Wednesday, July 27, 2016

The unwanted guest

What a July it's been, for our family.

Brooklyn's latest test results came in a little over a week ago. Her MRI was NED (no evidence of disease) and while her urine markers were up, the oncologist assured us it's nothing at all to worry about as random urine samples for absolutely anyone can change from day to day.

The spot on her liver has not changed in any way, therefore the doctors will continue to monitor it with ultrasounds every three months after her MRI scan and bloodwork.

She has officially moved to the 'aftercare' clinic in 3F at McMaster.
The secretary congratulated us when she handed back our appointment card.

This month we celebrated and thanked our friends and family with a big party at our place... food, cold drinks, ice cream, fun and lots of laughter. We cried a little, hugged a lot and ended the day feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for our village.

A front AND backyard full of our family and friends. We are so blessed.

Brooklyn is, by all definitions, back to normal.

She'll be participating in the Heater's Heroes event next month in Niagara Falls.
She's happily attending camp twice a week.
Swimming in the pool with her brothers.
Playing with friends.

She is a survivor.
She is a hero.
She is my daughter.

Despite all this goodness and normalcy, lingering doubt remains.
My mama brain never shuts off.

She expressed feeling very dizzy two days in a row this week and the roller coaster of worry began...

What if?
How could?
Why?

Let me tell you, the thing about cancer is that once it's arrived, you can never really pack it up and send it out the door. There will always be an unwanted guest in the heart of a parent whose child experiences cancer.

I pray for, and worry about my kiddos every. single. day.
But this unwanted guest called cancer, it has the strength to overwhelm gratitude.

#TeamBrookie #WarriorPrincess