The best present!

Today is Hadley's birthday. But even better - she got her cast off today! 

At 8 a.m. we were ready and waiting, but we didn't really know what to expect. So, here is my best summary of the events that took place.

First they sawed it in half on top and bottom. Then they cut through the gauze with scissors and then pried it apart with a metal tool. And the last step is the most important one: Wash it! 

After the cast was off, they took x-rays for 1 last look. They take the x-rays and within 5 minutes they show you them on an iPad. Pretty cool! 

Her bones are growing well. Now she just needs to build up the muscles in her arm for basketball season.

VA and Dr. J

We went to see Dr. Jeong Friday (Sept. 23). Mom's blood work shows her white blood cells and platelets dropped a little. At this point, they should go up, so we were concerned. Dr. Jeong says "It's ok. Looking month to month, it's on an upward trend." And he's right, compared to 1 month ago, her numbers are slightly up, but compared to 2 weeks ago, they fell. 

The next bone marrow test will be early November, and she will start back on the chemo pills November 15 and take them for 15 days. Between now and then she will have her blood checked and hopefully get some more strength back.

Who you callin' Shirley?

It's a face-off. Who has more curls?

Haden vs Grandma

Haden does not want his hair cut. He's growing it out so he will resemble Luke Skywalker as he appeared in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. Halloween is serious business around here!

Grandma does not want a haircut, either. Her hair is coming in thicker... and curlier! It was straight as an arrow before and now its got some wave to it.

Just call her Curly Shirley!

Mom went to the Cancer Center for blood work yesterday (Monday). Although her numbers are still low for a normal person, they are doing great for her. She is getting a little stronger every day.

The next thing we are looking forward to is getting to see Dr. Jeong next week and Hadley gets her cast cut off on Sept. 26, her 11th birthday. She's got less than 2 weeks to wait!

Hadley had her sports physical this week. She is 58" tall. 

I am 58.5" tall and Mom (Grandma) is 59" tall. 

Is it any surprise Hadley is trying out for the basketball team? 

Where does her height come from? Her dad is 6'2" and her great-grandpa (his mom's dad) is 6'5". However, her great-grandpa on our side (Virginia's dad) went by the nickname "Shorty."

Genes are crazy things!