HAIR LOSS AND CUT (Simeon)

Thursday I woke up and a lot of my hair was on my bed and floor.  I was a little shocked but more excited.  I knew my hair was going to come out because  my mommy told me way ahead of time about it.  I was shocked because the way my hair came out it was in patches.  I was excited because it came out so soon.  Daddy and Mommy took me to the barbershop and I got a designer haircut.  I think the haircut looks exquisite.  My head does not hurt anymore since I got it cut.  When the hair was coming out it felt really sensitive.  My barber did the designer haircut for FREE!!  He said, just  let other cancer kids know that he does designer cuts for free.  My barber shop name is New Image in Four Corners Florida. On Tuesday I'm going to meet with my surgeon about implanting my Port this will give me much more freedom.  I have home school on Wednesday and more Chemo on Thursday.  I feel prepared for Chemo because I know what to expect.  I thank God for helping me and giving me strength.

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  Romans 5:3-5

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-New-Image-Barber-Shop/197735526979671?v=info

CHRISTmas (Simeon)

 

Christmas was exquisite!  I was blessed with lots of gifts from so many people and a great foundation.  Most of my gifts were remote control operated cars, planes, and lots of Science stuff.  My sister and I both had bedroom makeovers!! Now I have a spaceship room, I love it!  On Christmas day I helped my Mom make a huge breakfast for the family it was lots of fun because I love to cook.  The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus the Christ and God's gift to all people.  Monday I bought some fireworks and watched the movie The Help. Tuesday I had to go back to the Oncologist for blood test.  I also had another PICC dressing change.  All my test were great and I don't have to wear the mask!  Yes!  While I was at the Doctor I told the nurse I really wanted to look at my blood in my microscope so she made a slide for me with my blood, I was so excited and flabbergasted!  As soon as I got home I looked at my blood and it was the coolest thing ever. You can't imagine how your blood looks magnified 900 times.  Tomorrow I go back to the doctor for more blood test and more good news ;)  I am` happy I was able to be home and walking strong for Christmas to celebrate Jesus birthday.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

THE MASK (Simeon)

Yesterday I had another Nupagyn shot at the doctors office but this time my Mom gave it to me.  Now my mom has to give me the shot so we don't have to drive to the Oncologist office every single day.  After my shot I had to have my PICC dressing changed again, it feels relaxing because the nurse cleans it really good and it is not as itchy when it is first changed.  Whenever we go out I have to wear a mask, I don't like the mask because the air feels dry and I look really funny and weird.  My Daddy said I need to wear it because people will get me sick.  When I'm at the doctors I don't feel weird because almost all the kids wear a mask but I don't like being the only person wearing a mask.  I'm feeling really great and I know God knows I'm beautiful!

" You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit. Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose. Job 10:11-13

WALKING STRONG! (Simeon)

Today I was much stronger in my walking it felt great!  My sister mom and me went to the doctors office so I could have another Nupagyn shot.  The shot is painless and the nurse used a really small needle.  I still have to have the shot everyday.  I have to wear a mask so the germs don't attack me and so I won't get sick.  If I get sick the white cells are not strong enough to fight the germs and it might take a long time for me to get better.  I'm playing a lot so I know that the red cells are growing back.  I'm seeing a lot of cool things through my microscope once I got the light working  like hair, a villa leaf, and pollen.  I praise God for helping me walk again.... 

 

"The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed."  Psalm 28:8

 

BEAT IT! (Simeon)

Yesterday I felt very sick, nauseous and I had pain in my shoulders.  I was vomiting through out the day and I just felt terrible.  I went to have a Nupagyn shot at the Oncologist office, I have to have it everyday to help my bone marrow.  Last night Daddy prayed over me for a long time and when I woke up this morning I felt as healthy as a horse!  God is so good!  Praise God!  My Doctor said he never seen the shot work so fast but it was Daddy praying.  Today was a great day I walked all day without my walker and felt really strong. Food is starting to taste normal again but I'm still eating Hummus and crackers a lot because it taste so good.  I have already beat cancer!

"Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me." Micah 7:7

BEADS OF COURAGE (Simeon)

The second day of Chemo went great.  I felt great just a little pain in my back and a little weak.  I played the Wii a lot in the play room, it's lots of fun.  Then my mom and me made ornaments for the Christmas tree.  After that I made beads of courage.  Beads of Courage represent your courage through your cancer fight, each bead represents some part of the cancer fight and I have a lot of beads already so I have lots of courage.  These are the beads I have so far:

 23 Yellow = Nights in the hospital

13 Purple = Pain Medication

7 Black = Blood draws and Picc injections

6 Light Green = MRI, EKG, CT Scan X-Ray

6 Silver = Dressing Change

3 White = Chemotherapy

2 Aqua = Foley

2 Red = Blood Products

2 Stars = Surgery

1 Orange = Line Placement

1 Magenta = ER

1 Red Heart = ICU 



Me wearing my beads of courage



http://www.beadsofcourage.org/pages/beadsofcourage.htm

I spend a lot of time in the playroom and my sister came to visit I also have some friends from mom job visiting.  I'm going home Monday. God is helping me fight through this in Jesus name!

" And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen." Matthew 21:21

My sister Nia and me walking the Oncology Unit

VERY FIRST CHEMO (Simeon)

Me and my First Chemo Nurse Kelly

Me and Miss Kaci

 My mom and I got in the hospital on Wednesday.  I had a MRI and it came back very good there was no problems.  Thursday was a fun day I met a new friend in the playroom named Jayden. I also got to see Kaci my physical therapist I miss her she's really good.  We did some different things and she was really happy to see me walk.

My very first Chemo started on Thursday night.  I was very upset because I did not want to have chemo but my nurse Kelly gave me some medicine in my PICC and showed me how to work the pump and that made me feel better.  When the treatment finally started I was really tired so I just went to sleep.  When I woke up this morning I felt great, nothing was hurting and nothing was sore.  God is good......

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

BUSY SCHEDULE (Simeon)



My sister and me

My schedule has been very busy this week, I had home school Monday morning with Mrs.Edwards and it went great.  Tuesday I went to see the Smart Assistant Amy and Dr Baumgartner, I was in a lot of pain so Amy said to go get an MRI to see what was causing all the pain.  Wednesday at 7 a.m. my mom and I went to P.T. at Celebration Hospital, my physical therapist name is Lauren she seems really nice she also said I will do P.T. in the pool once I have the port in because the PICC line that I have now cannot get wet.  I love the water so it sounds fun   After P.T. I had to get the MRI and see Dr. Hajjar for my final exam to start chemo.  I'm getting ready to start chemo, I'll tell you about all that later.  God is doing BIG things.....

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Me and Lauren

P.T.

 

DISNEY CHRISTMAS PARTY (Simeon)



Me with my new microscope

My sister Nia and me

This has been a really great weekend!

My Dad and me

The first day of home school went swell (surprisingly well).  Mrs. Edwards is a great teacher, she gave me just the right amount of homework so I can catch up.  We are going to put up the Christmas tree today.  I'm happy to finally put it up.  The family is going to Kids Beating Cancer Christmas Party today at the Disney Resort.  I'm excited to meet other children that have cancer.  I told my mom and dad that I'm not beating cancer I've beat cancer!  I wonder what this party is going to be like, I hope it's lots of fun.  Well I will write more after the party and have some pictures. Bye. 

The Disney party turned out to be quiet fun.  My sister took pictures with the princess Rapunzel and had her face painted.  I met some other kids with cancer and sickle cell.  I felt like I wanted  to help them all.  My sister and I received a gift and I got what I really wanted a microscope!  There was a candle ceremony for each child with cancer.  There was a girl crying during the candle lighting.  When I got home I was having some pain but I feel much better now.  More home school tomorrow.  Wish me blessings.....

 "But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5



My Sister



My mom and me















http://www.kidsbeatingcancer.com/

My sister lighting a candle for my fight

Candle tree for all Cancer Kids



HOME SCHOOL TOMORROW (Simeon)

My classroom teacher Mrs. Rodriguez and me

Today my mom and I went to my school to have a conference with my home school teacher.  We talked about where she's going to meet us for home schooling and other stuff.  I was happy to see my classroom teacher Mrs. Rodriguez and she was happy to see me.  I really miss my teacher, classmates and all the arts.  My home school teacher is Mrs. Edwards she seems strict and disciplined and I like that so we will see how it goes.  We also went to my mom's job and saw some of her co workers they were funny. Now I see mommy's work is very important because I got two units of blood after my second surgery.  Wow! Thanks donors :) Tomorrow is my first day of home school.  Wish me blessings!


"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

At my moms job with funny co workers.



I LOVE SCIENCE (Simeon)

Today I went to get a handicapped sticker so we can park close to wherever we are going.  I felt relieved to get it because it will be easier for my mom and dad with me and my sister.  Chemo has not started because I am apart of a research study about the cancer and treatment.  I love science so much that I told my mom and dad that I wanted to be apart of the research.  The doctors are going to send a piece of the tumor to scientist to look at and learn from so one day I will be apart of the cure.  Tomorrow mom and me have a meeting at my school so I can be home schooled.  I'm not too excited about being home schooled I would rather go to school but I can't go because I can't have any germs.  I'm going to keep hoping and believing God.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 43:31

TITANIUM RODS AND SCREWS (Simeon)



Me taking a x-ray

 So today I went to see Dr. Woo then I had some x-rays.  Dr Woo said my back looked great and I'm a really good healer.  But we know who the real healer is ;)  He also said that the rib they removed was for my wife ha ha.  I took steps without my walker I felt just a little pain but I was happy to take some steps.  The x-ray pictures are amazing because I see the rods and screws.  WOW!  Tomorrow my mom and I go get a handicapped sticker for the car.  I'll feel good when we have it because we can park much closer to where we're going.  I thank God for teaching me a lot of science while going to the doctors and being in the hospital.

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings." Psalms 36:7


rods and screws in my back



Side view of my back













FINAL TREATMENT PLAN (Simeon)

Dr. Hajjar and me

Today my mom, dad and I went to the Children's Hospital to see Dr.Hajjar my oncologist about when and how the chemotherapy treatment will go.  Dr Hajjar told me that I needed one more test for my breathing the test was called Pulmonary function test.  I had to breath fast hold my breath and blow out air.  They put me in a booth I didn't like the test much because it made my chest hurt and it took a long time.  Dr Hajjar said I could keep my PICC line for one more month then I must have a port.  I'm not to happy about having another surgery but it is best.  The doctor told me that I have to stay in the hospital for the chemo 3 days a week and I'm OK with that.  Tomorrow I see Dr. Woo and I have to get the PICC dressing changed.  I'm excited to see Dr. Woo.  My outlook is good.....


"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."  Romans 8:11

THANKFUL FOR HOME (Simeon)

Me and Pop Pop after Thanksgiving at home

After the first and second surgeries and all my hard work I finally came home. I felt so excited and so thankful. The first time I saw my house and room everything seemed different.  I thought my room would be messy from my little sister bothering my things but I was surprised she didn't bother my things. Everyday at home I had to do PT, I felt so much pain and a little angry.  I was angry because I thought I would be in this much pain for a long time.  After a few days I kinda felt like I was having my normal life again.  My pop-pop came just in time for Thanksgiving.  I was so happy to see him.  I ate a lot of mac n cheese on Thanksgiving.  I was able to visit my school and see my classmates I was happy to see everyone and that motivated me to work harder.  Right now I'm preparing for Chemotherapy, I'm ready to get it going and get it over with.  Chemotherapy kills all the cancer cells so the tumor will not come back.  Tomorrow I go to the doctor and get a breathing test and then I will have Chemotherapy on Tuesday.  I'm really ready to learn again even though I learned a lot about science being in the hospital.  I believe God will guide me though chemotherapy then that will be it.....

"The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful.  For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it?"  Joel 2:11 

Me just being thankful to be home!

THE 2nd SURGERY (Simeon)



My Mom-Mom and me after my 2nd surgery



Dr. Woo and me.  Look at his hands!



Going into the second surgery on Monday I was excited because I knew that I would eat again!  The doctors gave me anaesthesia again but I didn't see anything strange this time.  I was a little concerned that I was going to get struck by lightning in a lightning storm because Dr.Woo was using titanium rods to rebuild my spine.  When I woke up from surgery back in ICU I opened my eyes and saw my mom-mom from Philadelphia, I felt sad and happy at the same time because I couldn't reach up to give her a hug but I tried.  My first meal was pancakes and scrambled eggs and it taste delicious and looked exquisite, I ate that meal so fast.  Then Kaci the physical therapist came by, she sat me up then stood  me up, it hurt more than you can imagine.  I knew I had to work hard to walk again. So I had physical therapy two times a day. Once in the morning and in the evening, it was painful but when Daddy came we had bible study about being strong and courageous, that gave me motivation and made me want to reach my goal.  I received lots of money too. Two weeks later they let me out of the hospital because I was walking with a walker.  I was thrilled to be at home with my whole family. I slept so good in my bed and thanked God for Thanksgiving. I'm counting my blessings.....

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

My first meal

THE 1st SURGERY (Simeon)

Me right after my 1st surgery

The doctor said that I needed to have surgery to remove the tumor.  The Child Life Specialist explained surgery and anesthesia to my sister and I.  I felt relieved when they told me the news I thought my mom and dad felt sad.  The nurses got me and my stuffed dog Buddy ready for surgery.  The doctor gave me anaesthesia and I started seeing things, one of the things I saw was a dog in a yellow skirt.  My parents and Paster Joel thought that it was hilarious so the laughed a lot.  The nurses took me back to the operating room, the anaesthesia put me to sleep and it felt like two seconds before I woke up flat on my back and the tumor was out.  The nurses took me back to ICU there was a huge space in my spine where the tumor was and I could not eat so I felt frustrated because I was so hungry.  I could not move my feet or legs but I knew I would be able to move them and walk again because I trusted God.  My mom did sneak and give me some mashed potatoes though.  During this time Dr Baumgartner and his smart assistant Amy came to see me and check on my progress after the surgery they tried to touch my leg and feet and when they would touch me it felt like a thousand knives poking me and I cried because of the pain. I had a button to push for the extreme pain in my legs but I was happy the tumor was out and I didn't have back pain anymore.  I had lots of visitors and lots of prayers they made me feel comforted but I still knew I had another surgery to rebuild my spine.  I played Wii while being flat so I still had some fun.  I really wanted a hotdog, crackers and hummus so that is what I thought about a lot.  I really felt thankful to Amy and Dr. Baumgartner for taking the tumor out. Now I had to get ready for the 2nd surgery because the first battle was won.......

"For God so love the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16

Dr. Baumgartner the Neurosurgeon, his smart assistant Amy and me

The Devil Strikes (Simeon)

Me when I first arrived at the Children's Hospital

I was in so much pain when my back started hurting. Everyday my back was killing me then I couldn't do as many things as I used to.  I told my parents and they took me to the hospital and the Doctor said that it was just a pulled muscle and I felt relieved.  Then the pain went down to my legs and I could not walk.  My mom carried me to the pediatricians office, I was crying with pain but I knew that God would take care of me.The pediatrician said he didn't know what it was so then I felt furious.  My mom took me to the Children's hospital and they gave me IVs and put pain medication in my IV.  During that time I told my mom that I had a dream that I was in a wheelchair. The nurses took me to get a MRI and I felt excited but then once I realized that I was going to be laying flat I felt a little nervous because I didn't want to feel the pain I laid down and I was in excruciating pain.  The results of the MRI came and the doctor said I had a tumor. The devil strikes......

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him."  LUKE 2:25


The tumor that was on my spine