Update

Kirstenmumof3 wrote: Spencer is doing really well. His last trip to Toronto went well, all of his counts continue to be in the normal range for someone that underwent a bone marrow transplant. We're not sure when they will return to normal. Spencers next apt. in Toronto is August 23. They are going to decide then if we can go every other month to Toronto. He is now down to every other week at the hospital here. Spencer can start going to malls and movie theatres now. Spencer will definately be going to school in September, but the pic line will remain in for a few more months. He can have McDonalds and Tim Horton Donuts as long as they are fresh (within a 2 hours on the shelf). We are still having a lot of behaviour problems with Spencer but we were able to get him into counselling right away.

Claudia has graduated from the "baby" section at Walmart and is now wearing size 4. Hard to believe that just a month ago a 3x was too big for her. DH and I had to go and buy her some new pj's as she had outgrown most of hers. Claudia is quite the character and generally just a very happy little girl. She is very content to play in her room or the front porch (where her little people are) by herself. It's very cute to listen and watch her play. She has told us that she wants to be a doctor when she goes trick or treating. She's so cute.

Emily has shot up about an inch, I think she is now 5' 5". She is going to be so tall. We have to start getting out more. Riding our bikes together, like I promised at the beginning of the summer. It's just hard with all of the many appointments that Spencer, myself and DH & I together have. She has almost finished all 6 Harry Potter Books. Now I'm not sure what we will do with her.

DH and I are going to marriage counselling. Our first session was on Thursday and it went well, I guess. I have called the Cancer Centre and have an apt. on Tuesday to speak with one of the Counsellors there. They don't offer any support for pediatric cancer patients. They only deal with adults.

I am still depressed, eating way too much, spending way too much and sleeping way too much. I can't seem to pull out of it. I'm falling asleep on the couch during the day, which isn't good. Still trying to adjust and cope with everything. I have an apt. with my family doctor next monday so I am going to talk to him about things. I force myself to get up and do chores around the house. But everything seems to be such hard work. Giving Claudia a bath, reading her stories, I'm almost falling asleep and she's bouncing off the walls. I'll be okay.

I've really missed all of you. I'm sorry if I worried you. I just needed to get my head together and I'm still trying. Thanks for everything!

Bee_Kay replied: Kirsten, I was just thinking about you yesterday and wondering how things were going.

You continue to get well.... you have been through so much as a wife and mother!! It's so great to hear that Spencer is doing well!

Take care Kirsten!!

PrairieMom replied: I'm glad to hear that things are looking up. Keep taking care of yourself!

ashtonsmama replied: I'm so happy to hear things are sounder better finally! KUP!

C&K*s Mommie replied: Kristen, it is funny how you were on our minds the other day and here you are giving us an update. You were on my mind yesterday as well.

Glad all is looking up and well for Spencer. I hope he continues to improve and enjoy McD's and Tim Horton's.

P&PT's for you and your DH, as well as your depression.

kimberley replied: thanks for the update. i am sorry you are so tired. it takes time to get back to normal.. just hang in there.

what a big girl Claudia is! i can't believe she wears size 4.. it seems like yesterday she was just a baby. I bet you are really proud of Emily. She is growing into a wonderful young lady. i hope you can have some more time just the two of you. and of course, i am thrilled to hear Spencer is doing good. i hope the therapy helps all of you. you and your family continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. if you want to ever meet while you are in Toronto, give me a ring.

mom21kid2dogs replied: Great news about Spencer's counts. Hope things continue to improve with him medically & behaviorally!

Isn't it so funny when kids get stuck in a size for a while then practically skip the next size? Olivia did that too. She wore 4's for 2 years then totally skipped to a 5/6 and 6! Of corse, she hasn't looked back since.

Sorry things for you are still so difficult! We'll continue praying on this end & you continue working on it on yours, okay!

Thanks for the update! I've been off more than on this summer but when I'm near a computer I generally search for your updates!

ZandersMama replied: happy things are finally looking up for you!

AlexsPajamaMama replied: Ooh Kirsten I'm soo happy to hear an update! Glad things are looking up for all of you. Sounds like your girls are growing beautifully! Gotta love Tim Horton's donuts, how wonderful that Spencer is getting healthier! I will keep you in my thoughts, for things to continue to work out with you and DH as well as your whole family

Keep up all the great work, you wonderful Momma!

redchief replied: It's really great to hear from you Kirsten. I'm sorry you're still wrung out, but you're obviously doing everything you can to get things as normal as you can. Hopefully as the routine becomes more like normal, you'll start feeling more normal yourself.

Re: Emily... Sounds like she likes to read. Our Kaitlin liked the Potter stories as well. She's started reading other styles of adolescent fantasy, and especially likes stories with dragons in them... Just an idea. Keep us posted whenever you feel able.

~Roo'sMama~ replied: I'm glad to hear things are going well with your family ~ I'm sorry you're having a hard time personally though. I know how hard it is to overcome depression ~ I found that it was impossible to pull myself out just on my own and had to trust in God to get me through. Just remember that even on the worst days He is there with you.

CantWait replied: Kirsten I'm so glad to hear that Spencer is progressing, and the rest of the kids are growing and doing so well.

As for you, you've been through hell and back, and it's natural that you feel sort of lost in the middle of things. Take time with your healing, things will get better.

A&A'smommy replied: I'm glad to hear spencer is doing better, OMG the girls have grown !!!

I hope you continue to get better seems like you are doing your best and that is what matters I hope things continue to get better from here for you!!!

Kirstenmumof3 replied: Thanks everyone! You are all such wonderful people and I can't tell you how much your support today is helping me today!

coasterqueen replied: So glad to see things are going fairly well there for you.

AlexsPajamaMama replied:
That's because you are soo wonderful!
Have a great day Kirsten!

gr33n3y3z replied: It sounds like things are looking up for you
I'm so glad

And that is very good news about Spencer keep up the good work Spencer
enjoy going to the mall.

And your girls sound so sweet and are getting so big

Keep us updated

Sarah&Mackenzie replied: Glad to hear things are going better!!

luvmykids replied: So good to hear from you! Sounds like the kids are all doing better which is great news! And you're taking all the right steps for yourself, which is an accomplishment in itself. Hope things only continue to look up for you and your family.

DansMom replied: Thanks so much for the update, Kirsten! It's great to hear that Spencer is doing much better---and it's great to hear about the other kiddos too. I hope the depression subsides for you soon. You are really trying, doing what you can to keep moving forward.