Treatment Phase II - Consolidation (Part 2)

Here's the second months chemo schedule of the  second phase of Elizabeth's treatment.

1.2.2013 | Day 29 - IV chemo, admitted to hospital overnight
1.3.2013 | Day 30 - IV chemo before being released from hospital
1.4.2013 | Day 31 - IV chemo at Infusion Center
1.5.2013 | Day 32 - IV chemo, at Infusion Center
1.9.2013 | Day 36 - IV chemo at Clinic
1.10.2013 | Day 37 - IV chemo at Clinic
1.11.2013 | Day 38 - IV chemo at Clinic
1.12.2013 | Day 39 - IV chemo at Infusion Center
1.16.2013 | Day 43 - IV chemo at Infusion Center
1.23.2013 | Day 50 - IV chemo at Clinic

As you can see she only has one more dose of chemo for this part.  If Elizabeth's numbers are high enough, she will begin the next part on January 30th.

Me & my girl

I love days having a good time with my little girl.  Pictures of silly faces.  An unsuccessful nap while having quiet time.  An unexpected nap shortly after snuggling together.  Yep.  I love my girl!

project 52 | two

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We have been able to see the sun a little more this last week, and it has been great!  One day when I saw the sun shining through the window I quickly grabbed my camera, got Elizabeth ready, and grabbed the stroller.  We were going for a walk!

I know the photograph that I chose for this week is far from being in focus, but I love it.  It speaks to me.  I love the light shining on Elizabeth's unruly, windblown hair.  I love the laughter that seems so alive.  I love that it shows that Elizabeth is a lively girl that loves to be in motion.  It's so alive to me. This is Elizabeth.  This is life.

project 52 | one

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While in the hospital with Elizabeth Wednesday afternoon, I could tell Elizabeth was getting tired.  I got up from the chair I was in, sat on the side of Elizabeth's bed, tucked her in, and started to sing softly to her.  As I sang I enjoyed the time to gaze at my beautiful little girl.

She had a tough day since she had to get a 'poke' twice (the first one wasn't in her port right).  It's hard for me to see her go through these things.  But as I watched her nod off, all of that faded.

I felt so much love for my little girl in that little hospital room.  My heart was so full that it felt as if it would burst, and tears came to my eyes.  That tender moment with Elizabeth brought light to my day.

my 'one word' & becoming

I have loved the idea of having 'one word' for the year, and have done it the last couple of years.  In 2011 my 'one word' was gratitude, using each month to focus on specific things to be grateful for.  Last year it was more like a phrase, beat anxiety pushing me to do what it took to work on overcoming my anxiety.

There are many reasons why I love having 'one word.'  I loved how I had something to help me remember what I want for the year.  I also love that just because it is only 'one word' it does not mean it only stands for one thing.  In reality it can mean so much.  It can be versatile, and grow in meaning throughout the year.

As 2013 started to approach I began to think about what I want for the year, and kept cycling through different words.  It took me a while, but when it came to me I knew it was right.  It encompassed what I want to work on this year.  So my 'one word' for 2013 is light.

I want to fill my life with light.  I want to recognize light in my life.  I want to share light.  I want to capture light.  I want to feel light.  And more....

While deciding on my 'one word' I also thought about other resolutions for the year (trying to see what word fit with my goals).  At first I was overwhelmed thinking about the things I want to do until I found another way to look at my goals.

It helped so much when I decided to ask myself questions like...
"What habits do I want to have by the end of 2013?"
"What do I want to accomplish in 2013?"
"Who do I want to become in 2013?"

Now I don't have the pressure to do everything on January 1st, and never miss a day the whole year.  I have a whole year to work on these things.  If I miss a day (or more) it's okay, I can try again the next day, week, or even months to work on the goal.  The point is to work on becoming who I want to be.

I love this quote I found on Pinterest....

http://frenchbydesign.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth's December

December ended up being a simpler month for our family since Elizabeth's diagnosis in October.  Here are some things that happened this month...

• Elizabeth only spent 3 nights at the hospital
• 2 nights at the beginning of the month due to a fever
• 1 night a couple weeks later for transfusions
• Aunt Shell came to help out for a week and a half
• Elizabeth was chemo free during Christmas time (from the 19th to the end of the year)
• Had a wonderful Christmas as a family at home (hide & seek, and wrestling were a must after unwrapping lots of fun gifts)
• Grandma came to help us the day after Christmas
• Finished 2012 with a simple but fun party at home (dancing, and Elizabeth playing dress-ups were the highlights)