved my "normal" life...I'm sure you guys are appreciating every moment. Your family has made it thru the hardest 7 months of your lives...I recently read that you can't fully experience happiness until you've overcome your biggest challenge...well, you guys are in for some serious "HAPPY DAYS"... We love you!!! Ally, Jim and the boys
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that things are on the upswing. Love the pics of the boys - Carter looks like he is filling out, Benny is still growing up so fast, and Davis looks SO much like Matt! Miss you guys.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Shan
You look soooo good Kara and the boys are adorable too! I'm so happy to hear that things continue to go well for the Kipp family as we are thinking of you always still and always will. You have reminded us of how important having your health is and what it really means to be ill and and to be strong when faced with the ultimate of challenges...having your child be so sick as you have battled successfully this year!! Your family is incredible and especially your little (but not the littlest) of angels, Carter! Even though he may not know it, we have learned a tremendous amount from him that we are thankful for this season! He is definitely a trooper and we love him dearly. We'll be in the area in the spring time so maybe we can come by to visit then!! We love you!
ReplyDeleteShelley H.