It's been several months since my last post

I've been so busy playing videos, xbox, computer games, homework & school, that I haven't had much time for this blog. However, since my last post, I got to watch my new friend Fireman Jack run up the Columbia Tower Stairs on March 8th. Running for the cure & the Leukemia & Limphoma Society. (sp??). Anyway, here's a picture to prove it. And if you wanna see more you can go to http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattle911/archives/163694.asp and check out the whole article in the Seattle Times & PI online. If you look in the photo section you'll see lots of firemen.

Fireman Jack wanted to meet me, so that his run could be for reason. He has 2 children around my age, and is thankful for their health. He's sure been nice to me. I went to his Firestation one day for dinner.

Maybe I should be a fireman when I'm older?? I got my permit, and am going to take driver's ed soon. Looking forward to a vacation this summer. We are going to drive to South Dakota to visit my Aunt Karie & Uncle Noah, along with my Grandma Ging. We're hoping to come back via Yellowstone. I'm looking forward to those geological wonders!! I've been once before, but I dont' remember it. I was only 4. I hope all is well in your world. My world is actually doing great!

Grant Here

Hi all,
sorry for not writing sooner, but I've been busy, busy, busy. I'm back at Mountlake Terrace High School, in 9th Grade. I did like the Hutch School, but I'm really glad to be back at my normal school with my friends.
It feels more normal. My brother is giving me a ride back & forth. I'm still in Physical Therapy, and doing ok. My body seems to be back to normal, except my energy level. I still don't have high energy like I used to.
I did have to have a port put in my chest yesterday so that the doctors can get blood out of me. My body doesn't seem to want to give any blood any more. So, since I need to drain off a pint of blood each month, this is how they are going to do it. But, man, was it painful to put in. This is the 3rd device they have put in my chest, and each time hurts worse than the last. I'm doing better today. I'm tired of feeling like a pin cushion though.
My transplant anniversary came & went - Februay 7th. It's been one year.

I'm hoping to stay healthy for a while. I have a bunch of 1 year appt's to go to at the end of this month. Not looking forward to those, but, then I should have several months off.

Hope you all are well, happy & healthy!

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I had a great Thanksgiving at my Grandma Ging & Grandpa Jack's. Lot's of pies! I think it ended up to be about 1/3 pie each!! We played the family game called Oh Hell. You have to bid on tricks, and there is trump, so sometimes it's difficult.
My mom always likes to point out that she has one once, Thanksgiving 1985!! Against her Grandpa Haney too!! He's gone now, but apparently he was the King of the game.
I'm still going to Fred Hutch School. I miss seeing my friends from the neighborhood, but hopefully I'll get to see them at high school soon. I had a bunch of testing done, so I can have special classes when I get there. Missing 2 years of school doesn't really help me get through school.
Of course I'd rather play video games on my xbox or online. I've been doing that alot lately, according to my mom.
We did go make gingerbread houses at my Aunt Teenie's house last Sat. I made a boat tied up to a dock! I have fish, and even some shark fins in mine. My mom made a train and an espresso stand!! My dad tried making a church, which my mom ended up saving!! So now we have a gingerbread town in our living room.
I will try to take pictures of our decorations and post them later. My mom has gone all out this year.
Keep in touch - and oh....Mrs Perry....if you read this could you email me your address??? We have card to send you, but can't seem to locate your address.
Thanks everyone - and PEACE ON EARTH & GOODWILL TOWARDS EVERYONE!

I miss seeing all my cute nurses! But.....I'm happier here at home!

Hi to all! I miss seeing all the pretty nurses, who became my friends while I was inpatient. But I do like being OUTpatient better! I will come by sometime to say hi! I wish all the patients on the SCCA floor at Children's could get out of there and stay healthy & happy. I figure I'm a miracle, so we know they happen. I hope that all the kids can get their own miracle!

Thanksgiving is coming, and I must say I will be most thankful this year. I won't have to spend it in the hospital, and I can eat all my Grandpa Jack's pies that I want!! I hope they still taste good. My tastebuds don't work like they used to!

I'm also thankful for all of you! Thanks for watching my progress, and keeping in touch. All the prayers seem to be working, so keep those going & I will keep going too.

The Blood Clots are almost Gone!!!!

Yes, it's true. On Friday I had an ultrasound of my legs, and almost all of the bloodclots are gone! There are 2 tiny spots left. So much for them being there the rest of my life!! My mom says Doctors don't know everything! I'm finally off the pain medication, and I'm not having any pain now. Sometimes I get a little head ache, but, I can live with that.
I'm still going to Fred Hutch school in Seattle until January, when I can go back to my regular high school.
My brother turned 17 last weekend, and we went to Game Works, downtown. I still get tired faster than I used to. But, his friends were fun.
I've been playing a lot of video games lately. See ya online.

Still at home & feeling good

Life is good. I got checked out at re-hab yesterday. All the therapists are pleased with my progress. I dont' have to go back! That's the good news!! I'm tired of doctors, and would prefer never to go to Children's Hospital again. But, of course, I still have appointments there. We have been discharged from SCCA and are now officially a patient of Childrens again. We see Dr. Hawkins tomorrow. He's my Ewings cancer doctor, but he will follow me from now on. I'm still waiting to get that Hickman out. I dont' want any infections so I must get that out.
My hair is finally starting to grow back. It's patchy. I hope it comes back the same.
School is going ok. I picked art as an elective, but we might do cooking.
I'm getting out and about. I feel like I can finally walk normal now. I'm not quite running yet, but I will soon. Shannon (my PT coach) works me hard.
Cole drives me places. We see movies, go out for dinner, see friends. I hope to see my friends more soon.

I started school today

I finally get to go to school. It's not the one I want to go to, but at least it's school. The Fred Hutch School is downtown next to the Pete Gross House by the SCCA & Fred Hutch Cancer Research. I only have to go 1/2 days, from 9-12:30. Then my mom has me signed up for an Online math class thru edmnds school distirct. It's different. I have to go to a website everyday, and do work.

Today a guy named Grant, from Team in Training, came by my house and brought me a signed Tatupu helmet from the Seahawks. Wow, it's really cool. He wrote an email to the Seahawks telling them what a big fan I am, so they sent this back for me! Nice.......

I did get tickets for the Jets game in Dec. My 300 days will be over by then. Off to bed, I have to get my sleep for school.