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  • Hello, and thanks for joining me on my journey.

    This is Owen. He is a 3 1/2 year old boy who is loving, energetic and loves to have fun. He was diagnosed with Leukemia on November 18, 2012. This is his story.

Owen’s Leukemia – End of October

Saturday, November 9, 2013 Posted in Uncategorized

Owen had a great October.  He loved being back to school and playing with all of his friends.  October is also a favorite month for Owen because he LOVES Halloween!  All month he asked to hear spooky stories and talk about the holiday. He decided that he wanted to be Mike the Knight.  Being a Knight, he needed a horse to ride and a dragon to slay, so Daddy and Logan helped him out.  He had fun dressing up for a couple of different parties, and for the big night.  Although, on trick or treat it rained quite a bit.  They went out for a little while, but were ready to come home.

Owen had his treatment this past Wednesday.  The way Maintenance is set up is in 3 month increments.  This was the start of the second 3 months which meant he needed a lumbar puncture and the Vincristine.  His appointment wasn’t scheduled until 2 pm and he had to fast since they were sedating him.  Tough day for the little guy.  All of the drugs in his system really knocked him out this time.  He was out of school on Thursday and spent the majority of the day napping and relaxing.  Friday, he was back at school, but still pretty lethargic.  He is still not quite back to himself.  Luckily, this procedure is only every 3 months!!

Here is a picture of the boys from Halloween.

 

by evanshou

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PaulineNovember 12, 2013 - 10:43 am

I am so glad Owen is doing well, he looks fabulous! Those smiles just melt my heart and The costumes are awesome!! :) :)
(((HUGS)))
Pauline

Owen’s Leukemia – October 2013

Wednesday, October 9, 2013 Posted in Chemo,Good Days,Hospital

Hello All!!!  We had a great month of September.  Owen has been feeling terrific!  Two weeks ago he started in a little soccer league on Saturday mornings.  It is perfect for his age.  They go over different techniques each week and then play games using those techniques.  He loves it!!  He gets so excited to go each week.  He also started back to school last week.  The first day, I was a little nervous because I didn’t know how he was going to be when I was leaving, and to my surprise, he was so busy playing with his friends, that he didn’t even realize I was leaving.  I tried to say “good-bye”, but he had the headset on and was playing on the computer.  Right back in to it with no problem.  He even made the comment to me last week that he loves school and never wants to not go again.  Oh how I wish I had a video of that to play back to him in a few years when I am fighting him to go to school:)

Today was a treatment day.  Logan went to school this morning, so Owen and I had a little time before we had to be at the hospital.  There is a big, huge rubber duck on the river in downtown Pittsburgh, and Owen has been wanting to go see it.  That’s what we did!  After, we headed to the hospital.  He did awesome.  It was nice and quick.  They didn’t have to use any tape again this month which was nice.  He did get a flu shot, which he did not like.  Next month he gets sedated, which will be a longer visit.

by evanshou

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PattyOctober 9, 2013 - 7:49 pm

Owen looks wonderful!!! I got to play with Logan this morning. I was working in the YT room. can’t wait to see Owen tomorrow!

Jennifer StonerOctober 10, 2013 - 8:36 am

I am so happy to hear how well Owen is doing!!! I can’t believe how light his hair is…he is one cute boy :)

KimOctober 10, 2013 - 11:30 am

Yay! So glad you guys had a great visit! You can tell Owen that I wasn’t too excited to get my flu shot either… :)

ShirleyOctober 13, 2013 - 3:21 pm

Owen’s hair is so light. Looking good. Glad the treatments are easier.

Laura ParkerOctober 15, 2013 - 11:32 am

So great to hear about Owen! We did Light the Night Walk in Raleigh over the weekend and was thinking about him :)

Amy AOctober 23, 2013 - 8:56 pm

This pic makes me so happy, I’m actually crying tears of joy! He looks so glorious in the sun with that smile and his hair growing in. I’m so happy for all of you, Renee, and continue to send best wishes for strong health. Big hugs!

Owen’s Leukemia – September 2013

Saturday, September 14, 2013 Posted in Good Days

We have had a great month.  Owen has been feeling really good and we have had no issues.  We just came back last weekend from a wonderful week at the beach!  The boys had such an amazing time playing in the sand and jumping waves.  Owen liked to say he was doing “damage” when a big wave would come.  It couldn’t have been a better week.

This week we went back to the hospital on Wednesday for his monthly chemo.  He did awesome!  It was a nice quick treatment, and they didn’t have to use any tape or bandage, so that was a huge plus for Owen.  They were able to access him, take some blood, give his chemo and pull the needle back out.  So quick.  The longest part of the whole visit was waiting for the blood results.  We don’t go back for another month as long as he stays healthy.

We just signed him up to go back to school at the beginning of October.  He is so exited about it!  I am going to go back to work 2 days a week and the boys will go to school (daycare).  The doctors say that it will be ok, but we will just have to be prepared for more ER visits with fevers.  Especially going into the cold and flu season there will be a lot of stuff going around.  We’ll see how it goes!

Here is a shot looking out from our condo that we stayed in at the beach.

by evanshou

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ShirleySeptember 14, 2013 - 10:04 pm

Glad to see you all are looking good.The view is beautiful.Hope it was a relaxing week.All look happy.

Pauline WilliamsSeptember 17, 2013 - 3:35 pm

Awesome Picture of the Family, I am glad all is going well….as always keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!

Mary AnnSeptember 25, 2013 - 12:47 pm

I’m so happy the good news about Owen and of course can’t forget aout the one on the way.Congrats to you and hubby.

Sean O'NeillOctober 4, 2013 - 4:01 am

Hi Renee and Owen, how great it is to read about how well Owen is doing. I am so pleased to see that Owen is heading to school. You must all be so relieved and exhausted after such a tough year, but how great that it all turned out so well. With love and best wishes from England, Sean

Owen’s Leukemia – Day 272

Wednesday, August 21, 2013 Posted in Good Days

Thank you all for all of your comments on my last post!  It means so much to us all!

Owen has been doing really great!  We had a huge accomplishment last week.  Owen learned to swallow pills!  This is such a huge thing because the majority of his medicines in maintenance are pill form, and until last week, we would crush them, mix with sugar water and cherry syrup.  He did not like the flavor at all, and we explained that his other option was to take the pills.  He said he was ready, and just like that, he did them!!  What a grown up boy!

He has been feeling really good.  He did run a low fever last night, but I kept monitoring it and this morning it was back down.  Sorry for the lack of pictures, I will get some up soon.  His hair is really starting to come in and I can’t wait to show it!

by evanshou

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KimAugust 22, 2013 - 11:16 am

What a huge accomplishment! When that kid puts his mind to it, he gets the job done! :)

PattyAugust 22, 2013 - 9:59 pm

Glad to hear Owen is doing great!!! He is such a fighter!

Marnee BaileySeptember 7, 2013 - 1:22 pm

Hi Renee and family!

I’ve been following along and praying for Owen! I’m so glad to hear he’s doing well. Will continue to send prayers his way!!

XOXO

Marnee

Sean O'NeillSeptember 9, 2013 - 11:10 am

Hi Renee, Hi Owen. I have been very busy through the summer and also away travelling, so I am looking in for the first time in a couple of months. What incredible news I have just read about Owen’s progress. I am so happy for you all. Well done to all of you. Hi five Owen!! Now I have been saving this up for Owen, it is one of my favourite jokes.
“Knock knock”
“who’s there?”
“Owen”
“Owen who?”
“Owen the Saints, go marching in, Owen the Saints go marching in…..”
I know, it;s not very good is it?!
Best wishes to all of you from England. Sean. My son Ben was very pleased to hear about Owen’s progress too.

evanshouSeptember 9, 2013 - 1:22 pm

Hi Sean! I loved the joke and so did Owen. He loves Knock-knock jokes…not that he really “gets” them, but regardless loves them. Hope you had safe travels! Thanks for the note!

evanshouSeptember 9, 2013 - 1:23 pm

Thanks Marnee!

Barry& Joanne MurphyDecember 30, 2013 - 4:23 pm

Hi,

We are so happy that Owen is doing so well, and he continues to be in our prayers every day. Let’s hope that 2014 is a good year for all of you. Love, Joanne&Barry

Owen’s Leukemia – Day 258

Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Posted in Chemo,Good Days,Hospital

HELLO MAINTENANCE!!!  Yay!  We are so excited to finally be here!  Owen did awesome today!  His counts were pretty much perfect (like a healthy person)!!  He got his lumbar puncture, and his Vincristine and we have a whole list of new medicines to start for these next 2 1/2 years.  I am going to need to make a calendar just to remember what all he needs to take!

It is such a happy day.  Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers to this point.  We couldn’t have made it without them.  We still have a long road ahead, but it is so wonderful to be through the really rough stuff.

by evanshou

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DoreenAugust 7, 2013 - 10:53 pm

AWESOME!!!

KimAugust 8, 2013 - 7:50 am

Yay! So happy you finally made it to this phase!

Kate WulfAugust 8, 2013 - 8:36 am

Amen !!!!

Arlene MillerAugust 8, 2013 - 11:28 am

I’m a friend of Cathy Reed and I have been following Owen’s story since the beginning and have kept you all in my prayers. I am very, very happy that Owen has reached this point in his treatment. Hope that all continues to go well!

Aunt CathyAugust 10, 2013 - 8:06 am

I’m so happy for Owen and the relief that you and Jeff must feel at this point in his journey must be tremendous. We’ll continue praying for Owen as he starts this new leg of his journey. Love to all!

DianeAugust 11, 2013 - 4:14 pm

HOORAY!

Mary-AnnAugust 12, 2013 - 9:28 am

So happy to hear the good news!

PaulineAugust 12, 2013 - 12:22 pm

That’s awesome news! God does answer prayers, keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers through the next phase!!

NicolAugust 14, 2013 - 2:54 pm

So happy to hear this good news!!!!

Amy AAugust 14, 2013 - 5:55 pm

Awesome! I’m catching up on this and feeling really happy for all of you! Hugs!

Laura ParkerAugust 19, 2013 - 4:34 pm

I have been thinking about Owen and am so glad that to hear the positive news. We are registered for Light the Night Walk in Raleigh in October and as I told Jan & Russ, our team will also walk in celebration of Owen :)

Jennifer StonerAugust 20, 2013 - 10:02 am

What wonderful news!!!!!