| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| julia hayes |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 12:45:34 PM
It's all good.
Friends and Sisters, we are fast approaching the finish line. Aria goes to clinic tomorrow for what might be her LAST finger poke "on treatment." We'll have her lab worked checked just to see how everything is going. On February 22nd, Aria goes in for chemo and then we may not have to go back until March 16th for her LAST chemo appointment and spinal tap!!! She takes her last dose of 'home chemo' on Sunday March 21st! They may want to squeeze in one more finger poke lab check in between the 22nd and the 16th but we'll see. We are THAT close to being DONE!
Aria will have roughly 5 years of follow-up 'off-treatment' care but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. The first year, I know, is much like what we're already doing...once a month lab work..They follow these kids so closely because the relapse risk is there and devastating when it happens. Obviously, I can't 'go there.' I'm completely focused on the finish line...taking stock of how far we've come and what she's done!!!
Aria, as many of you know, is extraordinary!
Just so you know, I've begun pulling stories that I've written about Aria throughout this whole journey. I've written about every single finger poke, lab check, ER run, hospitalization etc..etc.. my journal on my computer is over 1000 pages. I'm a wordy little thing! I've pulled the stories that resonate deeply with me and have it down to just over 300 unedited pages. We'll go from there...I've joined a writer's group and have many people on my side, willing to help and support me. If I talk as if I know what I'm doing, PLEASE don't be fooled. I have NO IDEA and that reality is partially why this process is beginning to be so much fun!
So if there are stories that have meant something to you...or if there's something you'd like to know about the journey by all means let me know..you can email me or post something here. I'd really love to know how Aria's story as affected your lives!! From my view-point I wouldn't have been able to travel the path with as much clarity if I didn't have the farmgirls cheering me on every single step of the way. I am completely indebted!
My love, my regard and my awe to you all!! Here's to ARIA!!!! ~julia
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com
www.about-aria.blogspot.com |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| wild daisy |
Posted - Feb 09 2010 : 5:00:06 PM
Julia,
I wish your family only the best. I am so glad to hear that Aria is doing to well and in fact that she is almost through with her treatment. My heart is only filled with happiness and hope for the future for you and your family. Many blessings will come your way.
Thank you for your kind words about my sister-in-law. It really helps to understand that we are all part of each other worlds and we all really do care for each other.
love and prayers,
Madelynne
johnandmadelynne.blogspot.com |
| CountryBorn |
Posted - Feb 09 2010 : 3:23:20 PM
Julia,
Those little words brought such joy to my heart!You including us so much just made this so personal for me. I thought about Aria and I just felt like I knew this sweet child. From that first beautiful picture of her I saw, she just captured my heart.You working on a book is such good news. Your gift with words and the way you make the reader feel they are such a part of what will make this a book so worth reading. I can only imagine how this would help people who are traveling the same road that you, Aria and your family have been on. I think it will make a world of difference to so many. They will know that you had the same feelings that they are having, it will make them feel cared about and understood. They will know that you know exactly what they are feeling. What a gift. I am so thankful that Aria is nearing the end of this journey and has come out so well. Still that same little spunky girl she has always been. Bless all of you and know that she and all of you will always be in my heart and mind and prayers.
MJ
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| Lainey |
Posted - Feb 09 2010 : 08:25:43 AM
I am so happy that things are going so well with Aria. My heart jumped a bit as well until I read the first 3 words. Both Aria and you have been an inspiration to me with your open and honest manner and how you shared your experiences with us. Your words comforted me last year when I went through mom's fight with leukemia and finally her passing. And then when I went through my surgery last year and I would look at the photos and topics you shared with us of sweet Aria and would draw strength from them. Thank you again for sharing with us. You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers... first it was in prayers of concern and asking for healing and now it's in prayers of rejoicing and thankfulness for such good news! Love you all!
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.' |
| cajungal |
Posted - Feb 08 2010 : 9:32:35 PM
It's exciting to hear the good news. I'm sure Aria is glad for the decline in finger pokes.
You asked about stories that have touched us. Immediately, what came to my mind is one of your first posts. You posted a picture of yours and Aria's cut hair braids.....your larger braid outlining or embracing her smaller braid, both in the shape of a heart. That picture has so many meanings and metaphors.... the care of a mother, the heart of a mother, arms of a mother around her child, your love protecting her, your courage to "lose" your hair with her, the symbol of losing something while gaining something else, just simple overwhelming unconditional love.
Thank you, Julia, that you have included all of us and let us take part in such an intimate part of your life.
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Feb 08 2010 : 5:55:01 PM
Julia, that is wonderful news. I can just imagine ya'll on that track with the finish line on the horizon. Running, walking, laughing, crying. It has been a long run. I know there will be such a big victory party at that finish line. And I can also see all the people, friends and family, along the sidelines cheering you all on. Waving flags and banners. Wow, what a great sight. Enjoy the rest when ya'll get to bust through that banner at the end. You all deserve this win.
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
Hugs, Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| dutchy |
Posted - Feb 08 2010 : 12:09:49 AM
YOU Julia...ROCK. I LOVE to read what you write about Aria's journey, esp the good ofcourse. I pray for her and you. I rejoice when things go great and cry when things are not so good. I praise you and Aria both...
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me and mine :)
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| electricdunce |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 9:34:58 PM
It is wonderful to hear your good news about Aria. She is extraordinary! It is always inspiring to me to hear your thoughts on your girl, your family. You too, are extraordinary....
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| 4HMom |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 8:02:11 PM
Jeannie...my reaction was similar to yours when I read Aria's name.
Julia, we are SO happy for you and yours. Amazing people you are. We're hoping to be in Spokane in March and a trip to visit you is on the top of our list if it works with you :)
Hugs to Rio, Aria, Rhianna, you and Doc!
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
| maggie14 |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 6:45:54 PM
That is wonderful!!!
Hugs,
Channah
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 4:13:32 PM
Yes I have been thinking about you and then here was a post. Whats up with that? Maybe there's more to me then I know.HA,
Well this is very good news, thanks for the update.
Nancy Jo
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
| julia hayes |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 4:06:29 PM
Jeannie I didn't know what to title this post..I should have said in the subject line that it was all good because I know that panic, heart skipping a beat feeling very well. At the same time I can't thank you enough for being that close that you would read her name and feel something so instant. It is amazing.
By the way, CRACK me up about Oprah!! yeah, can you imagine? Is Oprah ready for Aria...my-sniff-my-fingers-after-I've-scratched-my-butt- girl? Makes me laugh!! Thank you for the thought though..That would surely be a way to sell this book. Let me know if you have an "in" with Goddess O !!!
Thank you all. Melody..your words are incredibly warm to me..Thank you for being fearless...thank you for following your heart...not an easy thing to do!! I'm the better for it.. Cotton scented soap!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Julia...there's so much to say here to you...life and loss..two sides of the same coin. Loss makes life more abundant and yet empty too. Funny how we learn to exist peacefully with these dualities. It is life's purpose..I bow deeply to you and would encourage you to pull all of your thoughts and words together.
Knittingmom, I hear your cheers loud and clear!! THANK YOU!!!
We got to go horseback riding today!! It was GREAT! Aria is as pale as a ghost for some reason but she still had a blast!!! Blessings and more blessings! ~julia
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com
www.about-aria.blogspot.com |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 3:39:46 PM
When I saw the name Aria, my heart lurched. Then the first three words of your post calmed that feeling. So glad to hear she is doing so well. Julia - I am seriously glad to know that you are planning on writing a book. I think it could help a lot of others who have been or will be where your family has been. I think you are very eloquent, and expressive in a way that few would have been in your shoes. And your learning and depth of wisdom has been very evident as you journeyed along. Good for you! Oprah, here she comes!
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| knittingmom |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 3:34:35 PM
Our prayers are with you and your family. We're rooting for you!
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| Julia |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 3:25:44 PM
OH, my dear, those trodden paths we have journeyed. As I was going through my hubby's cancer, I would read you missives of Aria, weep, smile, and be strengthen and encouraged. How could one not be touched? Such a wee girl, with such a huge life.
May you live and love well each day. Know you will continue to be in my prayers.
Some day I plan on putting my journals, emails and blog all together. Pages? I am a wordy girl too. Blessings.
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440
http://www.myfeetaredirty.blogspot.com/
http://www.iglitteredthecat.blogspot.com/
http://www.glitterandgrunge.com/ (turner hill studio)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TurnerHillStudio/ |
| melody |
Posted - Feb 07 2010 : 1:50:22 PM
Girlfriend...Aria brought us together. If I would not have picked up Maryjane's magazine and flipped through the pages stopping to gaze at the muddy feet photo that captured my heart,I never would have e-mailed the magazine to comment on that dear sweet girl and we never would have met.
You have given me strength, guidance, wisdom way beyond your years, and the ability to laugh at myself; not an easy thing for me to do!
Thank you for letting me be a small part of this journey.
Take care dear heart...and keep the chicks close!
Love,
Melody |
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