Sunday and Monday, November 28 and 29,

Well, the rest of Sunday was pretty good. I laid around and watched movies and read my book. I watched TBS and they had a movies on. So, I watched Dr. Suess's Cat in the Hat, Shark Tale, and some of Bring It On: In It To Win It. Then, I watched the Blind Side with my mom. It was really good!

Today, I woke up and got ready to begin another week of school. I ate the 2 cinnamon rolls that were left and let me tell you, they were GOOD! I love me some cinnamon rolls!(: I got to school. First period, was boring as usual. Stupid Mrs.Gentry, lol. Second period, was boring. We took a stupid practice release SOL test again. The same on we took earlier that year. Third period, was okay. Just learning the new lesson. Lunch, was pretty good. It was kind of boring but oh well. Home ec, was fun! I sat and talked to Jake the whole time and got to help AJ. Gym was, well, gym. We had free day so it wasn't so bad. Last period, was okay. We talked about Jewish people. Yeah, I don't listen much. I came home and talked to Bethany for a while before I went inside. I read some of my book and then, here I am now. My mom's trying to get me to go to the funeral home and see my aunt's sister. No, her sister isn't my aunt because my dad's brother is married to my aunt so, the one that died isn't really related to me. I really just want to relax tonight. I have a headache and my hip has been hurting on and off today so I don't want to go. We'll see, I guess.

Prayer request (I didn't want to post all the people with their pictures so here's just a list.)-
Perrow family- ^^Tyler^^- Car accident, 13
Williams family- ^^Trey^^- Premature birth, almost 9 months
Potvin family- ^^Ellie^^- Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer relapse, 8
Marsh family- ^^Layla^^- Stage 4 neuroblastoma, 2
Bledsoe family- ^^Aisy^^ (Aisy's 5th birthday was yesterday!)- Stage 4 neuroblastoma
Johnson family- ^^Adeja^^- Brain cancer, 10
Brown family- ^^Alexander^^- ETANTR (brain tumor), 2
Helfrich family- ^^Alexis^^- Stage 4 Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer)
Getter family- ^^Skye^^- Stage 1 Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer)
Woods family- ^^Brynn^^- Malignant Fibrous Histiocytomas, 4
Hughes family- ^^Allyson^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 3
Byrd family- ^^Jenson^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 5
Ramos family- ^^Aries^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 4
Sentell family- ^^Ava^^- Stage 4 unidentified cancer, cause of death- chemical meningitis, 4
Ketter family- ^^Carter^^- Anaplastic Astrocytoma (brain tumor), 5
Arnett family- ^^Samantha^^- PNET (brain tumor), 4
Harrison family- ^^Hannah^^-Pineoblastoma, 4
Dawson family- ^^Joel^^- Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, 7
Thorton family- ^^Kate^^- ALL (blood cancer), 5
Bish family- ^^Sam^^- Stage 4 Osteosarcoma, 9
^^Lewis^^'s family- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 2
Atay family- ^^Sophie^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 2
Mohler family- ^^Sophia^^- DIPG (brain tumor), 8
Chiasson family- ^^Gabrielle^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 11
Forgarty family- ^^Emma^^- DIPG (brain tumor), 8
Haswell family- ^^Dodge^^- Anaplastic Ependymoma of the Brainstem (brain tumor), 4
Parton family- ^^Madison^^- Rhabdoid Tumor, 4
Truini family- ^^Josh^^- Ependymoma (brain tumor), 1
Williams family- ^^Ethan^^- DIPG (brain tumor), 8
Richardson family- ^^Carson^^-Stage 4 Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer), 7
Burnette family- ^^Courtney^^- DIPG (brain tumor), 9
^^Jarren^^'s family- Stage 4 Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer), 4
Cumming family- ^^Carter^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 3
Petrie family- ^^Cole^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 9
Anderson family- ^^Sam^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 4
Westberry family- ^^Elizabeth^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 8
Rhoads family- ^^Voilet^^- AML (blood cancer), 6 months
Smith family- ^^Ethan^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 8
Mitchell family- ^^Blayton^^- DIPG (brain cancer), 6
Brown family- ^^Cameron^^- AML (blood cancer), 9
Ruotsala family- ^^Cole^^- Adrenocortical Carcinoma, 3
Mitchell family- ^^Kasey^^- AML (blood cancer), 2
^^Kyle^^'s family- Stage 4 Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer), 5
Quayle family- ^^Sophie^^- DIPG (brain tumor), 4
McAfee family- ^^Joanna^^- Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma, 6
Wilke family- ^^Anika^^- ALL (blood cancer), 9
Newman family- ^^Chloe^^- AML (blood cancer), 7
Bena family- ^^Audra^^- DIPG (brain tumor), 15
Brock family- ^^Bradley^^- Stage 4 Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer), died on 18th birthday
Briggs family- ^^Cassidy^^- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver cancer), 9
Wilkerson family- ^^David^^- AML (blood cancer),4
Creek family- ^^Harper^^- Stage 3 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
Beumer family- ^^Kaisha^^- Undiagnosed, 1
Naylor family- ^^Caston^^- p36 Deletion Syndrome
Person family- ^^Ares^^- Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 3
Patrick family- ^^Ryan^^- X-linked Autoimmunity Allergic Disregulation Syndrome, 13
Trainer family- ^^Hailey^^- AT/RT, 2
Wilkerson family- ^^Anna^^- Ewings Sarcoma (bone cancer), 14
Burton family- ^^Brandi^^ (yesterday)- Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, 9
Fuls family- ^^Tanner^^ (last night)- MDS (blood cancer), 11
Kate McRae- Remission with sPNET (brain tumor), 6
McKenna Maiorana- Immune Therapy with stage 4 Neuroblastoma, 2
Daisy Love- Fighting stage 3 Wilms Tumor relapse, 6
Bella and Maddie Dunn- Remission with Stage 4s Neuroblastoma, 3
Braden Hofen- Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma relapse, 5
Keegan Dixon- Remission with Stage 4s Neuroblastoma, 1
Brett Wilcox- Remission with AML (blood cancer)
Gywn Stinnett- Remission with Stage 2 Wilms Tumor, 2
Carly Trenklein- Remission with Stage 1 Rhabdomyosarcoma relapse, 3
Mackenzie Lanae- Remission with Stage 3 Neuroblastoma, 3
Taylor Love- Remission with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma and AML (blood cancer), 5
Chloe Bell- Remission with Stage 3 Rhabdomyosarcoma, 3
Will Nichols- Fighting Bilateral Wilms Tumor
Annabelle Obersteadt- Remission with Stage 3 Neuroblastoma, 6
Codey St. John- Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma relapse, 11
Jett Green- Remission with Medulloblastoma (brain tumor), 3
AJ Corey- Remission with Medulloblastoma (brain tumor)
KK Sorter- Remission with Stage 5 Bilateral Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer) relapse, 5
Lena Dorsagno- Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma
Kayla Danzi- Remission ALL (blood cancer)
Ava Beth- Remission was Medulloblastoma (brain tumor) relapse, 5
Jack Morton- Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma
Bella Rodriguez-Torres- Remission with Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma relapse, Turns 8 tomorrow!
Bizzie Stein- Fighting DIPG (brain tumor)
Colyn McDaniel- Remission with Stage 3 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, 7
Kelsey Banks- Fighting ALL (blood cancer), 2
Daisy Irwin- Remission with Biphenotypic Leukemia (AML and ALL, blood cancers), 5
Ethan Jostad- Maintenance phase with Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, 8
Delaney Brown- Neuroblastoma Vaccine treatment with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma
Ava Holder- Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma
Krystin Kause- Remission with Medulloblastoma
Henry Albertson- Fighting Retinoblastoma (eye cancer), 5 months
Gage Dole- Ending his 5 year fight with Ewings Sarcoma (bone cacner and 4 year fight with AML (blood cancer), 8
Madison Jones- Fighting ALL (blood cancer), 5
Xavian Hall- Remission with PNET (brain tumor)
Ryan Regan- Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma relapse #2
Tyler Tucker- Remission with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma, Needs surgery all his life to correct things from his cancer
Gracie Norlin- Fighting Stage 4 Wilms Tumor (kidney cancer)
Nathan Moran- Remission with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, 1
Noah Rios- Nearing the end of treatment for Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma, 8
Brandon Lansbury- Remission with Stage 4 Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer) relapse
Brock- Fighting ALL (blood cancer), 2
Haleigh Steenburg- Remission with DIPG (brain tumor)
Sal Vanni- Fighting Stage 4 Neuroblastoma relapse
Savanna- Remission with Stage 4 Medulloblastoma (brain tumor)
Alena Marek- Fighting Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
Ella Norris- Remission with Medulloblastoma (brain tumor)
Emily Parker- Remission with Medulloblastoma (brain tumor) relapse
Trevor- Remission with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma
Oliver Mosca- Fightign Stage 4 Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer)
Kara Kelly- Remission with Medulloblastoma (brain tumor)
Parker Scarry- Remission with PNET (brain tumor) relapse
Summer Larson- Fighting Craniopharyngioma (brain tumor)
Ila Jean- Remission with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma
Tyler Thompson- Fighting Stage 4 Hepatoblastoma (liver cancer)
Jordan James- Remission with ALL (blood cancer)
Kaiden Brennfoerder- Fighting sPNET (brain tumor)
Zach Cartwright- Remission with Stage 4 Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma

There are many more and I could keep going all night. All these are kids fighting for their lives or their families that have lost them to some cruel disease, accident, or whatever. Please pray for these precious people.

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 26, 27, and 28,

Well, Friday was FUN! I woke up and went on the computer some. I was having a lazy day until Katie called and wanted me to spend the night. Megan and Maddy were spending the night, too, so they came down her and started knocking on my window. It was hilarious! Grayson was with Katie, too. We went to her house and played hide-and-seek. We had some pretty good hiding spots! The first time, Katie and I went to look for Megan, Maddy, and Grayson. They all hid together so it wasn't hard to find them! Then, Megan and Maddy counted and I hid behind a trash can and Katie hid behind a wheelbarrow. I don't know where Grayson hid! They found Grayson first and then Katie and I had to come out. I was like 20 feet away from Katie! I had black on so it was hard to see. It was fun. Once, Megan, Maddy, and I hid in the leaves. They were found before me! Haha! Once I hid in the truck. Grayson climbed 2 trees! Speaking of trees, one of them had a rope to help you climb it for people like me that can't reach the first limb. Well, I decided to try and get up there. I was about to get on the first limb when I heard a snap! I fell kind of tilted on my right side and ended up on my back! It hurt! I caught myself with my right hand more than my left and I thought I broke my wrist! I landed on my right hip, too! It was horrible! I didn't care though. Anyway, Katie hid on the roof of the building behind her house. It was fun! The last time, we had gotten tired of playing. Grayson and Maddy were counting. Megan sat on the thing behind Katie's house. Katie laid down next to it in the dark. The neighbors had these steps that led up to there porch and I just laid down on them. They walked right past all of us! Then, Maddy saw Megan. Then, they walked away for a while. Then, they came back and found Katie. I can't believe they didn't see me! The steps weren't light but they weren't dark either! If they would have looked they could have seen me! It was crazy! We went inside and went to the basement. We just hung out playing the piano, guitar, and talking on the phone with this gay Mexican guy from Texas. It was pretty funny! We talked to him for over 2 hours. He even sang Don't Stop Believing for us!  It was amazing! lol, Megan and I were picking on Grayson while texting me and Grayson wanted to see what we were saying so he stole my phone. So, we started on this big chase to get my phone! Katie was telling him to go lock himself in the bathroom. Well, I just happened to be near the bathroom so I went over there and locked the door and left it open so when he went in he would "lock" it but it would actually unlock it because it was already locked. It was genius! It worked too! We got my phone back and he didn't see the messages! It was good. Then, me and him were playing tug-of-war with a pillow and he let go and my face slammed into the corner of the chair. It HURT! I thought my right cheekbone was broke! It hurt worse than my fall! After only a minute or 2, it went numb and I couldn't feel anything which was probably a good thing! Then, Maddy threw a baseball at the other side of my face! It was just my night to get hurt I guess! Then, Grayson left and we had a girls night! It was awesome! We finally went to sleep about 3. We woke up at 1, lol! About 30 minutes later, my mom called and asked did I want to go with her to the grocery store, come home and stay be myself, or stay up there. Well, I decided to stay by myself. After a while with people, I need peace and quiet for a while. I don't know why but ever since May or so, I needed quiet after I did something with a lot of people. Like at Robin's church camp, I had to just stay in the cabin for 10 minutes be myself so I wouldn't go crazy. I needed quiet and with the girls in my cabin, it wasn't going to happen! So when they went to the pool, I stayed for a few minutes to let me get my peace.

Saturday- Well, I kind of said some of Saturday in Friday. I came home and watched tv and laid around. I didn't want to do anything. We did end up going the Sam's and then coming home but that was it. My mom and I watched Ramona and Beezus at night! It was so cute! I loved it! If you haven't watched it, you should! Then, I watched a little more tv and went to bed.

Sunday- I've only been up 2 hours so this won't be long. I don't plan on doing anything today! I'm staying home and relaxing! Today was cinnamon roll day!(: My mom and I have a deal. The last Saturday in every month we have cinnamon rolls! Well, since I spent the night with Katie, I couldn't. So, we moved it until today! They were REALLY good! They are the best things you will ever put in your mouth! They are definitely my favorite EVER! That brings me up until now. I'm listening to Taylor Swift again! I'm about to go watch some tv so I'll update later!

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Happy Birthday, Layla!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 Layla would have been 3 years old but...

Layla went to the angels after a 10 month battle with a childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma on March 9, 2010.

There should have been more the TWO birthdays!

We love and miss you SO much, baby girl!

Dance and play with the angels.

 

Layla Grace Marsh

11/26/07-3/9/10

 

Those dates are just too close together .

 

PS- I couldn't get online for her birthday so I'm posting it now.

Thursday, November 25,

Well, today I woke up and posted as you can see. I took a shower and got ready to go to my in laws house. We had a lot of fun with my niece, Katie; brother, Brian; sister-in-law, Carrie; mother-in-law, Vera; father-in-law, Richard; and my mom and dad and me. Katie's almost 3. Gosh, where has the time gone? I remember going to the hospital to see her. I remember finding out Carrie was pregnant! That was a joyful day! It was just after my birthday. It was bittersweet. Katie is full of energy! She's so cute! (I have to say myself.) She has the prettiest blue eyes and most beautiful blonde curls. We played hide-and-seek, "run from the big. bad wolf", and many more. She is so adorable. I haven't seen her since Halloween. I can't wait to see her for Christmas! Anyways, I came home and now here I am. Today was an okay day.

My little warrior, Max Nunn, went to heaven today at 2:05 p.m. after a 20 month battle with a rare brain tumor called Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor or PNET of the Central Nervous System or CNS. It was grade 4 and had already spread to his spinal column at diagnoses. This picture was of Max's last smile. He was in a lot of pain at the end but now he is pain free. Rest in peace, little buddy. Max Nunn 2/6/03-11/25/10 We love and will miss you a lot, little guy.<3

So anyway. My mom has gone to Toys R Us to get my new iPod touch for Christmas. I have a old one that is 8. I'm getting the new one (with the camera) and 32. That is $300 but when you buy it, they give you a $50 dollar Toys R Us gift card so she is going to use that on presents for Katie and Caleb. I can't wait! We are going to look at cameras sometime for me! Yay! Well, I'll be getting off for now. I'm going to start a post about things about me. This should be interesting. Goodnight and hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Thursday, November 25,

Well, today's Thanksgiving Day. I've been thinking a lot about how much my life has changed in the past year. Pretty much since September 2009. That's when I was care free. I lived life like a party. I hadn't lost anyone close to me. I hadn't gone through a tough time. I always got what I wanted. I didn't care about real life. I wanted to be stupid. I didn't wear my seat belt half of the time unless I was with my family. My friends meant more to me than anything even my family. I was stupid back then. Today, I'm more thankful for what I have. I've lost many people close to me. I wear my seat belt every time. I don't party as much. I don't act like a hoe anymore. I don't talk about sex with guys. I don't take life for granted. I love my family and friends more. I keep in touch with friends that have moved away. I look at the world a different way. I love my life more. I'm thankful for everyday I get to spend on earth with my friends and family. I look at kids a different way. I'm grateful for their innocence. I cherish the time I get with friends and family. Everything reminds me of something in the past no matter good or bad. I've changed a lot. Grown up before I should have had to but life didn't want me to stay young any longer. I think about the future more. I wonder about things I shouldn't. Most kids my age, my thoughts would never cross their mind. But for me, it happens everyday. I've grown closer to my family and friends. I've changed a lot! I could go on all day but I won't. Here's some things I'm thankful for this year. These are just a few. I could go on forever with this list.

1. That God gave me life to live on this earth.
2. That Jesus died on the cross for my sins so I don't have to burn in hell.
3. God gave me the best parents a girl could have. They can be tough sometimes but it's just because they love me.
4. God gave me the best friends ever. They always have my back and I know when I need them they'll be there.
5. That God put so many amazing kids in my life. I will never forget my heroes.
6. God gave me parents that can get me the stuff I need and even some stuff I want. That they can afford me a laptop, phone, iPod, tv, ect. I know some families aren't fortunate enough to have that.
7. God gives me the knowledge in school and I get good grades. I will really need them for college.
8. God put Tyler in my life. Even though he took him back home, I am grateful for the 4 years I got to spend with Tyler's crazy butt. I'll remember him forever especially, that last night with him.
9. God put Ellie in my life. She's the person that dug me out of the ditch when Tyler died. If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I would have been today. I wish I could have thanked her so much for that. I miss her so much.
10. God put Layla in my life. She had the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. Her strength in her last days was incredible. I wish I could be as strong as her. She defined all the odds during her fight. She was amazing.
11. God put Trey in my life. We never got to meet until after he was gone but that was a happy day. I wanted to go to the hospital with him but never got the chance. He looked beautiful at the funeral though. He defined the odds many times. I remember back in February, they told us he wouldn't make it. We prayed and then a surgeon came in and said he could do one more surgery to try and help. The surgery worked. But then, Trey started bleeding so much in September. We knew it was the end.
12. God gave me everything I have and everyone I love.
13. God helped me get through losing Tyler, Layla, Ellie, and Trey.
14. God's giving me the ability to help kids with cancer.
15. God is going to help me through whatever lies in the future.

Have a happy Thanksgiving! Hope every has fun with family and friends and stays safe.

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Wednesday, November 24,

Well, today has been okay. I went to school. First period sucked because Austin was absent today. Second period was the same. Since we got out at 1 today, we had 7th period before 3rd period. Well, 7th period was okay. Third period was fun. We didn't do anything but play chess and checkers. It was really fun. Home ec was the best! Jake, Brandon, Corey, Tori, Christian, and I played blackjack all period. We were betting things like gum, jolly ranchers, mints, ect. It was a lot of fun! I bet all my stuff. I had 3 jolly ranchers. I ended up with a piece of gum. Oh well! It was fun! I then came home and relaxed on the computer some. Then, Katie called and wanted to hang out so we went up to her house. We were going to go to AT&T to get her new phone fixed and get her mom a new phone because she doesn't like the one she has, and well, there were about 30-40 people OUTSIDE waiting to get in! So, instead, we went to Petco! It was fun looking at all the animals. It's my favorite part. My favorite are the fish! I could watch fish all day! There are just so cool to watch. Well, anyways, we went and picked up Shawnie! We went to Mama Possum's after that! It was really good! I got 2 plain hot dogs and french fries! I also drink a cup of Dr. Pepper. It was really good! We then went to Katie's house and chilled. We went outside for a bit with Andrew, Nick, Ali, and Cody. Nick and Ali left and the rest of us shot basketball for a while. Then, Katie, Andrew, and I went inside and they played Wii while I watched. Grayson Taylor and KJ came over for a bit but I left a little after that. Katie wanted me to go to church tonight but I'm just too tired. I can't wait to sleep in tomorrow! I came home and now, I feel sick at my stomach and my hip hurts. I ate without medicine so I have to eat again but my stomach hurts and I don't want to eat so I can't take any medicine. I am going to try to wait until I don't have to force food down my throat. We'll see how that goes. Today, was pretty good. Tomorrow will be 2 months since Trey went to heaven. I miss him a lot. I will post on him tomorrow. Well, I'll leave you with that for tonight.

I have a couple prayer request:

Nathan Gregory Querin 12/13/10-11/23/10 Nathan fought a 2 year fight with Plueropulmonary Blastoma Type III. Please pray for his family.

Max Nunn was diagnosed with a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor or PNET of the Central Nervous System or CNS on March 16, 2009. It had metastasized to his spinal column. September 21, 2010, their worst fears were confirmed. Max had relapsed but not only that, it was covering his entire brain with a vengeance. He also had tumors inside his brain. Max's parents tried all the medicine possible but Max had a CT scan yesterday which showed his tumors had increased by 25%. He will soon be with the Lord. He is only 7 years old. Please pray for pain free and peaceful transition. Please also pray for his parents and sister, Lily. (Max became an angel today, November 25, at 2:05 p.m. To say it was painful is an understatement but he is pain free now.)

Anna Wilkerson was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma, bone cancer in her left shoulder blade. After 6 months, her tumor returned. A few months later, 2 new tumors were found on her spine. After 3 months of remission, Anna relapsed again in her left hip. There was no more chemotherapy that could help her. Radiation was her only hope. Anna was sent home after radiation to never return again except for scans. She had no more treatment options and if radiation worked and killed the cancer, GREAT! If she relapsed or continued to have cancer after radiation, she would die with in a couple months. Today, Anna is in extreme pain and will soon be with the Lord. Anna is only 14 years old.  Please pray for pain free and peaceful transition. Please pray for her family as well. (Anna flew up to heaven on November 27,2010 at 2:30 p.m.! She is finally pain free!)

Mary Eisnor was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma in July 2006 when she was 3 years old. She had a lung and liver resection. She has had numerous relapses and has participated in w hand full of clinical trials. July 27, 2010, Mary had a large tumor in her liver and 3 "micro" lesions and also a place on her pelvis. By August 7, Mary had 8 tumors on her liver and more other places. She was taken off the clinical trial and it was decided she would stop treatment. Soon she, too, will be with the Lord. Her 8th and last birthday was November 21. Today, her chest is expanding outward and is probably full of cancer. Please pray for peace and pain free last days. Please pray for her family through this time, too. (Mary has sores on her back and bottom that are causing a lot of pain. Please pray she stops being in pain and the sores heal.)

Gage Dole was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma in June 8, 2005 at the age of 3. The cancer had not spread, it was under 5 cm, Gage was young, and the LDH was low... all good. The negative was the location they could not operate near the spinal cord. Chemotherapy and radiation were used to reduce the tumor. In April 2006, Gage was in remission! On October 5th, Gage had scans which were clear but blood work came back abnormal. Gage was diagnosed with a second cancer. Treatment related AML. Leukemia. Gage had a bone marrow transplant on February 21, 2007 and was in remission for 8 months before a mass was found in the original place. It was found to be Ewings sarcoma. Gage began chemo again. Gage completed treatment with no infections, complications, need for blood products or hospitalizations thanks to the help of accupuncture, Omega-3 suppliment, Probiotics and juicing. Unfortunately, Gage relapsed 6 months later. Then, remission and another relapse in March 2009. On August 25, 2010, Gage was sent home on hospice. He is only 8 years old. Gage sleeps most days and is stable right now pain medicine and oxygen wise. Please pray for pain free and peaceful transition. Please pray for his family, too. (Gage is now paralyzed from waist down.)
Well, I'll leave you with those. There are so many more. I could post all day. Please pray for every person fighting cancer or other disease. Pray for everyone. Everyone needs some kind of prayer.


Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
 Allison<3

5 months without Ellie,

Ellie Shoal Potvin was healed from cancer on June 23, 2010. She fought stage 4 rhabdomyosarcoma for 2 years. It was in her hip/pelvis area, trunk, and lungs. Today, marks 5 months since she grew her angel wings. Ellie touched many people in her short 8 years. Everyone that she touched loves her more than words! We miss her just as much! Her legacy will go on and she will never be forgotten.

 Ellie Shoal Potvin
10/31/01-6/23/10

P.S.- Sorry about the delay. I was on my computer last night typing it and my computer died and I didn't have my charger. I was just about to post it and then, it died. But anyway, it's here now.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, November 19-23,

Well, I am so over due to update. I just haven't got on the computer in a while. So here it goes,


Friday- I went school. I was so happy it was Friday. First period sucked because Austin still had ALC and I had no entertainment. I hated it. Second period sucked, too, because he wasn't there. Third period was fine. Home ec was FUN! WE had a lunch in. We got to invite a teacher and we invited my english teacher, Ms.Land. It was really fun! We had chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and much more! For desert, pumpkin pie, chocolate pie, and cheesecake! I ate 2 pieces of chicken, 2 servings of mashed potatoes, a roll, a thing of green beans, and a piece of chocolate pie. It was SO good! I also had half a liter of Dr. Pepper! It was a good day until... I had gym RIGHT after that. I didn't do gym. They took off points but I could care less. I have a 100 the rest of the weeks so whatever. Then, I went home and relaxed. Nothing really exciting happened.

Saturday- I got up and watched a little tv. Katie texted me and asked did I want to come to Fuse that night. It's this thing they have at her godmother's church. It's really cool! Like last month, they had a Monster (energy drink) theme! It was awesome! This month it's like internet sites (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, ect.) It's really cool stuff! So, I got ready and waited for her and Robin (her godmother) to come get me. We also had to go get Grayson (Katie's boyfriend). We had a lot of fun! I saw one of my friends from elementary school that I haven't seen since the last day of 5th grade. It's been almost 2 and a half years! I missed him A LOT! He used to be like my best guy friend! He's the one that got me hooked on gum. Specifically, Stride Forever Fruit. Bryan hasn't changed a bit! He's still crazy as ever! I came home and then, me and Katie went through my old journals from 6th grade! That was one crazy year! I had A LOT of drama I can tell you that! Well, my best friend was a drama queen so yeah, that's why. I spent the night with Katie and we made ODS. It was our mission. Operation: Destroy Shawnie. One of our friends spent the night, too, and we decided to play a prank on him. We were going to go downstairs where he was sleeping and wake him up a bit. When we did, we would put a doll right in front of his face. He would try and get up but we would have him plastic wrapped to the bed! We had everything ready until we couldn't stay awake any longer waiting for him to fall asleep. We ended up falling asleep. Oh well, next time. Mwahahaha! lol

Sunday- We woke up and went to church. Sunday school was pretty fun! Regular church was AMAZING! Okay, so here's the story. So, there's this couple that lived in Maryland and they had come a couple times to our church when we had a special speaker. They liked him because that's who they got saved by so they came down a couple times. Well, they decided to move here. We had seen pictures of her two sons and they are pretty hot! Well, one of them is 21 and the other is 18. The 18 year old came and I got to sit right next to him! We had about 10 people on our pew so we sat really close and we were touching like the whole time! I loved it! lol We went home and ordered Pizza Hut but then, my mom called and said I needed to come home. So, I went home and had a boring day.

Monday started another week of school. Great, haha. Well, first period still sucked because Austin was in ALC. Second period, the same. Third period was okay. Home ec was pretty good. We are doing careers now, even though I already know what I want to do, it is still fun to do! We did it in 6th grade, too! Of course, I wanted to be the same thing as I do now. Pediatric oncology has been my dream job since I was like 5 or 6. I've always wanted to do it and right now, I am on the right track! Anyway, gym was good. We have to run around the school once most days and I RAN the WHOLE THING! It's the first time EVER! 3 laps are equal to a mile so I think that's pretty darn good! Considering, that was only the 4th day out of 11 days, I played. I'm going to make JV softball this year without conditioning! I'm not going to do it until we get everything done with my hip and at Duke. Well, last period was okay. Then, I went home and found out that my neighbor had to get checked out today. His oxygen level dropped and the nurse couldn't get it back up. He has really bad asthma and he almost died from it when he was born. Poor Colton. Well, he has to go to Duke Monday anyway so they just have to wait. That was about the 5th time they had to check him out though but whatever. I came home and then I waited for my mom to get home. My dad was at the Legion help cooking for 41 meeting. We ate up there and it was really good! I got to see Dakota, Sarah, and Hunter, too. Their mom was admitted to the hospital that day so they were staying with their grandparents. Sarah's 20, Dakota is 15, and Hunter's 11. I like Dakota best because well, he's my age. I've known all of them since I was little. Anyway, it was a pretty good day.

Today was okay. It's been kind of tough. It's been 5 months without Ellie. I miss her so much! I'll post something about her in a little bit. First period was SO much better with Austin there! Second period, too! Third period was okay. We didn't have encore or expo today. We had volleyball intermerials. It was fun! We lost in the second game by 1 POINT! It was 22-21. They got the last point with only 7 or 8 seconds in the game! IT SUCKED! Since Austin got in trouble last week, they took away his volleyball, too! We would have won with him! It was so stupid! Well, we always have basketball next month! Last period was fun. We didn't do anything except watch Thanksgiving videos. Then, I came home and went to my grandparents like I do every Tuesday. I ate and now I'm typing this. Listening to Taylor Swift's cd, Speak Now. Never Grow Up. My favorite on this cd! "Wish I'd never grown up." Well, I'm going to go post the 5 months thing. In 3 days (the 26th) would have been Layla's 3rd birthday and in 5 days is 2 months without baby Trey. Last Wednesday was 13 months without Tyler. This month has been a eventful month for my angels. Next month, will be Layla's 10 month the 9th, Tyler's 14 month the 17th, Ellie's 6 month the 23rd (that's going to be a hard day), Trey's 3 month the 25th, and then the 28th would have been Trey's 1st birthday so I guess it's just as bad. September, October, November, and December. One of them had a birthday and then, their months being gone. It's been tough since it was and will be all their first without being here to celebrate. It sucks! Car accidents SUCK! Childhood cancer SUCKS! Premature births SUCK! This is so tough. Anyway, I'll update again tomorrow. We get out of school at 1! And then this weekend will be full of Thanksgiving stuff! I love Thanksgiving! So, talk later.

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Thursday, November 18,

Today, I had to go to school again! (tgtf!) It was boring. I found out that Austin got caught with his phone in last period yesterday so he now has 3 days of ALC. No Austin today, tomorrow, or Monday :( He also put a picture on Facebook tonight and he had cut his hair! I loved his hair! I like it now but it's not going to be as much fun to play with anymore. See, I sit behind him in science and I play with his hair and now I can't. :( Anyways, first period and second period was boring without him there. Third period, was boring. Home ec, we cooked. Jake, Christian, and I cooked cheese cake for the lunch we are having tomorrow. We have invited Ms.Land to come eat with us. The other team invited Mr.Clayton. That's not even their teacher! The teacher they wanted couldn't do it and all their other teachers suck so they picked ours! Haha. I did gym for the first time since last Tuesday. We ran and walked the whole time. It was that or play side line basketball which is a pretty stupid game! Fourth period was okay. Nothing exciting except when we were waiting for the buses to be called. 1st load had already been called and we were waiting for 2nd load (I'm 2nd load.) and it was Mr.Clayton, Brianna, and me. Mr.Clayton said, "Did you know if you hand is bigger than your face it means you have something wrong with you." trying to get me to put my hand on my face. Well, I fell for it and he slapped me in the face, He did it to Brianna, too. It was so funny! You just had to be there! The bus ride home was SO annoying. Mrs.Stowe would NOT shut her BIG mouth up! I was about to say some stuff I shouldn't have! Anyways, when I got home WE HAD OUR NEW AT&T PHONES!(: I got the Pantech Link and it is SO cool! I didn't get it activated right away though. I had to assist at dance tonight then I had 2 more classes afterward but I didn't feel like doing my other classes so I just went home. I finally activated my phone around 9:30! It's so much fun! I have A LOT of pictures of Ellie and Layla on it right now! I will add some of Trey and Tyler later. I found a piece of paper today shaped like a butterfly!<3 Ellie Belly! Even in 40 degree weather, she still sends me butterflies! Of course, not real ones but it still counted! I'm really tired. I'll probably go to sleep after I finish this. I'm sick at my stomach, too. I think it's because I took my medicine a little after I ate. I forgot about it and about 30 minutes later I remembered. This is going to be a long 2 months! Well, I'm going to bed.

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Tuesday and Wednesday, November 16 and 17,

Yesterday I went to school for a little while. We had a Chapter test in Science so I had to take that in first period. Second period about half way through I got checked out to go to Duke Children's Hospital. We drove for about an hour and 15 minutes and got there about 45 minutes before my appointment. We had to fill out a lot of paper work anyway so it was okay. My appointment was at 1 and they called me back about 10 after. They took me in one room and took vitals. They then took me down one hall and they didn't have any rooms so we went down another and found one. The doctor came in about 10 minutes later and we talked to him for over an hour. He wants me to go to a physical therapy evaluation and let them send the results to him and then probably start it. He gave me a prescription for pain medicine. I will go back to him January 14, 2011, if everything goes well and I don't get worse. If physical therapy helps I will probably start doing it at home after the 2 months is up. If it doesn't we will have a MRI with contrast of my hip/pelvis done. We then checked out and drove home. I went over to my grandparents like I do every Tuesday night. I have spent the night over there on Tuesdays since I was a baby. I watched The Last Song again! I swear I'm in love with this movie! Anyway, I did my homework and tried to go to sleep. I didn't go to sleep right away because it was thundering, lightning, and pouring down rain so it was kind of hard but eventually I did. I was tired!

Today, I woke up and went to school again. First period, Austin had his iPhone so we messed with it some. Nothing really happened though. Second period, we went to the library and I checked out 3 books. One was Pathology, one was Tay-Sachs Disease, and the other was Meningitis. I am almost done with Meningitis. Third period, we did a worksheet. Home ec, we got everything together for our lunch we are putting on Friday. I'm helping Jake and Christian with the cheese cake. We are inviting my 2nd period english teacher, Ms.Land. It's gonna be fun. Tomorrow, we cook it! Gym, I sat out for what will be my last day. Once I take that pain pill tomorrow morning I have to which sucks. Gym isn't my favorite but I only have a week and a half week left! Actually, 7 days! Yay!(: Well, last period we took notes. The bus was boring. This morning I was a car rider and I saw my man! There's this senior named Corey that ALL the girls fall all over! He's SO hot! I love him(; He has a little brother, Camden, in 6th grade and he was dropping him off. I have had the biggest crush on Corey since right before summer of 2009. He used to work at the Food Lion near my house but he quit about 2 months ago. He also lives just one street over so I can go by his house anytime I want. His house is for sale but they have put it on the market a couple times and it wouldn't sell so that's good! He'll go off to college next year. I'll miss him! I'll hopefully get to see him on holidays and spring break though! Yay(: Anyway, I went home and my mom's best friend, Millie, and her son, Blake, came over. Blake is in Pre-Algebra like I was last year and sometimes I tutor him. I've known him since he was born. I'm about 6 months older than him. I got paid in a itunes gift card! $25! I'm excited! Well, then we went out to the computer guy and got my laptop back! It's like brand new now! I swear when we were on the way home, I passed Corey again! This morning he was driving a black car and we passed these 2 trucks with teenage boys driving and some passengers. Then, the next was a black car with bikes on the top! He does bike races and then there was another car behind him and it looked like his parent's car. It was pretty great! I don't get to see him much anymore so it was awesome! I came home and have been on the computer since then. I'm getting kind of bored but it's okay. I always have cancer kids to check on! This morning I got a sign from Ellie!<3 I was getting into the car and in the floor board after it rains, it is usually wet. My grandma wanted me to feel it to see and I bent down and there was a pink flower. I'll post pictures of it later. I love my Ellie Belly<3 I wish she was here! I didn't feel like going to dance tonight. After the long day yesterday, I'm just too tired. This really hot dude named Justin cut his hair! He still looks hot but not as, I don't think! Oh well, what are you to do with boys?! lol, Well, I'm going to go check on kids. I need to do homework but I really don't feel like it and I'm too tired.

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Happy Birthday, McKenna!

McKenna Maiorana was born November 15, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. She was a healthy, happy baby. Her first year of life was so beautiful and easy. She had all her well baby visits and was hitting all her developmental milestones on time or even ahead of schedule. She never had "sick" day visit until December 2009. McKenna threw up twice in one day, which wasn't normal for her healthy self. Her pediatrician palpated her stomach and looked her over and diagnosed her with her first ear infection. She was sent home with antibiotics and she had no more symptoms until February 2010. Her parents started noticing she wasn't eating as much as she used to, was constipated, and her activity level was lower and lower. They began adding water to her milk, giving her suppositories, and constipation remedies. McKenna's stomach became harder and harder and then began to distend.  Then on February 12, 2010, she woke up gagging and choking and that's when her mom knew something was very wrong. Her breath smelled feces and she was extremely pale and her little stomach was hard as a rock and was completely distended. They rushed her to the ER and xrays were taking. That's when they saw a huge mass on her left kidney. She was then taken to have a CT scan of her abdomen. The CT confirmed McKenna had a large mass on her left kidney but it was so big it was laying down on her lungs and was beginning to wrap around her aortic valve. The doctors performed a biopsy on it and took a sample of her bone marrow to biopsy as well. On February 12, 2010, McKenna was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. This is an aggressive form of cancer often found in children 2 years or under. Stage 4 means McKenna's cancer had spread from the tumor in her left kidney to the bone in her right leg, femur in the right leg, the skull behind her right eye, and her bone marrow. McKenna was giving a 30%-50% success rate of beating the disease. McKenna had her first dose of chemotherapy on February 15. Since the tumor was pressing on her lungs, she had to be ventilated and put in the PICU. She would stay there for the next 2 months. She would be transfered to a trachea instead of being intubated almost a month after being diagnosed. After the first 2 rounds of chemo, McKenna's tumors in her skull, behind her eye, and in her jaw were gone! On April 20, McKenna had her trachea removed! On May 28, her main tumor had shrunk 80.2%! On June 7, she had a 7.5 hour surgery to remove 97% of the remaining tumor. It was removed in sections the largest piece was the size of a softball and then there were 2 golf ball sized pieces as well as other small pieces. July 22, McKenna had no tumors except for her main tumor! On July 29, she was admitted and started her autologous stem cell transplant. McKenna's stem cells were put back in her August 6! September 13, she started radiation! September 24, McKenna got her first central line infection. October 22, she had her last radiation treatment! Scans showed her main tumor was half the size it was in July and was less active! She had her firs infusion of immunotherapy on November 8! It was taken over a 10 hours period but it could take u to 20 if she has a reaction. It is extremely painful. On November 10, McKenna started having diarrhea and tested positive for C-diff. C-diff is very common and only needs antibiotics. McKenna has had her first ound of immunotherapy and is dong well!

Hope for Baby McKenna!

 Happy Birthday, baby girl!

Keep fighting!

It will be over soon!

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, November 14, 15, and 16,

Well, I would have posted earlier but my laptop got a virus Sunday and so I'm on my mom's computer for now. It's really slow so I might not update a lot today. I need to post to birthday wished though so I will after this.

Saturday-

I woke up and had a lazy day. I didn't get out of my pjs, I didn't brush my hair, or anything. I watched The Last Song again. I'm obsessed with that movie! I started watching a movie with my mom but Katie called and wanted me to come outside with her and the rest of my neighborhood friends. So I got dressed, put a bandana on my head and went out. It was Katie, Grayson Chattin, Haley, Blake, Cody, Andrew, and me. I stayed out there for about 2 hours. Katie and Grayson left after abut 30 minutes because Grayson was being a sissy and was  too cold. Haley, Blake, and I hid from Cody and Andrew. We told them we took Andrew's dirt bike up the street when we really just pushed it behind a tree. When we did that we hid at my house behind my mom's car. Then, Cody and Andrew went to Andrew's thinking we were up there. It was only Haley, Blake, and me.Haley and I told Blake we thought we saw somebody in the ditch and he flipped! It was so good! Then, Cody came back down and we talked and hung out for a while. Andrew was to busy playing video games. Dork. Just kidding. Then, my mom called and told me I had to come in. Boo. I came in watched The Last Song and went to bed! Well, it marked 1 year since I fell in love for the first time. It was the only day I fell in love. I still love him until this day. We started going out November 14, 2009. I thought he was the guy for me. It took me 3 or 4 hours to fall in love with him. He loved me back for a while but now he has another girlfriend. It was a rough day thinking about him all day. I love him with all my heart.<3

Sunday-
I had another lazy day. I didn't even get out my pjs at all. I watched The Last Song and watched new episodes on things on tv but that was it. I took a shower and then went to bed. I edited pictures earlier that day and one of the websites gave my computer a virus. So, right now my laptop is at the computer guy. I should have it back tomorrow or the next day which sucks since I have to go to the hospital tomorrow and it's an hour and a half away. It's going to be a long day.

Today, Monday-
Well, today started another week of school. I can't for May 25! First period was first period. Boring. Except Austin was acting high as I don't know what! He was crazy ALL day! He said he took some pills this morning since he didn't feel good but I think he was high! He's a pot head but I love him anyway! He was BEST FRIENDS with Tyler and being around him makes me feel like I'm with Tyler again. They were so much a like! I miss my Tyler. Second period, well, nothing exciting. Third period, well, nothing exciting. Home ec, I almost finished my booklet we're making. We started this learning baby book Friday and I'm almost done with my ABC book! I won't be able to finish it tomorrow though because I'm checking out at 10:30 or 11 to go to the hospital. Gym, I sat out and we stayed inside because it was raining so nothing. Last period, nothing to report. Then, I got on the bus and Haley was in a bad mood. She rarely talked. I think she was mad because I know who Alyssa likes and Alyssa was talking about. She felt left out. Oh well. Then, here I am typing this. I'll probably watch The Last Song when I get done. It always helps me when I have head aches like now. I'm going to post 2 more things tonight about birthdays to 2 of my cancer kids! Here's it early,

Happy Birthday,
Sophie Ela Atay! 11/15/07-3/11/10 stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma
McKenna Mairona 11/15/08 fighting stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma, in immune therapy!

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

Happy birthday, Alexander!

Alexander Brown was born November 13, 2007. On his 2nd birthday, he started to walk funny like a drunk man, had a head tilt, prefered his left hand, and had intentional tremors. As the time passed, he had trouble eating, was crabby all the time, threw up almost every night, and when asked where he hurt he pointed to his head. On December 18, 2009, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had brain surgery on December 21, 2009, to remove a lemon sized tumor. He was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma but it was actually ETANTR or Embryonal Tumor with Abundant Neurophil and True Rosettes. He was only the 36 case WORLD WIDE! Alexander had 3 rounds of chemotherapy. He didn't throw up once! It was like he was immune to chemo, little did they know he was. His blood counts went down after chemo and he always got a fever after 10 days. His MRI after the 3 rounds showed 5 tumors in his spine. Spinal fluid was still clear. This really baffled the doctors. They decided to continue the high dose chemo plus add intrathecal chemo (chemo giving directly to spinal fluid). They did this for 5 weeks then had another MRI. It showed the tumors were still growing and now he had another 9 mm brain tumor. Radiation was his only hope. Alexander came for his MRI August 17, 2010, and it showed his 2 brain tumors had grown into one. It was blocking his ventricals. The fluid in his head couldn't drain and the pressure was building. August 23, he had a 2nd brain surgery. They drilled a hole in his 3rd ventricle to drain the fluid on his brain. They then installed an external ventrical drain and removed the large mass. When they started removing the mass, they found it was still maligant tumor. The doctor could only remove half of it because she was afraid of hitting the brain stem and blood vessels. His tumor was fast growing, chemo resistant, and they had given all the radiation they could to him. All that was left was experimental medicine. Unfortunately, you usually have to be 6 months off radiation to qualify for a trial. Because his tumor grew to that size every 2 and 1/2 months and they were only able to remove half of it, he would probably need another surgery in 6 weeks. The doctors said since it grew so fast they wouldn't do surgery again because he would be in the hospital forever. When the tumor gets to a certain size, it will block the ventricles and the pressure will build because of water on the brain. They could install a shunt which would lower the pressure by draining the fluid. That meant he would live long enough to feel the effects of the tumor. Without a shunt he would have about 2 months left. With it he would live longer but the tumor would paralyze him and he would be in pain until the end. October 22, Alexander had a seizure and slipped into a coma. On October 23, 2010, Alexander became an angel at 1:09 a.m.

We love you, Alexander! I hope you're having a huge party!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Layla's story,

Layla Grace Marsh was born November 26, 2007. Layla was the youngest of 3. She had 2 older sisters, Claire and Jenna. Layla was a healthy baby. She had always been 80 percent for weight, a great eater, and a great sleeper. Layla had a great 15 month check up. At around 16 months though, her sleep habits and appetite started to change. She also became more irritable. In mid March, her appetite began to decrease. At the time, Layla's parents thought they were just dealing with a picky eater. At the beginning of May, Layla woke up with a swollen eye. Her parents took her to the doctor and she was treated for an ear infection and the doctor said the swelling was because of the infection. At the same time, they noted her belly was hard and somewhat distended. She hadn't had a bowel movement in a few days and they were concerned she was becoming constipated. The next day they took Layla to the pediatrician who put her on Mirilax over the weekend and told her parents to call back on Monday. By Monday morning, Layla wasn't eating at all, still no dirty diaper, her activity level had increased, and she was rubbing her belly and lower back saying "owie." Her pediatrician referred her to a GI specialist to see why she was so constipated and not eating. On Thursday, May 7, 2009, as they sat in the GI specialists office expecting to be told she would need some kind of treatment for constipation, they instead heard like "cancer" and "leukemia." A series of xrays and tests were ordered and they were sent home to wait for the results. About 5 minutes after they walked into the house, they got an urgent call from the GI specialist saying the test were in, that things were not good and that they were to bring her to the ER immediately and a team of doctors would be waiting for them. Layla had a massive tumor in her abdomen. I extended from about her left kidney (adrenal gland), around her side, over her belly, and wrapped around her aorta. In addition, she had low bone density which meant the cancer had also spread to her bones. Layla had her first surgery May 11. After surgery fluid was around her lung so they had to take her back to the OR, put her under anesthesia, and put in a chest tube to drain it. It was confirmed it was neuroblastoma like they thought and it had already spread to her bone marrow and most of her bones. She also had a tumor behind each ear and one behind her right eye. Layla started chemotherapy on May 15, 2009.  On May 20, Layla's left lung (with the fluid around it) partially collapsed. The doctors said it was the chest tube and when they took it out it would expand normally. Her chest tube came out May 25! Layla was suppose to be admitted to the hospital on June 9 but while they were waiting to get her a room, Layla spiked a fever. Blood cultures were drawn and it was determined she had a blood infection so she couldn't start round 2 of chemo. One June 12, they learned it was a bacteria that clinges to the tubing and is resistant to medication. So, her central line was removed. The next day her IV's collapsed and she was not about to get another so the decided to put another one in instead of her not getting anything for the next 2 days if her cultures came back negative. She started round 2 of chemo June 15. On June 27, they got good news! Scans showed the tumors behind her ears and eye were gone! The abdominal tumor hhad shrunk by 50% and the surgeon was confident he can remove the entire thing when she went in for surgery (July 9th)!! It was no longer wrapped around her heart, diaphragm, or kidney, and it was not pressing on her spine anymore. There were fewer lesions on her bones, and the ones that still remain are smaller and not as intense (not as bright on the scans). Layla went into surgery again July 9, to remove what was left of the main tumor. They also scrape daway at the cells that were covering the spleen, kidney, heart, lungs and were entangled in the lymph-nodes. She also had no cancer cells in her bone marrow. Round 3 of chemo started July 22. August 1, Layla had fluid in her abdomen. Layla had another surgery August 4 to drain the fluid. Layla had another surgery on August 13 to replace her central line that tore in the PICU 4 weeks earlier. Only one side had being working since then. August 18, Layla began round 4 of chemo. She was admitted again for round 5 (and lost!) on September 9. September 12, Layla spiked a fever and she had a central line infection. Layla was sent home and then readmitted because she still didn't feel good. She was treated like it was an infection. October 14 was Layla's first day of radiation. October 30 was her last day! She had NO side effects the whole time! Layla then had her centr line grow yeast. She had her line removed immediately. Layla was suppose to start her bone marrow transplant on November 9 but Layla had a fever. After 3 more attempts, she finally started November 19. Layla had her last chemo on November 24! November 25, Layla recieved her stem cells back! The day before her 2nd birthday! On day 9, Layla started getting ANCs! They grew to 1200! Then, Layla spiked a fever of 104.5 for 36 hours. The next day she had no ANC and her liver enzymes ha gone from 1000 to 4400. Normal is about 500. They thought she was in beginning stages of liver failure. They sent for a CT scan which showed her liver wasn't in any stress and looked good. She was tested for ever possible virus, bateria, and fungal infection. Nothing. Her Dr's had never seen this before. A transplant either takes or doesn't. You get ANCs and they continue to grow or they never grow back. They don't come in strong the disappear without some type of infection. Layla was scheduled for a bone marrow aspiration on December 14. The doctors wanted to give her the weekend to start producing the proper cells, and if she did, she’s wouldn’t have to go through the procedure. The weekend came and went. Still no neutrophils. She went into the OR for a bone marrow aspirtation and biopsy. They went into both sides of her pelvic bone with a needle and took out bone marrow fluid. They then went in again and took out a small piece of bone marrow. A few days later they got the news they were parying for. All the players were in the marrow, they were just very very immature and not detectable in the blood yet. Her high fever killed them all and they are just taking a long time to re-create and grow. 4 days later, her ANC was 200! They like to see it 3000 but it was a start! Layla wa able to have month break from the hospital before she went back January 22, 2010. That was the day that changed everything. While they were bombarding her body with chemo and radiation, while they were poisoning to the vergeof death, while she was unable to move in her bed from pain, the cancer was growing and multiplying. Layla had a new tumor that is invading her one good kidney. That kidney was functioning at 59%, which meant surgery (and any possible damage to that kidney) is not an option. While there are a few options in this general scenario, Layla was not eligible for any of them. Her kidneys must be functioning at 70% for any clinical studies or more radiation. They were left with 2 options. Both had the same result. The goal wasn't to get rid of the cancer, it was to slow down the growth. Her tumors were growing rapidly and if they did nothing, there’s a good chance she wouldn't have been here for her sister’s 9th birthday on Feb 24th. They chose to do a daily oral chemo. Yep. Every day. For the rest of her little life. There were minimal side effects and there was a good chance that they would get to spend another 2 months with sweet Layla. After 2 months they would re-scan and see if there has been any growth. If there was not, then she stays on the chemo and we check again in another 2 months. Studies have shown that in 50% of patients, the tumor growth stops. Sounds great right? Take some chemo every day and just live with the tumors. They’re not causing her any pain yet, so theoretically, that wouldn’t be so bad. As long as that tumor doesn’t creep any farther into that good kidney, this would have been the optimal outcome for Layla (aside from complete healing!!!). So what happens to the other 50%? Their tumors continue to grow. At the 2 months mark, 50% of patients have larger tumors. God forbid Layla would fall in this category, they could try another type of IV chemo. The big problem with this one is that it will make her very ill. If the oral chemo didn’t work, the chances of the IV chemo working are slim to none. Mid Febuary, the nightly doses of Tylenol for pain turned into daily doses of Morphine. Layla stopped eating and only wanted to be held.   She became increasingly lethargic, fussy, and just plain uncomfortable. Her mom knew something was not right. They made a rush appointment with the doctor and the doctor told them that the tumors had been growing at an alarming rate. Her mom could feel the tumor in her sweet baby’s abdomen; which confirmed her biggest fear. Her parents went home and faced the end was closer than they had hoped for. They received a call from the doctor who spoke about the need for hospice care.  They were also told without any tests or scans that they could only hope for a week or two more with Layla.  Layla’s little body had been attacked by cancer and her fight would soon be over. She would soon be at peace with her heavenly Father and would suffer no more pain. Her parents were understandably devastated, but their faith in God and their strength in each other and in the Lord did not failed. They are facing all of those things that no parent should have to face. Layla was slowly fading, her breathing was slower and she didn't want to be held.  She wanted rest all day. Layla spent most of her days sleeping. 30-45 minutes after she woke up, she was ready to lay down and sleep again. She prefered to be rocked in her dark bedroom for a little while, then laid down in her bed. She got easily overstimulated by the noise of the other children downstairs. She wanted dark, silence, peace and sleep. So they give those things to her. As much as it broke her mom's heart to not be able to hold her all day, she know her little body needs peace and sleep.  They tried to put her in his parents' bed with them but she just screamed. Her mom tried to rock her in my room, but she just cried. She wanted familiarity. Her own bed. Hospice told them that when the time comes that they shouldn’t leave her side. She wouldn’t know where she was and won’t put up a fight about sleeping with them. She’ll only open her eyes for a few minutes at a time. Layla's PICC line (IV that is inserted in her arm and runs to her Vena Cava to administer meds) stopped working so she spent one more last day at the hospital having it repaired. Thankfully, it could be fixed without surgery. It wouldn't have been possible in Layla's condtion and she would have probably passed while in the OR. While there, they did an ultrasound to see what’s going on with the tumors in her little body. They got news that there were new tumors. One inside her liver and another on the right side of her abdomen, where her kidney should be. The existing tumors were still growing. Layla struggled for days. Some days not waking up at all. On March 9, 2010, around 7:15 a.m. Layla danced into heaven. She was forever cured of cancer! She woke her mom that morning by touching her arm (Layla was sleeping between them). Layla’s breathing became less and less frequent just like the doctors told them would happen, and they knew that she would pass within the hour. They told her just how much they loved her and that it was ok to go. They asked if she could see the angels, and she looked at them as if to ask for permission to go play with them. At 7:15, they asked her if she could see Jesus, she took one last look at them, her eyes widened like she was looking at something in the distance, and that was it.
After she passed they bathed her and put a pretty white dress on her, and then the funeral home came and got her.

Layla, you are my hero. You were such a fighter. You will always have a place in my heart. I miss you more than words can say. You changed my life. I love you, baby girl. I can't wait to see you in heaven.

Layla Grace Marsh
11/26/07-3/9/10
<3

Thursday and Friday, November 11 and 12, 2010,

Well, yesterday I didn't get the chance to post. I went to school. The only exciting thing that happened was I saw another butterfly in gym! Thanks Ellie baby! It was boring because I sat out again. I had dance later. When I got home, I didn't want to go but I knew I had to because I had to help with a class I do every Thursday. I felt better once I got there and so I danced the whole time. It might be my last week for a while depending on what happens Tuesday, so I needed to do it sometime. I came home, ate, took a shower and then went to bed.

Today, I went to school. Nothing happened. Most of my friends went on a trip to some boring mansion. They left at 5:30 this morning and got home around 10 tonight. To much for me. I don't think if I could have went that I could have lasted the 4 hour drive. It would have been bad. I started feeling bad in the period before gym so I didn't play again. I just tell the teacher my hip hurts and that I'll hopefully find out something Tuesday. I limp all the time. I've had 2 spells today where it feels like I can't breathe. This has been going on sicne June so I'm kind of used to it. I had that, a headache, and my hip/pelvis hurt so I didn't feel really good. My headache also is making my ear ache. Mainly my right. I went to the nurse at 2 after gym and laid down for 30 minutes then went back to class. I only had 30 minutes left after that so I didn't need to go home. If it would have been the beginning of the day, I would have. It's the worst headache I've had in a while. Anyways. I came home and watched tv for a little bit. I went on the computer for a little while but it got boring. So, I watched The Last Song! Then, I watched more tv and now I'm sitting here typing this. I'm like freezing right now. I'm going to work on Layla's story some so it'll be up soon if not tonight.

Tomorrow I'll post the story of another cancer angel. Alexander passed away recently and his birthday is tomorrow. He would have been 3 years old. Please pray for his family.

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,
Allison<3

P.S. Here's the photo I promised of Ava from the 2nd day I had her.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Today, I had school again. I can't wait for the weekend! This afternoon before I left school, I talked to two of my best friends about Tyler. One just moved here from Ohio and didn't know him. It felt good to tell someone his story and all the fun times we had together. My other friend has known him as long as me and it was good to talk about him again. Nobody wants to talk about him much because it hurts. I understand that but he can't be forgotten. I will not let that! I didn't play today in gym because my hip was hurting (this isn't something new. It's been happening for almost 6 months). We went outside again. I was sitting there watching the kickball game and I saw another beatiful butterfly! I love my Ellie so much!<3 I then found the most beautiful sunflower from my Layla. She loved flowers! Thank you both girls! I had a Jr. Beta meeting so I had to stay after school for that. I just got gome about 20 minutes ago. I have dance tonight but I don't know if I will go. If I do, I will probably just watch because I'm hurting really bad. I can't wait for Tuesday! I'm about to go check on some of the kids I follow. I have already checked on one...

Today at 9:40 this morning, Kaisha was healed forever! Kaisha was born September 11, 2009. Although 5 weeks early, she was small but seemed healthy and sent home after a few short days in the hospital. On October 5, things would change. Kaisha had become rather fussy through the weekend and Jelaine decided a trip to the doctor was in order. After a short visit at the doctors office in Buffalo, Kaisha was immediately sent to the emergency room and quickly admitted at Buffalo hospital.

She was baptized and rush to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.  They would find out later, much of her life threatening symptoms were the result of severe dehydration. But what was causing the dehydration was not going to be easy to diagnose. It was over six months and Kaisha was at Children's in Cincinnati. Dozens of specialists and thousands of tests were ran on little Kaisha. And no answers had been found. She had been stable much of the time, growing and developing just as she should. However, there were  many terrifying trips in and out of the PICU, on and off life support. Kaisha's most consistent symptoms seemed to be issues in her gastro intestinal track, unable to retain what she eat or any fluids. Kaisha was transferred out of state to Cinncinatti Children's Hospital in January.  She had a bone marrow transplant November 2, 2010, in hopes of curing her of whatever they couldn't find. Kaisha developed a dangerous infection with no immune system and there was little hope she would make it. Her family decided to let her go to home. Please pray for them in this tough time.

Kaisha Marie Beumer

9/11/09-11/10/10

<3

Well, I'll update later. I'm going to start working on Layla's story before I go to dance. I might not finish it. So it will either be up in the next hour or I will post it tomorrow.

Still trying to make it in this crazy world,

Allison<3

Tyler's story,

Tyler Michael Perrow was born September 11, 1996. He was a friend, boyfriend brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and student. He lived his life like many teenagers do. Carefree and fun! He enjoyed being with his friends. He loved all sports and was very athletic. He especially liked skating, golf, baseball, and soccer. He loved life. October 17, 2009 started off as a normal fall day with football games, sleep overs, and all that the chill in the air brings. Tyler and some of his friends had been to a football game. They were 5 people in the car. The driver was 17 years old boy and the passengers were two 14 year old boys, a 13 year old boy, and a 11 year old girl. The driver was taking his friends home when he drifted off onto a gravel road a little. He jerked the wheel and the car over correted. It flipped 3 times. Tyler and 2 other passengers were not wearing their seatbelts. Tyler was ejected through the back window. The boy in the back seat with him was thrown from the car also. The seatbelt broke on the girl's seat and she was also ejected from the car. The driver and the boy in the passenger seat were safe and walked away with only cuts and bruises. Tyler and the others ejected were rushed to the hospital. Tyler and the girl were sent to one hospital and the boy another. The boy had a concussion. He had just finished playing football and they think if he wouldn't have had the pads on, he would have been worse. The girl was in critical care. She stayed in the hospital for almost 6 months afterward. It is a miracle she is alive today. Tyler was put on life support on the way to the hospital. He was brain dead. His parents made a tough decision. There was nothing the doctors could do and if they let him live he would be a vegetable for the rest of his life. They took him off and let him pass peacefully. He passed away about 7:00 p.m. on October 17, 2009. He was 13 years old.

Today, I am really good friend's with the girl that was in the car. She is one of my best friends and I have gotten closer to the driver and the boy with the concussion in the last few months. We still miss Tyler so much.

I will never forget my last night with him. It was on October 16, the night before the accident. We were hanging out with friends at the homecoming varsity football game. He started going out with his girlfriend that night. He spilt his hot chocolate all over her, too. He was eating nachos and drinking Mountain Dew and he didn't feel like walking over to the trash can. He just threw it on the ground. One of our friends started eating the nachos off the ground and he thought that was disgusting! They didn't actually touch the ground but it was still gross. I remember the time I texted him a couple of weeks before the accident. He didn't have my number at the time. I saidm "Hey!" and he replied, "Who's this?" I never replied back. I regret it now.

We miss you so much, Tyler.. I think of you everyday. I love you so much and I wish I could have had the chance to tell you how much you meant to me.<3

Tyler Michael Perrow 9/11/96-10/17/09