History

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 2:38 PM CDT

Hello Family and Friends!

It has been 5 years since updating this page. Way to long!!! We have been busy with work, school and activities. Praise the Lord that we have not had any serious health issues. The boys are doing great and their check-ups have been fantastic!

I will be updating pictures and sending some exciting news about the Omaha Curesearch walk for Children's Cancer!

Stay tuned...

Love you all!

Lisa

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 2:38 PM CDT

Sunday, May 13, 2007 0:15 AM CDT

Happy Mother's Day...

Today I write to let you all know that my father, Gordon Johnson, passed away at 9:30 pm May 12, 2007. Chris and I, Leslie and Scott and my mom were all with him when he went to heaven. We all said we loved him and told him it was o.k. and he took his last breath. He battled this horrible disease for 14 months. Cancer is so ravaging! I am so glad he is NOT suffering from this nasty cancer anymore!!!!

I am extremely exhausted...
More details to follow...

Love and prayers,
Lisa

Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:12 PM CST

Wow - it has been way to long. It has been a long winter. Just a quick update...

Caden's counts are super low and he is not feeling very well. He was almost admitted to the hospital yesterday because he has a low grade fever. He was put on an antibiotic and sent home. He is doing better today.

Connor is doing great. He got his port out on February 6th and had recovered nicely. He was so excited to get it out. It will have been 4 years ago this May that it was surgically placed in his chest. Can you imagine the relief and how good it must have felt.

Carson and Cole are as always doing very, very well. It is amazing to me how well they cope and get along considering our time that is diverted away from them. We love them all so dearly.

My dad on the other hand is not doing so well. The primary cancer is back in his leg. He had his surgery in October and had been recovering nicely but just last week went down to Houston for a check up and discovered that the tumor had returned. It was also discovered (back in January)that there is a nodule in his lung. He was scheduled to have that removed on Valentine's Day but since the tumor is back in his leg they are trying Chemo again. The Nodule in his lung grew from 1/2 pea size to 5 inches long (from January scans to February scans) this is a very agressive tumor and we need all the prayers we can get right now. He is feeling very weak and tired. I will try to keep you all posted because EVERYONE keeps asking. Sorry for the delay in the updates. Everyone (but me) has been sick since December. It goes away then comes again. I want it to be Spring!!!!

Love
Lisa

Tuesday, November 7, 2006 9:02 AM CST

Well as I sit here and read everyone's caringbridge site - I am sobbing! I thought I better update ours. Time just seems to slip away or I am completely exhausted from everything I do! The boys are doing good. Connor and caden both have appointments on Thurs. Caden gets his vincristine and starts his Dex (yucky steroid) and Connor gets lab work. They are talking about stopping the antibiotic that Connor takes around his birthday (Nov. 25) and then taking his port out around the first of the year. Yeah Connor!!!!!! They seem to be doing so well although the tummy aches and leg aches and night frights and everything that goes along with treatment are still there. URGH! Anyway, Connor won his Championship football game so we are going to a pizza party tonight to celebrate that. Caden is really enjoying preschool. He loves his teachers and talks about going to kindergarten next year already! Can you believe that. Carson and Cole are doing GREAT! They are just two little buddies I tell ya! Cole always is looking for Narson and he calls her. "Narson - where are you?" he says...

On another note... My Mom and Dad and the rest of our family could use some prayers. My dad went back to Houston (MD Anderson Cancer Center) yesterday to find out the pathology results from surgery and to have ex-rays of his leg to see how it is healing. Well the news wasn't so good. The tumor had grown a little before he had the surgery. They were hoping the tumor was 90-95ead. He had been given a lot of chemo to kill the tumor. Well the tumor was only about 50ead. That means he has to go through one more month of the cysplatin. He could only get 1 round of this in the beginning because it was damaging his kidneys so bad. Well his kidney functions are back to normal - so they are going to try a lower dose. If this lower dose affects his kidneys - they will stop after this dose and he can't have anymore. They are now treating the lungs versus the leg. With Osteosarcoma, there is a 90hance that some cancer cells are already in the lungs. They could do two things... 1) Try the cycplatin and see if he can tolerate the lower dose - if he can then he would get 3 to 4 more rounds (inpatient) or 2) Do nothing and see if it comes back in less than 2 years. My Dad chose to do #1. The Doctors opinion was to do that as well! (of course) We agree! Osteosarcoma in a person of my dads age is very rare and very hard to treat. We are going to kick its butt! Pray hard!
Our faith is strong and we fully believe God has healed our boys.

In Him
Lisa

Tuesday, October 3, 2006 8:47 PM CDT

Hello all...

First of all - sorry for the delay in updating but the boys are doing really great! Playing football (all the time) and enjoying school. I just wanted to give you a quick update on my dad.

Today was the BIG day! SURGERY! He left for Houston (MD Anderson Cancer Center) last Friday and arrived there on Saturday. He was a little wiery but did fine on the drive. He had all his scans yesterday and the tumor did not grow or shrink anymore in the bone but it slightly grew in the soft tissue. Dr. Benjamin (oncologist) still wanted to proceed with surgery which was today and is still going on. CAN YOU IMAGINE! He went in at 5:30am started about 7:30/8:00 and is still in surgery. I pray that he wakes up and recovers fine from all the drugs. Dr. Linn (surgeon) came out about 5:30pm and said everything went good for the most part. They had to cut 7 inches of his shin bone out. That only left him with 1 inch below the knee to work with so that is why it was a lttle more difficult. They put a cadaver bone in with plates and tendions - so only having 1 inch of my dads bone below the knee made it more tricky to attach the cadaver bone. After Dr. Linn was done the plastic surgeon came in for his part and that would be to take muscle from my dads thigh and fix the lower half of the leg. They did the muscles and blood vessels and skin grafts.

The phone just rang(8:59pm) - it is my mom and he is FINALLY out of surgery. She got to see him briefly and his face is really swollen from fluids, blood, drugs - you name it. He looked "puffy" as my mother put it. He was still under anesthesia and would not be awake for two more hours. My mom is still waiting to see him and I am dying to be there beside them. They have a very long rode ahead of them - recovery wise. Please pray for a quick recovery and for pain free days. I am soooooooo worried about them. My mom is alone in Houston and my dad has a lot of healing to do. We love them dearly.

O.K. I have got to get my kiddos in bed - they are being obnoxious!

Love and kisses and always prayers,
Lisa

Tuesday, August 22, 2006 11:04 PM CDT

Hey all! Things are going really good around here. Just busy planning a celebration party and getting organized for school to start. School starts on Thursday (24th). The kids are really excited and you know what - I AM TOO! We met their teachers tonight and they are really great. We are so pleased.

Sorry for the short update... just wanted to let you all know that things are great! (for now)

Love,
Lisa

Tuesday, August 8, 2006 3:44 PM CDT

WAY TO GO CONNOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Connor is officially done with his chemotherapy treatment. No more pills (yeah)! No more tummy aches (hopefully) - NO MORE!!!

We are so proud of him and can hardly believe it is over. It has been such a long haul. He is so brave and in our eyes is a true "superhero". Connor conquered the beast!!

Both boys have appointments on Thursday. Caden will receive his vincristine and Connor will get his last IVIG (immunoglobulin) to help fight infections. They wanted to give him one more bag of the IVIG before school started. Also one more bit of great news for Connor. NO MORE STEROIDS!!!! Whew... Now we will only have one on roids vs. two. What a relief!

Hope all is well with you all...
Be looking for something in the mail from our family.

We love you and are always grateful for all the support and prayers throughout the years. We could not have done this without God and you! Thanks...

Lisa

Sunday, July 16, 2006 9:15 PM CDT

O.K.

I am soooooooo mad!!!
I just updated all of you and spent a lot of time writing and it disappeared!! URGH!!!

I will have to do it again later...

All is well here and I have some exciting news.

Keep checking and I'll update later.

Love you all,
Lisa

Thursday, May 25, 2006 5:23 PM CDT

Hello to all...

First of all, I have to tell everyone to pray for the Berry family. Brave little Skylar Berry went to heaven on Monday the 22nd of May. He is a handsome (as Sklyar would put it) angel now. We are praying for peace and comfort for his family and would ask that all of you could too! He was a tough little guy that had to endure many obstacles in his life. The fight is now over. He is cancer free and pain free. We love you little Skylar. BE FREE...

All is well here at the Ballard house. We have had a rough couple of months though. My Dad (my sweet, adorable and lovable daddy) was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in March. Ostoesarcoma is bone cancer and is very rare among older adults. It is the primary site as per the PET scan which determined that there was no other "metobolic" tumor activity. Praise God! He was admitted to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas on Monday May 1st to begin his chemo regimin. He was suppose to be in for one week but ended up staying 2 1/2 weeks. He is at their apartment now trying to get back to a "normal routine". He starts round 2 on May 30. Please Pray for him and my mom for a quicker recovery time this go around and for my mom who is doing it all by herself down in "Big" ol Houston. We love them dearly and miss them tons!!!!!!

On a different note... Connor and Carson had their last day of school today. We had a big end of year celebration party for the kids. Water balloon fights, squirt gun fights, tag and capture the flag were all on tap. They played and played and played. We had pizza (thanks Stacey and Carely), soda, juice boxes and chips. We even had ice cream but forgot to get it out. (WHOOPS) They did not even notice. Connor is now a 3rd grader (I can't believe it) and Carson is now in 1st. Whew! Where does the time go. It seems like it goes so fast some days and others it seems like and eternity. Connor was diagnosed 3 years ago this month. It doesn't seem possible that it has been three years but yet it does. Connor just recently had his very last spinal tap with chemo. YEAH!! The end is near. We are going to have a really BIG party for that one. Watch your mail boxes for invitations. He has endured so much and has done so many things that us as adults have not even done in our lives. We are so proud of him. Way to go Connor!!!! WE LOVE YOU!! August 3rd is the actual end of treatment day. The party will be sometime around that date.

Caden is doing good. He is just now getting over a bad cold but the antibiotics seem to be helping. He has a new best friend and his name is Sammy. He came to the party today to play with Caden. He is sooooo stinkin cute. His older brother Alec is Connor's best friend. Whenever Alec and Connor play - Caden and Sam have to play and I absolutely LOVE it. They all get along great. Caden just got a new bike and seems to always want to be outside. He wears me out with the question "can we go on a walk?" - That means he wants to ride his bike. He is getting so big.

Carson and Cole are doing fantastic. Their birthdays are coming up - Carson's being June 12 and Cole's being July 9. We will have another party for those two. WOW - P.A.R.T.Y. -That seems to be what we will be doing all summer. It is fun for the kids and that is all that matters.

Well, I better go and figure out something for dinner. Please remember to go and give blood. Take care and we will update soon.

P.S. The CMN telethon is going to be aired June 3rd on UPN. (channel 248 or 246) for Cox subscribers. I can't remember which channel.

Prayers and love,
Lisa and crew

Saturday, March 25, 2006 8:08 AM CST

WOW! Do I have some amazing things to tell you about our trip to Orlando and Washington, D.C. I am going to quote what the Children's Miracle Network book says so all of you can understand what an honor this was for our family.

Champion's Across America: Ambassadors for Children's Hospitals
"The Children's Miracle Network Champions Across America presented by CO-OP Network is a program that honors remarkable children who have triumphed despite severe medical challenges. For their courage and perseverence, these children have been selected as national ambassadors for the 17 million kids treated each year at Children's Miracle Network children's hospitals."

Spreading the Word: A Child From Every State
"In March 2006 these young ambassadors will travel to Capitol Hill and Thge White House in Washington, D.C., to share the message that their lives-and the lives of millions of children just like them-are better because of the tremendous work of children's hospitals. They will also spread the word by participating in the national television production of the Children's Miracle Network Celebration at Walt Disney World."

Children's Miracle Network: Saving Lives and Helping Kids Get Better
"The very fact that these children are here to represent their state in this national program is a testament to the importance of children's hospitals. With the help of their Children's Miracle Network hospitals, a 10-year-old survived a shotgun accident, a teenager had a groundbreaking double-lung and liver transplant, and two young brothers overcame leukemia. From pediatric cancer treatment and intensive care to walk-in clinics and child safety programs, these children's hospitals provide the specialized care for kids that cannot be found elsewhere."

"Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To do so, these children's hospitals depend on community support."

To learn more about Children's Miracle Network go to www.cmn.org.

I am going to start from the beginning when we were asked to be a part of this very special event.
Last summer - we received a call from Gary Perkins who is the CEO of Children's Hospital here in Omaha and is also a friend of the family. He asked us if the boys would be interested in being the 2006 ambassadors for the state of Nebraska for Children's Hospital and Children's Miracle Network. We of course said the boys and us as a family would be honored. That is when the boys became the 2006 Children's Miracle Network "Champions."

We had to be a part of some wonderful fundraising events including the Children's Hospital Gala. The Gala is an annual dinner and dance to raise money for a certain clinic within the hospital. Well the Hematology and Oncology clinic was chosen. They had to do some "taping" of our family and they put a "miracle story" together of our family and what we have had to endure over the past 2 1/2 years. It was like a huge movie set here at our house. We got so many calls later that day asking "what was going on at your house today?" We then got dressed up one evening to attend that Gala which was so beautiful. The kind and generous support from so many wonderful people was overwhelming. We were emotionally drained.
Well over the course of the next few months we did some media spots here and there. The Omaha World Herald wrote an amazing artilce about the boys and put their picture in the paper. Two local new stations NBC and ABC did an amazing story about the boys and their battles with cancer and their new title as "Champions." Chris and I had to do a few interviews as well. That was interesting. We would do anything for the boys!!

Back in February - I went down to a local radio station here (KAT 103) to do a taped interview about our story. I did an interview with Jim who works for Children's Miracle Network. It was getting ready for Radiothon. Radiothon took place the weekend of March 2-4, 2006. Radio stations across the country participated in Radiothon to raise money for their local Children's Miracle Network Childrens's Hospital. Steve, Gina, and Craig from Kat 103 did and AMAZING job! They raised over $300,000 dollars for Children's Hospital here in Omaha in one weekend. Just three years ago they only raised $30,000. What a difference. Our story aired several times over the weekend and we had to go down on Thursday (2nd) for a live interview. It was such an honor to be a part of what Children's Miracle Network is doing for 17 million kids across the country.
Then... on Friday March 10, 2006 Connor's school -Spring Ridge Elementary had a surprise assembly for him and Caden to send them off to Orlando and D.C. We actually did not think it was going to be as big as it was. Tracy Madden from WOWT channel 6 hosted the event. The kids from his school - ALL 500 of them _ made sunshine's with a little something written on each of them as a good luck note to the boys for their upcoming trip. They all sang songs, held up those sunshine's and did a little dancing. It was so amazing to see the love and support for our children. We were in awe!!!! A HUGE THANKS TO THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, CENTRIS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, AND SPRING RIDGE ELEMENTARY FOR AN AWESOME SEND OFF PARTY! WE LOVED IT!!!!!!!!

Wednesday March 15, 2006
Travel day to Orlando.
Chris was in Miami for a work related trip so I got Carson and Cole situated here in Omaha with family and off we go to the airport. It was a pretty easy flight to Orlando. We had one lay over in Chicago and that was it.
We got to Florida and the weather was BEAUTIFUL. We stayed at Disney's Coronado Springs Resport. It was lovely. The most exciting part of that day was not for us but for Chris. He was not able to catch the bus with us to the hotel becasue he was coming in from Miami at a different time. So the people from Children's Miracle Netwrok arranged for him to catch a ride with...
Mary Lou Retton! I thought that was cool. She was very nice and talked with Chris about getting Carson in gymnastics =)! He found us in our room and we ate some dinner and went to bed. We ere all very tired!!!!

Thursday, March 16, 2006
Breakfast of Champions
We had a welcome breakfast to attend and there we met so many wonderful families from across the country. We sat with the family from South Dakota that morning and really enjoyed their company. The Children's Miracle Network people introduced the co-founders Marie Osmond and John Schneider to come out and talk. They welcomed us and told us that they had a vision 24 years ago and this is what is was... Children's Miracle Network! They congratulated us on being selected Champions to represent our state and the 17 million kids who need help each year. Then they said we have some special guests that would like to meet our families. Marie then introduced Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy! You should have seen the look on all of the kids faces. It was priceless. They all stood in lines for pictures and autographs. It was so cute. We then had a "Magic Kingdom Video Shoot" with the families from Florida, Georgia and Hawaii. We met with Brooke from CMN and she tooks us to Magic Kingdom to film the kids at the park for a few hours. Connor quickly became friends with everyone. He is always good at that. We did that for a little while and then they let us go on our own. The park was sooooooooo crowded that we rode two rides and left to go swimming at the hotel. The boys really enjoyed that. That evening the kids met all of the corporate sponsors. It was so nice to see all of them and they had a little somthing for all the kids. We had to walk in a line into this big room at the convention center at the hotel. The kids all received stamps that CMN had made for them and the sponsors asked them all for their autographs. The kids thought they were very special. They also gave the kids a pin to pin an a lanyard that was given to them by the Disney folks. For all of you who haven't been to Disney World in awhile - pin trading is very, very popular down there. We have a big bag full of pins. That is how many sponsors were attending! THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN FOR ALL OUR FAMILIES! WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! After meeting the sponsors we were off to a celebration dinner buffet and a concert for the kids presented by Marriott.
LeAnn Rimes performed a few songs and then K.C. & The Sunshine Band performed the rest of the evening. The kids were like "WHO?" but the parents knew who they all were. It was a great time.

Friday, March 17, 2006
We had family free time all day. Our family decided that we would go to MGM Studios to ride "Star Tours" a Star Wars ride that is one of the boys favorite. Then we went to see Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show - it was so cool!! After spending a few hours at MGM, we decided to go over to Epcot. "Test Track" is the boys very favorite ride. We rode that first thing and then decided to eat some dinner in Mexico. (of course the boys had to have McDonald's) I am so glad they have McDonald's at some of the parks or I don't know what the boys would do!
After dinner we went a rode a few more rides - one of our favorites - Soarin! It is fun and beautiful to watch. One last attraction for the kids was "the Living Seas." They participated in a new show called "Turtle Talk With Crush." Crush actually singled Connor out of the crowd and called him "Dude" every other word. Crush even found Chris and talked to him as well. Connor thought it was so cool that Crush could talk to our family. What a neat experience.

Saturday, March 18, 2006
We had free time all day - so we went to Downtown Disney and ate at the Rainforest Cafe. We then decided to rent a couple of little boats for 30 minutes and drive around the lake. The kids had a blast. I think I was more worried about the boat tipping over and the kids falling out. Yikes! We all had fun. We then shopped around for some gifts for Carson since she was back at home preparing for the snow storm ahead. Chris made her a special bracelet with charms on it. SHE LOVED IT!!! After walking around for awhile we decide to go back to the hotel to go swimming again before our celebration finale and dinner. We relaxed the rest of the afternoon. That evening the kids were all escotredinto the celebration event. This finale was hosted by Steve Young (retired 49ers quarterback - for those of you who don't follow NFL football) and Mary Lou Retton. Steve young named off all the kids one by one for them to come up on stage and receive a medal for being a champion. Of course Caden was sleeping because he didn't feel good - so I had to carry him up there. He wouldn't even wake up for two minutes. Connor went up on stage very proud to be there and accepted his medal with a big smile. Caden did not even know what was going on. I wish he would have woke up for this special occasion but I know when he is sick and doesn't fell good. After the medal ceremony country recording artist, Tracy Byrd, came out to perform a bunch of songs. He got down with the kids and sang to them. It made a bunch of parents cry. He is truly a genuine and amazing person. He was actually suppose to go back home after Orlando but fell in love with the kids that CMN had to find him a flight and hotel room in Washington, D.C. He wanted to be a part of the next phase of our journey. Off to bed it was after another emotionally draining evening.

Sunday, March 19, 2006
Travel day to Washington, D.C.
You have heard of "Air Force One" - welcome to "Champions One"
This is what they called our Delta Air Lines Chartered flight from Orlando to D.C. All the Delta air lines employees volunteered their time and services to excort us to Washington, D.C. Many of them really wanted to be a part of this flight that the employees actually had to draw straws to pick who was going to volunteer for the flight. (even the pilots) How cool is that. They all got a big round of applause from all the families and kids. (I thanked them after I threw up from the bumpy ride) Oh my! We arrived at the JW Marriott Hotel and had family free time the rest of the evening. We chilled in our room (which was very nice - by the way) and watched T.V. for awhile. The Washington Monument was right outside our window. Chris and I admired that.

Monday, March 20, 2006
This day was probably more enjoyable for the adults than the kids. We took a bus tour to the Lincoln Memorial. If you have ever been to the Lincoln Memorial there are other memorials surrounding it as well. We saw a statement on the Korean Memorial that said "Freedom is Not Free" - we just stood there and took it all in. How true it that! Anyway - we then had a group photo back at the Lincoln Memorial. It was a great picture. After our tour we went on to Capitol Hill for a luncheon and then some tours. We were with Senator Orin Hatch's interns. Capitol Hill is a very busy place but full of history. We were amazed with everyting. That evening we had family free time again. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006
It was a very early moring for our family. We were scheduled for local radio interviews. We had to be down in the lobby at 7:30am to be on the local radio staion here in Omaha. They fed us through to KAT103 with Steve, Gina and Craig to talk about our trip and what we had been doing. Connor talked first and then he handed the phone off to me. It was nice to tell everyone what we had been doing and why we were there. They then asked us to go over to XM Satellite to have the boys be on a kids radio station there. They talked with Connor and Caden and the two other families. One from Georgia and one from Arkansas. They asked the kids about there challenges and then had some fun with questions like "What is your favorite food?" Connor ofcourse said Butter Noodles and the rest of them said Pizza! Who doesn't like pizza. It was really cute. Later that afternoon we walked over to the White House to have a meeting with the big guy. Yes - Mr. President Bush! The kids got auotgraphs and took lots and lots of pictures. We waited for and hour and a half to see him for about 10 minutes. The parents understood the importance of this gathering - the kids did not have a clue. When asked about there favorite part of the trip - they all responded "Meeting Mickey Mouse." Poor President Bush... He seemed very busy - as he should. He is the most powerful man in the world. That evening we had a dinner and concert st the ESPN Zone right down the street from our hotel. The kids played games and said their good-byes. It was sad to leave such a wonderful group of people. We knew we would all keep in touch though.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006
WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE CARSON AND COLE. We got home about 5pm and spent the rest of the evening with them. The kids had school the next day so we went to bed early. We were EXHAUSTED!

Friday, March 24, 2006
Connor and Caden had their doctors appointments that day. Their counts are good and both of them are now on steroids. Yikes! Bad weekend here we come.

Thanks for reading about our journey and what an honor it was for us to attend this amazing "Champions" program. We will update again soon.

Lots of Love and prayers,
Lisa

Friday, February 3, 2006 10:33 AM CST

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the short update last time - as usual I got interupted and could not finish.

Well - things are going o.k. around here. Connor seems to be having a hard time when he gets I.V. therapy. His body is really sore and he has a stomach ache and he also is very, very tired. It just seems to me like his body just can't take it anymore. On the others days he seems fine. His labs are always good and he never complains about going to the doctor. He is such a champ.
Caden on the other hand is doing really good. You would never know he just got medicine by the way he runs around and plays. He is my wild child. He has his moments - don't get me wrong but seems to be chugging away at his treatment. Connor goes in for another spinal tap on the 23rd this month and Caden has his IV chemo as well that day. It is going to be another bad weekend at the Ballard's! We'll get through - we always do.
I always have a million things to say and then when I sit down to start typing it it just magically leaves my brain.
Sorry...

Have a good weekend and we'll update later!

Lisa

Wednesday, January 4, 2006 7:35 PM CST

Happy New Year!

I hope this year brings joy and happiness to all of you. I also pray that 2006 is a lot LESS stressful for many of us. When is it ever going to get easier. I know my new moto is "one day at a time" but sometimes that is really hard to do! I can't seem to get much acomplished lately. I feel angry, depressed, bored, mean, stressed, ect. all the time. O.K. -enough of the self pitty-party. Sorry...

Caden's counts have been low again so we have been homebound for awhile. We just really think about where we go and what time of day we do it. He has been a little tired and crabby lately. He just hasn't been feeling the greatest. He enjoyed Christmas and got spoiled (as usual) and his birthday is on the 10th of January. He is off his chemo for two weeks so by the 10th he should be ready to PARTY! I can't believe he is going to be 4!!!

Thursday, November 3, 2005 2:10 PM CST

Good afternoon all! Well once again - there has been a long delay in the updates. Sorry... - Connor and I are sitting here up at the clinic getting his usual IVIG and vincristine. He is on the computer next to me writing down his birthday wishes. He is becoming very interent savvy. His 8th birthday is on November 25!!! Yeah - we made it another year!! Caden had a spinal tap this morning and seems to be doing very well. He had a bout of the flu last week but seems to be better now. His counts are even a little high. They "uped" his chemo accordingly. I just am soo busy with everything that I can barely keep up. I feel as if I take two steps forward and 5 steps back. It always seems to be crazy. I can't wait till our life becomes "normal" - if it will ever be that way. The stress we take on is not healthy. Sooner or later it will get easier, it has to. Connor is enjoying school. He just won and art contest - so he is real excited. They are going to frame his picture and put it up in the office or right by it. Art has been therapy for Connor since he got sick. He loves to draw and imagine things. He is very good at it too! Caden on the other hand is a little pistol. He is so cute right now. He says the funniest things and you wonder where in the world did he come up with that. He seems to be enjoying pre-school. He only goes two days a week for 2 1/2 hours. I have so much more to say and so little time to type.

I am not sure if I shared this with you all yet. The boys have been asked to be ambassadors for the state of Nebraska for the Children's Miracle Network. This means that they will join 60 other kids in March to work on telethon taping and other media events. We will go to Orlando for 4 days and then we fly to D.C. for the last four days. We get to go to Disney while in Florida and we even get to meet the President (schedule permitting). Chris is pretty excited to meet President Bush! I'll let you know more details when they come to me. It is pretty exciting for us. We are honored that they chose our family. That is another thing added to my list of things that I have on my plate! Yikes! I know I am crazy busy but I love it!

Well Connor is due to go back to the room now for his flu shot. Then we get to go home!!!!!

Everyone - get your flu shots!!!!!

Miss you all...
Love and hugs,
Lisa

Saturday, October 8, 2005 8:01 PM CDT

Hello everyone...

I bet you all have been wondering - Where are the Ballard updates? Well - to be honest - It is always crazy. I've been so overwhelmed with the four kids lately. School, activities, doctor visits, birthday parties, a Children's Hospital Gala, a taping day for the Children's Gala and the Children's miracle network (I'll explain more later)- an so on and so on and so on! Whew. I don't know how we manage sometimes. I know our Faith and the Lord guide us each and everyday.

Carson is loving Kindergarten. She is really tired when she gets home though. Caden is in pre-school at our church. He absolutely loves it. He runs out after class and always says "Mom - I had sooooo much fun AGAIN!" We are so glad to see him loving life. It was so rough for the past year. All the changes, pokes, pricks, doctors, x-rays, hospital stays, days at home with no friends to play with because he did not feel good or his counts were to low to be around anyone. It just isn't fair. Anyway - I got a little off track. He is doing really good right now. In fact, he had is IV therapy appointment last Thursday and his counts were great. They had to "up" his Chemo a little because his counts were a little higher than they like to see them. They like an ANC to be between 1000-1500 and his ANC was 4800. It is not cause for concern - we just have to give him a higher dose. He could have gained weight and needed to be "up'ed". That is what happened to Connor. He gained 2-3 pounds in 4 weeks so his chemo is now a little higher as well. Always have to compensate for weight. Speaking of Connor. We are discussing at his next appointment when his treatment will be ending. We ould be done by November 24, 2005 if we still lived in St. Louis. The doctor here found a protocol similar to what he was on in St. Louis and it puts him going through next August. We are going to discuss this with her and find out why ther is such a discrepency. What would you all do? The questions going through my mind are - By going longer that November 2005 - could the chemo be more damaging to his body? Well duh? The answer is yes! 2. Could his body become resistent to the medicine the longer he takes it? - yes! 3. What are the chances of relapse if we go longer than Nov '05? Will the chance be less if we go longer? No - we are just prolonging it. Dr. Bob in St. Louis said if we are worried about relapse -- we would just be prolonging it if we went longer. (That is how I know that.) Anyway- we have a lot coming up as well.

Sorry for the infrequent updates - maybe someone else could do it for me. Any volunteers? Just kidding...

All my love,
Lisa

Friday, August 19, 2005 2:06 PM CDT

Hello...

Well how is everyone? We are o.k. A little stressed, nervous, anxious and busy. (So what's new) I don't know why it takes me so long to update this page. Some days I can think of a million things to say, other days I just don't feel like doing it and most days there is nothing to report.

Well for about the past 6 weeks now - Connor has had a horrible stomach ache. Ever since we went to St. Louis in July he has complained about his stomach. It has been a tiring 6 weeks listening to him moan, cry and just not feel good! I feel so sorry for him. We have tried everything to make him feel better. Finally, in the past two days he has not complained. I have been constantly asking though - "How do you feel?" He says he feels good.
We are so tired of this chemo business. I want to be DONE!! His body has had enough and frankly we have had enough! I am tired of watching him sit on the couch while his friends or cousins play. I am tired of trying him in sports because he so badly wants to play and then he can't keep up or gets hot and tired. I am tired of the way he feels and just want him to be a normal little boy again. Just plain and simple - I AM TIRED!!!!!! I am not super mom anymore. I just want to be mom.

Thursday, July 21, 2005 5:36 PM CDT

Good afternoon friends and family...

Well here we are again and it has been way to long since the last update. I am super busy and life is extremely crazy. I wanted to let you all know that the boys are doing good. All your prayers are wonderful and your love is grand. Thank you for all you do for our family. The prayer chain is getting really really big. That is AWESOME!!!!!!! Everyone always asks - "What can I do for you" and do you know what I say... PRAY! Thanks for all the prayers.

Caden's went to the clinc today for labs and they came back a little low. They are adjusting his oral chemo accordingly. He seems to be feeling fine - just a little cautious about where we go and what we do. We went back to St. Louis this past weekend to see some wonderful friends. He did not feel very good in the evenings. Cried alot and was realy tired and fussy. He was on a steroid so he was also a little angry. He loved seeing all his old friends from Winghaven. He also got to see the Huffsticklers who came from Dallas to visit friends as well. The Huffstickler's were our neighbors and really good friends who moved about a year before we did. We haven't seen them in two years. It was a crazy, busy weekend.

Connor loved visiting his buddies. He was very sad to leave as well. He hasn't been feeling the greatest for about two weeks now. He has been having a lot of stomach pains and some back and neck pains. A few headaches too. We took him to the clinic today to get him thoroughly checked out. He seems to be doing a little better this afternoon. We always get worried when the boys have any kind of leg or back pain.

Well the kids are getting up from their nap...
Talk to you all soon!

All our love from Omaha,
Lisa

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 11:04 PM CDT

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the delay...
Things are going good. We are always super busy around here. I can't seem to find a moments peace to update the web page. I FINALLY figured out how the change some pictures. Look and enjoy. The boys in a couple of the pictures are at the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" - They had a blast. They are with their friend Skylar. Well - I know I haven't said much but I will update later - I am once again very, very tired.

Update soon...
All my love, Lisa

Monday, May 2, 2005 1:10 PM CDT

Hello friends and family,

It has been a long time since I have been able to sit down and update the web page. I am so busy that I barely have time to myself. Sorry...
Well - the boys are doing great! Connor's sinus infection seems to be better and he is on the go. He is getting very busy with activities and sports. He has a doctor's appt on Thursday for his usual IVIG, Vincristine and he starts a 5 day pulse of steroids. (Better go to the store)!
Caden starts "Maintenance" on Thurs. - PRAISE GOD!!!! We are so excited. He has a spinal tap, Vincristine, and steroids as well. Watch out Pizza Hut - here we come...
I can't believe Caden is on Maintenance already. We are so glad. He hit Maintenance about 3-31/2 months earlier than Connor. Whew!!! He is do darn cute right now too! His hair is coming back in and he loves to talk and hold a conversation with someone. (especially Michelle Riney)
We went to St.Louis this past weekend for my best friends baby shower. She is having TWINS!! We are so excited for her and the family. It has been a long time coming and she deserves only the best. She was and is ALWAYS there for me whenever I need(ed) anything. She took my other kids in as her own when Connor got sick. Anyway - Caden loves Michelle and will talk and talk to her and Michelle can't get enough. He is just at that cute stage. Connor and Jack (Michelle's 61/2 year old), Brett, and Jordan were inseperable this weekend. They had so much fun. There were a lot of tears when we left to come home. We miss them so much. They are a unique group of friends down in St.Louis. We love them all dearly.
Thanks for always checking in on the web page. I know I do not update like I should but they always say "no news is good news." There isn't enough time in the day to get everything done. I will try and do better. God is giving me strength.
love and prayers,
Lisa

Sunday, March 27, 2005 7:01 PM CST

Happy Easter everyone!!! Hope everyone is having a wonderful day. I can not believe how time flies. I have been reading Kailie's web page, Jessica Johnson's, Alexandria's, Ashley and Ryan's and Skylar's but I still have not found the time to sit down and update ours. It is a lot easier to read than it is to type. Our daily family routine keeps me busy. Having four beautiful children -of which two are sick and one is a baby- my hands are full. I am not complaining, I am just at my limit.

Caden and Connor both had labs on Thursday. Connor's counts were good (as usual) and Caden's were surprisingly low. Hw just started interim maintenance, so his counts will take a while to get "regulated" for lack of a better word. I remember Connor doing the same thing as well. They both have horrible coughs and runny noses. It is never ending. Connor just finished Amoxicillian for an ear infection. He seemed to be feeling A LOT better while taking the antibiotic. Once it stopped, he started coughing again. He woke up today with "pink-eye", so we had to get him antibiotic drops for that. There is so much going around. My friends here have said their families are doing the same thing. Passing it between family members. I WANT IT TO WARM UP!!!! Caden hasn't been feeling well all weekend. We cancelled Easter acitivies with my family because he was so clingy and tired. Once he went outside for fresh air and to fly his easter kite - he perked up a little. Carson, of course is doing great. She is a beautiful little girl who has endured many things as well. Cole- well -what can I say about a baby. He is just plain and simple ALOT of work. He is soooooooo cute right now though. He will be nine months old on the 9th of April. Can you all believe that? Like I always say "Time flies yet it stands still." He is having ear tubes put in his ears tomorrow. He has had an ear infection that won't go away. He has been on 6 antibiotics since Christmas.

Pray for good health for our family and the many, many others who are out there fighting a battle. Prayer gives us strength and courage. God is great. By His grace, we are getting through this horrible time in our life. Please pray for healing and comfort. I just prayed today, on this beautiful Easter Sunday, to have a normal life. No more sick kids, no more battles with medicine, no more pain, no more ouchies, no more difficult questions to answer (that I don't have the answer to) and most of all no more Cancer!!!

Pray for Kailie's family and Jessica and her family. Pray for Skylar and Ashley and Ryan. Pray for the Haddocks. Be thankful for each day that you have with your families. Love each other and never give up hope!

All my love,
Lisa

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 2:52 AM CST

Oh where oh where has my time gone- oh where oh where can it be...
I have updated this web page so many times in my sleep (or lack there of) in the last two weeks - it is not funny! I am exhausted. Sorry for the sloooooooow update. I can't seem to find enough time in the day to get some things done. By 8:00pm, I am ready to get the kids down and go to bed myself (which never happens until 10:30 for some reason). I can't sleep!! - As you can see right now - it is 3AM and here I am - updating the web page. I kept laying in bed updating and updating - so I finally came down to the computer to do it. I wish I could type as fast as my brain thinks. Some times I lose about half of what I have wanted to say. UGH! Can you all sense a little frustration? I am stressed, over tired, over weight and have this huge lack of energy. You know what keeps me going... GOD - my two sick little boys - my other two adorable children and my husband! Life is so precious and is the greatest gift from our LORD above. So why can't I get motivated? This is just a difficult time right now and I can only do it with GOD's help. Thank you Lord for giving me the courage and strength to go through this phase of our lives.

O.K. now I know why I can't update. The kids are up looking for me! Do I ever get a break =) IT IS 3:15AM!!!!!
They are so cute - "Momma - we miss you -can you come snuggle with us?" How can I pass that up. Snuggling is the best! (Daddy is on Arizona tonight so they are having a slumber party in my room) How fun!

Caden just ended delayed intensification but I'll have to update you on that in the morning. The kids need me right now -plus it is a school night and Connor is roaming the halls =)!

Love to you all-
Miss you all tons!

Lisa

Wednesday, February 9, 2005 10:50 AM CST

Hello everyone...

Well, yesterday started another round of "icky" chemo for Cade. He was suppose to start last week but his counts were to low - so they gave him a week off. He was just starting to feel better just to get hit again.
I wish I could describe in words how our days and nights go here at the ballard house. Sometimes it is comical and others it is very stressful. If someone followed me around with a camera for a week every one would be amazed.
(I'm definitely NOT Jessica Simpson) =)

I know the medicine is making his cancer go away, but it is extremely hard to watch a child go through all the pain and suffering.
He screams and cries every time we put the "magic" cream on his port because he knows where he is going.
He always says "I don't want to stay there!" and he says it over and over and over.
He sometimes says "I don't like you!" (that is the worst one to hear)
He yells - GO AWAY! to either one of us.
Connor asks -Why did I get Leukemia, it is not fair?

You feel so bad for the little guys and all the kids having to do this. It is not a normal childhood. I know things will eventually get "normal" or will they? I am always going to live in fear. What if Chris and I get this horrible disease or what if Carson and Cole get cancer as well. You never know and for now I am just going to get my other two boys back on track!! I want them to be able to play sports, go swimming, sleep well, stop having bad dreams and do the things other kids do. We will get there eventually. It is just going to take longer - I guess.

We have a rough two weeks ahead of us. Caden has to go to the clinic everyday for ARA-C. This chemo makes you have
-low blood counts
-loss of appeitite
-nausea and vomiting
-occasional stomach cramps and diarrhea
-liver toxicity
-hair loss

He also received Cytoxan yesterday along with the ARA-C and a spinal tap as well. Could the boy have gotten any more medicine. He had to be hydrated for 5 hours or the Cytoxan would have really damaged his bladder. The side effects of Cytoxan are the same as ARA-C except there are a few more.
-change in taste or smell
-mouth sores
-heart damage
-low sperm counts or missed periods
No wonder it is call CyTOXan. It is very toxic!!!
Praise the Lord he ony gets one dose of that drug. Connor had more than one - I just can't remeber how many doses. I will have to look it up. (in my spare time of course =)

Well Caden is actually hungry and I can't believe it. So I am off to fix lunch. Sorry for the infrequent updates. My time just seems to get away from me.

Pray for good health and no hospital visits over the next few weeks. Pray for good nights rest and especially for all those sick children fighting any horrible disease.

Godd Bless,
Lisa

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 6:18 PM CST

Hello Family and Friends!

Well - once again it has taken me awhile to update but this time I have a good reason. Caden had his BIG 3rd birthday on January 10 and then was admitted to the hospital on the 11th. He did not feel well at all. He received his 2nd round of Doxorubicin on the 6th and was not on a steroid to help with his counts. Therefore his counts plummeted and wound up in the hospital with and ANC of 80. He dropped down to 20 and then started to recover slowly. He was discharged on Sat with an ANC of 140. Whoo Hoo! He is feeling a little better now but has really not had any energy. I took him back to the clinic today for another round of what I call the "Red Devil" medicine. The nurses call it "Red Koolaid" because it really does what it is suppose to do and that is kill cancer cells! He also starts his steroid again for seven days and this time I actually am thankful for the steroids. It will help his counts recover.

Well dinner (pizza) is here - so I'll finish updating later...

Love you all,
Lisa

Saturday, January 8, 2005 4:24 PM CST

Happy Birthday Connor and Caden!!

Connor turned 7 on November 25 and Caden will be 3 years old on January 10! I am so blessed to have been able to spend another year with my boys! I can't believe I have TWO boys fighting for their lives. They are amazing fighters! You know it is hard for some people to comprehend how sick the boys are or how sick kids with cancer are. They may be getting through the treatment and look o.k. at times but at any moment could end up in the hospital with an infection or relapse. I have been reading Kailie's and Alexandria's caringbridge web pages and thought to myself - we are all going to have a better 2005!!!! I just wish people would not be so judgemental about how we as parents handle things. No one knows - I MEAN NO ONE KNOWS - what you are going through until you have walked down our path and have been in our shoes. I could go on and on and vent and vent but then I decided that it would not get me anywhere. It would just get me more frustrated!! So I am just going to give you all an update and hope and pray for contunued healing in 2005!

Connor is doing good with his treatment. He has been getting some frequent sore throats and tummy aches. I would get that too if I was taking all the medicine he was taking. He is doing good in school and really likes his classmates and teacher (Mrs. Kruger) He was glad to get back to school after Christmas break only to turn around and have another 3 days off due to ice and snow. We have over 14" on snow on the ground. YUCK! The kids love it though. They have been out sledding on their new sleds that Mima and Poppa got them for Christmas. What a great idea! He is growing up way to fast. Kim Behlmann will appreciate this... I was buying Connor some new shoes because the "Gap" shoes were falling apart and come to find out - I had to get Connor a size 3 and he was squeezing his feet into Gap size 1. "Ouch" - Kim and I love Gap shoes because they are cheap and Brett and Connor are so hard on shoes. It pays to have your feet measured once in a while! Chemo was suppose to slow Connor's growth but it hasn't I guess! Praise God!

Caden is still adjusting to going to the Doctor and getting accessed. He always wants to leave his "tape" on. That means he doesn't want to take the "magic" cream off to get his needle. He still kicks and screams and tries to get away. It is a horrible thing to have to go through. He is 3 and doesn't understand. It brings us to tears EVERY time we have to watch him go through all that trauma. Connor eventually adjusted and we know Caden will too! It is just very unfair. He started his "tough" chemo on December 29th. He had an EKG and and Echocardiogram on Wednesday the 28th. This is to get a basline assessment of his heart because the Chemo he got Thursday the 29th and Thursday the 6th and then he will get it again on Thursday th 13th is very damaging to the heart muscle. He was not happy to do the EKG as well. We are going to pray and pray that the Doxorubicin will not damage the heart muscle. His counts are going to bottom out this week from the Doxorubicin - so we are staying home as much as we can. We don't want to end up in the hospital with an infection. He is feeling o.k. at times but wakes up frequently with tummy aches or is very, very fidgety. He absolutely LOVES to play sword fights with his dad and brother and loves to play with his sissy when Connor is at school. He adores Carson and she is do good to him. She is really momma's little helper. With Cole and with Caden. We love her very much!

Well I know it take me forever to do updates but I don't want to do a diary of my life. I will try and try my hardest to be better about the updates but my life is crazy, crazy, crazy!! We love you all and are so grateful for the continued support and prayers for our family! Have a blessed 2005!!

God Bless,
Lisa

Tuesday, November 16, 2004 11:15 AM CST

Good morning family and friends! I just had a few minutes and thought I would give an update.
Actually, I am going to give a brief history of what has happend over the last year and a half. For those of you who would like to read past journal histories, you can on this website by clicking "read past journal history."
The past 19-20 months have been very stressful, tiring and overwhelming. Chris and I have been through so much with the boys, moving and having another baby (July 9, 2004). We are strong and continue to be for those around us who need us.
On May 6, 2003, we got the worst news of our lives. Connor, our oldest child was diagnosed with high risk leukemia (ALL). He presented with neck and back pain and a white blood count (WBC) of 90,000. He was in the hospital for 5 days and received high dose chemo right away to lower his WBC. He also received many transfusions of blood and plateletts. Connor endured many pokes, prods and medicines that a little boy should not have to go through. He was so brave and still is. He is my hero. In fact- I have tears in my eyes right now just thinking about all that he and we have been through. Nobody knows about the late night body aches and vomiting and nightmares. The battles of trying and trying to get him to take his medicine. The fevers that would send us to the hospital for immediate admission to be put on Vanc, ceftaz and diflucan. We were fighters and still are!! He now takes all his medicine in one gulp. He has to take oral meds (6 MP)everynight before bed and on Thursdays he takes oral methotrexate which is 6 pills. So every week he swallows 7 pills in one drink. What an amazing boy!!!! Every 4 weeks, Connor goes to the clinic for vincrisitne, IVIG and decadron. (We do not like the steroids!) He takes the steroid for 5 days. Every 12 weeks, he goes to the hospital for a lumbar puncture with chemo. Can you believe I can keep this straight. He does it now without complaining. We are so proud of him!
Well if that is not enough to keep track of and worry about, stress out about and live in constant fear about... I don't know what is - but it happened again!
Our worst fears came true. Another one of our children was diagnosed with leukemia. Caden - our 2 1/2 year old boy was daignosed on September 10, 2004. That is just 16 months apart from Connor. Caden is standard risk compared to Connor who is "high" risk. We just knew in the bottom of our hearts that he had ALL. He had fallen down two steps and we thought he fractured his ankle by the way he was limping and walking. He always wanted to be carried or crawled everywhere. I took him twice for an x-ray and they both came back negative. So - when I took Cole in for his 2 month check-up, I asked Dr. Kaufman to run a CBC on Caden. His counts were low and his lymphocyctes were high. We never thought we would get the call once let alone twice!!! We did and here we are today. Still holding strong...
Caden was in the hospital for nine days. He had a lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy right away to see how bad the cancer was. His cancer was not present in the spinal fluid. Praise God. He still had weekly lumbar punctures with chemo and 3 or 4 bone marrow biopsies. His protocol is a little different than Connor's. Connor got hit right away with the hard chemo and Caden will get his "hard" chemo beginning December 30, 2004. It is all hard on the boys. When I say "hard" chemo - I mean the chemo that makes you real sick and your hair fall out. Caden took steroids for the first 28 days. He was miserable. He gained 10-15 pounds and was a very angry boy. He was not himself. If there wasn't pizza ready for him at 6am, we were in a lot of trouble. He craved salty foods. His most favorite thing to say was "I don't like you!" That was really hard on me and Chris. We knew it was the medicine talking but you still don't want to hear your little boy saying those things. He gained so much weight that he waddled around like a weeble wobble. It was very sad to watch. He wouldn't play and do anything that is likes to do. He wanted Chris to sit with him or hold for the first 3-4 weeks and then he just wanted me. You should have seen the days when I had both Caden and Cole on my lap rocking them. It was very difficult. Cole for the first 3 months was kinda colicy. He had to be held all the time too! Caden received his port on October 28th. He did fairly well with the surgery considering the procedure started @ 2:00pm. He could not eat or drink anything after midnight. That's what is hard to explain to a 2 year old. We walked many laps in the stroller around the hospital so he could fall asleep and not worry about the food. We came home that day and he recovered great. He even went trick-o-treating. He was a pirate. He was very, very cute!
Things now have gotten some what routine. Caden has meds everynight like Connor. Connor even taught Caden how to swallow pills. What a big brother you are!! Caden loves Connor very much and really looks up to him. Caden gets the same meds as Connor right now and lumbar punctures every 4 weeks or 28 days.

We will just keep chugging along praying for no bumps in the road! We can only do this with all your support and prayers. Without this we would be struggling. Thank you everyone for all that you have done and continue to do. We are very grateful.

The kids are getting crazy - so I better go play with them.

All our love and prayers,
Lisa

Saturday, October 9, 2004 7:52 AM CDT

Good Morning!

I spent 30 minutes udating last night and then it didn't save! I was so mad. So I'll try again.

Let me start with Connor. He is doing fantastic. He feels great and he has been going to school. He loves school now! Thank the lord. He had another spinal tap last week. It went very smooth. No complaints from Connor. He sure has come along way. He makes us all very proud. Nothing seems to bother Connor except the dark.

Caden on the other hand is not feeling very well. He had a spinal tap and bone marrow aspirate yesterday. He is still on steroids until tonight. He is so BIG, puffy and uncomfortable. He has gained ten pounds in 27 days. He is also not sleeping very well. The steroids cause insomnia and nightmares. I can't wait till they are done. He always wants me to carry him, hold him or sit by him. I am exhausted just like him. He will have another 3 spinal taps the next three Fridays. On the last Friday is when they will put his port in his chest. He only has oral chemo at night called 6-MP and the spinal taps. That is why they can wait to put his port in. They also wanted to wait to put the port in because he has gained so much weight. He is to fat right now (basically).
For the spinals they put him to sleep with a gas mask. No IV therapy for 28 more days.

Pray that the weight will come off quickly and he will start running around like a two year old little boy again. He has not been playing much. He used to love to ride his scooter and harley. I hope he will start doing that stuff again SOON. It is not fair! He LOVES to play and never slows down. At least he didn't used to. Hopefully soon - he will be back to his usual self.

P.S. Go check out the new pictures on the website - they are pretty cute.

Love and prayers,
Lisa

Sunday, September 26, 2004 3:08 PM CDT

Good afternoon family and friends!

Well - it has been a rough two weeks. I don't know how I could forget how HORRIBLE steroids are for an extended period of time. I must have gotten used to Connor being on his for just five days in a row not 15 days so far with Caden. (only 13 more days to go) He is so angry and HUNGRY. IF there isn't pizza waiting for him when he wakes up - you would think it was the end of the world. I can't tell you how heart breaking it is to see a two year old tell you he "doesn't like you". All's we tell him back is that we love him very much.

Connor had a lumbar puncture on Thursday (23rd). Everything went very well. He received vincristine and IVIG that day as well as starting his steroid that night. Things are becoming pretty routine with him. He loves school and has made a new friend named Jaque (Jack). His teacher Mrs. Kruger is awesome. She is very understanding and even called him this weekend at home to see how he was feeling. He thought that was pretty cool. His Kindergarten teacher from St. Louis "Mrs. Meek" also sent him a card that said she thinks of him often. He really liked that. Connor is a great role model for Caden. We are going to need it.

Caden had another Bone Marrow Biopsy on Sat.(25th). His bone marrow from last Saturday didn't have less than 5lasts so he had to have one yesterday. It is not easy seeing him endure all that pain and suffering. He couldn't eat or drink past midnight and the procedure didn't start till 10am. He doesn't have a port yet so thaey had to put him under with a gas mask. It is horrible to wwatch. He screams, kicks, and cries till his body lays limp from falling asleep. After he is asleep - they put the IV in and give him propophol to sleep even better and then give him his vincristine and draw labs. They initially wanted to get his labs while he was awake and we said NO! He doesn't need to be awake for that.
We will find out on Monday what the results are from that. Preliminarily, Dr. Gnara looked at that slide and didn't see any blasts. We have to wait for the pathologist to give the final report. Keep Praying!!!!!!!

Thank you to everyone - even people whom we have not met - for the continued support and prayers. It has been very difficult going through this once let alone twice and we even have a newborn baby to love and nuture. We couldn't do it without the support and prayers and especially GOD!

It is really crazy here at the Ballard house so I will update as soon as I can.

We love you ALL!

P.S. I have put new pictures on the website. They are pretty cute!

Lisa

Sunday, September 26, 2004 3:08 PM CDT

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 4:02 PM CDT

Hello everyone...well here we are again. Lisa said to me in tears this morning that she thought the worst year of her life was finally over. When we moved back to Omaha we were so glad to have closed that chapter. All we can do at this point is pray for the Lord to close yet another chapter and be glorified in the process. At least we are getting pretty good at this routine. Seeing Caden accomplish as much as he has in the past six days has again been amazing as well as revealing for us, as it was with Connor. We have a bit of good news to report and thank the Lord for answering prayer so quickly. Caden seems to be shaping up as a very "standard" risk leukemia. His cell line is precursor B ALL with what looks to be a very encouraging cytogenetics report which will be finalized by the end of the week. With God's grace it looks to be a very good prognosis on a standard protocol with nothing extra. Please pray that this is the case. His 36 hour fever has finally disappeared and this is a direct answer of prayer. His doctors don't know what was causing it or where it went...although we know, and we praise God. He is scheduled for another bone marrow biopsy on Saturday to determine remission status. This is our next milestone and our prayer request. Please pray that his bone marrow is "clean" and is showing signs of healthy recovery. We already have proof that this may be happening...In the presence of chemo as well as an ongoing fever his platelets and neutrophils have increased! This did not happen this early with Connor. He is answering prayer - there is no doubt. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers...I'll have new pictures very soon.

Chris

Thursday, June 24, 2004 2:49 PM CDT

Hello Friends and Family.

I wish I was updating this site with good news. No one is going to believe this one.

On Friday, September 10, 2004, our 2 1/2 year old boy - Caden - was diagnosed with common ALL just like Connor. As if going through one child with cancer isn't hard enough - we have to do it again. Connor won't be done with his treatment until October 2006 and Caden is just getting started.

Caden had a bone marrow aspirate yesterday and his marrow was full of blasts. They ordered a lumbar puncture with chemo for today and found no disease in his spinal fluid. We were so thankful. We must have caught this very early. We knew something was wrong with him. It was very similar to the way Connor was acting - so we had a bad feeling in the bottom of our stomach.

It all started 4 weeks ago when Caden fell down the stairs and grabbed his ankle. I had it x-rayed twice and they both came back negative. When I took Cole in for his 2 month check-up, I asked our pediatrician to order a CBC for Caden just for peace of mind. Well never in my wildest dreams did I EVER think I would have another child with this horrible cancer. It is very, very rare for it to happen in the same family - let alone being diagnosed 16 months apart. Caden is having a hard time. He keeps saying "I want to go bye-bye - it's taking to long" "When can we go home". He just doesn't understand. We could reason with Connor but to reason with a 2 year old is very difficult.

Connor is doing extremely well - so obviously that gives us great hope. I don't know what is worse though. Knowing what lies ahead of me or not knowing. We know how difficult this is going to be. Especially with two going to the clinic now and having a newborn baby. I all ask for is prayers,prayers and more prayers. We need everyone of them.
Well, I better get some rest because Cole will be up shortly and I am exhausted. Physically and emotionally!!

God bless and thanks for all your continued prayers and support.

Lisa

Thursday, February 5, 2004 9:34 PM CST

Whew! Where do I begin? It has been a long winter. Sorry it has taken us so long to update. We were without a computer for the latter part of December and purchased a new one around the middle of January! YEAH!! I have a computer to do updates now! The computer we were using is Chris's work computer - so he is ALWAYS on it!

Let's see...
Christmas was a bit different this past year. We stayed here in St. Louis instead of traveling back to Omaha. Connor was hospitalized the weekend before Christmas and was on I.V. antibiotics until the day after x-mas. His counts were still low - so the doctors put him on neupogen. The is a great drug. It helps with white cell recovery. We did get to go to Omaha for the weekend. It was a bit different - but nice to see our families. My sister had a beautiful baby girl on Dec. 8 so I was very anxious to hold the little angel. Then it was back to St. Louis for Chemo again on the 29th and 30th.

January-
Connor did pretty well. He had a lumbar puncture on January 8th with 3 Chemo's. You all wouldn't believe what he did when we left the hospital. He asked if he could "run" like sonic the hedgehog down the hall. I said "go for it!" When I finally caught up with him he said to me "What took you so long?" I was amazed at the strength he had after all that medicine.

February-
Oh Boy!! That's all I have to say! This month is terrible. He is on Dexamethasone (a steriod) and it is not any fun. He is not himself. He gets very angry for no reason. He is on it for seven days - off for seven days and then on again for seven days. I can not wait till March! He keeps saying to us "The medicine makes me act crazy - I don't like it!" Poor guy... Chris and I are very tired by 8:00pm. Most of the time Connor wants his dad. Among Chris trying to take care of Connor and the rest of the family he is also trying to prepare to take on a new postion with Pfizer. On Monday, January 26th, Chris was offered and accepted a latteral transfer back to Omaha with the Oncology division within Pfizer. We are both glad to be getting back home with our families.
So- Connor's month is horrible, Chris has to start training, and we are dealing with all that goes on when you have to move! WHOA!!! We can do it though - we don't have a choice.
We will be terribly sad to leave "Winghaven" and all the friends we have made. They have been like our family away from our family. I can't even begin to tell you how much we appreciate all our friendships and the support they have given us. Thanks everyone! (You better come visit and you know who you are)=)

Well I better head off to bed - but I just wanted to say sorry for the long delay in the updating process. Alison- I made it by the skin of my chiny-chin-chin...

Love you all and God bless,
Lisa

Friday, December 19, 2003 3:59 PM CST

Hello Family and Friends...

Well it has been a long December. Connor's "counts" have been critically low - so we have been home bound for quite some time. Carson was sick for seven days last week and then Caden was sick this past weekend. Carson was running a fever of 103 - so we were doing everything we could to keep Connor away from her and then away from Caden. Caden never really got the fever but he had the cough and runny nose. It has been hard to say the least. We DO NOT want Connor to get the flu this season. Many "healthy" kids are dead from the flu. SCARY!!! We were at the doctor today for 2 1/2 hours waiting to see what his counts were and to get Chemo. His counts were so low they decided not to give him his Methotrexate but still gave him his vincristine. Dr. Bob also advised us to stay home (which we are doing). Connor seems o.k. with that. He never wants to go anywhere anyway. We still haven't decided if we will venture to Omaha for the Holidays or not. We will see how Connor feels and if he gets a temp before we leave. I would hate to be out of town and end up in the hospital. Oh well - the most important thing to Chris and me right now is Connor's health!
I also wanted to update you all on a little secret...
Chris and I have secret santas. They have been leaving a little something on our porch at about 10pm every night. It is for the twelve days of Christmas. They are very creative and thoughtful. They leave a little poem with every gift. We just wanted to say "Thank-you" to our secret santas. You really have brightened our days during this month. The kids especially love to see what is in the sacks. They really like the Window Clings the best. Thank you to whom ever you are...

Keep praying for Connor that he doesn't get sick this season with some type of "bug".

Thank you for all the continued support and prayers. We love all of you.

Merry Christmas...
Lisa

Tuesday, December 2, 2003 5:32 PM CST

Hello Family and Friends!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I haven't updated in a very long time and am feeling very guilty. Things have been going great for our family. I guess no news is good news - right? Well let's see... Connor has missed a lot of school because Chicken pox is going around. That is the last thing we want him to get. His counts have been doing good. We actually got to go spend his 6th Birthday and Thanksgiving in Arizona with my family. My mom and dad were so excited for us to come. We really enjoyed ourselves. Connor was on a mission to spy the first cactus right when we got off the plane. Before we left for AZ - Connor and his buddy Brett had a Birtday party at Lazercore. Connor and Brett actually share the same birthday - so they decided they wanted to get sombraros @ Chevy's and then go play laser tag. They had a blast. It was so nice to see him smiling and having fun like a 6 year should. We are now trying to get ready for Christmas. I haven't even started shopping. Oh well - in due time. We are just glad that Connor is feeling well enough to do some normal things. Thank the Lord.
Well sorry this is so short but duty calls...

Love to you all,
Lisa

Saturday, October 18, 2003 3:20 PM CDT

O.K. This is the third time I have tried to update and I have lost everything. Hopefully this time it will work.

I can't believe it has been a month since the last update.
There wasn't really much to say. Connor is doing GREAT! He went to school the whole month of September. He had Chemo on Sept. 29th and 30th but still I've found that he wasn't to sick from the medicine. On October 1st my Uncle Glen and Aunt Cindy came to St. Louis. We haven't seen them in 3 years so it was a great visit. They took me and the kids to Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was yummy. Thank you Glen adn Cindy for a wonderful meal and for a lovely visit. On October 3rd we packed up the car a headed back to Omaha. We haven't been home since Christmas and we all needed to get away. It was such an awesome weekend. We went to the pumpkin patch, saw some very special friends and spent a lot of time with our families. Thanks for a wonderful weekend! We were suppose to go to the NU/MU Football game with some friends on October 11th but Connor developed a fever early Sat. morning. We decided it would be better to stay home with him. That's o.k. - we got to watch it on T.V. and we were WARM! Connor then had a lumbar puncture and three chemos on October 14th. He missed school the whole week because he was a little tired. He will catch up. His buddy Brett has been bringing his homework home for him. Thanks Brett! What would we do without you! Then yesterday Nana and Pappy came to visit us and are staying till Tuesday. The kids are loving every minute of them being here. He is on a steroid right now so he is not himself. He is on it for seven days, off for seven, then on for seven again. I can't wait till that is over. I do not like what they do to his mind. Pray that he doesn't remember how he acts. More so - pray that the other two don't pick up the behavior.

We miss you all and are greatful for the continued support and especially the prayers.

Blessings,
Lisa

Friday, September 26, 2003 6:54 PM CDT

Where has the time gone? It seems like we have had a crazy life the past couple of weeks and I don't even know what we have done. Let me think... On Friday, September 5, I drove the kids to Lake of the Ozarks to meet Chris. He had a meeting there on Fri. and we met up with him to stay at Tan-Tara. We took the kids to play putt-putt (twice) and we even rented a boat for two hours. It was BEAUTIFULL!! We haven't gotten away from here since Christmas. It was definitely needed. The kids had a great time. Connor even forgot about all his worries but it was back to the same old routine on Monday the 8th. He had to get Chemo (x2) on Monday and one dose on Tuesday. He did great! It didn't seem to affect him this time like it usually does. Then he had "Hero Day" at school on the 11th. He thought it was so cool to see a helicopter land by his playgound. He also got to see a firetruck, police dog, hummer and many more "Hero" things. He had a fun, fun day. Last week on Thurs. (18th) - Connor had another lumbar puncture with intrathecal methotrexate, IV methotrexate and vincristine. WOW - three doses of chemo and he still went to school on Friday. After school on Fri. - he had to go to the doctor to get a leg shot of chemo. No fussing though. He is so, so brave. I am very proud of my little hero. It is amazing what a child can teach an adult. No fear, no worries - just love, love and more love. He has strengthened me through all of this. I have to be extra strong for him and my family. After lumbar punctures, Connor is usually good the next day but the two days following an LP he is very tired. The weekend we just rested. On Monday (22nd), I noticed he seemed more tired than usual and he looked pale. On Wednesday (24th), I took him in for lab work just to see what his counts were because he was very low on energy. Well, mother's intuition was right - he needed a blood transfusion. On Thurs.(25th) we were off to the doctor to get blood. What a difference! Connor is running around playing and of course picking on his sister. Poor Carson! She loves school finally. It was an adjustment but she is doing great. Caden is still a monster. He is talking so much now. His favorite answer to a question is "yip" - it is so darn cute. Well the weekend is here and I can't believe September is almost over. We have to go to the doctor again on Monday and Tuesday then we have a 13 day break! Yeah!!!!! Hope you all are doing great! We sure do miss everyone. Keep on praying for Connor. I do believe in the power of prayer and I know GOD can hear all of the prayers!

Also, I want to pray for a special family that has come into our lives. It is the Haddock Family. They are preparing the 3rd annual "Alexandria's Angels" golf tournament on October 20th, 2003. Their wish is to help many children, families and organizations that helped them during their time of need. For more information about this wonderful event please call or e-mail
Nancy Cole (636)561-2804
nancycole@charter.net
or you can call me and I will be more than happy to answer questions.

Remember - Life is a precious gift! Cherish every moment!

Love you all and God Bless,
Lisa

Wednesday, September 10, 2003 10:21 AM CDT

Hello again...

Well - school has started and Connor is finally adjusted. The first two weeks he didn't want to go very bad but now he gets up and doesn't even ask to stay home. Yeah!! We are praising God that he his doing so much better. He is finally eating better and he has a lttle more energy. He even went to soccer practice last Wednesday. We have practice again tonight and then his first game on Sat. morning. This school routine was an adjustment for Chris and me. All the kids go to bed at a normal time now and I keep telling my mom "Why didn't I do this 5 years ago!" Now Chris and I have more time to ourselves. It really has been nice. We have been planning a trip to Phoenix in November to stay with my parents. It is Connor's birthday on Nov. 25th so we are going to have a party in Arizona. He is very excited to see the cactus'. It will be a good break for ALL of us. I just pray that Connor is feeling good enough because it is all dependant on that. Well I better go see what evil canevil (Caden) is up to - it is very quiet in here...

Much love and God bless,
Lisa

Saturday, August 30, 2003 10:49 AM CDT

Wow! I'm am sorry it always takes us so long to update but we are extremely busy or extremely tired. Sorry...
Well - the last two weeks of August have been better. Connor started school on August 20th and for the most part is enjoying kindergarten. He gets tired very easily though. The teacher noticed he poops out about half way through the day and it is only half day kindergarten. He does come home a rest most days. Right now he is getting chemo two days in a row then he is off for eight days. The schedule has slowed down and we are thanking God for that. He has ended his re-induction phase of treatment. Whew!! We had a little scare there for a day though. Connor's white count wasn't recovering like it should have been when he was off treatment for a week. Dr. Rob was a little nervous that he may have been relapsing but that was not the case. On Thursday August 21st we got the best news. God had answered all our prayers. The results of his bone marrow biopsy were in and they found no traces of residual leukemia anywhere. The doctor called it a "normal recovering bone marrow." That was music to our ears. Connor is in remission!!!!! It is time to celebrate. Although we still have a long road ahead - we are continually praying for a full recovery. We still have two to three years of treatment to make sure the cancer cells do not try to come back. We are praising God for getting us through this because if it wasn't for him and our strong faith we wouldn't have gotten through this difficult phase of our lives.
Love to you all and God Bless,
Lisa

Friday, August 15, 2003 3:41 PM CDT

Hello everyone!

Well it has been a horrible August! Connor really hasn't been feeling well. The Huffsticklers (Connor's best buddy that moved to Dallas) came to visit on August 1st and Connor wasn't even feeling good enough to play with Matthew! It broke my heart. I felt so bad for the boys. Julie and I even cried a little because it was just so sad. Connor was just getting weaker and weaker. Wednesday -the day they left to go back to Texas - Connor was addmitted to the hospital with a fever and lots of side pain. The doctors did a urinalysis, blood cultures and even a CT scan. Everything came back negative. We were very thankful but still didn't know where the pain was coming from. He was put on fortaz (antibiotic) and diflucan (anti-fungal) to cover what ever he may have. Nothing ever grew on his cultures - so he may not have anything at all. My mom and dad drove down Thursday to help with Carson and Caden. We could not have done this without them. Caden had the flu on Wednesday (the night we went to the hospital), Carson had the flu on Friday and I had the flu on Saturday. Whew!!! It was not easy. Thank you Mom and Dad for all the help and the great meals!! We love you!! Connor really hasn't been out of bed since we were in the hospital. Maybe for a few hours here and there. He spiked a temperature again this week - so we had to go back to the doctor again. They did all the tests again and still NOTHING! Finally his tempurature broke but he still won't eat. He is skin and bones. They put him on neupogen which should help jump start his marrow. The doctors were concerned that his counts weren't recovering like they should be since he is off the Chemo this week. Hopefully that will give him a boost and he will get some more energy. He is scheduled to have a Bone Marrow Biopsy on Tuesday so please lets all pray for good news. He is suppose to start Kindergarten on Wednesday! We'll see how he feels.
Thanks for being patient about the updates... I barely have enough time to keep the house up and to play with the other two!! God Bless and love to you all!

Lisa

Friday, July 25, 2003 2:57 PM CDT

Good afternoon all...

Well it as been a crazy couple of weeks. Today we ended our ara-c treatment. This is the one where I have to take Connor to the doctor everyday. The appointments usually last about 1 1/2 hours. Last week I took him Tues. thru Sat. and this week we went Tues. thru Fri. WHEW!! I am glad that it is over. Last week we also had a lumbar puncture on Tues. and this week Connor had to get red cells on Tuesday and platelets today. It makes for long days. Tuesday we were at the office from 9:30am till 3:30pm and today we were there from 9:30am till 1:30pm. Today I was crazy enough to bring the other two kids. WOW - that was insane. Connor is doing great. Last week on Thursday he had a rough day but other than that he seems energentic. Getting the blood products helps with his energy level. Chris and I can always tell when he needs blood. In fact - the nurses didn't believe me on Tuesday when I said he'll probably need blood today. She came out to the waiting room and said "Moms are always right" - then hooked Connor up to get his red cells. Thank goodness I had my dear dear friends Kim and Michelle watching Carson and Caden. What would I do without all my support. I would be crazy!!! The next two weeks we go to the doctor on Mon.-Wed.-Fri. He will have another lumbar puncture on Wednesday and shots on the other days. The appointments those days are only 20 minutes (besides Wed. - that will be all day) It won't be a busy for me and the kids. Then we have some exciting news - Connor starts kindergarten on August 20th. He is very excited. We are a little nervous for infection reasons but glad he is going to attend. We'll keep you all posted. Well - Connor just got picked up by his buddy Brett and his mom Kim to go get ice cream. Sounds good, but I am going to take a little rest with Carson and Caden. Take care and we will update sooner than later! I PROMISE!!

Much Love,
Lisa

Thursday, July 10, 2003 8:32 PM CDT

Hello all...

As we walk down this road to Connor's recovery it's been so comforting to resume some sort of normalcy. That's why our updates have been less frequent - sorry. As of late it has been wonderful that Connor's illness has not consumed our every thought at every moment. Even though it has only been two months, it has seemed like a year...but, throughout the past two months we have found a renewed sense of faith in the only One who will bring us through this - the Lord. It's also been amazing at how much Connor has learned about how to trust in God - he can even show you the "attack moves" that the angels use whenever evil comes near. He knows that "He-Man" built angels surround him at every moment with fire swords in hand. When Connor doesn't feel good his instinct is to pray - it's been a humbling learning experience for Lisa and I, to say the least.

Connor is doing really pretty well. He is still in the consolidation phase of treatment and is visiting the doctor at least every other day. He will continue to get lumbar punctures with intra-thecal methotrexate every two weeks and will have another bone marrow biopsy in early August. His chemo regimen consists of Ara-c, 6-mp, L-asparaginase, Cytox, vincristine, methotrexate and septra.

He received a blood transfusion yesterday - we could tell he needed blood just by his skin color. After returning home from his transfusion, it was amazing to see how much better his skin color was and that his energy level had returned. This evening Connor traversed the entire length of "monkey bars" on his new swing-set. He was so proud of himself and he wanted everyone to know that he is getting stronger and his blood is getting better...Thank you for all of your cards, kind words, help and prayers. Please continue to pray for Connor's speedy recovery! (By the way - we finally have some pictures on this web page of Connor & Co.)

Chris

Wednesday, July 2, 2003 8:47 PM CDT

WOW!! I just looked on the website and realized that it has been almost two weeks since the last update. I'm sorry - but it has been just a little crazy around here.
Today Connor had another Lumbar Puncture with the intrathecal methotrexate, vincristine and an
L-asparaginase shot. All three chemo's in one day and he is doing o.k. He has had a tummy ache all day from all the meds. He had to be put under for the Lumbar Puncture so that is even more meds in his body! It's not slowing him down to much though - he is still playing on his new swingset. He also had a big pokemon dual with his dad on nintendo game cube when he got home from the hospital. He was proud because he was beating Chris pretty good.
I am still so amazed how Connor is doing and feeling. I have had to go to the doctor for the past two weeks virtually everday for chemo and he is still playing like a normal 5 year old boy. You all would be amazed! Every time I went in for his treatment the nurse would ask how he was doing and I would tell her and she couldn't believe it either! He has lost his big appetite and about 10 pounds. He has lost all the weight he gained when he was on the prednisone and eating me out of house and home.
We have another busy 6 weeks. I have to take him every other day for the next two weeks; then we go everyday for two weeks; then we go every other day again for another two weeks. WHEW!! I am getting a little worn down but am resting every chance I get. We will get through this and Connor will be just fine. I just feel it!!
Thanks again for all the prayers and believe it or not I am going to bed. I am very tired this evening and so is Connor. Much love and kisses!

Lisa

Friday, June 20, 2003 11:01 PM CDT

Hello -
It has been two days since the last update and there isn't much to tell. Connor is doing great!!!! He is playing and acting normal. This is the way we want it. We want him to have a normal childhood just like his friends.
We have been going to the doctor everyday this week for his ARA-C chemo. We have to go tomorrow @ 9:00am as well but that is it until Tuesday. We will go Tues.-Fri. next week for the same thing. We thought for sure he would be feeling sick and tired but that is not the case. He has been running around with his brother and sister, playing with his friend Brett and especially swinging on his new swingset. It has been such a wonderful thing to have for the kids. Thank you again and again for all those who contributed for the swingset. It really has been a great toy for me as well. I don't have to chase the kids away from the street anymore. I am so glad my best friend Michelle Riney told me about it because Chris and I were going to go purchase one Memorial Weekend. We had been talking about getting one for some time but when Connor got leukemia - we decided it was a must. You don't understand what it means to us to have the close friends, support and prayers from all of you!
My heart has truely been touched by the generousity and concern for our family! People have been doing such nice things that I often feel guilty most of the time. Then I am told by my family and close-close friends that I would do the same for them if they were in this situation and that is the TRUTH!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
God's grace, our faith in him and our love for each other are getting us through this difficult time. Connor's bravery and tough spirit are good qualities to beat this disease! I look at him everyday and think to myself - WOW! - if he can get through this he can do anything!!! God is on our side and we are thankful for him and Connor everyday!

With Trials...WE GROW STRONGER IN FAITH!
With Faith...WE MOVE CLOSER TO GOD!
With God...WE CAN DO ALL THINGS!

Much love and prayers,
Lisa

Friday, June 20, 2003 11:01 PM CDT

Hello -
It has been two days since the last update and there isn't much to tell. Connor is doing great!!!! He is playing and acting normal. This is the way we want it. We want him to have a normal childhood just like his friends.
We have been going to the doctor everyday this week for his ARA-C chemo. We have to go tomorrow @ 9:00am as well but that is it until Tuesday. We will go Tues.-Fri. next week for the same thing. We thought for sure he would be feeling sick and tired but that is not the case. He has been running around with his brother and sister, playing with his friend Brett and especially swinging on his new swingset. It has been such a wonderful thing to have for the kids. Thank you again and again for all those who contributed for the swingset. It really has been a great toy for me as well. I don't have to chase the kids away from the street anymore. I am so glad my best friend Michelle Riney told me about it because Chris and I were going to go purchase one Memorial Weekend. We had been talking about getting one for some time but when Connor got leukemia - we decided it was a must. You don't understand what it means to us to have the close friends, support and prayers from all of you!
My heart has truely been touched by the generousity and concern for our family! People have been doing such nice things that I often feel guilty most of the time. Then I am told by my family and close-close friends that I would do the same for them if they were in this situation and that is the TRUTH! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
God's grace, our faith in him and our love for each other are getting us through this difficult time. Connor's bravery and tough spirit are good qualitites to beat this disease! I look at him everyday and think to myself - WOW! - if he can get through this he can do anything!!! God is on our side and we are thankful for him and Connor everyday!

Much love and prayers,
Lisa

Wednesday, June 18, 2003 9:27 PM CDT

Hello family and friends!

We just finally had the chance to sit down and give an update on Connor. It has been a hectic two days. Yesterday - Connor had a lumbar puncture with the intrathecal methotrexate @ 2p.m. He could not eat or drink anything after midnight - so he was a little thirsty and hungry. Thank goodness he did not ask for anything till about 1:00 p.m. It was easy to hold him off for an hour but we will never have a scheduled procedure that late ever again. He also received Cyotox which is very potent. We had to come home on I.V. fluids after we were discharged. He did great with all the medicine and seemed to be his normal self. We thought he would be really sick but that was not the case. At about 8:00 p.m. we ran into some trouble with his I.V. fluids. The alarm kept going off saying "high pressure." Chris and Connor finally got it to stop beeping. Connor had to push his needle back in a little bit and Chris fixed the pump. He was so big and brave. He didn't even cry. Then it happend again about 1 1/2 hours later and again @ 2:00 a.m. We finally paged the doctor and he said we could disconnect the fluids. Whew - now we can finally get some rest after the already long day. This morning Chris had to take Connor's needle out of his port because he needed a new one that was longer. He was not very happy about that a first - then we told him he could get some more pokemon cards and everything was fine. I can't believe the difference in his behavior. He is getting so used to everything and does not put up a fight like he used to. He received ARA-C this morning at the doctor and will continue that through Saturday. He is a little tired tonight and I don't blame him. He has had a BIG couple of days. He is even taking his 6-MP which is in pill form very well.
Well - I better get the kids to bed... We are all tired!

Love and prayers,
Lisa

Monday, June 16, 2003 8:54 PM CDT

Hello everyone...

Well here we are on the eve of another difficult period for Connor. He begins the consolidation phase tomorrow with a lumbar punture including intra-thecal methotrexate, cytox, ara-c, and 6mp. He has had a wonderful break for the last week or so and we received some great news on Saturday - his blood work from Friday was great. His red, white and platelet count was very normal. In fact his white count was over 6,000. His bone marrow has gotten the message loud and clear. Now the treatment continues as his counts will surely take another nose dive after tomorrow. He'll continue on the ara-c injections and oral 6mp daily for two weeks, and then start the routine all over again for another two weeks. By mid July we'll surely be tired of the doctor's office.
Connor is so glad to hear from all of you, and you can't even begin to imagine how much your support has eased our difficult introduction into battling this cancer.

Please continue to pray for Connor as he begins these new medications and again thank you for all the prayers and support.

If you would like to donate to the love fund for Connor you can make a check payable to Fellowship Church with "Connor Ballard" on the memo line and send it to:

Cherie Danforth
325 Copper Tree Ct.
O'Fallon, MO 63366

Mark 5:36
"Be not afraid, just believe."

Wednesday, June 4, 2003 9:36 PM CDT

Hello everyone...it's been another long day for Connor and family. We were so proud of Connor when he didn't even cry early this morning when his nurse Anne accessed his port prior to his scheduled biopsy. He then proceeded to the PICU for his biopsy. Fortunately he is put to sleep for this - not long ago it didn't used to be that way. Thank God for breakthroughs in medicine. Connor fell asleep asking for something to eat (as he always does) - especially on procedure mornings when he can't eat or drink anything after 12 midnight. The procedure went very smoothly and we don't yet have any results to share. We had a chance to speak with Dr. Bob while Connor was sleeping regarding the cytogenetic results of his first biopsy - the rare amplification of the 12th chromosome. Although Connor's cell type is common ALL, the mutation is rare. Connor's doctor's have consulted with the experts at St. Judes and their case reports on this mutation total about 130. They said that Connor's mutation is "academically interesting" but not important clinically. They will continue to follow the treatment protocol he is on.

Today also marks the last day of "induction". We can say goodbye to the prednisone for now, and hopefully Connor's puffy face, relentless appetite, and alter ego will depart as well. As soon as his white count comes up, they will begin the "consolidation phase" - some very toxic chemotherapy to come. One of which is "Cytox" - Dr. Bob calls Cytox (cyclophosphamide) a "big bomb".

Some rough days ahead...please continue to pray...HE is answering our prayers.

Tuesday, June 3, 2003 7:37 PM CDT

Hello to all...Connor has his third bone marrow biopsy tomorrow @ 10am to make sure he is producing non-leukemic white cells. He will soon be departing from the medicines which define the "induction phase" of treatment and starting some new ones. Three new drugs to be exact. Cytox (cyclophosphamide), Ara-C (cytarabine), and 6-MP (6-mercaptopurine). He will also continue to receive vincristine and L-asparaginase on a sporadic basis over the next 10 weeks as well as lumbar punctures and intrathecal methotrexate treatments every two weeks.

A lot of medicine...please continue to pray for his speedy recovery, for medical expertise from his doctors, and for the preservation of Connor's mind and body as these medicines (for the most part) do not discriminate between "freind or foe".

Let me just say that I know your prayers have made such an impact on us so far and are being answered every day. Until about one week ago...every time Connor realized he was going back to the doctor, and the numbing creme was to be applied to wherever the next needle would go, we had a battle on our hands. It has been so difficult as parents( knowing how long and drawn out this treatment is) to explain to Connor that today is not the last doctor visit, and "no" that was not the last shot. But, he is going through somewhat of a transformation and the Lord is giving him courage and strength to get through this. He told Lisa last week that he would be so tough at the doctor (as he flexed his arms) and that he would only cry a little.

Thank you all for what you are doing for us at this time...we are so blessed by the wonderful people surrounding us and ask that you continue to pray for Connor.

Sunday, June 1, 2003 10:30 PM CDT

Hey y'all! I just wanted to let you know that Connor is doing fairly good this weekend. I haven't been able to do an update because Chris has been on his computer doing them all. He's better at it anyway. I just ramble. Connor's best buddy's momma "Miss Julie" (Matthew's mom) came to visit this weekend from Texas. It has been so wonderful visiting with her and letting her watch the kids while we went out on a couple dates. (she insisted) Connor was so excited to see her oldest daughter Megan that he didn't even miss us. It was great for Chris and me to just have "our" time. It was needed. Matthew did not make the trip however, because we weren't sure how connor would be feeling. Well to our and Julie's surprise - he's running around like usual and still has an appetite like a king. For dinner tonight he had 3 pieces of pizza, maccaroni and cheese, 4 yogurt's and 1 piece of string cheese. WOW- and he still wanted Julie to order him breadsticks! Oh well - at least he is eating. Julie will go home to her family on Tuesday morning. We will miss her terribly but are so grateful for her visit and her help. This Wednesday is going to be a tough one. Connor has another bone marrow biopsy which requires us to be at the hospital at 8am. Thank goodness that I have such wonderful friends to help us with Carson and Caden. I don't know what I would do without you guys - Michelle - Kim - and Cherie! I do not worry about the other two when we have such "big" days like the one on Wednesday. I wish all of you reading this update could meet and know my friends. They are all so great! Chris and I would not be getting through this without all the support and prayers we have received. Thanks to you all for everything.
God Bless,
Lisa

Friday, May 30, 2003 2:46 PM CDT

Hello from the Ballard's...Sorry for taking so long to provide an update - it's been an entire week since last entry. Well, after a busy week with doctor appt's and my meeting in Chicago for work, we are trying to relax a bit. The great news to report is that Connor is feeling great and acting like his old self again - barring the continued prednisone which is so mood altering. Connor saw the doctor on Tuesday of this week and he received another shot in the leg (L-asparaginase). He said before we left the house that he was going to be so brave at the doctor (that is a first) - we prayed Monday night specifically for that (no coincidence). He also got news that his white count was up a little bit. That meant that we could discontinue the antibiotics totally (Fortaz) and he could see some freinds. One of his best friends (Brett) came over and they played GameCube and traded Pokemon cards. He had a lot of fun...Lisa spent two nights on her own while I attended a meeting in Chicago. Connor's second appt. for the week was Thursday morning. He received vincristine and daunomycin through his port and after receiving some blood work results we were told that he was very low on red cells. His bone marrow is taking it's sweet time - although it doesn't help getting the constant chemotherapy. Dr. Bergamini said that by his estimation Connor should make some real progress in the coming weeks producing his own red and white cells. The constant struggle is the worry about infection. We constantly see and hear about other kids in the office who have been admitted with serious infections. We are constantly taking his temperature, washing hands, and keeping him away from anyone who may be sick. After about 3 hours of waiting for his red cells they arrived and we waited another 3 hours to infuse 1 unit of O+ blood. In total we spent 7 hours at the office...Connor left the office with a backpack full of fluids and a pump to re-hydrate overnight due to the chemotherapy. Connor was de-accessed this morning and for the first time in two weeks doesn't have anything protruding from his body. He had his first full bath since May 6th. It felt great and he didn't want to get out. The prednisone is taking its toll on his body and his appearance - he has that typical round and puffy face and he is begining to lose his hair. Lisa took Connor and Carson to get their haircuts and she had Connor's cut really short to ease him into his new "do". His next appointment will be next Wednesday (rescheduled) to have his third bone marrow biopsy to see if his marrow is producing normal white cells and not the leukemia. Please pray for a good report from the pathologist. Thank you for your continued prayers and everything that everyone is doing for us at this difficult time...

Friday, May 23, 2003 8:05 PM CDT

Hello family and friends!

We just wanted to let you all know that today was a good day until about 3:00 p.m. This is when we have to give Connor his i.v. antibiotics. When we went to infuse the medicine - we noticed that it wasn't pushing through his central line. We then had to push on his port to try to get the needle back in and he was not happy. After about a 1/2 hour of screaming we called our home health nurse to come out and fix it. We started to take the tape and bandage off to numb it up for her to reaccess him and noticed that the needle had come out of his port. No wonder why he was screaming in pain when we pushed on his chest. A new one was necessary. Connor was very upset. It is very upseting to Chris and me to see him scream like that. He has since calmed down and so have we. We are exhausted and feel so bad for the little guy. Nothing now until Tuesday @ 10:00 a.m. (we hope)

I just wanted to say "Thank-you" to everyone who has brought dinner and is bringing dinner in the future. It has been so helpful for us to not have to worry about what to cook for dinner. The dinners are delicious. We are forever grateful and truly blessed to have the support and prayers we need right now.

Much love
Lisa

Thursday, May 22, 2003 8:05 PM CDT

Hello again...It is Wednesday night and Connor is recovering from a long day at the doctor. He was visited this morning by the home health nurse who drew blood and de-accessed his port (he can't have a dedicated access line for more than a week due to risk of infection). Connor was very unhappy to see her. He also had "emla" cream (local antisthetic)placed on his leg and port site for injections he received later this morning as well as re-accessing his port. Connor knows what is coming when the cream comes out...He finally asked why he has to keep going to the doctor's office and why his sister Carson didn't need to get a shot too?...The doctor visit went fairly well, aside from the crying. The nursing staff at Dr. Bergamini's office are very skilled at administering drugs and negotiating with kids. Connor received three "chemo" agents today: vincristine (IV), daunomycin (IV), & L-asparaginase.
He fortunately did not need platelets or blood - his counts are slowly coming back toward the "normal" range. Also, Dr. Hanson decided to discontinue the vancomycin (antibiotic) since his white count has improved (slightly). Now all he will be receiving until his next doctor's visit on Tuesday is the ceftazidime (antibiotic) and the prednisone. Another bit of news we got from Dr. Hanson was that his blood cultures from last Thursday were positive for Strep Pneumo...who knows where he picked that up, but for a little guy with no immune system there is no telling. Fortunately we got him in quickly and got this potentially life-threatening infection under control. Finally Dr. Hanson gave us the results of his cytogenetics - chromosome abnormality studies. The leukemic cell came back showing an amplification on the end of chromosome 12 - a rare mutation, although the Dr.'s aren't concerned about his positive prognosis. Before we left the office we recieved the "road-map" for the next two months. Connor's treatment will include some new and very powerful chemotherapy agents as we enter what these guys call the consolidation phase of treatment.

Thank you all for the support...Please continue all of the praying - we know we will get through this.

Wednesday, May 21, 2003 6:39 PM CDT

Hello to all...We want to thank everyone for all of the caring support you have given to our family - especially Connor. You will never know how much your prayers and words of encouragement mean to us right now. Connor's spirits are good and he knows that God is healing him. God has placed a heavy load on Connor and our family, but we are ready to carry that load and to glorify Him in the process.

Tomorrow Connor will be receiving another round of Chemo...he'll receive two drugs intravenously (vinchristine and daunomycin) as well as a shot in the leg (l-asparaginase). He'll also be getting blood and platelets since his counts have been down. The last week has been extra tough since Connor spiked a temperature after his second hospital discharge. We had to hospitalize him once again to treat a potential infection. Connor was placed on two very powerful antibiotics - vancomycin and ceftazidime. Lisa and I received a crash course in administering IV therapy before we again left the hospital and will continue his antibiotic treatment at home until his white count recovers.

Please continue praying for Connor's speedy and full recovery...there is no doubt that the Lord has been answering our prayers all along the way. We were so thankful to realize first of all that Connor's type of Leukemia is the most common and most treatable, and secondly that his second bone marrow biopsy came back showing that his marrow is responding magnificently to the regimen he is on.

"Be not afraid, just believe."
Mark 5:36

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 10:50 PM CDT

Hello family and friends!

On May 6, 2002 Connor was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). He was admitted to the hospital for immediate treatment. We had to stay for 5 nights but on the 6th day I got the best Mother's Day present ever - We were going home!! I was so happy and relieved.
Connor seems to be doing well. I think we are more upset and numb than anything.
We have had a few bumps in the road but nothing major. Just the fact that he is a 5 year old boy going through all of the pokes and pricks is enough bumps for me and his dad.
He is such a brave boy. He once asked me if I had to do this when I was a little girl. That broke my heart but keeps me smiling because he is so strong.
I have faith in God that Connor will make a complete recovery. I received a card from one of my cousins that I feel so strongly about that I want to share it with all of you.
With Trials...WE GROW STRONGER IN FAITH.
With Faith...WE MOVE CLOSER TO GOD.
With God...WE CAN DO ALL THINGS.

I know it is a long battle but with prayers and support we will WIN!

All my love,
Lisa

Tuesday, May 20, 2003 10:48pm CST

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