SURFING CONTEST

I L O V E this one of the boys!

On Saturday the boys were in a surfing contest on the Island (or, Surfside/Freeport/"A-Frames", depending on your perferance). Since we signed them up late, they only had one spot open and it was for Johnny, Joey was totally bummed -- on the verge of being downright mad that he couldn't compete, both of the boys had new wetsuits and booties they wanted to try out too. Next time I think we will get them gloves and maybe even a hood to keep them warm.

The guys at the Texas Gulf Coast Surfing Association (TGSA) asked Mike if he could judge this time and he said yes, but didn't realize that he had to be there at SIX THIRTY in the morning! Yikes! Needless to say, we drove separate...

Joey checking the heat sheet to make sure all of the slots are full

The day was cold at times, every once in a while the sun peaked out and gave us a glimmer of hope it would clear, but mostly it was misty as the fog rolled in and out, sometimes so thick they had to stop the contest because the judges couldn't see the competitors in the water.

Foggy conditions

More fog

Johnny won his heat -- first place. He had a blast, and the glow on his face (it wasn't frost bite, I promise) when he came in from his heat was indescribable. He had a few really good waves, and at one point the crowd on the beach was totally cheering him on with hoots and howls. Luckily he was able to talk Joey into getting suited up and going out for a while (the boys are certifiably crazy). They met another boy and took some Christmas trees that were piled up for beach conservation and decided to try and "surf" them. Since Johnny is a fraction of the big kids weight, he actually got up on one and rode it in.

Johnny getting into it

The "glow"...

Waiting for the results

Get the trophy then let's go home and take a HOT SHOWER!

Surfing a Christmas Tree.

I'm not sure when the next contest is, but I guarantee that everyone will be signed up in time and able to compete!

Next office visit is Friday for labs and pentamidine. I will update more later!

Mikey judging the contest (he didn't judge Johnny or Liz -- both of whom won their heats hands down)
... I'm not partial or anything!

MUD FIGHT!

RIGHT IN THE GUT!

YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY: "THE 7th TIME IS A CHARM"

Today was clinic day. The works: Spinal tap, vincristine and flu shot. I took Johnny this morning, and we almost made it there early too. Yes, me -- EARLY. The last time we were early to something was w a y before Sophie was born and I was taking Johnny to t-ball practice and arrived about 10 minutes ahead of schedule. As I pulled into the parking lot I said "WOW guys, were early.". Johnny freaked out and cried "What's that? Are we in trouble?". Anyway, even with traffic we made it on time, which I will take as an "early".

Not having a port anymore is an issue (good and bad) when Miss Cheryl is on vacation. Miss Cheryl ROCKS BandAid Junction/IV's.

Now the following experience is something that rarely happens at TCH, and we LOVE all the nurses and Doctor's -- heck, they saved my kids life, but today wasn't a great day for Johnny.

The first nurse stuck him three times with no luck. She sighed and asked a rhetorical question "Let's see... who should I call..." I, of course, answered "ROBIN". So she did. Robin came and tried two more times (now we're up to 5 pokes) and finally got it. Again, these people are awesome at what they do (but they don't usually do IV's), and I am not trying to undercut their incredible work they do each and everyday, it was just a long one for all of us.

We got his counts and they were great, his ANC went up to 1,600. We are going to keep his meds at 66% at least for another 4 weeks, check his counts and if they are still good, up the meds to 75%. Talked to the Docs, and then waited 3 hours. We played cards, puzzles and practiced math facts (multiplication). With Johnny (probably everyone), he was ready for action/chemo/spinal as soon as we got there. He puts himself in "the zone" or puts his "game face on", if you will. After waiting 3 hours once we saw the Docs, it pretty much killed the mood for him. He started to think about the impending pokes on his back. And got real quiet. Johnny and I are very similar and sometimes we don't even need to talk to communicate with each other, kind of a "Crockett and Tubbs" relationship (I am SO dating myself with the Miami Vice reference).

I got mad. Quick. I tried not to be mean, but when Johnny gets scared it's hard not too. After I asked few quick questions, things started moving pretty quick to get the procedure going. As the nurses preped Johnny, one very astute nurse noticed that the vein with the IV was blown -- not good. Nothing else looked good on Johnny to start another one. ...And he had explicit instructions where he wanted the next IV to go. Pretty much in his hands - only.

How about your foot? NO!
What if we just do your arm for the procedure and butterfly for vincristine? NO!
What about just about your wrist (almost the joint). NO!

Then the tears came. He tried so hard to hold them back, dug his head in my chest and tried his hardest to cry quietly.

Back to Robin we go. She got it on the second try (were up to 7 now), and it was a good one too. YES! Now back to the procedure room (yes, you have to go back an forth until you find someone who will stick you). Our last resort was to come back another day. That's when I said NO. Anyway, our favorite docs took care of him without a hitch, he fell asleep pretty quick and I don't think he remembered too much after that. I'm not counting the pokes he gets in his back -- if I did, we'd be up to 10 now. What's the record for "Human Pin Cousion"? Anyone? Anyone?

We didn't leave the clinic until 3pm. But thankfully we are home now. He's asleep now, and will probably sleep until lunchtime tomorrow. Today was hard for Johnny, tough on me, and we are both beat. Luckily his next big visit isn't for another 12 weeks -- just in time for his birthday.

The totally awesome news is that the end of treatment is SEPTEMBER 7! -- 2008, but hey, there is light at the end of the tunnel. On New Years Eve as the clock struck midnight and we all cheered and clinked glasses, Johnny quietly said "Yes! In 2008 I'll be done with cancer." and gave me a high five.

Next appointment is in two weeks (no chemo), then two weeks after chemo. I'll keep you updated!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our Christmas holiday was great -- actually downright uneventful. We could use a lot more of those holiday's for sure! We were able to hang out with friends and family, and enjoy each others company -- We did LOTS of baking -- cookies cookies cookies!

We only have a few more days of lounging before we have to get back to school (and freedom for me!) then I can spend my time obsessing about my next project for the house, now that the inside is pretty much finished (for now), I can focus on the outside... Wish me luck.

I also wanted to give you the link to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and the 2007 commercials (and of course sign up for your next donation). Johnny is in both commercials but only has lines in the first one. Here is the link:

http://www.giveblood.org

Then click on Awareness Ads

let me know if it works or not!

Johnny goes for Chemo/spinal tap on Friday. His counts are down from his last egg-filled/cholesterol-charged visit (ANC +3100), but we will still take them at 1,100 -- sans the eggs. Everything else looks good on him -- I will update more this weekend.

Also, DLXSF.com has more Johnny Romano boards for sale -- get 'em while they are hot and support your local skate shop.