The Christmas Squirrel

For your own peace of mind, do not leave anything shiny around my child.  He'll snatch it like a thief takes a purse from a little old lady.  I have been searching for my wedding band for over a week now and Zach has sit back and watched me crawl around on the floor checking under the dressers, under the bed, going through my purse and all over the car.  That sly kid had my ring the whole time.  The thought had dawned on me to check his room since he's gotten a penchant for hiding things...thanks Branden and Cameron for showing him some really good hiding spots!  However, I wanted to not jump all over his case and was just thinking I was having a late 20's breakdown of my mind.  Surely I had misplaced the ring.  Right?  Right!? 

That would be a big, fat NO.  While on the phone with at ZTC donor last night, I witnessed my little squirrel as he came in my room and went right to my jewelry box.  He proceeded to rifle through it like a pro and produced a diamond stud.  Wow.  What a pro.  Had the balls to come in and take it right in front of me.  Hmmm.  Got me thinking again about how my ring may be in his room.  I get off the phone and promptly forget about my ring.  This morning while Zach was still sleeping though I suddenly remember and run into his room while he's not there to distract me again.  Sneaky squirrel.  I look under his bed and find all kinds of stuff...no ring though.  Adam checks his closet and finds my tweezers and nail clippers.  Shiny objects.  I'm sitting in the floor wondering where this boy could have put my ring and Adam jumps up and reaches for the piggy bank.  We share a Ahhhha moment and decide to empty it out and check it.  Among Zach's money we find a few paper clips, casino chips and behold...my wedding band.  Lesson learned.  Check the piggy bank first next time.

We also had a visit to Duke this week.  On Monday.  And we're still waiting for results today.  Thursday.  I think my hair is falling out from all the pulling on it I've been doing while I wait for this stupid phone call.  I have been taking this frustration out on presents this morning.  They are taped up real good.  Family is not gonna be happy with me for all this tape.  Oh well.  Better to have less tape at the end of the day than hair.

For the first time, I have taken a few pics of Zach during his routine cancer check.  No scans this time, but tons of other tests to pass the day for us. 

He's passing time in the waiting room by playing.

The fear starts to set in.

He thinks we can't reach him in the corner.  And then contemplates his choices.

                         

This was not fun for him.  The actual blood draw isn't so bad, it's the build up that gets us.  This was his, "I'm glad it's over" face.

Back out to the waiting room.  The blue and green dinosaur made the blood work somewhat worth while to him.  That and coloring.

 Finally in the room to see the doctor and we're going on past 2 hours being here.  I didn't use my Duke brain and didn't pack enough food so we resort to playing games of hide and seek.

 He loves a good game of hide and seek.  Especially when it involves wallowing all over the not-so-clean hospital floor.  This smile is for Mommy as I freak out about germs...

I took these while at Duke by myself and they aren't the greatest, but I wanted to show people that even without scans, these visits aren't easy for kids and parents and that's why we collect toys for kids, like Zach, who are there all day and parents either forgot, or like me, didn't put on their good thinking cap and didn't realize I'd need more toys today.  I hope this shows people what a general day at Duke looks like.  Minus chemo.  Minus sedation.  Minus not eating.  Minus throwing up.  You get the point.  This was actually a great day at Duke, even with my forgetting to pack more food and toys.  An easy day some would say. 

We're waiting for results and while it would be a really great Christmas present for me, but I'm going to take what I've got and just trust that Zach is as good as he looks.  Those results will be negative and he'll still be NED.  However, Santa, if you are reading this, please make Duke call me and tell me that my miracle child is still NED.  It would just make me feel better.  Merry Christmas ya'll.

Holly's World: Bee-otch

Holly's World: Bee-otch: "So the time has come that Zach has learned one of many words he shouldn't say. Don't ask me why I thought those little ears wouldn't h..."

Bee-otch

So the time has come that Zach has learned one of many words he shouldn't say.  Don't ask me why I thought those little ears wouldn't hear me, but as I'm telling Adam about our experience of having Zach's pictures made and about the lady (Bee-otch, not just plain B*tch) that was taking the pics...Zach decides to listen for once and then repeats the word over and over again.  Then it got interesting.  He started putting it together in a sentence and laughing, as in, "Daddy, you are a Bee-otch!  hahaha!"  hmmm. 

I know as parents first of all I shouldn't have said that word, but second - we shouldn't laugh when he says things like that, but man was it funny.  In my mind, I wasn't thinking about what he was saying, but how he said it.  It was one of the clearest words he's ever said.  On top of that, he used it in a few different sentences and was able to get the sentences correct.  Examples: "You are a bee-otch.", "My Mama said you were a bee-otch." and my personal favorite, "Why are you being a bee-otch?" 

All this from a kid that has been going to speech therapy to help him pronounce words correctly...it seems to be working better than I'd originally thought. 

So far we've put a lid on the word and he knows he isn't supposed to say it again, but you never know when he'll decide to put it to good use in the future.  I'm thinking Walmart or Christmas will be the place he'll decide to use his new word.  Always keeping it interesting at the Leggett Family Christmas! 

Obviously, Zach is doing quite well these days and I couldn't be happier about that.  He helped me make our first ever gingerbread house - you tell me how you think it turned out.

It was pretty until the roof wouldn't stay on since someone kept eating all the icing.

He goes back to Duke on Monday, December 20 for a six month check up.  He'll have lab work, urine tests and a physical.  We've been given a wonderful gift this year - we're far enough out from treatment Zach doesn't have to get a scan this time and doesn't go back to Duke until June 2011.  Merry Christmas to me! 

We're also going to plan on taking toys to Duke that day to make the most of our trip.  The toys Zach's Toy Chest donates are the only toys the Valvano Day Hospital receives.  I am hoping to keep their toy chest stocked again this year.  We'll see! 

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers - I truly believe they have gotten us where we are now and will continue to help us in the future.  Merry Christmas!

scanxiety with no scan?

Even more changes this week.  My job was a bust and didn't happen, but we found a new home so we'll all be together again under one roof.  Some things just happen for a reason I guess.  At least that is what I keep telling myself.  I contacted Duke about Zach's December visit and was informed they are not doing a scan this time.  To say I was thrown for a loop isn't correct - I was blindsided by this new information and not entirely happy with it. 

To a parent of a cancer kid, scans are not your best days by any means, but the scan itself represents something solid that I can see for myself that the cancer is still gone.  Blood work and urine tests just aren't enough for me...I've got to have proof I can see.  On the flip side of that, Zach doesn't have to fast and drink any nasty contrast or have any IV's this time.  I'm really happy not to have to deal with all that crap, but I still want something concrete to prove to me that this stupid crap is still gone and my baby is good to go.  I know I'm a hot mess right now, but it is what it is.  I'm working through my fears and trying to do what is best for Zach.  

Not having another CT scan is good for Zach - it means no radiation, no hunger, no IV pokes, no throwing up after meds, not such a sucky day at Duke - you get the picture.  It also means that Zach is far enough out from his treatment plan that he only needs another scan next June and then none for the rest of his life.  I can't even wrap my brain around this concept of not having this routine anymore, as abnormal as a routine it was, it was still our routine...weird.  So I've struck a deal with our oncology team that we'll continue to do urine tests, blood work and a physical exam when at Duke, but no scans until June 2011 and then no more ever unless there is reason.  The urine is a huge deal for Zach since that test alone is better than looking at his bloodwork.  Duke sends his pee cup to the Mayo Clinic for testing and as longs as it is within the normal range, we're good to go - no neuroblastoma. 

Finding all this information out so close to Thanksgiving has made me really think more than normal.  So this year I'm thankful for many things, but above all, I'm thankful to have a happy and healthy boy on my hands along with an awesome husband and great family.  Happy Thanksgiving ya'll! 

The countdown begins...

So lots of changes are happening in our lives these days...I have a part-time job back in Cary (woo hoo!) and start Tuesday.  Nowhere to live yet, but its a work in progress and we'll be staying a few days with our VERY GOOD FRIENDS while we look for a new place.  Hoping to be in a place of our own before Thanksgiving...it was making me sad to think that we wouldn't be able to put out our Christmas decorations this year since we've been staying with family.  Now I'm getting excited again about all being together and happy and having a place to call home. 

At least home for 6 months before moving again!  Past ready to be settled down in a permanent home.  I just want to clarify that we are so very grateful for having such wonderful family and friends that help us, but I'm am so ready to just have a home of my own again.


We've got the toy drive starting Friday, November 26th  - that's right...BLACK FRIDAY!  Lots of good deals, pick up something for Zach's Toy Chest.  It will make your day and theirs when you do this - it is a great feeling to know that you've helped make someones day a little bit better.


Zach is also having his visit to Duke for a cancer check and scan in December.  Not sure on the dates just yet, but will post more when I have that info.  My scanxiety has started without even knowing the dates...I am going to have to start mediating or something to relax myself.

Grand total...drum roll please.....

What an AWESOME weekend for Zach's Toy Chest!  We raised $2,157.50 at our first Cruizin' for Childhood Cancer Motorcycle Ride and $790 at our first Giving Grill at Whole Foods Market in Cary. 

We accomplished something I've been dreaming about for a while now - we raised awareness for all the bald kids and raised money to provide the local hospitals with toys for these kids while receiving treatment.  What a success! 

I'm happy, but far from content.  This experience has given me a drive to do something more.  I am already fully planning our 3rd Annual Holiday Toy Drive and it is coming together beautifully.

HERE'S A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS, RIDERS, SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS THAT CAME OUT TO OUR EVENTS THIS WEEKEND AND HELPED MAKE THEM SUCH A SUCCESS!

Adult Bibs, Bearded Ladies and more...the fair is in town!

It's official...I am a true blond under the red hair.  If there was something to forget this week, I've forgotten it.  I'm just saying it now - sorry!  To say things have been crazy is a serious understatement. 

Our week started off in a restaurant and since then each time we go eat, I've learned to be on guard of 'weird restaurant happenings'.  So we're sitting at a local joint and this middle aged woman walks by with something under her arm...no biggie at this point.  She gets to her table and whips out two plastic bibs, complete with a pocket to catch food.  You know the ones...like we all used for our toddlers when they were learning to use fingers and/or forks.  The lady puts her own on and then the waitress puts the husbands on for him.  Please do not think I am making fun of elderly people.  I am not.  These were people my parents age, not elderly.  I've really never seen anything like this and cannot stop staring.  I videoed it and would post it if I could figure out how, but it was really entertaining.

Our next eating out adventure took place a favorite brunch spot up in Cary and I swear the State Fair lost it's Bearded Lady.  Usually it is all me that notices things like this, but this time it was Adam.  And boy did he notice.  He actually told me my little peach fuzz wasn't so bad after all...  What a compliment.  I have since seen this lady twice since the first offense.

Our final restaurant adventure was back at the scene of the crime at the local joint in Williamston.  We were deciding on what to have when Zach is suddenly seized by pain and starts withering around in pain on the floor and on my lap.  He can't walk because the pain is so bad.  He tells me between tears that his belly hurts.  Talk about panic.  This kid had a grapefruit size tumor in his belly without me knowing - so whenever he says his belly hurts I am all ears.  Turns out it was an extreme gas attack.  Who knew that kids his age got attacks like that??? Not me.  He hasn't had something like that since he was a newborn so it caught me completely off guard.  I've got a arsenal of those gas drops in my purse now though, just in case. 

We decided not to try anymore eating out after this.  I've more than met my quota of weirdness for the week.  Enough of adult bibs, ladies with beards and gas attacks...

The motorcycle ride, Cruizin' for Childhood Cancer, is almost here and has been planned as best as I know how.  Hope everyone is ready for tomorrow - LOTS going on! 

I am thankful for the perfect weather we are supposed to have and hopeful for a massive crowd to join us at The Pig in Williamston.  Whoever is too far away or can't make the ride - you need to hop on over to Cary and see all the lovely volunteers for our Giving Grill at Whole Foods Market Fall Harvest Festival from 12-6pm.  Both events should be awesome thanks to all our supporters.

See you all tomorrow at one event or the other.  Thanks for making Zach's Toy Chest such a success!  Check out the website for all the details of both events by clicking here.  We're making a lot of kids happy by supplying a distraction in the form of a new toy.

It wasn't me...

Zach has been blaming everything he does on the 'ghost' and 'monster' lately.  I wonder if this would work for me?  I'd like to see people's faces when I said, "Oh no, it wasn't me, it was the ghost!"  Weird looks are not that uncommon for me, so no biggie there.

I need some good people to step up and be volunteers for me Oct. 23 from 12-6pm at Whole Foods, Cary.  We are having our Giving Grill that day where ZTC will get 100% of all money we collect.  You'd have to serve plates of hamburgers and/or sausages for $5/plate and chat about ZTC - easy peasy.  This event is taking place the same day and time as Cruizin' for Childhood Cancer so I won't be able to make it to the event and force people to buy plates or else...this is where my volunteers come in ;)

Cruizin' for Childhood Cancer is getting bigger and better every day - yay!  Now we have to pray hard for sunny 75 degree weather.  Here is the final schedule of events and times for each singer along with the ride route.  Please be aware that this is an estimated timeline and may vary slightly.  We are hoping to stick as closely as possible to these times.

9 AM-4 PM - Bouncy house, face painting, ice cream, funnel cakes, vendors, live music
  9:30 AM - Sarah Hardison
10:15 AM - Jamie Byrant
11:00 AM - Ride starts
11:15 AM - Michelle Perry
   12 Noon - Dick Feyer
 1:00 PM - Lunch served, Powerstroke

Ride Route: 
Ride leaves Piggly Wiggly, takes 17 South towards Washington
Right on Wharton Station Road
Right on Hwy 264 going towards Greenville
Right on Hwy 30W - to Stokes and stops at Country Mart, 15-20min break.
Leave Stokes on 903 towards Bear Grass
Left on 1001 going towards Bear Grass
Right on Sweet Home Church Road and cross over Hwy 17
Left on Goddard Town Road
Right on Smithwick Creek Church Road
Left on Fire Dept. Road
Right on Hwy 17, back in town to the Piggly Wiggly.
Total miles: approx.70  Total time: approx. 1hr 50min

Thanks to everyone and all businesses that are sponsoring the ride and helping volunteer - we could not do any of this without you!

 

Shat!

It's been an interesting morning.  A lovely pile of dog shat awaited me first thing and even though I have washed my shoes, I can't shake the smell of crap.  We arrive at my office/sister's house/babysitter to order a batch of shirts for ZTC and update facebook and the website only to find that we need a permit from our local police to have our motorcycle fundraiser...and it isn't free.  There goes $50 towards paperwork. 


We have worked so hard for all our donations that I'm actually mad that I have to spend $50 on this permit.  I'm working on a way to get around this before my meeting with the officer after lunch.  We will see what happens.  


I'm still out and about druming up donations and asking for sponsors for this ride - if you want to be a part of this awesome event, let me know! 


ZTC is also having an event, the Giving Grill, in the Triangle area at Whole Foods Market in Cary.  This too will be a really great event. There will be local beef burgers and sausages available for a $5 donation to support Zach's Toy Chest along with much more!  Please come out to support ZTC in the Triange area if you are not already participating in the ride.  We appreciate you guys more than we can say!

Elvis Anyone?

Cruizin' for Childhood Cancer is shaping up to be a spectacular event thanks to you all.  Here's the line up so far:

9AM-4PM - Bouncy house, face painting, ice cream, funnel cakes, snow cones, vendors, live music
11:00 - Ride starts
11:15 - Sarah Hardison (country/gospel)
11:45 - Jamie Byrant (country/gospel)
12:15 - Michelle Perry (gospel)
  1:00 - Powerstroke (classic rock), Lunch served
  2:00 - Dick Feyer (Elvis songs)

Today has been pretty awesome.  I started out this morning in Plymouth recording a public service announcement for the ride on Magic 95.9.  Truly fun and funny experience.  I believe I like hearing myself on the radio - I could really get used to that.  However, the funny part came when the DJ told me I smelled really good and wanted to know what I was wearing...haha.  I told him it was called, "Shower".  Such a little thing, but it made me laugh.

Hanging out with Zach this afternoon while I update the website and face book has been fun too.  Zach hears me talking to myself as I type and calls me a 'weirdo'.  Gotta love how perceptive he is these days.  He has also learned the word, heifer.  He heard me yell at a bad driver and now he thinks it so funny to just yell out, 'Move you heifer!'  It could always be worse  :)

Make sure you mark your calendars and are at the event of the season!  Oct. 23rd. Piggly Wiggly parking lot, Williamston.  See you there!

New at this

Here goes - I've jumped into the world of blogging and have a brand new way to reach people and make them help me in my mission to raise awareness for childhood cancer.  I'm finally free to say whatever I want and not worry so much about offending others, however, this blog isn't meant to offend anyone, it was created so I can talk about what I want people to know. 

My son, Zach, had cancer and boy did it suck - big time.  My baby was only 10 months old when we discovered he had stage 3, intermediate risk Neuroblastoma.  Tests, tests and more tests revealed that Zach had a grapefruit size mass in his belly that started near his right adrenal gland and right kidney.  How in the world did we miss this???  I'll never know how we missed such a large tumor, but am glad we found it when we did.  That's all that matters at this point.

I wanted to take a sec and let everyone know how much we have appreciated everything that was and is done for our family.  Without help from family and friends, we wouldn't have made it through that first day, much less the last 2 years.  Everything from cards sent to Zach to food dropped off to fundraisers to help us pay for medical bills.  WOW - just thinking back on all that was done for us is overwhelming me.  You guys are great! 

As most of you know, once Zach started getting better, I needed something else to focus on besides his cancer.  Zach's Toy Chest was created to help keep Duke and Pitt Children's Hospitals stocked with toys to hand out to kids receiving cancer treatments.  A toy = A distraction.  My goal is to give these kids something to distract them from why they are at the hospital.  Its not much, but its something.  I can always use help and if you want to help us with our mission, let me know and I'll put you to work!

Currently ZTC is holding our first ever, Cruizin' for Childhood Cancer Motorcycle Fundraising Ride.  We need everyone we know within driving distance to hop on their bikes (sport, Harley, Honda, whatever) or in their cars and come on over to the Piggly Wiggly in Williamston, NC on Saturday, October, 23rd.  Registration starts at 9:30AM and the ride starts at 11AM.  We are having live music from the band Powerstroke, Jamie Bryant, Sarah Hardison and more!  There will be BBQ sandwhiches, hotdogs, chips, deserts, and drinks for lunch.  Raffles and door prizes will be given out as well.  Bouncy house, face painting, 'who can draw the best motorcycle in sidewalk chalk' contest, and much more!  Just check it out on facebook, the website or here.  Call me for info or questions:  702-439-9394 or email at zachstoychest@gmail.com.

So now that I've got this blog and can update everyone on things for Zach's Toy Chest, Zach and our family and whatever else is on my mind I hope you all keep reading and stay interested.  More to come soon!