| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| julia hayes |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 08:38:01 AM
We head out in 90 minutes for Aria's LAST vincristine chemo and spinal tap where she gets another chemo called methotrexate injected into her spinal fluid! The LAST ONE!! The spinal tap is scheduled for 12 30 (pacific time) and her vincristine is around 2 00!!!
Just this past Friday, she had her last round of "yellow pills" which is an oral chemotherapy methotrexate that she takes every Friday. DONE!
She will have 5 days of steroid chemotherapy and another daily chemo called 6MP that's she's taken daily for 2 years and probably a few stabilizers for tummy upset and such and by Saturday morning before cartoons, Aria will be COMPLETELY DONE with her chemotherapy for leukemia!
Yeah, the emotions are at an all time high! Tears easily come and flow that's for sure. I am both elated and frightened, relieved and still holding my breath. I'm in awe..truly..in awe of her!!
On that note, may I invite each and every one of you in CELEBRATION. The end of this chapter of the journey approaches. I would never have made it without you!
Here's to Aria! Here's to YOU!!
Aria (heart tattoos on her neck and all!!)
All my love! ~julia hayes
**UPDATE**
Aria pulled through just GREAT!! Everything was terrific, labs, spinal tap, chemo...it was all we could have hoped for. It was a great way to close this monumental chapter of the journey.
So what are we doing to celebrate? Aria is taking it easy watching the movie, "UP" with Reo while Rianna is completely sound asleep on the sofa.
Me? What do you think a farmgirl would be doing? You got it, I'm cleaning. I am wiping everything down...ceiling to floor. It isn't a panicked kind of cleaning. It is slow going and thoughtful but it comes from an incredibly stressed place. Yeah, I think many of us farmgirls cope this way. Stressed? grab some vinegar and start scrubbin'. In my case there are 3 major things happening; remodel with dust everywhere and I finally can't take it another minute. Second- company...my 3 dearest Goddess girlfriends are coming in and they're going to help me celebrate Aria in real style. Last, I don't know what else to do with myself.
Let me see if I can explain it. You see, this isn't really the end of our journey. We all know this and if you don't, it isn't. It is the end of a part of the journey while simultaneously being the beginning of something else. In Aria's case the end of her treatment is an enormous milestone but it comes with real terror and remaining threats. The beast of cancer isn't chasing us anymore but it remains close behind. Will it strike again? I don't know.
Today in clinic, people cautiously celebrated us. They were happy for us but guarded. I understand this. Aria is doing well. Aria has always been doing well. Aria sat beside a boy who we've know this entire time. He had a bone marrow transplant almost a year ago. The last time we saw him was at a Christmas party and he was doing well--really well. I had never seen his mom look so happy and relieved. Today, they are facing his very recent relapse back into cancer. The beast struck him again and his prognosis is grave. He's 9 years old. This level and degree of joy and sorrow that co-exist for us is heavy and I don't always know what to do or how best to carry it. I'm still rather new at it and so I clean. I scour. I scrub. I cry. I laugh. I pick and putter...I cope. I live....This is my journey......Thank you again for being a part of it! ~julia hayes
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com
www.about-aria.blogspot.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 6:36:30 PM
Julia - read your update. We farmgirls stand with you.....in celebration, and in knowledge of the dangers that could lie ahead, and in total happiness that for today (and that is what we have really) all is well. And she looks so beautiful and strong. AFter all the things that have happened. I feel she is going to make it through the long haul. God has plans for her. I often think of when she is grown and she reads what you wrote during this time. What a powerful thing that will be for her......
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Mar 20 2010 : 4:04:20 PM
Julia:
What a beautiful smile Aria has!!!!!!! My prayers are with both of you daily. I find such strength in reading your words, and on hearing how Aria is doing. God Bless.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| debtea2 |
Posted - Mar 17 2010 : 7:49:59 PM
julia
i will pray for you and her
she is such a beautiful girl
and will be an amazing woman.
wishing you all the joy in the world.
hugs deborah
inch by inch we find our way
jersey farmgirl |
| tea_lady_tammy |
Posted - Mar 17 2010 : 7:39:46 PM
This is wonderful news Julia. Your heart must be filled with joy. I will continue to pray.
blessings
Tammy
Tea is like being in the stars with God.
http://breathsoffaith.blogspot.com |
| knittingmom |
Posted - Mar 17 2010 : 5:55:08 PM
Wonderful news! You will be in our continued prayers.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 8:49:20 PM
Lovely news. What a milestone, and that beaming smile is such a beautiful vision.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| wild daisy |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 5:34:09 PM
Congratulations to both you and Aria! You both have past a milestone in each others life. My heart and prays go out to your whole family in celebrating. Please keep us up to date with Aria progress after Chemo. I know that we all appreciate being included in Aria's story of courage and determination.
Now its happy time!!!!
Madelynne
johnandmadelynne.blogspot.com |
| Lainey |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 09:32:02 AM
Looking at that pic you posted and seeing Aria's beautiful spirit shining out of her eyes and face just says it all for me. I'm so happy that this part of the journey is ending for you all and I pray that now things are much better! Thank you so much for letting us know how she's doing with your loving and truthful words. I'm sending big celebratory hugs from Kentucky!
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.' |
| solilly |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 09:20:57 AM
I have learned that people who live through things like this really enjoy and part take in life much more and fuller then then ones who that life for granted. Bless us all. Lilly 
learning the life I always wanted. |
| Tn.Earthmama |
Posted - Mar 16 2010 : 09:10:32 AM
Dear Julia, so happy that the worst of the chemo is over and Aria is doing so well. Sending love and light to you and your wonderful family. Glad your Goddess friends are helping in the celebration, now is the time to celebrate new beginnings. prayers that the beast will stay away forever. hugs Phyllis |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 11:39:37 PM
So happy for you Aria, you are a little hero! Hugs and kisses on that dear little face!
So happy for you too Julia. My biggest wish for you is that your next journey will be one of peace, happiness and continued good health for your family.
xoxo |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 11:18:52 PM
To hear of Aria's victory warms my heart. I can't imagine how elated you must feel. So....a big YAHOOOOOO!!!! Life is strong, life is resilient, life is GOOD.
Cindy
"Dog is my co-pilot"
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| beadbabe |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 10:17:54 PM
I am fairly new here, so your story in unknown to me, but I get it. I agree with what Mary Jane said, and can only add that stories and outcomes like this inspire all of us to be better people, and remind us of the precious gift of life, family and friends. I am so very happy for your good news.
Therese
If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud. ~Emile Zola |
| maggie14 |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 8:47:47 PM
I am sooo happy everything went well Judy!! Give Aria a big hug for me! Thank you so much for keeping us updated. :)
Hugs,
Channah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
| katmom |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 8:46:48 PM
whopeee wahooo and happy dance toooo!
hey neighbor, sending you hugs across the fields...
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
|
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 6:12:39 PM
Wow Julia, what a milestone!! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, you and Aria and your whole family. Stay strong and serene.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
|
| CountryBorn |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 5:58:41 PM
Julia, what relief this part of Aria's and your family's journey is done. Honey, no one can ever be sure about life. The only way for any of us to get through it is just to live in the present to be happy we have today. You cannot live in the past or the future, only the now. Now is wonderful, Aria is healthy and well.Just be the beautiful family full of the love and fun that you are. I am sure it willl take time just to get used to what "normal" life is now. Your lives have been rollercoaster rides that's for sure. One thing I know for sure is that this long journey has left you with one precious gift, life will all be so beautiful, so celebrated, never taken for granted. Because you truly know how precious and wonderous and fragile it can be. My heart is so full of happiness and hope for all of you. I hope you know what a gift you have given us by sharing this experience so honestly and from your heart. Thank You.
Love and Hugs, Mary Jane
There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do. Freya Stark |
| Sheep Mom 2 |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 5:31:36 PM
Julia - don't forget to include some chocolate inbetween your cleaning frenzy....a good brownie or chocolate hit is manna to the womans spirit....May your heart be light and all sense of foreboding banished. Today, all is well.
Blessings, Sheri
"Work is Love made visible" -Kahlil Gibran |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 5:08:38 PM
Julia - your accounting of this struggle and journey has been so poignant and so generous to include all of us farmgirls. I am still praying it through with you and Aria. But just look at how many prayers have been answered! And she is still so beautiful....love to you both and all of your family. God is good, and may He continue to bless Aria with strength and health.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 3:40:47 PM
Julia, that's great! I haven't been able to follow Aria's story for the entirity because I joined only last month, but the way she has united the farmgirls is amazing. Tell her thanks for me for being so inspirational.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
| melanie47601 |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 1:46:17 PM
Amazingly wonderful good news! Prayers being sent that everything goes well and continues too.
Melanie
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says "Oh Crap, She's up!"
Blog~ http://wheelsarealwaysturning.blogspot.com/
Swap Blog~ http://mels-swapshop.blogspot.com/ |
| just4karyn |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 12:56:11 PM
Wow!!!Aria I am sooooo proud of you and your mom you are an amazing young lady stay tuff nothing can get you down..only if you let and you proved that. Love and Hugs
YIPPEE.... |
| maggie14 |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 12:43:25 PM
That is so wonderful Julia!! I am so happy for her! What a sweet picture!
Hugs,
Channah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
| Tanna |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 11:47:02 AM
That is great! I'm thinking of you both today.
Tanna |
| Karrieann |
Posted - Mar 15 2010 : 11:43:19 AM
So AWESOME!!!!!
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My Blog: ...following my heart, dreams and Jesus
...http://karrieann-followingmyheartandjesus.blogspot.com/
|
