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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 – Day 230

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Posted in Uncategorized

And… the mouth sores are back.  Owen woke up this morning and was talking with his jaw clenched and only moving his lips and I knew.  I had him hold some honey in his mouth (a recommendation from a good friend who has been though this before) and it seemed to help.  I looked in there and there are a bunch on the sides of his cheeks.  I called the hospital just to let them know he has them and to make sure we were doing the right thing, and everything is fine.  We went and picked up a prescription for pain medicine tonight in case the pain gets worse.  He is eating and drinking, so that is definitely a good sign.  Let’s hope that we can keep the pain management under control and that he doesn’t get a fever.  These mouth sores are what landed him in the hospital for 4 days last time we were in this phase.  I feel like we have a better grasp on how to maintain it this time.

The rest of the day was good.  Lots of fun playing indoors with all of this rain outside.

by evanshou

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ValJuly 11, 2013 - 7:29 pm

Awww…that sucks! I hope he is feeling better soon. Hugs!

Joanne and Barry MurphyJuly 30, 2013 - 8:39 pm

Love that painted face. Still can’t get over that he is such a brave little boy. We continue to pray for them. Love, Joanne & Barry

Owens Leukemia – Days 226-229

Tuesday, July 9, 2013 Posted in Good Days

Sorry for the absence.  Things have been going well.  Owen was feeling a bit off this weekend.  The medicine really seemed to effect him this time.  It would go in waves.  He would feel good and want to do something, but then start to do it, and want to lay back down.  The resting this weekend must have worked, because come Monday, he was back to himself.

Yesterday Owen’s remaining glue and steri strips fell off of his new port incision.  He was so happy because that means that he can now go back in his pool.  He wanted to blow it up today, but it was raining this morning.  We had a MOMs club meeting, then stopped by my work to visit my work family.  It was so nice to see everyone, and the boys had fun too.  Tonight, I did a special bath for the boys since I didn’t put the pool out today.  I let them get a bath in our bathtub.  It is bigger than theirs and has the bubbles you can turn on.  They loved it!  It was a nice long bath.

Here is Owen right after Logan dumped a cup of water on his head.  What a trooper! And check out all of that hair coming in!  It looks like a lot more when it is wet, but it’s looking good!

by evanshou

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DoreenJuly 9, 2013 - 10:36 pm

The hair didn’t even register with me until I read your comment…I guess I had forgotten about his lack of hair. This must mean good progress for him that it’s coming back!

PattyJuly 10, 2013 - 9:30 pm

What an awesome picture! Rene you should do professional pictures.

Owen’s Leukemia – Days 224-225

Friday, July 5, 2013 Posted in Chemo,Hospital

What a wonderful 4th of July we had yesterday.  We had a relaxing morning.  Owen was helping Daddy smoke some meat to get ready for our afternoon picnic.  We meet his cousins, aunt, uncle, Nanny and Poppy at the Riverhound game.  It was a fun game, even though they didn’t win.  The boys went down on the field after the game to meet some players.  Then we all went out to our cars to watch the city’s firework show!  Owen and Logan loved it!  It was the first time for both of them to see fireworks.

Today, wasn’t so fun.  We had to be at the hospital first thing this morning.  Owen had a lumbar puncture and received some chemo.  The rest of the day he hasn’t been feeling well.  This is the first in a while that it really made him sick.  We have been taking it easy and trying to keep him comfortable.  Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.

by evanshou

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KimJuly 6, 2013 - 9:13 am

I talked to my mom and dad about your 4th last night. I wish I could have been there! It sounded like you all had a great time! I hope Owen is feeling better today! Hugs from Chicago!!

ShirleyJuly 6, 2013 - 8:08 pm

Sounds like fun, like Kim wish we were there.Hope Owen is doing.g better.

Joanne and Barry MurphyJuly 19, 2013 - 8:51 pm

Owen is such a sweet boy and continues to be in our prayers every day. xxxoo Joanne&Barry

Owen’s Leukemia – Days 221-223

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 Posted in Good Days

Owen’s been doing great!  His port is healing nicely.  We go back Friday for a lumbar puncture, so they will be removing the stitches from the old port spot then.  His legs haven’t been affected by the Vincristine this time, which is wonderful!!  We were at the park today, and I was watching him run and was so happy to notice that he is finally starting to run like he used to.  He still has some balance issues, but such an improvement!

Have a safe and Happy 4th!

by evanshou

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John and Anita bertuzziJuly 3, 2013 - 10:28 pm

We are friends of Dave and Shirley and continue to keep Owen in our prayers.

Aunt CathyJuly 4, 2013 - 8:40 am

Happy July 4th to all of you! Hope you have a fun day.

Owen’s Leukemia – Days 217-220

Sunday, June 30, 2013 Posted in Good Days

More good days around these parts.  We’re still trying to take it a little easy with Owen so his new port can heal.  It is looking really good!  Saturday we took a trip up to see my parents.  My Aunt and Uncle are in from Arizona and my brother came up from Harrisburg for a fun little get together.  The day was spent looking for bugs, catching butterflies, soccer and playing pool in the basement.  Owen had a terrific day.

Here Owen is scoping out the scene for some butterflies.  I love that he 1. has the binoculars backwards, and 2. has his tongue out.  Too cute.

by evanshou

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Amy AJune 30, 2013 - 11:12 pm

LOVE this pic of him with the binoculars backwards:) Sounds like that little superhero of yours is continuing to thrive. He’s amazing! I love seeing the sparkle in his eyes in the pics below.