3 Years Ago Today
Today is always a hard one for me… I stand in her doorway with my coffee watching her peacefully sleeping. 3 years ago today I almost lost her and had no idea. I was reluctant to even take her to the doctor over a low grade fever. But because it had persisted for over 4 days and she didn’t want her beloved chocolate milk, I decided I had to find out what was going on. Still in our pj’s, we went in first thing. We were referred to the e.r. for xrays – it’s probably just a blockage in her intestines. These pics are from that day. She was still in her pj’s. I remember how much she was sweating so I had to put her in a fresh top. She still had her silly going when we told her to do “mustache” but she wasn’t very happy. Doctors and nurses rushing around us whispering…throwing words around like cancer and tumor. I heard bits and pieces of conversations …we can’t get a vein, she’s dehydrated, she needs a blood transfusion, critical condition, admission to PICU….All the while you’re thinking “what the hell is happening, she was fine last week, or so I thought.” Then they tell me they are handing us over to the oncologist…a cancer doctor? How the fuck does a 3 year old get cancer? And then to get sent home to gather clothes and necessities because this will be our new home for who knows how long. Seeing her empty bed and her toys left untouched..not knowing if she will ever come home again. Her big sister, scared to death and confused. Her daddy, helpless, and unable to fix this.
Because relapse is such a high probability…this is the stuff that goes through my brain every year at this time. So far she has remained cancer free and I continue to pray for miracles. The further we get from the end of treatment, the better I feel. NED is fabulous but remission is just slightly beyond our reach.
I relive that week over and over… She is tough. We have all been made a little tougher. I stood strong because I had to…scarred from the battle that she should not have survived. But she did.
We all did.
All of you who fought along side us… You mean more to me that you will ever know! Thank you! SALUTE!CIC momma
‹ Father’s Day 2016 Hey Army… ›
I remember her in room 423 and the way she was lying on the bed. She was so sick. You have been through unimaginable pain and struggles, and you’ve come through! It is a joy to read your posts and see pictures of Jillian and your family. You are truly blessed.
I remember her in room 423 and the way she was lying on the bed. She was so sick. You have been through unimaginable pain and struggles, and you’ve come through! It is a joy to read your posts and see pictures of Jillian and your family. You are truly blessed.
I remember that day
I remember the night I read the rest 1st post about Jilli. I was in my car about to head onto work and had a moment. There are no words to express what you guys have been through. Happy to see Jilli is still just as strong and filled with life. Jillians army strong!! Xxoo
Your family is so strong. Lots of love to your family πππ
Prayers from Nebraska. Your words strike a chord for so many of us who have experienced the totally unexpected diagnosis of pediatric cancer.
Keep your eyes on the prize. God bless your daughter and your whole family, and may she continue to flourish and remain cancer-free. (Note: we met you in March at a breakfast place in Vegas – we sat across from you. My husband has been battling stage 3 colon cancer for almost 5 years, so we understand the fear.)
ππππππ Thank you too all! I’m forever in your debt for your thoughts and prayers over the past 3 years! ππππππ General Dad
Even though Jillian is well and healthy today, this made me cry.
I am so happy she is here today and has the chance to be a child. π She will now and forever be a figure of strength and an inspiration to many but I know as parents one of the things you want most is to see her get to be a little girl.
Reading this brings me images of a month spent in the hospital with my daughter. Trying to stay positive is the hardest and the battle ahead even harder at those times. But you gather your strength and you pull thru. You and your family are so strong and I wish you all the best.
We met you and Jillian at the doctors office. She’s just the cutest kid ever. My daughter and I thought we were meeting a celebrity since we had been following your blog and heres Jillian like its just another day. π
Many blessings to your family. β€οΈ
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Continuing to keep Jillian and your family for continued good health and peace and blessings. Hugs
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(((Hugs))) ππ» π
The tears are flowing but now they are tears of joy I can’t believe the outpouring of support in the last 3 years and what everybody has gone though. 3 years down and many more for Jillian I’m sure!
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Jillian and her family are in our thoughts and prayers. I love it when Jerilee Campman sends me photos of her. She is such a beautiful girl. HUGS
Prayers and much peace for you Amber…and the whole family. May Jillian never know a repeat of any of her past few years!ππππ
I was there that day too, I did her CT scan when you guys were in the ER. It was hard for me because I had a little one at home almost exactly the same age. I’ve followed, prayed, and fought beside you guys since… She’s one tough girl! πͺπΌπ
Prayers for you
I am SO glad she’s a fighter like her mommy. Way to go Jilly
I am SO glad she’s a fighter like her mommy. Way to go Jilly