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Wednesday, April 28, 2010 12:32 AM CDT

It is almost May. The spring has been really nice so far. Olivia's 5 year out of treatment will be next month. Can you believe that. To look at her now you would never know the hard times she had and how sick she was. She is a beautiful little girl who is growing up sooo fast. After this next time at hemoc clinic she'll go to the long term survivor and be seen only once a year. yeah!!!! We are all very proud of her and of her sister Ireland. Her sister went through alot too.

They been riding their pony named "Winnie" here recently and they think they are experience riders now (ha ha ha). She is a wonderful little pony who I just love. They are counting down til school is out. Ireland's school year this year has been a big struggle. Mid year we found out she was in need of glasses. She broke them in the first week...wtg. So we are going to have her tutored during the summer.

Please continue to say prayers for the children and families...there are so many new kids being dx and parents being told there is nothing more that can be done. It is so sad. Thanks for checking in on us.... please let us know you were by and sign the guest book.

Thursday, February 11, 2010 2:24 PM CST

I can not believe over 3 months have passed. We've had lots going on... I had surgery, got back to work and we had two students killed in a car wreck and then our principal (who I've work for for 16 years) died Massive Stroke. Our staff has been devestated. But we are trying to move along with the school year, but miss her dearly.

Everything is going well for Olivia so far. She had an asthma attack at school which was a bit scary...but all is well. We had a wonderful Christmas. Santa brought the girls a pony. She is wonderful. I hope they get much enjoyment with her. We went to Gatlinburg TN right after Christmas and had so much fun. It was a bit hard for me b/c of the surgery on my foot. But we made the best of it that is for sure. We've had lots and lots of snow and some snow days which has been nice to stay home with the girls more and just enjoy the weather from the inside. Of course they went out and played. Hope all is good with all of you.
Love Sheryl and Olivia

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 2:42 PM CST

ALL IS GREAT.....SHE HAS GALL STONES AND WE MAY HAVE TO HAVE THAT REMOVED. BUT HER DOCTORS VISIT WAS GOOD. SO IT IS A RELIEF. WE HAVE MANY THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR. GIVE THANKS LOVE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING AND ENJOY YOUR FAMILY.

SHERYL

Monday, November 9, 2009 1:27 PM CST

It has been two months since i've updated. All has been going well. Olivia started complaining of belly aches the last two weeks off and on. I called and they have decided to do an Ultra-sound and visit on Friday the 13th. So please keep her in your prayers.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 12:13 AM CDT

School is back in session...summer is gone. Ireland turned 7 in August and she has really grown over the summer. Olivia is getting ready to turn 9. I can't believe they are growing up so fast. We are so happy that she has been doing and feeling well and will we pray for her good health to continue. All seems good with her lymph nodes....no growth so far.

Olivia's teacher this year is Mrs. Morris and Ireland has the same teacher as Olivia did last year. Sure hope that Ireland's attitude about school changes. We had a fun summer and a very busy one. The girls are looking forward to fall (me not so much). Seems like we hardly had a summer. It has been a busy start to the school year and I certainly would like to get on a more even keel.

We are continuing to pray for all those wonderful children that are fighting so hard and their families.

Please say a prayer for a friend Susan Sowers. She is currently in hospice and has been only given 1-10 days. Another friend became an angel 2 weeks ago, colon cancer.

Thanks for checking in on us. Take care and God bless.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 8:16 AM CDT

WOW Summer is just flying by. The kids have been busy outside playing in the water, taking rides on the four wheeler, going to festivals and they made a new friend next door that has kept them very very busy also. They went to Niagra falls (?) last month with Mamaw and Papaw Roger and we plan a short trip to Lake Erie and Cedar point next week. We are going to the river this weekend to celebrate a b-day and they are looking forward to that.

I have had one of the horses in training and she is due back this weekend and they are very excited to get her home (me too). Hopefully they will be able to start riding her. Ireland's 7th Birthday is August 2nd. Happy Birthday sweetheart. You are growing up so fast. I love you very much. She is as big as Olivia now so swapping of the clothes doesn't always go so well. One minute all is good and the next well I am sure you all know how that all goes. LOL. I will try and get a new picture up soon. She is growing into a beautiful young lady. I am just amazed each and every day she is truly a blessing to everyone who has contact with her. We are so very grateful her life has returned to "normal". Of course in the back of our minds we will always worry but for now we'll enjoy.

thanks for checking on us.

Sheryl

Monday, May 11, 2009 11:38 AM CDT

ahh...sigh of relief. Everything checked great with the ultra-sound. No word back on chest x-ray's. So no news is good news.. We did have Dr. Oleshefski check the small lump that we found early last week behind her ear and he said it was her lymphnode and that she could have a possible low grade infection somewhere and I am to keep an eye on it and her other lymphnodes. (somewhat worrisome) but they didn't seem to be overly concerned so I will try too. The clinic was packed and it was so sad to see so many new faces.

Ireland still has a cough but the x-ray's were clear. There weekend was very full and they had lots of family fun. 4 weeks of school left for them and they are very excited.

Thanks for the prayers and for checking on us.

Friday, May 1, 2009 8:27 AM CDT

Please say a extra prayer for Ryan Salamon and his family...he is a local young man who was told he didn't have a month to live and he has survived that month and lived it to its fullest. He is a wonderful inspiration to so many people... He is on oxygen is feeling alot of pain.

Olivia continues to blossom everyday... She has been feeling pretty good but has had some tummy pain. Last weekend at her mamaw's she broke out with red bumps all over her face and back. Her face swelled and she looked awful, but it all went away and is fine. Not sure if she had an allergic reaction or sun poisioning or what. Please keep Olivia in your prayers for next Friday, May 8th as we have her ultra sound, blood work and appt with her doctor. Please pray for an ALL CLEAR!!!!

Please also keep Ireland too...she has been sick off and on for 5 1/2 weeks with upper respritory issues, fever off and on and a cough. The doctor finally put her on an antibiotic and today is the first day I've seen some spark in her. I have been so very worried. I hope she is on the mend.

Take care and thanks for checking in on us.

Friday, April 17, 2009 7:52 AM CDT

Olivia seems to be doing and feeling great!!!! Had a great spring break laying around, sleeping in and just having down time. It was cold a couple days but then got nice enough to enjoy some outside weather for a couple days too.

Good news...my cousin who we have been praying for has found out that what they thought might be a reoccurrence is not and she is in remission!!!! YEAH ALAINA!!! We are very glad for that.

The girls went to their mamaws over Easter and had a really good time there. It all panned out for the best for sure cause my plans got all messed up. It would've not been very good had they been at home. On Saturday evening my horse "Babe" of 22 years took a really bad turn for the worst and I had to have her put down Sunday morning. We aren't exactly sure what happened but we had no choice in the matter. Although I am still very sad I am at peace with the decision, but she was like my child. She was a wonderful friend to me for many years and I had lots of fun on her and lots of wonderful memories. Olivia took it pretty rough too, she too loved her and was her favorite horse too.
But I think she is doing better with it now. Although she mentions missing her alot.

Olivia's next appt. is May 8th....so please keep her in your prayers.

Thanks for checking on us.

Sheryl, Gary, Olivia and Ireland

Friday, March 27, 2009 12:41 AM CDT

All is well here with the girls. Ireland and I have fought this bug for about 2 1/2 weeks but i think we are recovering SLOWLY. Thank goodness Olivia didn't get it. Hopefully it will stay that way. She has been having some emotional issues and I don't know what is going on with her. Been trying to get to the bottom of it but have not been successful. They have spring break in a week and are they counting down til that. Hopefully spring coming will help.

Things have been good with the girls.

Continued prayers go out to all our warriors who are still fighting this disease and those families who are struggling with out their earthly warrior. Cancer Sucks.

Saying special prayer for my step daughter Tracy and family on the up coming year anniversary of losing her son Michael(16) April 4th. This has been very difficult for the family.

Love Sheryl and family

Thursday, March 5, 2009 7:54 AM CST

Well thank goodness Alaina's Pet scan didn't reveal anything horrible nor the brain scan. They are going to do a needle biopsy. Something is there they are just going to exactly what it is.


On another sad note. We have lost 3 Wilms warriors here in the last week or so. Chelsea, Haley and Sigrid may you rest in peace little angels. My heart breaks for their families and there is nothing you can say to make their life better. They have a huge loss to bear. Cancer sucks!!!!

There is lots of venting going on with the wilms list about how this (wilms) is the cancer to have, the highest survival rates etc. Well I can tell you that I've been following alot of children on their websites for several years now and I have seen alot children pass away from Wilms or complications from being treated. I've had comments made that at least Olivia didn't have a worse cancer. Once you live in the cancer world you don't forget, watching them throwing up, nose bleeds, getting poked, tests, not eatting, swelling up from steroids. And it can come back with a vengence. Every complaint you worry, is it back....if she is fatigue, stomach ache's, headaches whatever. The fear never leaves you.

Please say prayers for all these families.
Thanks for checking.
Hugs Sheryl

Tuesday, February 24, 2009 7:24 AM CST

I would like to ask all of you to please pray for my cousin Alaina... She was dx with Acute lymphoma last year and was done with chemo and radiation in December of this past year. Did very well, but she had a chest x-ray done that showed that she had a spot on her lungs and it has grown. They are now concerned that Cancer is back for her. She goes in for testing tomorrow for a Brain scan, Pet Scan and Pulmonary. She is only in her 20's and has very young children. She is very scared, as we all are.

Sending you lots of prayers Alaina.

Thursday, February 5, 2009 10:08 AM CST

Hopefully a February thaw is approaching Ohio. We've had some very cold weather here and the girls have had quite a few snow days. They have 1 week to make up so far. They sure did enjoy their time off. Olivia has been very tired lately and complaining about headaches. They seem to coincide with going to school, but yet she seems to love school.. But a huge worry none the less. She also has been complaining about her shoulder and arm hurting also the last week or so. It seems to come and go. I've been keeping an eye on that as well and it seems to be when she sleeps in bed so we are going to try a different mattress. Otherwise we will be seeing doctor soon.
It is 5 years the 27th of this month that we got the dreaded news. "we have found a something on her kidney's and nodules on her lungs" "it could be serious" to the next day that "it is cancer, we need to biopsy the tumors". To the explaination of favorable and unfavorable histology. I remember so well trying to absorb all the information and news. And the devastating feelings that we all had. Seems like yesterday in many ways and other ways it seems like so long ago. But we certainly still have lots of fears and worry. That does not seem to go away completely in the cancer world. As much as you try and block it out the fear raises its ugly head with every complaint they have.
Please continue to keep everyone in your prayers. Hug your kiddos tight and cherish each and every memory with those you love.

Thanks for stopping by and showing your support. Please continue leaving messages....we love to read them.

Monday, January 5, 2009 2:11 PM CST

Please say extra prayers for peace and comfort for Matthew's family...he has been fighting his battle for quite sometime and earned his wings. I know his family is in such pain.
www.caringbridge.org/canada/matthew

He was such an inspiration to many who have followed him.

Monday, December 29, 2008 9:27 AM CST

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with Family and friends. Our Christmas was wonderful. We took the girls to Great Wolf Lodge on the 21st and had a super time, other than gary getting a cold right b/4 we went. The girls saw Santa and Rudolf and sleepy the bear (they call him). Our room was really cool and we would've liked to stay longer but we had to get back and get things done for christmas. Tracy's evening celebration was very nice, but mixed with sadness. We released balloons for Michael and Harvey's son Joey.
We had a nice Christmas morning at home and then off to my mom's with our family. We really enjoyed ourselves and had lots special memories. My dad was there (wasn't sure how that would all go since my parents are divorced) but it all was very nice and was glad my dad wasn't all alone christmas day.
Olivia's been very tired with all the activities so we are just hanging out this week.

I hope everyone has a healthy and happy new year!!!! Stay safe and please continue to keep all the little warriors who are fighting cancer in your prayers....and also their families.

Love Sheryl

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 1:53 PM CST

3 weeks til Christmas. This is not meant to be negative, it is just how I am feeling for other families and for our family and friends.
It is that time of year full of joy and full of tears. This has been a rough year for my step daughter(loss of her son, Michael) and the rest of the family and my step-daughters mother as well. My cousin who is fighting lymphoma and her family. There are just mixed emotions for all. We have to be happy and count our blessings to have those we love in our life. But we are so sad for those we have lost and won't be here in our earthly presence to celebrate with us. Too many children have passed this year and many others due to other illness. Their are moments that sadness is so deep and overpowering. I know we are not to question the whys, but sometimes I just can't help myself. Please just remember all those families out there who need prayers for comfort and strength.

Olivia and Ireland are great and are looking forward to their Christmas show next week. I wish they were the same night but they aren't. We are going to the Great wolf lodge right b/4 christmas and we are excited about that (indoor water park). I hope we have a great time. We are going to try to go and do lots of fun things over break if we don't go to Gatlinburg. I continue to check on all my caringbridge warriors often, even though I may not sign much please know you are in my continued prayers.

Also remembering my dear friend Mary who passed away in May 2008. She always signed everything

Love and Light!

Monday, November 10, 2008 10:27 AM CST

GREAT NEWS!!! We got an all clear for Olivia. Olivia looks great and seems to be feeling great!!! Had a small scare after the ultra-sound the radiologist came in and said he wanted to get some better pictures. Kept going over the same area and I started to panic...I could feel my heart start beating faster and my mind was racing. But when he was finished he said for me to relax all was good, he wasn't sending me to clinic to receive bad news. I asked if he was sure and he promised me he was just doing a more thorough job because we were moving away from scans. But she does have a gall stone that they are going to keep an eye on in hopes she won't develop more. Said it is related to her treatment. Hopefully this will dissolve and no more develop. Keeping an eye of course on her kidney function, her bun level was a bit elevated but not by much. I was so greatly relieved that all was good. Her next appt for a Ultra sound, chest x-ray and doctors appt...is 6 months. So we get some breathing room.
Olivia is so glad to be away from scans without that big needle. She hated it even though she was a real trooper about the whole ordeal.
Thanks for checking in. FINALLY GOT SOME recent pictures updated. Only took me almost a year. Please continue to keep all our warriors and families in prayer.

Sheryl

Monday, October 27, 2008 1:43 PM CDT

Gosh it has been a month since I have posted anything. Time has just flown by. Olivia is doing well. Grade cards came out last week and the girls did great!!!! They have a few things to work but don't we all. Olivia was a bit behind to begin with due to living in the cancer world and she still gets so tired after all day at school. But she really tries very hard. Ireland is still the youngest in her class so we have some of those issues but overall they are fantastic. They are growing so very fast.

We have have been really busy and enjoying being outside with the beautiful weather we have had. Today is a different story burr. This past weekend my aunt and her husband were here from Greenbay Wisconsin (I had a great visit with them and wish i could see them more). They hadn't seen the girls in 3 years and thought Livi looked great!!!! They gave me a dvd of their trip here and what they taped of the girls and it was just amazing to watch..How much they have grown and what a difference 3 years make.....Olivia was just out of treatment and still looked so ill and somehow you block that out of your mind. Not completely but some of the things I think you just do. We of course realize how fortunate she and we as the family are to have her with us still today. That leads me to how nervous I am getting, her scan day and tests are coming up in November. So remember to say a little prayer for the results to be NED (no evidence of disease). I am trying to to worry but it is very difficult not too. I've been seeing so many sad stories here of late of the little ones I continue to follow, relapsing,having such difficult times, or passing and leaving their loved ones here. I just can't stand to see such heart heart for their families. Please continue your prayers for them as well. I will update with the results as soon as I hear them.. Probably not til the week of the 10th.

This year for halloween Olivia is going to be Hannah Montana and Ireland is going to be a bride. They are getting very excited to go trick or treating and carving their pumpkins.

Thanks for stopping by and checking on is. Please feel free to sign our guestbook we check it often.

Thanks

Sheryl and Olivia

Tuesday, September 23, 2008 8:06 AM CDT

HAPPY BELATED 8th BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!!!!!! I am so proud of you and so happy you have reached this day. It is hard to believe that just 4 years ago she was so sick and we were so unsure what was going to happen and so we were so scared. Sometimes it just seems like yesterday and then other time it seems like such a long time ago. We are grateful for each and everyday we have with Olivia and are enjoying watching her blossom.

We did actually celebrate it on the 21st but am just now getting around to posting. This past week has been very busy. We had hurricane Ike's wind which caused some damage and tree's down, no electric and no school for 2 days. Then the electric went back out over the weekend. The girls trampoline blew into a tree and wrapped around it.

Please say some prayers, these beautiful warriors earned their wings Sammi Crowell, Emma Jordon and Cole Ruotsala. It makes me feel horribly sad for the families and friends of these children. Please don't forget September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.
thanks for checking on us.
Sheryl and Olivia

Friday, September 5, 2008 10:57 AM CDT

First off I would like for everyone to say a prayer for Samantha Crowell's family....Sammi earned her wings this a.m. She fought a tough battle with Wilms. I am so sad for their family.

School has started off tough so far. They have to catch the bus at 6:55 a.m. and ride it for 1 1/2 b/4 their school even begins. they have been exhausted. Ireland came home with a belly ache the 22nd and was sick for 5 days....I came down with the upper respritory crude and then that sunday Olivia came down with what Ireland has. We all missed 2 days of school the following monday and tuesday....thought they were feeling better but then got a call on Thursday Olivia wasn't well and so made a doc appt and she had lost over 5 pounds. I was not happy about that. She has dropped two more. She is still not eatting like normal. Which of course makes me worry. But this cold/allergy stuff with me just seems to be hanging on too.

I want to wish my mom a Happy Birthday on September 9th. My Cousin John on the 8th. Olivia's 8th b-day will be on the 21st. WOW....I can't believe it.

Thanks for checking on Livi. We appreciate all your support.

Love
Sheryl and Olivia

Friday, August 15, 2008 9:36 AM CDT

The summer is flying by. The last week in July Olivia had to get stitches in her pinky toe. I had thrown away a glass plate and took the bag out of the trash can in order for them not to cut their hands. Well she went running thru the kitchen (in bare feet which she never goes bare foot) and slid into the trash....It layed in open pretty good in between her toes. UGHHH off to the emergency room (after getting assistance from Aunt Tracy. thank goodness for her support and help. I was able to sit next to livi in the car while she took us there. Orthopedic doctors were called in to make sure she didn't sever a tendon. Thank goodness just stitches...but we couldn't go to Kings Island liked we planned to. Ireland still went with her aunt, cousins and mamaw. Had an absolute blast!!! Livi and I stayed home and were couching it most of the day. Her foot was very sore. It is healing very nicely. Ireland's birthday was August 2nd and we had planned on going down to the river to boat and have fun but since Miss Olivia had stitches that didn't work out so well....so she picked going to Chuckie Cheeses. I had never been b/4 and we all had a great time playing games. Then she got to celebrate her birthday again the following weekend with her mamaw and papaw Roger and family. School starts next wednesday and they are very excited. We have been leading a very normal summer and it is so nice. She has been feeling great other than allergies and her foot. No other complaints. We love that.
This weekend they are going to visit with their Mee mee and Aunt and cousins on their dad's side of the family. Papaw Gary left for his trip to South Carolina on his motorcycle please pray for a safe trip for him. He needs to get away but it is worrisome for me. The girls will have fun because they will sleep with me in our bed. LOL...Please continue to pray for all our warriors out there. Thanks for checking on us. Please leave us a note in our guestbook.

Love Sheryl and Olivia

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:09 AM CDT

I hope all is well with everyone. Everything is going along here in Ohio. Olivia and Ireland start back to school August 20th. That sure seems early to me. Olivia walked in the Relay for Life here in Johnstown this past weekend. It was soooo awesome. I really didn't have any idea what it would be like but it was emotional and so inspiring. Olivia was an Honorary Princess. We got to eat dinner with the survivors and walked the survivor lap and the caregiver laps. it was the first year for Johnstown to hold the relay. And I believe it went very well for them. Of course there were a few snags but all and all it went well. I will try and post pictures really soon. We are thinking about maybe getting a team put together next year. Olivia was so nervous when they announced her name she started crying and cried all the way around the track. Her Aunt Tracy and myself had to walk with her or she wasn't going. But afterward she was really glad she did it and wanted to go back the next day and walk some more. I am so proud of her. She is such a sweet little girl who is so endearing to you heart. I get so thrilled to see her blossom each and everyday. Everyday you need to count your blessings that you can hug and kiss the people (and for us the animals) that you love.

Keeping all our wilms Warriors and families in our prayers.

Sheryl

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 11:20 AM CDT

July is here and I can't believe how fast the summer is flying by. Olivia and ireland are both enjoying the summer days. This past weekend we went down to the Muskingum river to their Aunt Tracy's weekend place and they had sooo much fun. I really enjoy the water so I enjoyed the boats. So far we have had sooo much rain it has made it difficult to do much with the horses.... Usually raining or just the ground is muddy mess. But am still enjoying the sun when it is nice that is for sure.

Please say a prayer for my Aunt (in GreenBay and their family) my Aunt's grandson was shot and killed in San Diego in June. His murderer is still on the loose. It was so devasting for them all. I've seen how it can destroy people and really don't know what to say except ask people to pray for them and for them to catch whoever did it. I ask you to keep my cousin Alaina (other side of the family) in your prayers as she is having a rough time fighting her lymphoma. She has been pretty ill and has no resistance and is fighting an infection where she had the biopsy.

Please also continue all our warriors who are still fighting their dreadful battle and those who have earned their wings and their families.

god bless
Sheryl

Friday, June 13, 2008 9:53 AM CDT

TGIF.... IT has been such a busy week for me at work. Ending the school year and finalizing, grades and transcripts. The girls last day at Merry Moppet was yesterday. It was a bittersweet moment. Lots of great memories and lots of awesome people. They were so wonderful to the girls and to me. I will miss them terribly. But am grateful to them for all their work with Olivia especially trying to get her up to speed from all the time she spent sick and in the hospital. All in all Olivia is where she should be. She has some issues but without them I am sure she would've had more. Thank you Ms. Rhonda!!!!!!! You are a gifted!

Olivia and Ireland are leaving for Gatlinburg tomorrow morning with their Aunt Tracy and their mamaw and papaw Roger!!! I will miss them terribly but know they will have a great time. This will be the first time that Ireland has spent more than 1 night away from me. She is glued to me most of the time. So hopefully all will go well. But Olivia is the one who is telling how much she is going to miss me. She is much more sensitive than Ireland or at least more expressive of her feelings. We did get the new horse so am hoping that I will have some time to work with her this weekend. She is a very sweet horse and the girls seem to really like her. Hopefully it will all work out.
Thanks for checking on us. Continued prayers to all our little heros who are still fighting this disease and those who are in remission remain in remission and those who have become angels. Please continue your prayers for their families. they truly need all the prayers they can get.

Sheryl

Tuesday, June 3, 2008 12:13 AM CDT

SCHOOL IS OUT!!! thingss have been going good. Whoo Who...the girls are so excited to be out. Ireland's graduation was nice (even though she wouldn't cooperate and recite Little Miss Muppet lol) She hid behind my leg, her teacher said she is so antimated in class. But she is shy in front of a crowd. Then after that they were released for a family picnic in front of the school. It was so nice and lots of fun for the kids. Olivia and Ireland went to watch my cousin in a play that evening and spent the night with my mom. However she got the flu over the night and Ireland came down with it yesterday, but seems to be feeling much better today...They have a few days left at their day care. I am sad to be leaving there, I will miss all the wonderful people!!!! I will miss having the girls ride with me occasionally to work too. I've really enjoyed their company and their comments about things. They are certainly alot of joy. I don't do well with change can you tell. I would keep them little for a little while longer.

We are looking into getting another horse named Rosie. The girls will hopefully get some interest in riding more with her. They are also interested in taking gymnastics this summer too.
Please continue your prayers for all our warriors out there and their families. Thanks for checking on us

Sheryl and Olivia

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 8:58 AM CDT

Our family is just having a rough time. Our friend was found in her apt. this past friday afternoon. She was to come out to dinner on Saturday. It appears that she collapsed and died (hopefully instantly) since no one found her for over 16 hours as we can figure at this point. My heart is broken as she has been a dear friend of mine for many years. She cut Miss Olivia's hair when she was dx into a adorable hair style. She visited often while livi was sick and came to some of the family b-day parties (when she could). She was a very in depth person and the girls just loved her. They always wanted to go see Mary, but between Mary's schedule and mine it didn't work out too often here of late. Was going to come out last weekend but decided to wait to be able to see the girls. One weekend too late. She got me through alot of tough times in my life and was always there when you needed her. She always had wisdom that would lead you in the right direction in life. Her outlook on life gave so much meaning and helped me get my head screwed back on when things weren't so good. She was uplifting, spiritual and just a wonderful friend. May you rest in peace Mary. We will miss her so much.

The girls are getting very excited as school is coming to an end. I am too. I am tired of having to do homework every night.... LOL. I can't believe that the school year is almost done. My brother in law, Tim, has been staying with since right after Michael passed away so it has been a blessing having there to help out get the girls off to school and a # of other things. The girls are going to be staying with their aunt Tracy next door while I am working. I hope this will help her healing process with Michael keeping her extra busy. Kindergarden graduation is next Friday. So I am going to take a vacation day. I missed Olivia's last year due to the graduation timing of where I work. I felt terrible about it too. The spring has been pretty cool here in Ohio and Rainy. We are ready for warm weather and sunshine.
Please continue your prayers for all our warriors we have lost another one last friday, May Ameila's family find peace. There is so little you can say to offer comfort to the family. So sad. Please say a prayer for Gary and myself as we attend Mary's funeral tomorrow. As he is a pall bearer and having much difficulty with all these deaths. Between us since January first we know 9 people who have passed away. One being his own grandson. It is just too too much. It is so tough on him watching his daughter agonize over the loss of her son.. He has been very quite and definately not himself.
Thanks for checking on us. We are so grateful for your thoughts and prayers.

Sheryl

Monday, May 12, 2008 1:12 PM CDT

Happy belated mothers day!!! I hope that everyone's was nice. The girls got me flowers to hang on my shephards hook that has metal horses on it. It is really neat! That came from Tracy. We had lots of tornado sirens in the mid afternoon so it was kindof a weird day. Then my mom came out later and the weather held off til after Gary was done cooking on the grill then the clouds opened up and poured. But we had a great dinner and was nice to just sit around and chat. Olivia's Doctors appt was good on Friday. They did chest x-ray and next time will do a ultra-sound. She is now
3 years out of treatment YEAH....Happy dance!!!!!! We are so happy she is doing so well and pray for it to continue.

Please say a prayer for my cousin Alaina who is 25 with a 4 year old little boy...she was dx with Stage 4 Lymphoma Hodgikins. So we are praying for the best.

On a light side a little funny (well not so funny for me) I went to use the restroom and I sat down and much to my surprise little Ireland had taken monistat cream and spread it over the entire toilet seat. Now that was cold and very sticky. I didn't think it was entirely funny when it happened but it was harmless and kindof funny now. She has been doing some out of character things but I wonder if it has to do with the loss of Michael.

Please keep your prayers going for Samantha, Dustan, Ameila, Sigrid and so many more who are battling this horrible monster!! Praying for all your caringbridge friends!!!
Thanks for checking on olivia, please leave a message.

Love Sheryl

Friday, May 2, 2008 12:03 AM CDT

The girls have 4 weeks left of school...where has time gone. They are getting excited for break. this summer they are staying with their aunt tracy and going to have lots of fun. Wish I was off. Oncologist appt is May 4th.

Wow it has been 4 weeks since the loss of Michael. We have had some issues with the girls. They have been very clingy to me and not wanting me gone for too long. Tracy (my step daughter is hanging in there) As some know it is moment by moment trying to get through each day. She is not going back to work for the rest of the school year. My heart still breaks for them.

I also have more sad news well actually several. Another wilms child has earned their wings this week. It is another heart breaking moment. www.caringbridge.org/ak/steven Please offer there family some prayers and comfort.

Yesterday I receive news that my cousin Alaina has been dx with acute lymphoma. She is 25 and has a 4 year little boy and helping raise her husbands two children as well. We are all just sick at heart. At this point they believe she has a mass on her thyroid, two masses one in each lung and possible more masses in her stomach (we are waiting on the ct results) and possible mass on her hip. Please please pray for her and our family.

Thanks for checking
please leave messages in our guestbook we love to read them.

Monday, April 14, 2008 9:37 AM CDT

Our family have had a real tough time the last 10 days. Please say lots of prayers for the girls, their Aunt Tracy and Uncle Harvey. Tracy's son Michael (the girls always called him their Michael) returned to live in Ohio 4 weeks ago and of course they live next door to us and the girls just adored Michael and going over to see him..however on April 4th he passed away at 16 years of age. At this point we don't know for sure the cause and won't have the results for 6-8 weeks. We have a good idea, but I will refrain saying anything until we get the results.

The family is just devastated. And the girls heartbroken. He had been living in Texas prior to moving back. It seems like a nightmare that we cannot wake up from. And though I have always had the deepest sympathies for all the parents who have lost a child I had never witnessed the gut wrenching anguish that goes along with losing a child. It is devastating to watch and I cannot imagine the empty place that can never be filled as the parent.

Please lift them in prayer.

Love
Sheryl

Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:05 AM CDT

WOW it is March already!! Easter was great! Olivia and Ireland had lots of fun and lots of celebrating. It is spring break for the girls this week. They are anxiously awaiting warm weather to put their trampoline up. And I am awaiting warm weather and sunshine. I am so sick of rain! Our basement flooded last week. Sump pumps could not keep up with all the melting snow and all the rain we've had. They burnt up. So we have quite the mess down stairs right now.
Had to go out and buy a new washer and dryer due to mine finally bit the dust. And we had to buy a manure spreader for the barn...(that you spread the horse s*** with)lol. It has been a very costly month for us.

Please sign our guestbook and let us know your still out there. We really enjoy reading the entries.

Continued prayers for all our warriors and to the families who are feeling such sadness for those angels who they are having to live without.

Thanks for checking
Love Sheryl and Olivia

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 11:43 AM CST

Wow it is almost the end of February! The girls had a great Valentines day. They had fun at their parties. We have had a couple snow days off together which has been so nice. I would like a few more but don't think that will happen. This weekend is papaw's b-day and not sure what we are going to do yet. Our house currently really stinks as our dog Maggie got skunked and someone let her in our house. PHEWY..... It definately stays around for quite some time. Me living in the country this is the first incident I've had with that problem.
The girls both had some dental work done this month. Both had fillings only olivia didn't have to be sedated as Ireland did. She was quite funny comming out of the laughing gas but did get mean and cry. Oh it was a trying afternoon til that wore off. We are looking forward to spring and putting up the girls trampoline. They are looking forward to spring break even though we don't have anything planned.

Don't really have too much to report....Just wanted to update and remind everyone to please give to cure search for Children with Cancer. WE have lost somemore of our wilms children to this dreaded disease. Please say prayers for all their families and those families who are dealing with their 1sts without their little ones and those who are still so sad that their world is going on.... My heart just breaks for all these families.


Sheryl

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 6:50 AM CST

It is with great sadness that we have lost another wilms warrior. Sadie livers passed away late yesterday. It came such a shock....I have followed her story for quite sometime and she seemed to be doing ok. Please say lots of prayers for her mom and dad and her twin Jack.

Olivia is doing very well!! She went and spent the night with a new friend Audrey Saturday night and had a blast. She seems to be really blossoming which is so wonderful to see. She has really been enjoying first grade. We have some issues with math but the teacher doesn't seem to be concerned at this point. We haven't had a ton of snow here in Ohio so haven't gotten to build many snowmen or snow angels. Today it is suppose to be 60 degrees.

Please remember to keep all the families fighting this dreadful disease and those who have lost their warriors in your prayers. This is such a tough journey.

Love to you all

sheryl

Monday, January 14, 2008 6:34 PM CST

Happy New Year to you all. It has been awhile since i've updated. Christmas was totally awesome!!!! Right b/4 Christmas Santa and Mrs. Clause came to our house to visit the girls and friends. They had good time. They went to Mamaw and Papaw house the weekend b/4 christmas and then to we all went to Aunt Tracy's Christmas eve and it was really a very nice evening for all, then christmas day was full of surprises.... Santa brought the girls a trampoline with an enclosure. They were very excited. Then off to my mom's for the day and my side of the family. The girls were worn out by the end of the day! We were too! New years we went tomy friend Jackie's and then to Aunt Tracy's and the girls unfortunately did not stay awake to see the ball drop. New Years day we kicked back and watched movies all day. The girls went back to school on January 3rd much to their dismay. Ireland got the intestinal virus on the 4th and shared it with everyone but me.
Please say special prayers to all our special friends who have relapsed and those who are having a difficult time without their angels. Please keep checking back and saying prayers for Olivia.
Love

Sheryl and Olivia

Friday, December 21, 2007 11:46 AM CST

I wanted to share that Santa visited our house last night. Will try and post a picture this weekend. It was really wonderful! The girls are anxious for Christmas and are planning on going to Mamaw's this weekend to celebrate with them and their family and then Christmas eve with Aunt Tracy and on Christmas day of course with us and then to my mom's. They will be quite tired I am sure!

I want send out special prayers to Matthew, Tessa, Corey and all the other children who are really fighting right now! Praying for Healing and continued strength to fight this horrible beeast. Many prayers being said for the families who have lost their precious ones! My heart felt sympathies to you all. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!


Love Sheryl, Olivia, Ireland and Gary

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 6:50 AM CST

Please storm the prayers to heaven....several of our wilms warriors, Matthew, Tess, Corey, and Sam Have received very poor news this week. Please prayer for miracles and also their families while they have to watch their dear children to fight harder and harder! My heart just aches and was devastated to read the latest news.

Hopefully christmas will offer the families some kind of miracle.

We hope you all have a wonderful christmas and a happy new year!!
Thanks for your continued support and checking on us. You are so important to us. Please feel free to sign our guestbook. Although I do not post all the time we do check into our guestbook.
I promise to try and get some updated pictures of the girls on here over the christmas break.

Love Sheryl, Gary, Olivia and Ireland

Thursday, December 6, 2007 7:09 AM CST

NED!!!!!!! NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE!!! Yeah what we love to hear!!! What a relief. Since she had been complaining about belly aches and she has been soooooo tired I was really worried. I never realized how worried we would always be during scan time. It is a very stressful time. People really do not understand it til you live it.

What a holiday blessing for our family though. The girls had a snow day yesterday. (the school district I work for did not) but I ended up staying home b/c the roads were bad. It was really nice and the girls went out and made angels in the snow. They are really gearing up for the holidays. I am not even close to getting done shopping. Please say a prayer for Kayla Weber's family, she unfortunately passed away this week at 1 1/2 old. Please also continuing praying for all the relapses and the families of those who have lost their warriors. The holidays are very rough for them. Whether it is their 1st or their 5th.

Thanks for checking on us and everyone have a blessed holiday.

Love Sheryl, Gary, Olivia and Ireland

Friday, November 30, 2007 12:40 AM CST

update..... Doctors appt went well this morning. Of course we await the results.....sit and wait. This morning has been a stressful morning for me. Livi has been complaining of stomach ache's off and on for a couple weeks and constantly tired, but when I took her to get her flu shot her physician didn't seem to be too worried. And felt nothing in her abdomen. So I felt relief until the last two days days and she had one everyday including this morning. But the dr said that he thought she looked great and he wasn't overly concerned about her belly ache's and her being tired all the time. So praying the ct doesn't show anything and is NED... Then a sigh of relief can come.

Please storm the heavens with prayers for a little warrior that is battling neuroblastoma....she has taken a turn for the worse. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kaylaweber. She is only 14 months old.

Thanks for checking on us.. I will update as soon as I can with the news of the Scans.

Love Sheryl and Olivia

Monday, November 19, 2007 8:48 AM CST

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE. WE have had wonderful weather here in Ohio this fall. The girls are great! They have been really enjoying school and really enjoyed Halloween. They were both witch's. Olivia went with a school friend and had lots of fun. We have kept her so close to home all these years and now she is wanting to branch off and enjoy her friends. It was a bit of struggle for me....but am so glad she is making friends. School is going well for her (other than her being a bit too social) who would've ever thought. She was always so quiet. Ireland is doing well also in Kindergarden. She needs to slow down but otherwise great ! Am going to try and hook up with Kathy and Laurel Urban (another wilms family who will be in Ohio visiting family over Thanksgiving,)

Olivia's scans are on November 30th. Ughhhhh just hate those dates. Of course the closer it gets the more nervous I get and the more that I look for that isn't right. I'll try and post as soon as we get the results. Please remember her in your prayers. We continue to keep all of our wilmsd families in our prayers.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday.

Love Sheryl and Olivia

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 2:15 PM CDT

Hi to all,
The girls are really enjoying school!!! Livi is very tired by friday and is ready for the weekend. Tomorrow Livi is doing a walk a thon and is excited about participating in it. They have switched her allergy meds and she doesn't like that!!! But hopefully she'll adjust.
The girls both are growing so fast and I haven't even put updated pictures on her. The horse that I told you about isn't much better, we are trying new meds and she has good days but more bad. They are both getting excited for trick or treat! We have to get their costumes yet, hopefully Friday. They are off so I am taking off that day.
Today is Olivia first day at the Adventure club sponsored by a local church near the school. She is so excited about it.

Scans are in November so please check back for the date and say special prayers. There are many of our wilms families experience relapses. It is so scary.
Thanks for your continued prayers and thinking of us.

Love sheryl

Friday, September 21, 2007 12:33 AM CDT

Happy 7th Birthday Olivia!!!! WE are all so grateful she is still here to celebrate her birthday. When you think about where we were just 4 years it is amazing. Sometimes you almost forget the horrible nightmare. We will be celebrating her b-day over the weekend. She is going to see her mamaw and papaw Roger tonight after school to Visit with Papaw's son's family and they have a little girl Madeline. Both girls are excited about being with her and having another b-day celebration.
Livi is loving school and seems to be eager to go almost every day. She was sick one day just didn't feel good but bounced right back. Of course for me Panic creeps in. Ireland is also enjoying kindergarden still.
the girls found a kitten and have name it Diamond. She is certainly very cute. All black with Great big gold eyes and a hint on white in her undercoat. Kindof long haired. They have been trying to convince papaw to keep her. Of course we are have quite a few now.
On a sadder note it is looking like we are going to have to put one of our horses down. Olivia and I have spent much time crying this week over her. And I had to explain to her why we ethusinize our animals. And of course she said but I dont' want her to leave. Broke my heart and of course it was already breaking b/c of my own feelings.
On my family side my cousin John only 52 had to have triple bypass surgery this week, but is doing well.

Continued prayers are said for our warrior friends and their families.

Love sheryl

Friday, September 7, 2007 10:01 AM CDT

Wow Ćugust just blew by!!! Livi's doctor's appt went well in August. She'll have ct in November... She is growing so tall. She will have her 7th b-day in 2 weeks. What a blessing! Livi started 1st grade August 22 and seems to love it. Her energy level is just doing so much better it seems. Ireland started Kindergarden August 24th.. She did really well, had a melt down the night b/4 but now wants to go everyday so, I think she is rebelling at day care and being bossy and such. ughhh. We had a wonderful vacation in Gatlinburg in August. The girls really enjoyed themselves, we spent lots of time at the pool and doing fun things. It was hot but fun.. We also so a baby bear in the woods. That was really neat.

Please keep all our little warriors in your prayers.

Thanks for checking in on us. I'll try once I get my photos updated onto the computer to update Olivia's page.

Thursday, August 2, 2007 11:29 AM CDT

Wow summer is flying by. Happy 5th birthday Ireland!!! I can't believe your 5 already. Mimi came out Monday and spent a bit of time with the girls. They were excited she came. Gosh Olivia will be 7 in a month and a 1/2. Again time flies by so fast, it has been 2 years 3 months out of treatment!!! Can you believe it. Sometimes it seems like yesterday and other times it seems like such a very long time ago. Hope and pray we never have to experience that again. Cancer sucks!

Cousin Michael ( who they dearly love) is in town but leaves tomorrow and the girls will be sad over that but they sure do enjoy him while he is here. We went to cedar point a couple weeks ago and everyone had fun (we the adults) were beat! We had beautiful weather and got lots of exercise. We are now preparing to leave for Gatlinburg tomorrow night for 1 week. We need to get away otherwise Gary will continue to work and not rest at all. Between family issues and his business it takes its toll on him and I worry about him because he keeps everything bottled up til he blows up which isn't healthy. Speaking of worrying we go to onocologist just for check up tomorrow a.m. I was a bit concerned Olivia had been complaining of lots of headache's again but this last week she has not complained.
After we come back the girls are home 1 1/2 weeks and school starts!!!! Livi 1st grade and Ireland Kindergarden. They are so excited!
Please remember to continue your prayers for all our wilms warriors!!! There are many out there today that have additional issues/scares/relapses and need our support. Please also remember all our families are missing one of their children. Today is Angel Diego's birthday in heaven and I know his family is having a very hard day today!

thanks for all your support
sheryl and Gary

Friday, July 13, 2007 7:58 AM CDT

I can't believe it is the middle of July!!! WOW! Summer has been really busy for us. Olivia has been doing well for the most part! for the last week or so she has been complaining in the a.m. of tummy ache's (she has had lots of sinus drainage)and numerous headache's and very tired. That is a bit concerning for me. But am hoping that it is all due the horrible allergy season.
She is very excited about entering 1st grade in August. They have gotten to spend some time with mimi and cousin Victoria and really enjoyed that. Now both the girls are so excited that their cousin Michael arrives tomorrow from Texas they can't wait to see him. Next week we are taking vacation and hopefully Liv will get some rest and sleep in and get some energy back. We are planning on going to Cedar point one day this week and spend the night come back and do some things on the way home! The girls have also been busy riding 4-wheelers and have ridden our horse Karma. They have been spending some x-tra time with their mamaw and papaw roger..where they are going tonight for a b-day party tomorrow then tomorrow night they come back home to celebrate a cook out for Michael.
Ireland had her dental surgery and all went well. It is horrible to say she has 2 caps and 4 fillings at almost 5 in 2 weeks! hopefully everyone is doing well. I have been trying to get around to everyone's sites but it is all going slowly. But please know that say prayers for all our families out there!

We still check our guestbook page so please feel free to leave messages.

Friday, June 15, 2007 2:16 PM CDT

Wow how the time flies!!! We have all been very busy. Olivia had a wonderful year in school and is excited about being in 1st grade! We are so blessed to see these days. She is growing so fast and getting tall. She is very excited about day care this summer as the older kids get to go on field trips every monday and Tuesday!! Lots of extra fun for her. We were going to have a babysitter come in the house to cut some costs but it didn't work out. So at least now she has good reason to get up early!!! Our school is out too (of course this is my really busy time). Ireland did pretty well on her kindergarden testing. Now the decision....which at this point I think she'll go. We are planning a trip to Gatlinburg again this summer with a group of friends. They are looking forward to that.
thanks for your continued support and checking in on us!!!
Sheryl

Thursday, May 10, 2007 10:46 AM CDT

YEAH!!! Praise the lord, prayers were answered. Scans came back NED (no evidence of disease). We were so happy...2 years out of treatment. She does have some traces of blood in her urine and it is unknown why so we do have to redo the urinalysis and recheck it. Other than that the doctor thought she looked great and was pleased with her blood work. What a relief it was to hear that news. We were all very nervous this time, not that every isn't scary but for some reason all of us were really uptight about the test. I for one had been noticing dark circles and her being tired, and looking peaked like when she was dx... but I think it is due to allergies which are terrible this year and a couple of times she had complained of her her back hurting where her remaining kidney is.
She is getting so excited that in a few weeks she'll be considered a 1st grader. I have decided that I am going to have Ireland tested for kindergarten and see how she does and what they say and then make a decision!
Everything is going well for now and we can breathe again for awhile. I want to wish all the mom's out there to have a wonderful Mother's Day. May your day be wonderful. To all the mom's who are grieving I hope you are given a special sign from your little angels to brighten your day.

To my mom Happy mothers day! Thanks for everything you have done for me.

Sheryl and Gary

Monday, May 7, 2007 9:18 AM CDT

Olivia is doing very well it seems. She has been really full of energy and laughter! It is amazing to see how wonderful.

Scans are tomorrow May8th.... Of course the nervous jitters are here! It is just a very stressful time and you prayer that all is clear. With her doing so well you think how could it not be all ok.....but then sometimes when she gets tired I see the same look I saw when she was DX, so that always brings back those same feelings of fear. I am in hopes that they will read the scans and we'll know the results tomorrow.

she has about 3 weeks of school left, I can't believe it. Ireland will be getting kindergarden tested this month and we will see where she is with that. I will try and get updated pictures on here soon. Life is a whirlwind and we've just been so busy.

continued prayers go out to all our Caringbridge families. They are such a wonderful support group and you feel so much like you know them all.

Thanks for checking and will update as soon as possible.

Thursday, April 19, 2007 9:43 AM CDT

Ok....well in the history there is my original journal...I forgot to change the color of print....shows how much I pay attention

well I wrote an entry but have seemed to lose it.
Time has flown by since my last entry. I am so glad spring is well on its way. The girls are good but like me are ready for some nice weather. It has been cold here and was really crudy for Easter. But they had a great easter in spite of that. Olivia seems to really love school and is doing very well. Ireland we are trying to decide kindergarden or wait a year. Sometimes I believe she is ready and sometimes not. tough call. Olivia has her 2 year out of treatment CT/chest x-ray etc May 8th!! In many ways all she/we went through seems like yesterday and other ways it seems like such a long time ago. She is growing so fast and she has lost another tooth and the changes seem to happen with a blink of an eye. So much has happened these last 4 years!
I've been so busy but I never stop thinking and praying for all our caringbridge friends. I am sorry I haven't been very good about signing guestbooks. I am in hopes with summer coming that the girls will start taking interest in riding the horses. I am not going to write alot since Ilost my last entry.
Please continue to keep all of our warriors and their families in your thoughts and prayers and please say an extra prayer for Livi May 8th that the Ct's are NED (no Evidence of disease).
Take Care
Sheryl

Thursday, April 19, 2007 8:41 AM CDT

Wow how time flies. It has been awhile since I've update. Olivia is doing well and so is Ireland. They've been really busy. They had a wonderful easter despite the cold snowy weather we had. It was 80 degreee's the week b/4. We are now in hopes that spring is here to stay and move into summer. Olivia is to have her 2 year out of treatment scans, u/s etc. on May 8th. She is growing up so fast, well actually they both are. We are trying to decide if Ireland will be ready for Kindergarden next year or not. Sometimes I think so and other times I do not. But she really wants to go and be like her sissy.
Livi really likes school but i think she ready for summer break. We are trying to decide on where to go for vacation and of course the girls want to go everywhere! I am in hopes that I can get them riding the horses this summer and get more of an interest going there.
I still check on our caringbridge friends, but not always able to sign the guestbooks. Please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I've just been so busy with work and home has just been busy and very difficult for me to get on-line.
Please say your prayers on May 8th that Livi continues to be NED (NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE).
Thanks for your continued support and checking on us.
Please continue to sign the guestbook. I still check in even though I may not place a journal.

Love Sheryl

Thursday, February 8, 2007 11:55 AM CST

I am so sorry it has been so long. Life is going along and it is crazier than normal. On January 11th Olivia and Ireland had a new cousin named stevie nicole come into the world . She weighed 5 lbs 4 oz... and only two weeks early. for now mom and baby are staying in our house and the girls are absolutely loving every minute. We call Ireland the baby watcher. Olivia is just completely intrigued with every movement.
Of course my work has been exceptionally busy and I am exhausted when I get home.
Had to have go arounds with children's..only b/c we were told they were going to keep close eye on Miss Olivia and since the doctors switched on us no one bothered to tell anyone of us that we were going to 6 months scans and tomorrow was just an appt chest x-ray, blood etc....They have changed the way they schedule their and there isn't real good communciation. Olivia does have a bad cough which I did take her to doc's last week....they treated as upper respritory problem.. then yesterday she started running a fever....so wanted me to take her in for x-rays which I will do on my way home. But they think it is all sinus.
On february 1st my brother in law and sister in law flew in from Arizona and wouldn't you know it it has been the coldest weather we've had in long time. We got two snow days which is great we hadn't had any in 3 years. And it was x-tra nice to be able to spend time with them. The girls are crazy about them and are enjoying them immensely... they will miss them when they leave. Me Too!
Please continue to Keep livi in your prayers along with all our other warriors! Mark from florida needs x-tra prayers....he has been fighting really hard the last few weeks!!!
Thanks for your continued support.
\
Love Sheryl
\

Monday, January 8, 2007 9:28 AM CST

Happy New Year!!!!! Boy am I ever behind. I need to get a new picture in here and I haven't even had time to do that. I can't believe how fast the time goes by.

The kids are great!!!! They had lots of fun new years eve and lots enjoyment of family and home time. We have been very busy trying to get christmas stuff down and some organization in the house!! HA HA!!! The weather here in Ohio has been warm but lots of rain and our fields are just a mud pit...UGHHH... horses are mud balls!

Olivia seems to be feeling well other she has another cough, doesn't appear to be getting a cold either. I hate this seems like everytime right b/4 scans she starts having a cough. Her scan date is February 9th!!! They seem to be handling the scheduling different now at children's so all I have the time for is her doctors appt which is at 10:00 a.m. Please keep her in your prayers for an all clear!


Thanks for checking and please feel free to leave a message in our guestbook!!!

GO BUCKS!!!!

Sheryl

Wednesday, December 27, 2006 9:35 AM CST

Sorry I haven't written sooner! I hope everyone had a good christmas and a wonderful time with family. Our weeks have been so very hectic....whew!!! Last weekend their girls Mimi came and spent some christmas time with them. They enjoyed that visit and enjoyed their cousins. This past weekend we were busy scurring around trying to finish shopping, wrapping and trying to enjoy the holiday.
Saturday afternoon my dad stopped by for a very short visit and then Saturday evening was spent at their mamaw's and papaw Rogers, and that was a very nice time. Sunday evening was spent with their Aunt Tracy and Uncle Harvey's house enjoying their visit from their cousin Michael from Texas.
Christmas morning we were given the news that a friend of that side of the family had passed away. It was a sad time for them...Later in the afternoon after letting the kids enjoy their presents we spent the afternoon at my mom's house with my side of the family. It was very enjoyable and unfortunately too short. Sometimes it gets hard to squeeze everything in.
My heart goes out to these families who are struggling this christmas with an empty chair or someone whose spending time in the hospital with a sick loved one. Please continue with your prayers for these wonderful families. Such heartache!

May 2007 be a great new year with lots of healing on this earth!!!!

Love
Sheryl, Gary, Olivia and Ireland

Tuesday, December 12, 2006 9:36 AM CST

I tried this earlier and what happened I don't know but I lost my information.
The girls are good!!! Their little christmas program at Merry Moppet was wonderful. They do an awesome with the girls. I was getting a cold and wasn't feeling too well so my good friends took the girls and and made decorations for the trees and some snowmen. They had a ball with the kids and I went and made one myself after laying down for a bit. They are gearing up for christmas and really looking forward to it. Olivia's kindergarden program this past thursday was great!!! The music teacher does an awesome job with them. Livi was upset at bedtime because she said she couldn't remember all the words to the songs (I think all the people there overwhelmed her a bit). But she did great!!!
Then Friday we celebrated my brother's b-day and then over the weekend they had fun hanging out with their aunt Holly.
Next weekend they are suppose to go to their mamaw's and papaw roger's and wrap presents and bake some cookies.

Olivia saw the ENT last week and she has high pitched hearing loss related to chemo. It was amazing to me the sounds she might have trouble hearing. So if the teachers notice any trouble or we notice she has to be seen asap if not once a year she needs to go and have everything checked out. Just in case I don't get back on here b/4 christmas I hope everyone out there has a wonderful christmas and for those of you who are struggling this holiday and everyday, please know you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers daily. I pray for you to find some peace this holiday season.
Thanks for everyone's support. We continue to enjoy reading our guestbook entries and so much value all the support we have received. We continue to count or blessing with Olivia and for our wonderful friends and family and CB friends. Without you this journey would have been so much more difficult.
Thank you and God Bless !

Sheryl and Gary Johnston

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 6:57 AM CST

I HOPE that everyone's thanksgiving was wonderful!!!!

We had a wonderful time with family and great food. We are gearing up for christmas. The girls got their picture taken with santa Sunday. ireland wasn't so excited to get too close to him either. Olivia was great and told santa what she wanted.

The weather here has been great!! Warm and Sunny, b ut guess that is about to change friday....ughhh. I could just live with the 60's in the winter., it is so wonderful! The girls have been enjoying the outside too. They spent some time with their cousins and enjoyed 5 days off. We did get our tree up this past weekend and the girls had wonderful time putting on the decorations. This weekend is Ireland's and Olivia's christmas program at Day care and then December 7th is Olivia's kindergarden program. she is really excited about that. December 7th is also my brother's b-day so we'll be doing a family gathering on December 8th! This month will just be flying by. Their cousin Michael will be flying in from Texas and the girls are thrilled he will be here for christmas.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the families who are missing their little one's through the holiday's. I think about you all each and everyday and pray for your suffering. I can't imagine your pain. I am also keeping those in my prayers that are newly dx and those who are fighting this wretched beast.
Thanks for all your support and thanks for checking on us. You continue to bless us each and everyday.
Love Sheryl

I am placing a poem written by a dad for his son Zachary who fought this awful battle. And is now at home in Heaven. Grab a tissue.
For You
> If you run but then you fall,
> And find your back against the wall,
> Charge and fight and take them all,
> And if you go, go standing tall.
>
> It's hard to know what's wrong from right,
> But when I ask you, "Do we fight",
> You tell me "Yes, we fight tonight",
> We'll keep the sunrise in our sight.
>
> We dream of days of when we'll feast,
> When finally we've killed the beast,
> But not today, there is no peace,
> Beast charges west our hearts charge east.
>
> We follow you, we search behind,
> For enemies that hit us blind,
> With cannons roaring, arrows flying,
> We've come to win or just die trying.
>
> So in you go, straight to the fight,
> Inspiring those of lesser might,
> We keep you squarely in our sight,
> We know we'll win, we know we're right.
>
> I see you out there in the sun,
> Taking victories one by one,
> And people say "It can't be done".
> He's winning wars that can't be won.
>
> With hearts and minds fixed on our goal,
> More enemies have joined their fold,
> Too much, too long it takes its toll,
> But not upon your heart and soul.
>
> So finally now our battle's through,
> It was an honor to fight with you,
> I fought hard, you asked me too,
> How could I not do that...for you.
>
> Steve G-Zak's dad

Tuesday, November 14, 2006 7:18 AM CST

Thank you for all your prayers!!!! We got the all clear!!!!! Phew what a relief. We can breathe. We unfortunately had to wait the entire weekend... That was a hard, but knew that they tried to call after 5:00 friday and I didn't hear my cell phone. I picked it up to use it and called back within 8 minues of their call and no one answered. So I kept telling myself if it was bad news they would have continued to call. The weekend was good, they went to their mamaw's to celebrate her b-day which was scan day. Then my mom came out and visited with them Sunday and Ireland was soooo excited to see her. Livi too but Ireland was jumping up and down.
Monday they got their flu shot. That was not fun....poor livi started crying b/f we even got there... she didn't want another shot. I felt so bad. Thank goodness she fell asleep on the way there and when we got there she wasn't as upset til she saw her sister crying with the shot, then her tears just flowed... They gave it in their legs and so they complained of leg pain last night. Olivia is really enjoying kindergarden and I have our first conference this friday. Tomorrow we go to Ireland's Thanksgiving luncheon at daycare and on Thursday we go to Olivia's. I have to make desserts....for those of you who really know me know I don't bake hardly ever!!! So this will be good.
Wednesday Olivia has appt with an ENT....they had their dentist appt last week which Livi's teeth were great!. Ireland on the other hand has 5 cavities... I was so upset b/c I have tried really hard to keep them brushed. But they are all in the back molars in between the teeth (probably from juice) and the fact that when livi was going thru treatment they didn't always get taken care of the way they probably should've. The past few weeks have been really difficult for me at work (they changed software and let me say it has been a big challenge) then the worry with the scans, and my older horse has an injury in her leg that no one can agree on the problem and last night is the worst it has been she can hardly put any weight on it. Ughh frustrating.
This month has been a busy one and next month with christmas it will be too.
Please remember all these families who are facing their 1st holiday without their child and those who are facing another year without them, also those who will be away from their families and in the hospital over the holiday. I pray for you all. A good friend of mine at work has a neice that was DX with ALL two weeks ago 8 years old. Please say a prayer for her as she starts on her journey.
Thanks for your prayers and continued support. I wish all of you a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving.
Love Sheryl and Gary

Thursday, November 2, 2006 7:15 AM CST

I am so sorry I haven't been journaling. Our computer is not up and running in our house.... and I have been so busy at work. WE got new software and I am just trying to get things done and it is taking 2 to 3 times longer than b-4.
The girls have been doing well. Olivia's school party was last friday and she had a great time. Saturday they spent the night at my mom's and had a really good time. They do miss seeing her all the time. :) Gary and I tried cleaning up the yard with all the leaves that fell, we had some high wind saturday and took lots of leaves and limbs down. Monday we carved pumpkins and tuesday the girls went trick or treating with their friend Hunter and their cousin macy. Ireland's daycare party was the same day and she had lots of fun there too. She just loves miss Rhonda and Miss Debbie. It was a drizzly Halloween, but at least it wasn't bitter cold.
This month is filled with doctors appts for them and me ughhhhh. Next Friday is ct day and we of course are getting nervous. Olivia has been a bit pale and dark circles under her eyes (sunday night especially) and that always makes me worry, b/c looking back at all these pictures that what she looked like so when I see that haunting look I get scared. So please prayer warriors add miss Olivia to your list and ask for clear scans.
Please also continue to pray for all our caringbridge friends! We lost another warrior this past month, please send prayers to Jon's family. Also another warrior Lizzie girl lost her fight as well Prayers sent to her family). Please sign our guest book and let us know you are still checking on us. We love to read them.
Lots of love Sheryl

Monday, October 23, 2006 7:31 AM CDT

Livi's appt went very well! Her doc was very pleased with her improvement with the asthma. WE had a great weekend this past weekend. We went to the big horse show in town several times. And we took their friend Hunter and cousin Macy with us and shopped and watched the barrel horses. Then yesterday afternoon we left down from the show and went and watched their cousin Matt play football. Their team won so they got into the championships which are next weekend. WTG!!!! It is really cold here burr.... Hoping it warms up a bit for trick or treat. We still have not made up our minds what they are going to go as....Ireland still wants to be a ghost only she can't dress like that at day care so I know that will be an issue.
CT is on November 10th. They go to the dentist on November 9th and November 15th Livi has to go to ENT for tests...... Ughhhh. And I need to make appt for flu shot for them. I missed her ent appt last week... Sometimes it just gets a bit overwhelming.
Please continue your prayers for all the warriors still out their fighting,. Say prayers for the families who are going to be heading into the holidays w/o their precious child, some families are new at this and some have already endured the holiday's but still experience the pain. My heart goes out to all these families.
Please sign our guestbook, we love to hear from you!!!
Sorry I don't post as often but everything is going pretty well and just very busy for us. But we still like to hear from you all. Please take care..... Happy Halloween !!!!!!

Friday, October 13, 2006 12:13 AM CDT

Everything went great last Friday at the football game. Olivia did very well. She was a bit nervous but all went well. She was so excited b/c the girl she gave flowers to was a cheerleader (of course now that is what she wants to be for Halloween. Ireland changes her mind on a daily basis first a ghost, then snow white, then a carebear... Last weekend was beautiful here in Ohio, this one will be much cooler. We had tornado's here this week and one was close enough to our house for my comfort level. But we now have a basement so it is more of a relief. We did have the whole clan, Aunt Tracy, Uncle Harvey , Matt and macy and their two dogs over down the basement while Gary was up cooking dinner. The girls are going to see their mamaw and hopefully we'll go to my mom's on Sunday (that is the plan for now). Olivia continues to love kindergarden even though she is very tired after the day. I am so glad she likes it. They are getting big so fast. Monday olivia has an appt with pulmanary specialist for a recheck and I think we need to go see an eye doctor. Somedays Livi complains she can't see really well. But when I ask her specific questions she can make out what I ask, so I am just not sure. So far Olivia continues to feel well (other than a constant cough that I hope is allergy related due to all the field harvesting going on).
I will try and get some new pictures updated asap. I need my husband's help my pictures always end up too big.
Next week we hope to go to the All American Quarter Horse congress (big horse show here in Ohio) and watch the barrel racing and shop shop shop. I've gone for 20 some years.

Please continue to keep all our friends in your prayers. There have been more newly dx wilms families one was utero when they were given the news... How sad.... I'll try and find the website and post.
Olivia's ct is November 10th.
Love Sheryl

Friday, October 6, 2006 12:46 AM CDT

The weeks are just flying by!!! Livi is doing awesome, other than she has a cough again... Ughhhh. She seems to be adjusting to kindergarten great! Loves going to the library and reading. She is really liking everything about it. There was a a mistake in her CT date.... The hospital had her down for October and then last week I got a message that her scans were set up for November 10th. So called and finally got through to scheduling and oops someone had her down twice. So really she should be getting her scans in November so the October 11th scan is cancelled.
I have more sad news...we lost another wilms warrior Jonathan. Please say prayers for his family.
I work for a high school and tonight Olivia is going to our homecoming football game (they have kindergarten kids give the court flowers onthe field) so she is getting to do that and is very excited.
Ireland is doing well too, but she is definately showing more independence and she is being quite the handful. But as always she also keeps everyone laughing at her little shanigans. The got to go to the pumpkin patch and pick out gords and pumpkins last weekend with Mamaw and Papaw.
WEll I have to run would write more but have lots to do.
We are keeping everyone in our prayers.

Sheryl

Friday, September 22, 2006 7:47 AM CDT

One day late on the journal, but wanted to Say "Happy 6th Birthday Baby girl". I am so happy to be celebrating her birthday. I wasn't sure we would ever celebrate it. How grateful we are to be doing so.
Today is kindergarten for her so she'll be tired tonight and tomorrow Mamaw and Papaw Roger are coming out to celebrate. her friend Hunter will also be coming so she is excited. I am really hoping for a nice day and the storms to go around us. Don't think that will happen, but I can hope!!! Today they are wearing their OSU shirts and very excited about that. They love the buckeyes (actually I think it is more the cheerleaders).
Olivia now has two more loose teeth and is not very happy about that. Speaking of that our puppy Snickers lost one of her teeth and we found it and the girls wanted to know why the tooth fairy hadn't come for her and given her money. LOL. So I tried to explain that the tooth fairy doesn't come for doggies and Ireland told me that the girl at daycare told her that her dog had the tooth fairy come.
Continued prayers to all our warriors and angel families. A new angel has gone home this week named christithomas. She had neuroblastoma and lived here in Ohio. Please say extra-prayers for her family.
Also a new wilms family has received devasting news that there is no more they can do for him his name Jeremiah. http://home.earthlink.net/~paulanjohnsmith.

Love Sheryl

Tuesday, September 19, 2006 7:23 AM CDT

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Olivia and Ireland had a wonderful time with Mamaw and Papaw Roger while Gary and I went out for our Anniversary. They spent the day with them and had a great time looking through books on Germany (where they just came back from), shopping for their aunt Tracy's b-day and just hangin out.
Sunday my mom came out and gave Olivia her b-day presents and they really looked forward to her visit. And then she got a surprise visit from their Mimi and cousin Tori who they haven't seen in awhile so that made Olivia's day. Their Uncle Josh was their to which is their dad's twin (I think that is a bit confusing for them).
I am either fighting a cold or having horrible sinus problems and it doesn't get better, but doesn't get worse either. Just staying kindof feeling cruddy, but not horrid. The temperature is changing here in Ohio quickly and it is getting cooler and since we've moved into our house I can't find anything but my sandles and cowboy boots. The girls are anxious fall is arriving, but with fall arriving snow and the cold is around the corner and I am so not ready for that. UGHHH......
We continue to keep all our caringbridge friends in our prayers. Thanks for checking on us. We value all your support and kindness.
Prayers needed for Octobter 11th SCAN DAY!!!!

Sheryl

Friday, September 15, 2006 9:11 AM CDT

Hello to all
I just finished writing along entry and it all vanished. UGHHH. All is well but has been very busy. Olivia loves going to kindergarden and loves riding the bus. Today is picture day at school and we had quite the discussion on what to wear for it. LOL. She has been very tired going to school. Last week was her two day week and this week is her 3 day a week. ALL DAY. Last weekend was good we went to celebrate my mom's b-day and took her to dinner and back for cake and icecream. Olivia was so sweet to tell her on the way back one of her b-day gifts. She said "oh you'll like your OSU flag we got you". LOL She had a great time but by the time we left she was whipped, then sunday we went and celebrated my cousin's b-day. Tomorrow is her Aunt Tracy's b-day and today I would like to wish my husband a very Happy Anniversary. He is a sweet and wonderful person and I am very proud to be his wife. (although he too can be frustrating lol).
Ireland has been quite the handful here of late. Olivia's 6th b-day is the 21st. We can't believe it. We feel very blessed and say our Thanks to God everyday that we still have her with us. Two years ago at this time we didn't know what we were going to be facing in the next week. We lived in fear everyday and we still do it just isn't breathing down our necks as hard. Her Ct is set up for October 11th, so again our nervousness starts to get worse. With this you try to live a normal life each and everyday and enjoy all the precious moments with these children. Too see her you just would never know she is growing and full of life and just enjoying being a kid, but for us that know we also have that fear and it rear's it's ugly head everytime there is a pain and then especially getting ready for scans. This time it will be 3 months since we've seen a doctor too. That seemed to be a cushion seeing him every month. But now it is every three. The closer it gets the more worried we become even though we try not too. So prayer warriors say your prayers on October 11th for the all Clear!!! And please continue to say prayers for all our caringbridge friends. I am sorry I haven't been able to sign on the new sites, but I can't do it from work and our computers from home are not working.
Everyone have a great weekend.
Love Sheryl

Tuesday, September 5, 2006 11:26 AM CDT

I hope everyone had a great Labor day weekend. Ours was very quiet... It has been rainy and cool here in Ohio. I am so not ready for fall and winter yet. Olivia is loving kindergarten, but it is wearing her out too. She does complain however, everymorning that she gets up for school that she has a belly ache. I am thinking it just nerves. She always acts fine when she arrives home.
We went to an audiologist last week. Boy that was a hassle due to me missing some paperwork (hadn't been an issue before ). UGHHH but finally she got tested and she does have some hearing loss, but at a high pitched sound. I heard an old familiar saying....well if you have to have hearing loss this is the best type to have. probably wouldn't have thought much of it before. Just suppose to see if she has any more problems and come back yearly. And they want her to see a ENT next so that is October. Oh we did get her results back from the screening. she didn't fair as well as I thought she would but I do keep in mind of what she has been through and how far behind she was. So HOpefully she'll start getting caught up.
Thanks for checking on us....please sign our guestbook we love to read from everyone.

Sheryl

Monday, August 28, 2006 8:25 AM CDT

I am so sorry it has been so long since I've written. We had been so busy getting ready for Kindergarten (getting to doctors, filling out paperwork) you name it it has been nuts.

Back tracking a bit.....we went to meet the teacher on the 17th. Livi was so excited just doing that and she got to go on a bus ride and have all the rules explained etc... She had to go for a readiness test last week (required test for the state) and really enjoyed that as well, so hoping she'll really like school. The girls have been really busy the last two weekends going to their Mamaw's house. She and her husband are leaving for Germany for 12 days . Friday was Olivia's first day for kindergarten. So I stayed home later and put her on the bus. She was so excited she was up at 6:30 in the morning and the bus doesn't come til 8:00. She could hardly wait. I think her day was wonderful but she came home really tired. They go full days here so Tuesday and Friday and then every other week throw a Wednesday in there. She still will be going to Merry Moppet on the days no kindergarten. She moves classes there as well. I know she is sad to be leaving Ms. Rhonda and Ms. Debbie. She loves them so. Ireland will be moving up to their class today and was excited about it til we got there this morning. I am sure she will just grow by leaps and bounds with them after seeing how much Olivia grew in their room.
On the home front the house is coming along slow but sure. We have grass coming in and boxes are slowly getting put away. Snickers our puppy is getting very big but she has been really good (other than just being a puppy). Our cats however seem to all be disappearing. We had almost 10 cats and now down to about 5. Friday we went out to dinner with my family for my b-day and had a very nice time. Sorry I haven't gotten around, but I've been so busy at work getting schedules ready for school and at home our phone line has not been working properly so I can't log on there. You are all in my prayers.
Thanks for contining to check on us.
Sheryl

Tuesday, August 15, 2006 10:54 AM CDT

ALL CLEAR!!! What a relief..... there are so many children relapsing (it seems) of course just one child is too many. I get mail for a wilms list serv and it is a wonderful group of people who are a wealth of information and alot of support to one another. They are planning on writing to Oprah to bring national attention to Childhood cancer (especially Wilms) because almost all the families have been told "this is the good kind of Cancer to have", tell that to all the families who have been losing or lost their beautiful little children.. We had been told the same and several months later told her dx was changed to unfavorable histology and the survival rate dropped. It is a very scary disease and the things the kids and families go through is horrible and heart breaking, the siblings that suffer, the pain and the isolation from others.. I could go on and on, so I hope that they are at successful at getting her attention. The letters that the people have been writing are awesome!!! I am not a skilled writer so I am not planning on writing one myself, not b/c I don't care or not interested, I am in total support of what they are doing and think it is needed.
Livi did well with the test friday and we went shopping and then we all went to the fair friday evening and went and watched a small portion of the horse show. They had a great time at the fair!!! Saturday we worked around the house inside and out and then saturday I ended up with the intestinal flu!!! All day Sunday I was miserable, Macy (the girls cousin) got sick late Sunday morning. UGHH.. Hopefully the girls won't get it. I haven't had the flu in the summer since I can remember.
One week from this friday Olivia starts Kindergarden. She is getting excited. In 5 weeks she'll turn 6 years old.
Thanks for all your prayers..... Keep them coming and send them to all our other families who still are struggling each and everyday whether it is still fighting, staying in remission and learning how to live again or those who have lost one and have to learn how to cope each and everyday.
Sheryl

Tuesday, August 8, 2006 8:06 AM CDT

Ireland's b-day party was really nice, the weather was perfect. She is still very embarassed when you sing happy b-day to her. She wanted a My Little Pony Cake, Dora plates and hats. She told me it didn't need to match. I would ask her to do something and she said she was the b-day girl. Like well no way I don't have to I am special..... Anyways she had a great time and everyone else I think did too but everyone was wore out.

WE picked up the other two dogs Sunday from my mom's and that isn't going all that red hot. Maggie sits and cries and sassy doesn't care for snickers. I was up almost all night sunday night with them and went to ylet them out yesterday morning to find one of our favorite cats dead on our porch. Needless to say I didn't handle that well. I had bottle fed him from the time he was born and he was jsut a beautiful with Champane color in his coat. He had not been feeling well and we had had him to the vet several times. They thought it was asthma related and that he had some fluid on his lungs which could be caused by several different things. One asthma, or heart disease or the worst case a tumor in his chest cavity (but not to jump the gun) we put him on lasix and he seemed to be breathing and eating better. I couldn't find him sunday night. So I feel just awful about it.
The girls get their immunizations tomorrow and Snickers has a vet appt thursday and Friday are livi's scans. Needless to say we are getting nervous but trying to remain positive. Other than her being quiet she seems to feel awesome! Next week we have a meeting with her Kindergarden teacher. Things are definately crazy at our house hold. Busy Busy busy.
Please pray for CLEAR SCANS FRIDAY and please say a prayer for Jon Sellars his parents did not get good news. His tumors are growing and so far have been chemo resistant so they are going to try experimental drugs and radiation. Please continue your prayers for all the families who have lost their little ones. Those in remission and those still fighting. We all need your prayers.

P.S. Happy B-day Susie.

Love Sheryl

Thursday, August 3, 2006 8:42 AM CDT

It is with deep sadness to say we lost another wilms child yesterday afternoon....Diego has flown home and is now at peace but the family is at a terrible loss. The mom Cookie has great faith and has been an inspiration to us all.

Thank you Noni for the card.... she opened it and was very happy :) It was very sweet for Ireland AT daycare they went out and bought her a b-day cookie. For some reason she did not want to buy cup cakes or cookies for her class so I didn't do it but they wanted to do something for her.. She is just acting weird about it , when you sing happy b-day to her she hides her face and says stop. As out going as she is I can't believe she is that backwards about her b-day. We had planned to go to dinner, but things didn't work out too good. I was at the vet's til after 7:00 picking up a cat. They think he is asthmatic. Great!.

I am going to vent now. .. I am very frustrated with our hospital. I mentioned the other day that Dr. Martin was suppose to call b/c she has changed how they had planned to handle livi's followups without consulting us so I asked last friday for her to call. I called monday and there was a message from her. She couldn't talk would call me back, called wednesday and they said she would call, I called this morning and they said well she has been trying, so I asked where. I said both #'s I gave you there has been no messages, My phone at home has caller id and no call's on there. So as I write I am still waiting on her to call me back again and of course she is out of the office Friday. I am not a very happy camper. Dr Doug was adamant at how close they wanted to follow her and Dr. Martin doesn't appear to be wanting to do that. She did when Olivia's appt in July but now no, so we are not very happy at what is/or the lack of going on. Her case was unusual (of course they all seem to have different paths) , but I want some answers and I am starting to get irritated that no one returns call and they just pass the buck on who to blame.

Olivia has got another loose tooth and she is getting very excited about starting Kindergarden in 3 weeeks. YIKES!!! I can't believe it. What a wonderful thing. 2 years ago I would not have believed this day would come and it is almost here and we are so blessed that she has done so well. We pray she continues to stay in remission and feel wonderful. She is full of energy and we are all in awe of how well she has done and too look at her to this day you would never know what a sick little girl she was. Our prayers right now are for continued health and clear scans on August 11th!!! I know that I am getting nervous. But we will be busy busy this next week so hopefully that will keep my mind occupied. Livi is supposed to get her immunizations next week too.

Hugs to you all and thanks for checking. We read the guest book and love postings. Hug those babies, please remember in your prayers all of our wilms friends who are battling, in remission and those families whose child have earned their wings.
Love Sheryl

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 10:29 AM CDT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR IRELAND.... She is 4 years old today. I can't believe it. She is so grown up acting sometimes... I swear. She just makes you laugh all the time too. But she is the most independent little poop I know. We aren't celebrating her b-day til saturday. I let her pick out her cake and instead of dora she got m little pony. I was A bit surprised at her choice. We re going to have a very small party for her on Saturday I think. Of course we have some family tension so some family members may choose not to come. Their loss I guess (but how unfair for Ireland because she loves them all). Their dad and stepmom maybe there not sure at this point


Please continue to keep Diego's family close in prayer while dealing with sending their precious son home to Jesus.

My heart just breaks for these families who have faced it, will face and are in the midst of trying to let go. What a difficult heart wrenching ordeal.
Love
Sheryl and Gary

Monday, July 31, 2006 10:30 AM CDT

Oliva's appt went ok. She wasn't able to do the the test to determine fully whether or not she has asthma for sure. The doctor suspects it and talked to us about different problem. She has been on singular for a while and has only had 1 episode that she complained about. She wants to see her in 3 months. and keep an eye on her.. If she has anymore episodes then we need to call immediately. There is so much confusion with this new Doctor taking over and am waiting to speak with her right now. Due to Olivia's unusual case Dr. Doug had told us they wanted to continue seeing her once a month. And we Saw Dr. Martin last month and said the same...well I didn't hear back about the scan appt and called. The girl told me she wasn't due for the scan til October. I said nope I have the card from your office that says August. She said let me check and I'll get back to you. Well she did and left a message that livi was to have CT on August 11th and someone will call with results. Dr. Martin isn't in on Fridays. Then went on to say that we would need her check up appt made for October in September when they had calendars. WHOA Now. That is several months????? So I called back..... Well that is what dr Martin has written and I told her I wanted to talk to her. Well apparently Dr. Martin got my message friday even though I was off and called and left a message that was totally unclear. So I called back down today and oops she can't talk til tomorrow? UMMMM I am not liking this already. I am getting frustrated with this. There has been numerous mess ups and I am not happy about it. On the good note!!
The girls went to their Mamaw and Papaw friday night and stayed til saturday evening. Had a great time going to the park and was happy to come home. Our house is finally taking shape!!! Yahoo!!!! Thanks to my mom and MY stepdaughter Tracy yesterday. We all got lots accomplished.. We finally got everything moved out of where it was and at least into the house. Boy do you every collect a lot of junk oh my..... IT WAS hot and I was grumpy and I am very sore... Things could've run smoother on this move, but at least things seem to be better now. I still have to go to my mom and get the dogs and the rest of my stuff.. UgH... But it feels great to see it coming together...
Ireland's 4th b-day is Wednesday, I can't believe it. Not sure what we'll do special for her day!!

I am asking for some prayers for the family of Diego, he has been sent home in hospice. He has been battling this disease for 14 mnths and is 6 years old. His mother is very strong and has lots of faith, but what such heart ache is to come.

Thanks for checking on us.

love sheryl and Gary

Friday, July 21, 2006 9:35 AM CDT

Olivia's appt was good with her new doctor. They did do a chest x-ray which had me a bit worried b/c she had just had one in June, I thought maybe something was seen on it and no one told us. Doctor Martin said they didn't get a copy of it and she just wants to keep a close eye on her lungs b/c if Wilms returns that is usually where it returns at. First time we were really told that. She does want her to see a Pulmatory Specialist since Olivia has some breathing issues and allergies.. They will be setting that appt up. along with her 3 month CT. Olivia is getting anxious to start kindergarden next month.
We are still not in our house just one complication after another .... the air conditioning blew a line (first one the guy had do that in the 11 years he has been in air conditioning, the water softner guy was there for 4 hours and could not fix it had to take it to the shop. They were in total disbelief that these things were happening. This has gone anything but smooth. But now the air is fixed along with the softner. Finally, we had our walk thru yesterday. That took almost 3 hours. It has been so hot here and with no air conditioning no one really had the energy to move things from a hot box to a hot house. I have done really well for me waiting for this to be done. I guess Olivia's illness has given me more patience in some ways. things that would have put me over the edge quickly take a lot longer to get me to that point now. There are more important things to be upset about. I mean I get annoyed and irritated, but I sure don't handle things like a used to.

Our puppy snickers is so cute and funny I can't wait for Maggie (our basset to meet her) The dogs are still with mom b/c of the house situation and it has been crazy busy. I didn't want to stick my mom with a new little puppy to try and house break since she has two dogs of her own and our other two. We are animal nuts can you tell? Well thanks for checking on us.
Love Sheryl and Gary

Thursday, July 13, 2006 9:58 AM CDT

Sorry for the delay in writing. Everything is going well. We have been really busy with our company and we did make a short trip to Gatlinburg Tn. We had a really nice time. The girls rode the keylift up the mountain and back down and did great, rode the alpine slide, shopped til we dropped, went into the mountains, rode rides,went swimming. Their mamaw and papaw Roger were there for a day while we were so we hooked up with them and the girls were very excited about seeing them there. I would've liked to have stayed longer and driven over to North Carolina, but time didn't allow. We had to get back. Livi's monthly doctor's appt is next week. We got her clearance letter for her immunizations now. They wrote in the letter all of the long term health concerns....ughhh, I hate reading that even though I know in my head what they are it is still scary to read it in black and white again. But we got to remain positive that she is going to be cancer free forever. But our fear is still there and even though we try to put our fear aside and remain faithful that she has been cured, it is a constant worry as you all well know. I can't believe school starts in 6 weeks.
Hopefully our lives will start to go back to normal soon and we can find things and I can start riding my horses again. We are finally going to be moving into our house....The girls are excited and are ready... although they will miss being at my mom's (now it feels weird to be back here and not at her house for me), they missed her while we were gone with our brother and sister in law and in gatlinburg, they miss their papaw when we aren't with him. Thanks for all your continued support.
Sheryl

Friday, June 30, 2006 11:42 AM CDT

I can't believe the summer is just going by so fast. The girls have been great! They are having sprinkler day today at daycare and were very excited about that. Tomorrow is Hunter's b-day party and they are very excited about going to that. Then in the evening my sister-in-law and brother in law are coming in from Arizona are coming in. We have to pick up our horse who was being bred this weekend (or monday not sure which yet) however, she isn't in foal. So we are done breeding for the summer.
We sortof have clearance to start moving in but think we are going to take it slow..... We have lots of cleaning to do so we will be doing some of that over the weekend and we'll see what happens. Two things have to be accomplished before we do the big move and are allowed in...... This is all a rather big pain. I hate not knowing specifics. One person says one thing and others say other. ughhhh. They are probably tired of my phone calls.. I tried and emphasize today communication makes things alot smoother and less stressful. The guy agreed so we'll see.
We are talking about making a trip to Gatlingburg the week of the 8th.. not 100% . If we do Noni we will be calling you to hook up.. or may come back down in the fall to just visit with you. But we haven't decided everything is based on this house deal. But our sister-in-law and brother in law want to go for a few days while they are here so we have been kicking the idea around. I am still trying to get around and sign guestbooks but haven't done too great. Sorry.
We are still thinking and praying for you all.
Love
Sheryl and Gary

Monday, June 26, 2006 12:53 AM CDT

Hello to all.... Olivia did well on the test other than she hated being catherized and it took 4 people to hold her down, but the test came back all clear and she can now be taken off amoxicillian. Said to keep a eye on her and make sure that if she complains of any burning or pain to get her in immediately and be checked for urinary tract infections then she'll be put back on probably. Sorry I made a mistake in my spelling. Thank you Sarah for pointing that out. ....http://www.caringbridge.org/ky/hanna/index.htm.... She is the most recent loss (wilms).....
Other than that the girls had a great weekend and very busy. Friday night the girls saw their Dad, baby-sister (1/2) and step mom and had a great time! He lives several hours away and hasn't been up for some time due to some unpredictable circumstances. Saturday they went and spent the day and night with their Mamaw and Papaw Roger and had a blast swimming and just hanging out. Yesterday they were busy busy when they got home and didn't want to leave to go back to my mom's since they had been gone all day saturday and part of the day sunday. It just wasn't enough time with the puppy and papaw. We are still not in the house and am starting to create some noise b/c they were not good about keeping us informed or getting back to return our phone calls, so I did some cage ratteling today. It is just tiresome for us all not to be back home and together. Everyone has done well but it is getting very weary now and we want to get organized and live normal. Can't find anything and things we need now are packed and can't find them ughh... But I realize things could be much worse and I tried to remind myself of that everyday.
We continue to pray for all our caringbridge families....

Love Sheryl

Thursday, June 22, 2006 12:47 AM CDT

Well Children's isn't doing so hot. They told me that the chemo was a central Scheduling mix up they have a new system and they got it confused.... I said she is suppose to be having a VCUG test, she was going to check on that and if there was any problems she would call me back immediately. Well get down for appt and guess what they don't have her scheduled for the test....... GRRRRRRR So she is scheduled for tomorrow morning. She still has a rattle in her chest so Livi is still using her alberterol.
Still no word on when we get into the house still has some inspections to pass. OUr sister-in-law and my brother in law are due into town July 1st!!! They may be pitching a tent. The puppy is doing fairly well... very good about crying to go out. Her name is probably Snickers and the girls call her Sneakers. LOL.
I'll try and update as soon as I know something about the kidney test. I expect it to be ok... fingers crossed.
They did tell that she will be continued to be checked every month for the next 18 months and every 3 months a ct.... b/c of her unusual problems they will keep a very close eye her. that is a bit of relief for us. I am trying to get by and check on everyone. We continue to keep you all in our prayers, those fighting, newly dx, the parents who spend everyday in anguish missing their children and their siblings.
Love
Sheryl and Gary

Monday, June 19, 2006 10:17 AM CDT

Another sad update. Another Wilms family has lost their child Hannah Friday evening. ky/hannah. There has just been so many sad stories and losses lately.... My heart just aches for the families.

This has certainly been a very interesting week. Let start off with Olivia. She had been coughing and off to the doctors we went on Wednesday, her Peditrician (Dr. Clark ) did not like the sounds of her lungs so off to x-ray, on antibiotics, and inhaler. She has thickening in the bronchial tubes. She has improved but.....as of this morning she still has cough... the Docs office called to check on her and wanted to see her just to followup. Told them I was glad I was going to call them so she goes back today. Hopefully she is clearing up. She had a busy great weekend. Last week since she couldn't go to day care she stayed home one day and came with me two days to work. She loved it.!!! We spent Thursday, ANd the whole weekend with papaw. They loved it. Me too. It is really hard to be away from the animals (horses and cats) and what you know as your stuff/home. My mom has been totally awesome by letting us distrupt her life and taking care of us. We have appreciated it so much. I know it has been fun for her to have us there but still she has her way of life that she likes and i know it is hard sometimes too . It is just time for me to get some normalcy and some type of organization to our lives. It is really getting to me a bit. Not sure when we are going to get in the house. The electric is done, but has to be inspected, plumber doesn't know when he can come out to finish, it has to be inspected, the patio's, sidewalks all need to be formed and poured. And then we might be able to get our occupancy permit. UGHHH...
No one seems to be in a hurry, but us and the builders.
We were busy over the weekend and boy amd I out of shape and I got into poison Ivy. Lovely. For father's day Tracy (his daughter) got him a CHOCOLATE LAB PUPPY. I love dogs and she is beautiful and I always wanted a lab, but we have a basset hound and a dauschaund now that are staying at mom's. New house, new puppy... I can see this might be troublesome... not to mention how much work. I really do love puppies and actually just animals. Just not sure about the timing. I have mixed emotions. The girls just love her already. So now what do you do? And we are not ones to get rid of animals.
Praying that Olivia's lungs clear and that her appt wednesday with Children's go well.
Speaking of still waiting they scheduled livi for chemo on Wednesday....say what? I just started reading her appt papers... She was to be set up for VCUG.. How could that all be confused.

Thanks for checking on us and your continued prayers. We are still praying for all our caring bridge friends, sorry I haven't gotten around to sign everyone's books.

Love to you all
Sheryl And Gary

Monday, June 12, 2006 12:44 AM CDT

It is with great sadness that another caringbridge child has passed away from Cancer - caringbridge.org/fl/jacob. I have followed him for quite awhile and he truly has been amazing. He fought a long hard courageous battle here on earth. He has a wonderful supportive family and they appreciate everyone's prayers and support. Another family who could also use our prayers is caringbridge/org/ky/hannah. She isn't doing very well and is under hospice care. The family feels their time is running out. Please offer some support. Will also needs some prayers the family is on their way back to Memphis and it doesn't sound like good news. Cancer really sucks is all I can say. I hate seeing all these families suffer and have to endure all this pain and heartache.

Olivia is doing ok... again she has a nasty cough (sigh) try not to worry, we just had scans done, but it is still very very worrisome. Complaining of her left side hurting again too (another sigh). But again she just had scans done two weeks ago. She does go back to see Doctor Doug June 21st. The girls are thrilled this weekend as their cousin Michael is visiting from Texas and they just adore him. They spent the majority of sunday over nextdoor just watching him work with their uncle Harvey.
Please continue praying for all our warrior friends.

Love Sheryl

Wednesday, June 7, 2006 1:49 PM CDT

Olivia seems to be feeling great and doing very well. She has been full of energy and just growing and enjoying life. It is great to see. One of our caringbride friends Laurel Rose had a big scare with scans, but thankfully everything is ok. WHEW. What a relief.
There is another family I need to ask for your prayers, his name is Tyler and he lives in Wisconsin and was dx with wilms and is done with treatment. They went for a CT and something was seen on his lungs I believe... (his grandma lives next to my Aunt) and they do not have a website, but I think they could use some prayers. Is have his scans again Tomorrow (thursday). He had some rocky roads during treatment as many of our kids have had.
Whew is Ireland just an ornary one. She makes me/us laugh quite a bit. She is always talking like she is 25 years old sometimes.

I am really trying very hard not to complain especially on here when so many others have so many bigger struggles and this is so trivial but it doesn't mean it doesn't get tiring either.... ughhh so much for the Electric hookup that they told us about. Yesterday we were told that it would be a engineer to inspect what needed to be done. EXCUSE ME we had to wait 2 weeks for an engineer?? Well they came out and they didn't like the way things were graded so they have to have things graded properly in order to bury any cable. Well who knows what happens after this b/c I about came unglued and didn't ask anymore questions We were guaranteed the middle of June and now to me it looks like the 1st of July or mid July so I am not happy I can't for the life of me see how it could be sooner. I've been very patient for a long time but now I am getting aggrevated. We got a wonderful offer for a visit in North carolina which I'll have to get into more later. Thank you Noni.
I have to run....
Prayers are continued to be said for all our little warriors who are fighting this awful disease (hannah/ky) and many others.

Thursday, June 1, 2006 9:45 AM CDT

Hi
Olivia has lost another tooth, so we are missing our two front teeth.... as soon as I can get my photo back up and running I will get more pictures on here. We had a great long weekend and was very busy. It was a whirlwind of activity. Ireland has been a tough one this week. Had some difficulty being strong willed at home and daycare. They played in the kids pool at mamaw's and went to the park and had a great time. The rest was spent out at the house working and cooking out and playing hard.
I thought we would be moving in our house this weekend, but the electric company seems to be delaying the rest of the work and they aren't scheduled to be out til June 7th to hook up the main lines, which the plumber c an't finish and they can't finish outside til that is complete. Gary is tired of living in the garage apartment and is ready to get back in with us all together. Sometimes this get's frustrating. I miss living with my husband and doing things with the horses and the girls miss their papaw and the animals too.
I am not complaining the kids have really done very well adjusting to living elsewhere while this was happening, but they are just ready to get back to home, although they love my mom and brother. Schools here are winding down to a close.... and are gearing up for summer. OUr kids last day (where I work is June 7th). Nothing planned for the summer. The girls want to go back to Myrtle beach, but I don't think that is in the budget.
I am trying to get around to all my caringbridge friends and check in and leave notes, but haven't been really successful. Much better at getting around and reading than posting. But I do keep you all in my prayers and think of you all daily.
Thanks for checking on us and please remember to keep in your prayers all the kids that are fighting, in remission and those who have become angels.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 1:38 PM CDT

GREAT NEWS!!!!

We got the all clear. YAH!!!!!!! Celebrate life.

Our Doctor who we have dealt with from the beginning gave us the news today that he will be leaving for New Jersey. We are very sad to loose him. He has been wonderful to Miss Olivia and our family and answering ALL my questions. He'll see Olivia the next Doctors appt June 21st and she'll have her VCUG test done.

Thanks for all your prayers. They were answered.!



Love Sheryl and Gary

Tuesday, May 23, 2006 11:51 AM CDT

Last Friday when I went to p.u. the girls Olivia got hit in the mouth and knocked her tooth loose... Poor thing one of her front is sticking out and the other hanging there and she doesn't want you touching it. It has given her quite the look. They had a great weekend and had lots of fun. Tomorrow is the appt and of course we are nervous.... But are trying to remain positive and not play the what if game that run's through your mind or putting the cart before the horse. But sometimes that is easier said than done. I will update as soon as I know the news!!!
Miss Ireland has been more than just a bit hard headed lately. Whew! She has been actually having temper tantrums and just being a bit ugly. I am hoping it is because she hasn't felt a100% and has just been tired. But who knows.
Other than that we are waiting on them to finish up in the house and get it pained. So we are probably looking at within about 2 weeks of being back home. The girls will miss my mom for sure. And my mom them. I will miss all her help and seeing her all the time, but know everyone needs to get settled again our own home. I've been fortunate enough to have somewhere to stay and for my dogs to stay too.
Say your prayers and please continue to pray for all our caringbridge friends.
Sheryl and Gary

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Prayer warriors I need your prayers for all clear scans for Miss Olivia..... 1 week from today May 24th is Olivia's 1 year out of treatment scans. The nervousness is starting to build for us. We have to believe they will be clear, but the fear still rears its ugly head! I think I am a little more worried b/c she hasn't been feeling well on and off and it is always worrisome when they complain so much of belly pain and headaches. But we are trying to remain positive and send lots of good thoughts and our prayers her way. Additional Prayers are also requested for our family, we have alot of issues going on that we are asking God for his guidance and wisdom. Also for their Papaw to begin to have some energy and feel better (all the medicine that they have him on is really making him exhausted and worn out). Tuesday, May 16, 2006 I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. We had a nice Mother's Day with my mom. Went and took her out to dinner and assembled the porch swing we got her. The rest of the weekend was very busy and Olivia hasn't felt well.. She woke thursday morning with bad headache and stomach ache. Sounded really thick when she talked. She stayed home with my Mom (thank goodness) and then I went home when my mom had appt. Friday she went back to daycare only to start feeling bad in afternoon and threw up in her Aunt Tracy's truck on the way home. She went directly to bed and the next day she was better. Then saturday afternoon she was tired and just real lathargic. She went to Mamaw's and had nice time but took long nap. Went to bed as soon as she got home and then sunday felt pretty good til dinner.
Ireland started complaining Sunday night of ear ache... UGH...so monday they went off to the doctors. Olivia they just found that she probably has the crude going on and put her on zithromax only to throw it back up within 1/2 hour of giving it to her. She complained of sever stomach ache. So off to early bed she went. I felt so bad for her. Dr. Clark, her peditrician said they (children's) will be keeping very close eye on her and I could call with any questions.. They did a urine culture (per onocologist request) just to make sure everything is ok there with the "little" kidney she has left. He said even though she has been out of treatment for one year this month she will still get stuff quicker than other kids and have possibly longer than others. You know it seems that the Onocologist doesn't give you all the information and believe me I ask more questions and drive them nuts.
Ireland has a dull-looking ear (never heard that expression) that in 5 days could be gone or turn into full blown infection so on zithromax she goes. Here in Ohio the weather has been really YUCKY and raining with no end in site.. Which is putting more delays on our house.
Now I've gotten used to being at my moms and have really enjoyed being able to go one walks in a neighborhood (being that we live in the country) and just running here or there if you want to. I've spent time with my mom and brother and the girls have spent lots of time with them and they are really enjoying it but they miss their papaw too. So there is plus's and minus's in everything. This has turned out to be a much lenghtier project than planned. But I hope that it will be all worth it in the long run.
Thanks for always checking on us and please sign our guestbook we love to read the entries. Sending lots of prayers to those families that are still fighting, those in remission and those who have lost a precious little one to this awful disease.
Love Sheryl

Monday, May 8, 2006 8:06 AM CDT

Hi folks.
sorry for the delayed entry. Seems like life has been crazier than normal.
Actually everything is pretty good. The girls are doing very well. Olivia went for kindergarden testing last Wednesday. She is behind in some areas and lower end of average in others. I explained the circumstances of what had been going on the two years and the teacher was really nice. There has been a huge difference in Olivia since she has been going to Merry Moppet Day Care. They have really worked their tails off trying to get her up to speed and have done a wonderful job. Thank you so much to all the wonderful staff. They were so supportive and awesome while livi was in treatment and have been just wonderful since her return!!! She has been emotional the last few weeks. UPS and downs... of course there are just lots of things going on with life in general right now. I can't believe it has been one year out of treatment this month... Wow..
The girls like being at my moms, but think they are ready to get back to our own home full time. Hopefully within 3 weeks our house will be done. The girls went to their Mamaws saturday and had a wonderful time. They love the outside and enjoying playing in the dirt.
I will try and get around to everyone's webiste soon. I just seem to be further and further behind in all my stuff. UGH
Love
Sheryl

Thursday, April 27, 2006 12:57 AM CDT

What a beautiful day here in Ohio today. Nice nice spring day. We went out and checked out the block being layed for our basement. They were half way done and planned on doing the other have today. The girls wanted to go out and see their papaw and run around, but unfortunately inferred with our walking at night.
Matt (the girls cousin) has come down with the chicken pox! Yikes so needless to say they have to stay clear of them. They are disappointed in that. Hopefully the girls will not get that. Sorry I haven't been around to check on everyone as much this last week or so. I am have been swamped, but continue to keep you all in my prayers. 3 weeks til Scans. Time for her to start getting caught up on her immunizations YUCK for her. But they will be nothing compared to what she has endured thus far. They are lots of fun and full of energy.
Lots of love to you all
Love Sheryl

Tuesday, April 25, 2006 8:31 AM CDT

Hi friends,
I went to update last week and we had a power outage and I did not get back to it. Gary is doing pretty good. Still tired but passed the stress test (thank God). He has to stay on his meds for awhile but hopefully sometime he'll get off those.
We got the date for Livi's 1 year OT Test for her CT, ECHO etc. which is May 24th (prayer warriors please start praying). She has complained a couple times of her side hurting but she had also fallen so we are attributing that to the fall. She is growing so fast and doing so well in our minds it is hard for us to believe anything but good thoughts, but I am sure that the closer scan time comes the more fearful we'll get. In the mean time we are enjoying watching her blossom. Ireland is also doing well and blossoming too, both are really enjoying the spring and just being outside. The girls spent the night with their aunt Tracy Friday night and went to their cousin's gymnastic and baseball practice. They had a great weekend. While they did that with them, I cleaned and worked with my horses which was great! It was a relaxing Saturday morning. The rest of the weekend was busy mowing, weedeating, cleaning the garage and just trying to get spring things done. We were all beat Sunday night and went to bed early.
Our footers are poured for the basement and the block is to come today and hopefully they start on that tomorrow or friday. This has been more stressful than we thought but hopefully we are moving in the right decision so we can be back together all the time. I truly miss Gary and don't like being apart all week. We do have some outside problems that are also causing (UNDO) stress and are a frustration, which I cannot/won't get into but we are trying to not let their thoughlessness and disrepect, distrupt life anymore than we have to. thanks for checking on us and supporting. Continue prayers for all our friends who are in remission, continue their fight and our Angels and their families. Sending you all lots of prayers.

Love sheryl and Gary

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 7:47 AM CDT

I hope you all had a Happy Easter!. Ours was different but good. The girls went and slept all night with their friend Hunter (who they dearly love) Friday Night and we went over when they got up and had a big breakfast and then they all hunted for Easter eggs. They were lots of fun to watch and listen to them shout with excitement when they found the eggs. That afternoon they went to their mamaw and papaw Rogers for the night and part of Easter Sunday. They really enjoyed themselves their playing hard, baking cookies, coloring eggs. Then Sunday they hunted the eggs and had a wonderful time rehiding them and hunting again. Then they came home and Gary and I and the girls went to dinner with my mom and my brother. That was nice relaxing and no one had to clean up! yeah!
Gary's stress test was yesterday and still don't know the results. Olivia has a dental appt. thursday. Olivia seems to be doing really well. Ireland is still just a little spit fire and keeps everyone on their toes. We have been trying to walk at night at my mom's. They are really enjoying that and look forward to it everynight.

They are not moving fast on the process of our basement so that is a disturbing but you can't make them do a thing... since we had problems with a spring we had to have engineers out etc. It has been a pain. But I do much better with stuff like this now, because after dealing with cancer in a child, that stuff is really insignificant most of the time. Please continue praying for our little fighters, those in remission and those who have lost their precious treasure. Some another holiday, some a very first holiday. That must be a terrible thing to have to deal with each day.
Thanks for checking on us and your continued support.
Love Sheryl

Thursday, April 13, 2006 12:47 AM CDT

What a weekend for us...I still was in shock over the weekend of the loss of Brooke. It was so unexpected for me to read that. Then on Saturday my husband said he wasn't feeling well and very tired, tightening in his chest which he has been complaining of for a very long long time off and on. I just contribute most of the time of him working too many hours everyday and not enough sleep, and asthma. I had begged him off and on for the last several years to go and have some testing done. Was concerned it was heart related. By Sunday he was no better and I convinced him to call his doctors which he recommended we go to er. Of course he was convinced that it was Pnemonia or plurosy.... Which I didn't even think was a consideration. So off to the er and his heart rate was very high and to make a very long story short he was atrial fibruillation(?) (a fib). Heart wasn't beating properly and it was like he was jogging all the time even at rest. He had to have an electrial conversion (those who don't know) shock his heart back into rythem. I was very scared and still am worried, but praying it will all be ok. He is a wonderful person (almost to a fault). They also did echo and all turned out well on that. He was released from the hospital and has to go back next week for a stress test and that will determine what next. He looks lots better and is feeling better, but is paranoid. Olivia and Ireland were very worried about him and so I had my mom bring the girls to the hospital so they could see for themselves he was ok. They wouldn't even speak to him, hug him or anything.
I hope you all have awonderful Easter and enjoy your family. Please continue to keep all our warriors, their families and the one's who have become Angels.... And special prayers for those parents, they have a rough road for the rest of their lives to live without their babies.
Sheryl

Saturday, April 8, 2006 10:53 AM CDT

It is with great saddness that I have to say another one of our beautiful little warriors have earned their wings. caringbridge.org/ky/brooke They recently found a spot on her lung that grew and did surgery this week And had complications. My heart just aches for the family. Please stop by and offer support.

Olivia and Ireland are doing well. Things are not progressing with our house very well right now. We are in hopes that they get the problems figured out soon. The girls miss their papaw and kittys and the horses. We see them on the weekends but it just isn't the same.
Please continue your prayers for all our caringbridge warriors...as you can see things can change for them so quickly.... Thanks for your continued support
Love Sheryl and Gary

Wednesday, April 5, 2006 2:06 PM CDT

Everything has been going great!... Her doctor's appt today went very well. She is now up to 38 lbs. They are changing her allergy meds and putting her on Singular, if the cough continues they want her to see her peditrician and talk about possible asthma.... They want her to remain on amoxicillian for at least another month. They will call with the time for next appt. That will be her one year out of treatment, scans, echo, x-ray etc... We will continue to try and remain positive for clear scans. Olivia's doing so well and feeling great, but our fear for scan is real and we are still nervous and scared the closer the time gets. I know we are to try and not borrow trouble, but I don't find that possible in these circumstances. As we follow our other caringbridge families that are doing just fine and then something shows up. The realization of what could be and how fast things change brings you to your knees in prayer. The anguish that I watch these other families suffer through sometimes is just too much to bear. But in the meantime we realize what a blessing we have each and everyday.
Thanks for all your supports and prayers! Please continue to send your prayers to all our other caringbridge families. Brooke is recovering from surgery yesterday and they removed nodules off her lungs that are believed to be re-occurent Wilms. Tess who has relapsed, Marenna, who just had had surgery (she too has bi-laterial wilms) and about 18 months old. And of course the warriors still fighting, remission and those who have become angels. Their families still need all our support.
Love
the Johnstons

Wednesday, March 29, 2006 10:25 AM CST

Not too much to report. Olivia is doing pretty good. Still has a cough hanging on. Praying that it is just allergies. Olivia has been complaining once in a while about her ear's hurting when there are loud noises and last friday complained that at school they gave her a headache and hurt her ears because they were too loud. Loud noises really bother her. But she continues to do well at the projects at Merry Moppet's. Thanks to her wonderful teachers over there :). Next Wednesday is her one month check up. So hopefully all reports will be good. She has been eatting wonderfully and has been extremely energetic! She has been wanting to take neighborhood walks while being at my mom's, but definately misses being at home. Ireland continues to be a curious george and continues to butt heads with rules. Whew she is a character. She is hating bed time for some reason and fighting everyone on that issue. Another Ireland funny.... the other night we were out the house looking at the dug basement (which is now having water pour into it and we have to wait for the engineer to come out ughh). But they were getting on the dirt piles and just about the time I walked around the corner and realized that they had dug sludgey mud out I told the girls to stop and get out of that pile.....to late little miss Ireland was already stuck up ti about her her knees and couldn't move. Well I got the giggles about it and she started getting upset because she couldn't move and I couldn't get to her so a friend who is over 6'0 was able to lean over the pile pretty easy and get her but when he pulled her out her shoes stayed. She was unhappy campber. After getting her all cleaned up her cousin Matt came running over and not seeing all of this ran into the same muddy area and fell and got his shoe's stuck trying to get out. You just had to laugh.
Please say a prayer for our friend ky/brooke. She had ct yesterday and her nodule in one lung has grown from 7 mm to 10 mm in 3 weeks. They are a wonderful family and could use support. Say a prayer for Hannah she passed away from AML yesterday (3 years old and their only child). Matthew (canada) he was having some pain Monday. Our continued prayers go out to all the kids in remission, those fighting, and those who have become angel's (Kyle, Hannah, Haley, Brooke, Josh, lauren, Lowri these are just a few) and way to many others and their families. CANCER Stinks...
Thanks for your continued prayers, support and in signing our guestbook. It means a lot.
You have got to believe!
Sheryl

Friday, March 24, 2006 7:29 AM CST

Hi Friends,
I can't believe that March is almost over. Today it is spitting now. We were suppose to get a big snow storm this week that went North. The girls were a bit disappointed. One last chance to build a snowman. Olivia is doing really well other than her nagging cough. Ireland has been a bit clingy, not sure what is going on with that. They are doing very well at Merry Moppet. Olivia's writing is improving so much and she is just enjoying "being normal". She has been full of laughter and energy and has been eatting wonderfully. She is getting so tall. Will try to update some pictures this weekend. Ireland cracked me up this past weekend. She was to see her Aunt Tracy but Aunt Tracy contacted pink eye. On Saturday (after being on antibiotics) Aunt Tracy came over to see the girls and after the quick visit Ireland looked at me and told me that Aunt Tracy didn't have pink eye she only saw two blue eyes no pink eye lol. Guess we didn't do so hot explaining what pink eye was.
This weekend they are going with Emily to a birthday party and spending the night at mamaws.
Please continue with prayers for all the kids who are still battling this disease, those her are in remission and those who have become angels and their families for the easement in their pain.
Thanks for your continued support. It means so much to us.
Sheryl and Gary

Thursday, March 16, 2006 9:29 AM CST

Hello friends, Happy St. Patricks Day one day early.
Spring is coming.... we are glad even though it hasn't been a horrible winter, we are ready for warmth and sunshine. The horses are starting to really shed and I know we'll have a few cold days left I am sure but not for long.
The girls are doing very well. We are temporarily staying at my mom's and they are enjoying it. I miss Gary (he is staying in the garage office and taking care of the business and all the critters). It is very different for the girls from our normal life at home out in the country to city life. They seemed to adjust very easy.
Our basement should be started next week. I hope. We have to go cut a couple trees down this weekend. I hate that but in order for the basement to be placed they have to go. Livi still has a yucky cough, we just pray it is all from sinus drainage. Ireland still has her cough too. Livi is going to have to go to kindergarden screening soon and I think she is looking forward to it. I am still hobbling around, had a mri last week on my ankle that showed 1/3 of my ligament (s) were torn. They had thought my deltoid ligament was torn all the way through. I am just now able to wear tennis shoes and it is still very tender and sore. Since I work for a high school we have a athletic trainer and she has been working with me this week to try and get back to normal quicker.
Sending prayers to Reed family it has been one week since Kyle became an angel. Continued prayers to Matthew from Canada, Brooke/ky and Jessy Canada and all of our other caringbridge friends. Tess who has relapsed.
Love Sheryl

Thursday, March 9, 2006 7:28 AM CST

It is with great sadness that another one of warriors Kyle has become an Angel. He passed away last night after fighting a 2 year courageous battle and he never gave up. Please offer your support to caringbridge.org/ia/kyle.
Please continue to keep our other warriors who are are fighting and those in remission and the families who have lost their children to this dreadful disease. I hate cancer.

Livi is doing pretty well. She still has a cough and wheezing. Ireland has a runny nose and a cough still too. Spring seems to be approaching so hopefully the crude will go away. Everyone is looking forward to getting back outside. I have been hobbling around since twisting my ankle. The bruising is starting to go away but it is still sore and swollen. I have to go back and have it rechecked today.

Sorry I don't have much to say right now, I was stunned to see the news this morning of Kyle. I didn't expect to be so fast.
Take care
Sheryl

Wednesday, March 1, 2006 11:18 AM CST

Praise the Lord! We are blessed the CT came back clear!!! Celebrate! Happy Dance!!!! Thank you to all you prayer warriors out there praying for Olivia, they were heard!!!! YOu are all a blessing. From the bottom of our hearts thank you thank you.

Olivia felt terrible again last night, complaining of a severe headache, stomach ache, leg pain, back pain and started running a fever and went to sleep and slept the entire night til 5:30 this morning. Ireland too was running a fever this morning too. OH GREAT!!! Emily called the hospital to verify if they would even want to scan her today being sick, but they did. Doctor Doug confirmed that yep Livi has a strain of the flu (unlike two weeks ago flu) this is a viral upper respirtory thing. She is still complaining of pain in her lower back so they are checking her for UTI and will check blood work for Kidney levels.
If after the flu is done running its course and she is still experiencing pain and a wet sensation then we are to call back and they will do an abdominal scan before her next appt next month. Prayer now is that Olivia's pain is associated with the flu.

Continue your prayers for all the all little warriors out there fighting.

With love
Sheryl and Gary Johnston

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 12:50 AM CST

The weekend was fun for the girls. They went and spent the night with their friend Hunter Friday night and then on Saturday they went to see the movie about the "dogs" Eight something (didn't sound like I would like that movie). The first time in over a year they attempted to go sit in a movie theatre. Last time it didn't go very well. But they did really well and didn't get home til late saturday afternoon and had a blast! Went out to dinner with us Saturday night and was exhausted. The very fist time I've let Olivia spend the night with a friend and guess what everyone in the house got sick Sunday so yesterday I pick her up from Merry Moppet's yesterda and Livi woke up from nap not feeling well ughhhh. She complained of stomach ache, leg pains, bad bad headache, back ache. Gave her tylenol when we got home and she went to sleep and slept almost all night, stirred a bit during the night and was complaining her head still hurt. Gave her some Motrin and let her sleep til she woke up and she was feeling better. Thank God. We will be praying she will continue to feel well and have her scans tomorrow. Praying for Clear scans.
The rest of their weekend was busy packing. We are moving houses and we have to be out this weekend. Bad timing that was, but things have a way of working out so I am trying not to worry.
Another concern is Olivia complained 2 times over weekend about after using the bathroom she felt like she was still wet and complained of some back pain. She has had a UTI and the complaints were not similar. So praying her Kidney function is still good as well.
Wow.....2year marker: The 25th of February Olivia was dx with Cancer. The nightmare for our family begain. 2 years tomorrow she was admitted for her first surgery. Isn't it funny the way these dates don't leave your head. In some ways it seems as though it was just yesterday that we lived like a yo yo and in other ways it seems like such a long time ago. So much has happened and so many changes. Some good and some not so good. Our family is so grateful that we still have Olivia to watch and enjoy and spend time with. We count our blessings each and everyday with her and hope that we only have many more to spend. We were told 2 years ago in June when we started the heavy duty regiment that things didn't look good to even finish chemo and were told at the end of treatment May 2005 that they never expected her to get this far.. And 10 months later look at her now it is hard to believe. She is beautiful, full of energy and a sweetheart. But we also remember things can change in a fleeting moment, remember don't things for granted.
Please keep all these caringbridge friends in your prayers. Kyle, Matthew's Ct have changed and the cancer is growing. Their families need your prayers. All our friends who are preparing for their CT's Laurel and Brooke and all our other friends who are fighting or in remission. Also to our Angels who we have lost and their families. Thanks for keeping up on our family and thanks for all your prayers. Will update as soon as we find anything out.

Love Sheryl and Gary.

Thursday, February 23, 2006 6:55 AM CST

Hi friends,
Everyone is definately feeling much better. Livi had to have a cap put on her moler on Tuesday. Once the novocaine wore off her mouth was very sore and she was not happy. Gave her tylenol and it finally kicked in. She was so happy the next morning when it didn't hurt anymore. They are doing so well at day care "school". Olivia and Ireland both love to learn and the day care is so awesome. Most of the staff is just wonderful and they really work hard with the kids to get them ready for kindergarden. They teach them about the bible, prayers, bible songs. The other night Ireland was singing a song and it took me a bit to figure it is out but it was about the bible and she was just so cute doing it. Very theatrical. We thought it was funny the other night too when Ireland asked their "Mamaw to come read her the directions". She is only 3, but she is a very inquisitive and smart 3 year old.
Livi has some bruising up and down her legs and we are hoping it is just being clutsy. All of us are getting nervous about the scans next week. We are saying lots of prayers that they spots will be gone and Olivia will remain in remission.

PRAYERS NEEDED; One of our caringbridge friends Kyle was sent home and told there treatment wasn't working and now they are trying to make him comfortable, the family was planning a trip to Mexico and now he is really sick and was back in the hospital. The family deserves to go and be together to make wonderful memories. Also Matthew and Jessy from Canada could use some prayers. Those who have lost their angels to this awful disease need our prayers to find peace and a direction in their life to try and move on. It is tough for those families and full of pain. Our little warriors who are still fighting this battle need our prayers and those in remission.
Thanks for your continued support and checking in on us. You have helped us get through some really rough spots and I don't know what we would've done without your prayers and good wishes. It has meant so much to me. I'm not a very good writer, so many others say exactly what I think but not good at putting down in words. But I am grateful to you all.
Love Sheryl

Tuesday, February 21, 2006 7:31 AM CST

Hello my friends,
I am so sorry I haven't gotten around to everyones sites nor posted anything for a bit. I have been so busy... and a bit crazed. Olivia still has some wheezing and a cough which still is making a very nervous. Praying hard that it is just allergy or viral related. Ct is March 1st. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Last Thursday I got a call from day care early in the morning telling me that Ireland had thrown up several times before they could get me called. She complained when we got up that her belly hurt but she said she hadn't gone poopy either. So I just thought she had to go to the bathroom... Wrong! When I got there the poor thing was listless and got sick again. By the time we got home she seemed to be feeling fine other than diahrrea. She wasn't allowed back to day care til Monday.... The way she was I thought maybe she had just eatten something that didn't agree with her. Her recovery time was just so quick. Nope she was just the carrier of the bug.... Friday about 10:00 ish in the evening I started with terrible heart burn and started not feeling too hot and our house turned in to sick city. I got so sick and then about 3:00 a.m. poor livi came into me and had gotten sick too and as Liv and myself continued to be sick throughout the night, Gary started feeling terrible. So it was quite the weekend. Ireland was very independent and was very good throughout our ordeal, I must say. I am certainly glad that is over with. Livi is getting a new filling today.
We continue to pray for all our caringbridge friends each and everyday and our prayers for Olivia are that the scans next week are clear and we can ease our minds some for the next months again.
Thanks for checking on us and all the support and prayers.

With love
Sheryl and Gary

Thursday, February 9, 2006 12:28 AM CST

Hello friends.
Olivia is doing alright. Her coughing isn't quite as often but it is still there along with some wheezing and still has some fatigue. She is also still on antibiotics. We are trying to remain calm and optimistic and that is all you can do.
Ireland is doing well, her cough was going and is now seems to be coming back and is to go back to doctors on the 15th to have her ear rechecked. They are doing awesome at daycare and are learning lots and lots. It is great to watch them. Other than that we are just staying very busy. It has been cold here in ohio. Ready for spring and we hardly had winter yet. The girls are going to spend the night with their Mamaw and Papaw Roger this weekend and that is always a nice treat for them. Although, they are home bodies and are always glad to come back home. It took them a long time b/f they would stay somewhere else.

Please say prayers for our friend Brooke (from Kentucky) being treated for Pnemonia...Kyle whose parents have a rough road ahead, Jessy and Matt from Canada.
sheryl

Friday, February 3, 2006 8:18 AM CST

Finally, I can get on today. I typed a entry yesterday and unsure what happened to it b/c it wasn't there when I got on to re-update.
They didn't give us the results as usual on Wednesday afternoon. They listened to Olivia's cough pretty intensely and said we needed to take her to her peditrician (after telling me last time not til a year o.t.) They said it was too late to read them and the would call on Thursday. However, I started worrying a bit b/c she has had scans at that hour before and we've known the results that day. I had to call 3 x's yesterday b/f I got to talk to someone. Doctor Doug finally called and let us know that her Abdomen is clear, but her chest showed a irregular nodule on her left lung and thickening outside the lung. AFter he was done speaking to the radiologist and the other onocologist they are thinking/hoping at this point it is a bacteria infection. They said usual reoccurent wilms is usually round and this is irregular shape. Of course they told us they couldn't guarantee it isn't cancer and olivia has done nothing usual this whole time. The thickening and nodule are consistent with infection and they in hopes that is all it is. Told me to try and not worry. Ummm we'll be able to do that right???? Olivia has had lots of sinuis drainage this winter and I am thinking that couldn't it be possible that all that drainage down there cause an infection over time. Couldn't it? Although she takes amoxicillian ever day. They have now put her on Augmenten and Zithromax. They plan to a rescan March 1st at 10:00 a.m. I don't know why we have to wait so long. Actually a month goes by very quickly but when you have to sit and worry it seems long. I told her she has an infection and has to have a re-scan to make sure it was clear. I hope this makes sense.
Ireland has ear infection so she is on zithromax too.
Please keep www.caringbridge.org/ia/kyle in your prayers his parents had to make a very difficult decision and need your support. They have stopped all treatment, pray for a miracle that he needs.
With love
Sheryl

Wednesday, February 1, 2006 10:44 AM CST

Our nerves working overtime today as it is Scan day. We are saying our prayers, if these come back clear she will be 9 months ot. What a blessing this has been that she has done so well after treatment. We hope for continued blessings. I will update as soon as I know something.
We are also keeping Kyle's (ia/kyle) family in our prayers. His family had to make a very tough decision to stop treatment as the cancer was continuing to spread. Our hearts go out to the family. It is awful that so many families suffer from such a dreadful disease. These kids fight so hard to live it is just not fair.
If you are interested in donating to families that need help whose children have been dx please visit Fund a Cancer Family Foundation.
Ireland is dealing with a ear infection so I am glad we got to the root of her feeling so crudy.

Thanks for everyone's support it means so much to us and thanks for signing.
Sheryl

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 9:07 AM CST

The girls had a great weekend. They went and stayed with their Mamaw and Papaw Roger. They took them to dinner and to the mall and settled down to watch Polar Bear Express. My truck's alternater went out over the weekend, but other than that Gary and I had some really nice quality time which we really needed. WE are just soo sooo busy that it is just sometimes too hard to have time with each other even if it is to just finish a conversation about what is going on. Everyone pulls at him for his help that doesn't leave much room for anything else. It can be frustrating at times, but that is the way it is. He works lots of hours at his job and home we have a garage that he works in too.. So about 16 hours aday he works.
Ireland has had a runny nose and a yucky cough for a couple days and today is running a low grade fever. Olivia just has her contant nagging cough so far and I hope that she doesn't get to feeling like Ireland.
One week from today is her test (pray hard that day please). Please continue to keep our friends in your prayers too. If you are interested in making any donations to help families check out Fund A Cancer Family Foundation. Anything will help.
I've been trying to get around to check on everyone but haven't had the time to leave many messages.
Sheryl

Prayer for this week is that Olivia's CT and X-rays will come back Clear and will remain in remission!!!!!!

Friday, January 20, 2006 7:35 AM CST

TGIF
Sorry I haven't updated. Olivia is doing well. Her stitches in her tummy are all gone and all looks good. Her other front tooth is getting loose and she isn't too happy about that. The weather here has been up and down. One day it is sunny and 50 degrees then the next day snow. But of course everything is mud. The girls are already anxious for spring. They are going to their Mamaw's Saturday and are excited about that. They got frightened Wednesday going home.... I got pulled over and Olivia thought I was going to jail. I have a huge problem with the ticket b/c he changed his story and I was not going the speed which they said. I had two cars in front of me and several beside me. I was in our little 4 cylinder car and said I was going 58 and was pulling away from him ????? So I may just fight it. I knew he was behind me and I was with the flow of traffic. I am not a happy camper about that. Scans are February 1st and we are starting to get a little nervous even though she has been feeling fine. She complains about some joint issues once in a while. They both are growing so fast. I will try and get pictures updated this weekend.
Please continue to keep our caringbridge friends in your prayers. Kyle is having surgery today so say special prayers for a miracle for him. There are so many of these families out there that need our prayer. I haven't gotten around to everyone's sites this week, sorry. Check out the web site Fund a Cancer family foundation . Any donation would help the foundation out. Thanks again for all your support.
Sheryl

Thursday, January 12, 2006 7:19 AM CST

Update on Olivia...
She did awesome at the hospital. Everyone was worried that she would freak out when they took her back. But she did totally awesome. Everyone is so proud of her. I felt bad for her b/c she couldn't eat after midnight and her procedure wasn't til 1:00 so she was starving. But she made up for it in the afternoon and evening. She can't have a bath for 5 days and has 3 areas that are stitched. She and Ireland have been playing Doctor with babydolls and you can tell what they did b/c she mimics it all. We thought the sutures were suppose to have dissolved but according to Dr. Teich they are woven in to keep the tummy together and most of the time it isn't a issue but Olivia's popped through the skin. Scans February 1st. Already getting nervous.
Olivia has made some statements about Belle our dog (who was killed by a car) telling me that Jesus died for her sins and ours. Talking about where Belle is and if she was with her friends Sadie and Midget (our previous dogs who passed) one 13 and the other 19. It was a very enlightening conversation. I try so hard not to be upset about the accident all the time. But of course my heart is still breaking. Ireland talks about it all very matter of fact. But has been crying in the middle of the night since the accident.
I haven't gotten around to alot of sites, but I do some special prayers to go out to a few that I have. So prayer warriors please say special prayers today that there is no new growth in the tumors for Kyle who is having scans and Jacob who is also having scans done. Continue your prayers for all our other friends who are still fighting and those that are in remission that they stay there and those families who are still suffering from a loss of their child.
Also wanted to make you aware one of caringbridge families (ellianna) have created a foundation to help families who have children dx with Cancer. Please check out and if you can help the foundation be successful. There are so many families that need help...... Fund a Cancer Family Foundation. Thanks for your support
Keep praying.
Sheryl

Monday, January 9, 2006 9:23 AM CST

We did not have a good weekend at our household. For those of you who don't know me. My animals are a huge part of my life. The dog (a Basset Hound) I have had for at least 12 years (got her when she was about 2) and was with me during very difficult times in my life, got hit and killed on the road Saturday night. I am devasted. She was almost 14 and didn't wander to far from the house but for some reason she did Saturday night. We live in the country and they fly down the roads, but we live quite a bit off the road. My heart and heavy and I can't believe it happened she hadn't even been outside very long 10 minutes at the most. The people didn't stop. My son in law called us (they live next door) and told us that she was out there. Thank goodness it had just happened so everyting was in tack and we buried her yesterday. It was too dark Saturday night and I didn't know where I wanted her.
She was a wonderful dog and I know she was on borrowed time but that was not how I wanted her life to end. She had been abused the first couple years and so I rescued her and she turned out to be awesome.
The kids are both sad. They know she is gone and won't come back but are very matter of fact about it. Which for 5 and 3 I don't know if that is normal or what.
Livi goes in tomorrow for her minor surgery to get the sutures out that are protruding from when she had her nephrectomy. It is out patient and am not anticipating anything out of the ordinary.
Will update in a couple days.
Sheryl

Thursday, January 5, 2006 9:04 AM CST

Olivia's doctors appt. went well. Counts were good, said she looked great and she lost one pound all of 36 pounds. Do Docotors remember things or write anything down? They are so frustrating at times. Somehow the Onocologist did not know why he had surgery information sent to them for the surgery scheduled next week. Don't they document information that they want to happen. As far as belly pain they are a bit concerned. They wanted a clean stream Urine sample however she had given one and already gone a 2nd time. We were at the appt from 10;30 til 1:20 for exam and blood draw. Finally came into see us at 12:45. He said if she continues to have pain he wants to rule out bladder problems/UTI etc. He was less concerns when I told him of the times she was having them and informed him of how sensitive she is to people making fun of her. He told her about little boys doing silly things when they have a crush on them too. So hopefully that put a end to that upset. After leaving there and getting back to work, I started wondering if the belly ache it isn't caused by worrying. She didn't get these belly aches til after she had her appt and found out she was to have surgery. Then the little boy made fun umm..... Sometimes it is so hard to sit back and figure it all out. Hope that makes sense. Is it a bug? Is it stress?

Her CT's are set up for the 1st of next month. She is 8 months out of treatment YEAH!!!!!! Of course the fear of relapse is always there we are very very grateful and happy to see her growing and enjoying life. Our prayers continue for all these children fighting this beast, those newly dx, those that are relapsing and having to fight yet another difficult fight and the families who have lost their loved ones. Thanks for checking on us and leaving your prayers.
Love
Sheryl

Tuesday, January 3, 2006 8:28 AM CST

Happy New Year!!!!

I hope everyone is well. Sorry I haven't updated too much lately. Last week I got a call from Day Care Olivia had a belly ache and was lethargic. I am starting to worry a bit because she has been having quite a few of these. Gets very pale and hasn't had quite the energy as last month. When I picked her up that day she was very quiet. On the way home we talked about what type of pain etc she was having. She claimed it hurt where her stitches had been, then it came out that someone had been making fun of her "chicken scratch drawing". So I kindof thought maybe she had worked herself up (and I am not saying that wasn't what it was at that moment) but they said she was also falling asleep at 10:00 in the morning which I concluded she was worn out from the holidays. We did go out to dinner with good friends of ours and she seemed just fine and very happy to go. She was eatting great and was having a good time then all the sudden her color drained from her face and she got so tired, she wanted to go home and go to bed and it was only 6:30 at night. On the way home she went to sleep and slept the entire night. My husband and I decided that she needed to stay home on Friday to try and just recoup. That she was worn out and her resistance isn't built up to normal and we thought best that we just kindof take it easy for a few days. Get more sleep and not be around germs etc. Friday, she got tired early and went to bed and New Years eve she again complained her belly hurt and was out by 8:00. We went next door to her Aunt Tracy's house to celebrate. The adults played tripoly and the kids played pool and air hockey while Olivia slept and finally Ireland konked out by about 10:00. Sunday was filled with cleaning rooms and going through toys etc. She again fell asleep and slept several hours til dinner and then was up til 10:45 and was better but then last night she had another pale spell and was exhausted.
So I am trying not to get too excited but glad she has a doctors appt tomorrow too.
I will try and get around to everyone soon and check on them.
Continued prayers to you all.
Sheryl

Tuesday, December 27, 2005 9:04 AM CST

What a whirlwind this last few weeks have been. We had a wonderful Christmas other than Olivia not feeling well and my poor aunt broke her wrist christmas morning. Olivia started off Christmas eve with being extremely tired, then started running a slight temperature and diahrrea and that is the way it was christmas day too. Once tylenol kicked in she was up and at it. It was wonderful being off for a week too and we had an absolutely wonderful time with my sister-in-law and her husband while they were here from Arizona. The girls got what they asked for and have had a great time playing with everything. Now to get everyone back on track. Livi had doc appt last week with her surgeon b/c she has sutures that never disolved and she has several bumps at her surgery site. They are going to remove them on January 10th. She also had her cavity capped and she did awesome. I thought she would be really upset about it, but she was a little trooper. Thank you for checking on us and thanks for the entries in our guestbook. We love to hear from you. I haven't gotten around to check on everyone this last week. But continued prayers go out to you all.

Sheryl

Monday, December 19, 2005 8:37 AM CST

All has been busy, but well in the household. The girls are getting excited for christmas, I am praying I get everything done. I came down with strep throat this past week, but feeling much better now. Hoping the kids don't get it. Of course I called Children's and there comment was Olivia shouldn't be around you. Hello she had already been exposed. I stayed as far away from her as I could. They got to see Santa twice this week. Once at day care and once at the mall. Ireland was a bit apprehensive about it.
She wants a dora talking kitchen and Olivia wants make up.
My brother in law and my sister in law are flying in from Arizona this afternoon and I am really excited to see them.
If I don't get around to all the web sites I follow I am wishing you a ll a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the time with your loved ones.
I will say special prayers for those of you who are suffering and are missing a loved one this holiday season.
My heart weighs very heavy when I think of you and your families and how hard it must be. Your loved ones will be with you in spirit. Love to you all and thank you for all your support and checking on us. Your support helped us get through our hard times and continues to help us try to become living amongst the "normal".
Merry Christmas to all!!! Hold all your loved ones dear.
The johnstons

Thursday, December 8, 2005 12:31 AM CST

update: It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that we lost another warrior. Please say a prayer for Brooke's family she earned her wings December 8th in the morning. www.caringbride.org/ne/brooke

The Christmas program was great!!! I sent to pick up the girls after I got off Friday and Olivia was just getting up on stage. So I watched their program very quietly while they practiced and when they started emotion just took over and tears just slide down my face throughout the whole thing. I was overwhelmed with what a difference a year makes. Last year the unsurety of what was to come and how bad she felt and looked. and this year the energy level, the smiles and her singing her heart out!. Glad I got that all out of the way b/f Saturday performance. She was scared to go in front of the crowd but ended up doing just fine. Ireland was nervous too (which is someways find it impossible to believe). I was so proud of them. We went to lunch and then home.
Olivia's appt went very well yesterday. She still has a nagging cough but doc says crystal clear!!! The doctors seem to be very pleased with her. She had tons of energy, gained two pounds and they think she looks great!!! We didn't have the results from the blood or urine test, but still have heard nothing. I am sure all is good. He wants me to call the surgeon who did the surgery b/c there are suture's that have not come out and are lumps along the incision, so waiting on the call about that back. Made her dentist appt to have the cavity taken care of. Her next appt is January 4th.

We are suppose to get some snow here in Ohio this evening. It would be wonderful if we would get quite a bit so they could go out make snow angels and build a snowman. The little bit of dustings we had they wanted more. But usually when they perdict a storm like this it takes a curve and misses us or we get very little. I have got to get busy shopping, wrapping and all sorts of stuff b/f the 19th. My sister-in-law and brother in law are coming in and staying with us for a few days b/f heading off to Michigan.
Saying special prayers of all of those who are fighting, Kyle, Jacob, Jessy, Matthew, Kayleigh and those who continue to stay in remission....I pray for your continued strength and Health. For those who have lost your child, I pray that he wraps his arms around you and give you the strength to endure the holidays and find peace.
Sheryl

Thanks for checking in on us.

Thursday, December 1, 2005 7:46 AM CST

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving. Can't believe a week has gone by. We had a very nice Thanksgiving. We we to my mom's and the girls were tuckered out when we came home. The rest of the weekend was good too. They got to go to Mamaw and Papaw Roger's Saturday night and spent the night and part of Sunday. They were leaving on a cruise today and had been out of town for Thanksgiving so they were all glad to get to spend some time together.. We put up our tree on Sunday evening but put the decorations on Monday night. They are gettting very excited. This Saturday is their christmas program at Merry Moppet's (day care) and they are counting down the minutes. They sing christmas carols non stop. It is really cute. Olivia seems to be really feeling very well. Her Doctors appt is next Wednesday (December 7th). I still have quite a bit of shopping to do as I am sure most of you do too.
I ask tht you say special prayers for Booke who was sent home on hospice, Kyle who has gotten more bad news that the cancer continues to grow, Ellie Anna who is having seizures and her scans coming up and all the other children still battling, those just out of treatment and those being dx. And a special one for Kim and her family .... The year anniversary of losing her blessed child is coming up and she is having a very difficult time. And all the other parents who have children missing from their precious family. It is all too sad. I would like you to also say a prayer for a friend of mine that I work with has been dx with cancer. She has to yet meet with the onocologist yet to determine surgery etc. Pray that all has been caught in time. She is a wonderful person.
Thanks for all your support and the notes in our guestbook. They mean so much.
Sheryl and Gary

Wednesday, November 23, 2005 9:30 AM CST

The girls are doing well. They have been singing their songs for their Christmas program at their day care.. They are excited for the holiday season and to see snow. Well they might get some of that wish today. It started snowing, I am sure we won't get much but they are happy just to get a little bit.

I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving....and a safe trip for all of those who are travelling. My thoughts and prayers and heart ache are with those who have an empty chair at their table this year and for those who are facing very tough/sad road ahead. My saddness for your family is more than I can even put into words. May you feel their spirit with you as you go through the holidays.
I want to share an interesting story. A lady I work with, her nephew, Curtis, died from cancer 5 years ago. He was in 2nd grade. She shared with me yesterday that when he was dying his class had made angels out of newspapers and the grandma hung them all over his room nice and neat not trying to show any tape, they kept falling down every single day several times. So out came the masking tape and taped them everywhere, which 3 to 4 times a day they continued to fall. The day that Curtis passed away they angels stayed taped to his wall and have never fallen down since. She also shared that they were not big on teaching the bible etc...but the day he passed Curtis recited the Lord's prayer to his parents and his parents were so shocked since no one had ever taught him the words.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday and spend special time with those you love.

Friday, November 18, 2005 8:30 AM CST

TGIF,
I am glad for the weekend. Olivia is doing great!!! We were so relieved for the "all clear". Her cough still has not improved but she did the same thing last winter. This week at day care they provided Thanksgiving dinner for family for each class. Ireland's was Tuesday and Olivia's Wednesday. It was really wonderful, funny Ireland acted weird when gary and I arrived. Not having any thing to do with us. She would look at us and bury her head. A little young to be embarrassed of us yet don't you think? ha ha. Anyways they sang songs and said prayer. It was adorable. Oh I forgot to mention that she was featured as cuddling kitten of the week this week. Olivia was scared to death when we got there on Wednesday that we were not going to show. I was late getting there (not that late but later than most of the other people). You could see the relief on her face when we walked in. She is still very shy. She wouldn't say prayer or a poem even, but yet at home she repeats them all and chatters all the time. Just too many people for her. Wonder how the Christmas program will go in a couple weeks. Me I've been plagued with alot of sinus headaches that are driving me crazy. Of course here in Ohio it was 70 one day and 30 the next.
This weekend they are suppose to go to their mamaw's to help her decorate their tree (they are doing it early as they are out of town next weekend with family and then after that they are going on a cruise. Lucky them). So she thought she would make a day with them helping etc. Thanks for checking and all your prayers. I can't believe all the support that our family has gotten and how lucky we are. Thank you so very much. Continue to keep all our other caringbridge families in your prayers....there are many who need support.
Sheryl

Thursday, November 10, 2005 7:30 AM CST

Great news!!!! CT scans were all clear! We always are nervous but for some reason I was so much more nervous yesterday than at 3 month scan. It didn't help because on the news the night before the test, there was a segiment of0 a little girl in Columbus, Ohio that was at clinic with Olivia during her treatments, passed away from Wilms. I don't know a bunch of information on the specifics with this little girl b/c the family kept very much to themselves and didn't socialize with us. I do know she had relapsed and that was about it. But another life lost. I can't even bare those dreadful thoughts. When I read all our other families heart wrenchings who have lost a child, my heart just breaks for them. I can't even imagine all their pain. As always say a special prayer for them!
We are still waiting to get the results back from the chest x-ray and creatine test. They had forgot to order the chest x-ray. Dr Doug told us we will have to get the remaining stitches that never came out surgically removed at some point as they will never pop due to scar tissue. They feel the lymph nodes are able to be felt so well b/c she is so little. She has gained a little weight and weights all of 35 pounds now. I think she was even anxious over the tests this time. She was quiet for several days. Very unlike herself.
Ireland is doing awesome too. She is so bright and what personality she has. She says the funniest things and makes me laugh so hard. One day it probably won't be funny. Her latest stunt however was.....The other night she was in bed when I went to bed and gary and I watched the news then fell aslept all was... quiet throughout the house, however when I awoke at 3:00 a.m. with her curled up next to me, I noticed lights on in her room the utility room and went to find everything pulled out from her bed, closet, popcorn pulled out from the cabinet's in the kitchen. Amazing one of them cries and I jump out of bed. But when quietly getting into stuff when she was suppose to be alseep and I never heard.
As always keep all these special little ones in your prayers. Say extra special prayers for those families who have horrible times ahead facing them. Of course we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the prayers storming heaven for our little Olivia.
Thanks so much the support is awesome. Thank you for writing in our guestbook too.
A speical hi Brianna....hope to see you soon at DSHS!

Monday, November 7, 2005 2:23 PM CST

I hope everyone had a goodweekend. Saturday was beautiful here, but sunday was windy and now are trees are pretty much leaf free. The girls had a good weekend. They played outside and jumped in the leaves.
The clock is ticking and we are getting nervous. I know we shouldn't borrow more trouble, but the scans, echo and creatine tests, are wednesday. Please pray that scans come out CLEAR!!! She has been acting and feeling great., it is so wonderful to see. She has a cough that bothers me but I am hoping it is all allergy related. the only trouble is her sassy ness on some days. But you'll have that.

I've been ready up on some websites that are really making me sad. Jacob in florida, Brooke in NE and Liam. Please say extra prayers for them as well. What some of the families are having to face, I just don't know how they are bareing it. And the families who will not have someone at their family meal for thanksgiving, my heart breaks for them as well. We have got to find a way to beat this beast! Sorry don't mean to sound depressing. I just can't really express the anguish I feel for these families.
KEEP PRAYING. Feel free to sign in. We love reading the notes.

Tuesday, November 1, 2005 9:37 AM CST

Happy Halloween one day late.
Hope all had a safe and wonderful Halloween. The girls had a great time at day care doing their parties and parade, then trick or treat last night. Livi was a butterfly fairy and Ireland snow white. We went out with their aunt tracy and Cousin's macy and Matt. They had a great time. The weather was perfect last night. The girls didn't have to wear coats. We are suppose to have a warmer week than normal this week. Our leaves are just now starting to fall, the girls can't wait to rake and jump in the leaf piles.
Olivia has been feeling really good and she went her first full week at day care last week. The girls had a great saturday with Mamaw and Papaw roger. They made cup cakes, went for a walk in the woods and just had a great visit. Livi has been sneezing and Ireland has a running nose. Hope that they are not coming down with anything. My nose has been burning and sneezing, but I am hoping it is just my allergies. Next wedensday is Livi's test so please say extra prayers that all come out clear.

And please continue to say prayers for all our caringbridge friends and say a special prayer for Brooke...she has been sent home on hospice last week. My heart goes out to the family. We've lost too many of our children to this disease.

Sheryl

Thursday, October 27, 2005 12:59 AM CDT

What an evening last night. We had a bit of a scare. Olivia and ireland have been doing the normal sibling rivarly this last week and testing everyone's patience levels. I was coming around the car in the garage when I heard a thunk and Livi's just screaming holding her head. As she came closer I noticed a black mark on her temple and thought it was grease and tried to find out what it was she got into. However, upon examination it was a lump and bruise forming, so I quickly grabbed ice and applied while all the mean while trying to find out what happened. Olivia's claim what Ireland shoved her down, Irelands claim is sissy grabbing her. Olivia complained of a very bad headache and wanted to sleep, of course I couldn't let that happen, so I made her take a shower and try to wake her up a bit. While the whole time crying. Finally after a period of time and feeling better and looking fine. I let her lay down to watch tv and shortly there after she started coughing and threw up on her blanket and then several times after that. So off to E.R. she had to go. Thank goodness the CT showed that nothing severe was wrong, she had mild trauma to the head and we are to keep an eye on her and if we would notice anything back in. We are so grateful that was all. No Bleeding or anything else.
While poor Olivia was throwing up and I was rubbing her back, I had this old familair feeling bringing back memories from not long ago. It reminded me (not that you ever forget, but I seemed to have buried it for a lack of a better word) how awful it is watching them get so sick and all you could do is rub their backs or talk to them or hold them. Made me want to cry all over again for what these poor children endure. And so grateful we are NOT in that position anymore and pray we never are again. And sorry for those who are having to deal with it currently. Amazing the emotions a bump on the head and throwing up will cause you after all this. Before Cancer I would never even begin to think about anything of the sort. Not to say I didn't care, you just don't think about stuff like that. Now each and every day's thoughts of what if go through my head. But I need to focus on the good and live for now.
On the lighter side. While in the bathroom with Olivia, oh Miss Ireland seemed to disappear. I called out to her asking her what she was doing? She did answer me and claimed she was in my bathroom going "potty", but neglected to fill me in on the dog food that she was spreading all over the bedroom and bathroom floor. OH MY. About the time Gary came into the house from the garage was about the time she came to see what I was doing in the bathroom. Because Papaw was not happy and knew he wouldn't be!! Thinking I would protect her! And she in turn was crying because he was making her pick it all up. Wasn't the most pleasant evening I have spent in awhile.
I continue to ask you to pray for www.caringbridge.org/ne/brooke. The have been given very bad news and need a miracle and support.
thanks for stopping in and saying hi.
Sheryl

Monday, October 24, 2005 8:50 AM CDT

Hi to all,
I can't believe it is almost the end of October. Everything has been busy for us as usual. I took the girls down to the All American Quarter Horse Congress show last thrusday. They had never been and had a really good time, other than Olivia smacked her head on a picnic bench and made her nose bleed. AFter that all was good. Livi's friend Hunter spent the night, they don't get to see each much since school started and they miss each other, so that was another great evening. Friday at daycare they got to pick out their pumpkins and had lots of fun. Papaw and I went back down to the show on friday and spent some nice time together. We don't get to all that often, due to his working so much. So It was very very nice and relaxing. I love going down there to shop and watch the barrell races. It has been really rainy and dreary here in Ohio for the most part and chilly. I am so not ready for winter...
The girls carved their pumpkins last night with their cousin's macy and Matt and had lots of fun playing in the goo, then helped papaw roast the seeds. I still don't know what they are going to be for Halloween so I better get busy with that. We need to get over and see Mamaw (brenda) and Papaw Roger after his hip replacement surgery.
We also got the time set up for Olivia's 6 month scans. November 9th. Olivia seems to be feeling great and looks great! I just pray that everything inside is great as well!.
Thanks for still checking on us, we really enjoy the guestbook entries so please continue to sign.
Sheryl
P.S. please say a special prayer for Brooke and her family she relapsed. They have sent her home on hospice and told doctor's can't do anymore. www.caringbridge.org/ne/brooke

Thursday, October 13, 2005 7:42 AM CDT

The weeks are just flying by. The girls have been good. Ireland's rash is finally subsiding a bit. I finally got my pictures downloaded to my computer off my camera so hopefully soon you'll see updated pictures.... I am really bad about that. Gary has to help me and for those who don't really know us he works ALL the time and I do mean all the time. But times can be difficult and there isn't much choice I guess. Cool weather is here in Ohio and it has been dreary this week and over the weekend. Olivia is doing really well at Merry Moppet and is learning alot you can tell. They are such wonderful people there. Her exciting news is she lost her very first tooth last night. She has accidentally bumped it the day before and last night it was just dangling. She jumped out of bed this morning at 6:00 to see if the tooth fairy had come. Tomorrow they are to get their pictures taken at Merry Moppet. I sure hope Ireland's face looks better.
Olivia seems to be gaining much more stamina and her temper is evening out a bit more. We still have issues but then again what child doesn't. Her dentist appt is this next monday at Children's, I'll be anxious to hear about what they say about her teeth. The kids are ready for the leaves to fall and snow (I am glad someone is), I enjoyed summer this year and hate to see it end. We have lots of trees and they love to jump in the raked piles and can't wait to make snow angels and snowmen (hope we get some snow for their sakes.) The girls are wanting to go down to The All American Quarter Horse Congress horse show here in Ohio and it is over next weekend so we are going to try and fit that in. I've gone and watched them show, and shopped for horse stuff since I've been little that is almost 30 years (YIKES) I can't believe that.
I hope to get to do some riding over the winter and keep them interested too. I missed so much with my horses for the last year and a half. I was needed with Olivia and Ireland so that was my focus, but the horses are so much a part of my life and missed them.
I've been trying to get by and check on all of you. I am sorry it is taking so long. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Love
Sheryl

Friday, October 7, 2005 12:38 AM CDT

TGIF.
I love fridays. Well Olivia's appt went well. Counts are great they think she looked great. Only concern was her lymph nodes are a little enlarged but they are thinking/hoping that it is b/c she has a cavity in her back molar. They will be calling us to set the appt up for next month for her full CT, Echo Cardiogram and kreatine test. No matter how much you try to not worry and get nervous when they do the tests, we haven't managed how to do it. It is just as scary as the last one. I cannot believe that it is fall and summer is all gone and cold weather is approaching us. UGHHHH. The girls are anxious to go pick out pumpkins and picking apples.
Ireland developed a rash this week and it really just got terrible wednesday night so off to docs yesterday. Several allergic reaction. To what who knows doctor said it is hard to pinpoint what it is....She looked maybe little better this morning. It was all over her face, on her neck down her shoulder, on her back, front and ear.
Hopefully I'll be able to get lots done over the weekend. Please continue to keep all our caringbridge friends in your prayers.
Thanks
Sheryl

Tuesday, October 4, 2005 8:45 AM CDT

Hello to all,
It has been awhile I know. I have read our entries in the guestbook. Thank you for signing. Sometimes I just have trouble accessing my journal entry and our life has been extremely busy so when I get a chance and getting on doesn't always work.

Olivia had a nice b-day, we had a small family cook out the sunday before we left for disney. I wasn't packed til monday morning that we left. TAlk about being behind. We had had some family issues the week before that have been very upsetting for my husband and myself. So I wasn't with it. Olivia seem to really enjoy her b-day. Her hair is coming in beautifully. She has been feeling pretty good. Last week her Mamaw Brenda watched her on the days she didn't go to day care. She enjoyed that.
Now on to Disney. We left monday at 12:10. The girls liked the plane ride and loved the ride on the Magically express bus to our Resort. We stayed at Port Oreleans Riverside. It was a wonderful place to stay. We got to ride the boat down to downtown disney a couple times. We went to see all the characters, saw the parade, rode rides, watch them crown cinderella, watched fireworks and went to animal kingdom. We really could've used one or two more days. The kids got grumpy and tired a couple times so we needed to go back and take some naps. But all in all they had a great time. They missed the dogs and were ready to come home. The weather was very warm while we were there. I loved staying at a resort, I had never stayed in one and it was just wonderful. They even made up a animal out of towels and put eyes on it. It was adorable. Put one of the stuff animals Olivia brought and put the bible in front of it. It was so cool.
Tomorrow is an appt with Dr. Doug at childrens just for a checkup. I hope to get around to you all and check up on you to see how things are going. You are never far from my thoughts and prayers each and everyday.
Love
Sheryl

Friday, September 23, 2005 10:21 AM CDT

Well I tried to put some fall stuff as the border but..... somehow I can't seem to find it where it was, so not sure how to get it back. It hasn't been exactly my week this last week. We have had some things taken out of house that have sentimental value. I've been very destressed about it. So it has been a pretty stressful week. The girls have been very busy and I've been too and have nothing ready for Olivia's party sunday and we are leaving on Monday for disney and I don't have all that done and organized yet (as far as packing). Just another bump in the road I suppose. It is hard not to be flustered. Olivia's allergies have flared up, (hoping it isn't going into a cold). She is getting really excited for her little party with some of her little friends and leaving for the trip monday. We had planned on doing something special for her on her real b-day this past wednesday, but she was exhausted and grumpy and wouldn't have enjoyed it. She got presents earlier in the week from Noni and my dear friend Susie and Her uncle Tim and Aunt Raelene. My mom gave her her presents last weekend and she got a princess blow up bed and some other things. She has slept in that bed every night since. But boy does it take up room.
Ireland has been fighting going to bed here of late, so we have been fighting getting up in the a.m. too. She is always amusing, but boy is she head strong. Whew wee. I probably will not journal at least til next weekend. WE leave monday and return Friday. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers and I've decided not to change any pictures til we get some from disney or her b-day party.
Love
Sheryl

Friday, September 16, 2005 8:05 AM CDT

TGIF,
We are happy it is friday for sure. Things were very busy last weekend and the girls were pooped out. We took my mom out to dinner and celebrated her b-day friday and then My cousins saturday at a campground. The girls had an absolute blast. They were very tired from all the activity. Lots of kids running around and playing. It is great to see Olivia so active. She has gone to day care two days this week and done very well. The girls went to cheerleading practice last night with her Aunt Tracy as it was Papa's and ,my anniversary and we went to dinner.
Olivia is doing much better at helping me and her attitude is much improving. She is getting so excited because she is turning 5 this next week the 21st. Then we leave for Disney the 26th. She is so looking forward to it.
I am not sure everyone was right calling the 2's terrible....whoo we Ireland turning 3. She is miss independent and miss attitude 3 going onto 13. She is being very bossy and demanding...and quite amusing at the same time. She is getting so big, I can't believe it. She is only two pounds less than Olivia.
Have any of you heard Rascal Flats new song out? I heard it the other day on the way home and cried all the way through the song. It was really touching. Please continue to keep all the kids that are fighting this beast and the families who have lost their children. Those families in Louisana.
Sheryl Johnston

Friday, September 9, 2005 11:19 AM CDT

I lost my entry that I already had done. UGHHHHH.

Anyways, everything here is good.....Olivia had a doc appt wednesday and they thought she looked great. They were not surprised however at how tired she got at daycare last week. He said the chemo beats up their little bodies so much that it just takes awhile to get back to "normal". We would like to wish my mom a very Happy birthday. We are taking her out to dinner tonight and back to her house for cake and ice cream. The girls love to go see her.

Ireland is doing well, I just can't believe how big she is getting. It just seems each day she has something new and funny to say. I need pen and paper so I could remember all what she says. She is all potty trained and it was a piece of cake pretty much... Although I must admit I don't have any training in this area. She could've been trained much sooner, but with the situation we were in with Olivia being sick we just didn't focus on it. A week and half til livi's 5th Bday and then we leave 5 days later for disney. They are getting so excited.

We havent' been riding the horses here of late. Both of my horses seem to have injuries. The leaves are getting ready to turn here, I love fall and the girls are already talking about going to pumpkin patch. Thanks for checking on us and please keep all the wilms children and their families in your prayers. Also please remember all of those suffering from Katrina.
Sheryl

Thursday, September 1, 2005 10:05 AM CDT

Hi TO ALL.
It has been crazy getting things ready for school to start. I can't believe it is September already. Where did the summer go? I am looking forward to a long weekend this weekend. Nothing special planned but this week and last week were extremely hectic so will just be glad for a break.

Olivia has been doing well. She has been to daycare everyday this week so far and I think it might be a little much right this minute. She was extremely tired last night and this morning. Her energy level just isn't back to par yet. She was complaining of leg pain this morning and her sides hurting (that makes me worry). She does try very hard to keep up with the other kids though. Ireland is just growing up so fast. She talks like such a big girl. But boy is she bull-headed and wooo wee what a temper. Twenty six days til our trip to disney. Sorry I haven't been around to many sites here of late. I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. When things slow down I'll be back around.
thanks for checking on us.
sheryl

Wednesday, August 24, 2005 7:38 AM CDT

My how time is flying by. Sorry it has been so long between entries. Things have been going well. Olivia has gone to day-care a couple more times and seems to really like it. They are so wonderful at Merry Moppet's. They are great with the kids, very workable, kind and it is just an awesome staff. We didn't want just throw her back in full time all at once b/c of how tired she gets (even though she doesn't like to admit). You can just tell. So we are still at two days a week.
They have been just playing and enjoying the outside. They have gotten to get on my horse "jack" a couple times. School is back into session around here, so there goes all Livi's play buddies. I've ben so busy getting new students entered where I work and trying to get all the stuff ready for the first day, I am beat when I get home. This seems to be b-day time for our family.... Tomorrow we are going out to dinner with my mom for my birthday dinner. The girls love to go to my mom's house and out to dinner so they will really enjoy that. Macy's b-day is at the end of this month, my aunts, my moms is september, my cousins, and Aunt Tracy's and Livi's 5th b-day will be coming up Sept 21st. Also our wedding anniversary. YIKES!!! Then in One month we will be leaving for disney. The girls will have SO Much fun and I am so looking forward to it.
I can't believe Fall is on us. I am not ready for winter at all. I haven't gotten to all my caringbridge sites lately. I am so sorry. Once things get back to a dull roar, I will get around to everyone. Thanks for your continued support. It means so much to us.
Sheryl and Gary

Monday, August 15, 2005 4:02 PM CDT

GREAT NEWS. Our 3 month scans were clear!!!!! yahoo!!! Our prayers were answered. Last Thursday Olivia got to go to her first day at day care. She was so excited to go and anxious to get back. However, when it came time for me to leave she had a major major melt down. Sobbing and begging to leave with me. I felt so awful. I stayed trying to let her get used to things, but she continued to cry and was scared. But this was the first time in over 18 months that she was going to be left with total strangers. Otherwise she has been with family. Or Nursing staff and doctors who became like family. Finally I got her to stay with a super lady Ms. Laura, she really wanted her old teacher Ms. Peg who got a promotion. She didn't know the others so it was very intimidating I am sure. But the day ended up being successful. She had fun in the end. Friday afternoon we went to a fair and didn't get home til late. She had a ball riding the rides for hours and then we went over to watch the Barrel Racing and got to see alot of my friends. She meet some kids and played with them for hours. The rest of our weekend had been busy busy helping their papaw with his new office. Today their papaw Gary had to have a endocscopy. We were nervous given his family history. Both of Gary's parents died from cancer in their 50's. They took biopsies but said nothing looked cancerous. Thank God. We pray for good results from that. He does have to loose some weight, he has a fatty liver and whatever ring that doesn't really tighten. So acid comes up and causes pain.
So we have been on pins and needles for several days.
I also want to wish my very dear friend Susie (a very belated happy birthday). Sorry I didn't get a card out to you. She is our Angel hear on earth to us and to so many other people. I couldn't ask for a better friend. Thank you Susie for always being there for me and my family and to all the other families that you do so much for. Your a wonderful person and I am so lucky to have you as a friend.
I hope all is well out there for all my caring bridge friends. I'll try and make it around soon.
Love you all.
The Johnstons

Sunday, August 7, 2005 2:15 PM CDT

Ireland's birthday was rather uneventful. Mommy and Olivia made her a cake and she took cup cakes to day care. She got a interactive dvd with dora dora from Papa and I so the girls played with it every night this week. We have been having issues about going to sleep at night so we are grumpy and clingy in the morning. Thursday Livi's friend Hunter spent the night and the girls had a great time. I cannot believe how time has flown this summer. Wow our school here starts August 29th. 22 days can't believe it. We had a nice day off Friday, Playing and having fun outside. Emily got a call and they have changed the CT for August 12th. This next friday. So I guess that is good we don't have to wait so long. She has been feeling well, had a couple bloody noses and has complained of some stomach pain, but nothing to get excited about. We had a very small b-day party for Ireland Saturday. But all in all she had a great time. Cook out, presents and cake and Ice Cream. She is a funny funny girl. Potty training is going well. Olivia is telling her all the time how she needs to be a big girl like her. Today the girls are with Mamaw and they were excited about going to her house.
We weighted the girls last week and they are only 2 pounds apart. Livi is just growing so tall. She looks great!
Thanks to you all for checking on us. We appreciate all the support. Sorry for not signing sites, it has been busy so I will try to get back at that soon.
The johnstons

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 12:36 AM CDT

Hello everyone!!!
Yes I am a slacker :) Actually things have just been so busy with summer things and just enjoying. Today is Little Miss Ireland's 3rd birthday. I can't believe it. They grow up so very fast. She is just a ornary as the day is long. She is doing very well potty training (as well as she should at 3 I know I know) but she was starting to use the potty last year and things just got so hectic with Livi being so sick it really didn't seem to matter. That was the least of our problems. But we are working on things now and doing pretty good. We get a little forgetful when we are outside however. She told me that she "wanted much dora dora panties." Happy birthday baby girl.
Olivia is just growing like a weed and hair coming in very nicely (we call her hairy sometimes and she just grins). We are still have some attitude issues with her sister and sassing back (of course part is being 4) and well we all know what she has been through. We are able to start her back into day-care so I think we'll do it slowly. She has tons of energy, but I think all at once would be way to much on her. She thinks she back up to normal but she isn't. She has just been having lots of fun playing house, on her swingset, in her car and just doing normal everyday things. Boy is it great to see. Emily got the call yesterday for our next visit and ct, x-ray etc. September 2nd. UMMMMMM Can anyone say stress.....for the next month.. Even though we know we can't change whatever is is but we are so very scared. I imagine the closer it gets the worse we'll get. So start beating the door with prayers that everything will come back clear please.........and please continue to say prayers for all those fightening, the ones who have earned their wings and their families. It is a dreadful dreadful disease. Thanks for continuing to check our site. It is great to read our guestbook.
Oh I think we are going to disney at the end of September :) Emily, Brenda and myself are going with Livi and Ireland.
Love to you all
Sheryl

Monday, July 25, 2005 9:47 AM CDT

Sorry it has been so long. It has been crazy busy summer. It has been very hot here in Ohio. We have all been doing well, other than I got a summer cold. Yee Haw.... :) I took a couple days off for vacation again last week. That was really nice. I need to use a few more days (like 10) before our school starts here, or I loose them. YIKES that isn't going to happen. Livi and Ireland played outside in their little pool and loved it, visited with their mamaw and their cousin Macy stayed with us a few days (even though she lives next door). They got to ride 2 of our horses this weekend and had a great time with that.
My older horse was dx with Cushings disease last week.
We have to figure out when Liv can go back to daycare. I can't believe it is going to be august already. Time sure does fly. Livi is still feeling great and doing well. has been full of energy. This year has been so different than last. My energy level still has not recooperated, I don't know if that is normal or not. But I sure don't have the Umph that I should have. Maybe this last year has caught up with me or maybe it is my age. Don't know. I will try to get those pictures downloaded.
Please continue to keep all the children in your prayers that are currently fighting this disease, in remission and those who have relapsed and for all those families who have lost someone to this disease. We need your continuing prayers and support.
Love the Johnstons

Friday, July 15, 2005 8:54 AM CDT

TGIF,
GOOD NEWS FOR EMILY......the ct was clear. YEA! Your prayers worked Thanks.

I was definately not ready to be back to work yet. GRRRRR. Ireland is definately not ready to be back at day care yet either. I have had difficulty getting her go with everyone being at home, her cousin's matt and macy and sister too. I will try and get some pictures downloaded this weekend. Livi's hair is growing so much and it is really coming in dark right now.
I still have vacation time that I will use here and there. Livi is still full of energy and still has an attitude. WOO WEE there are somedays. She pinched her sister this week and then bit her last night. Livi went and hid behind a tree after biting Ireland and knew she was going to be in big trouble. Then other times she is so angelic and sweet, loving. How hard to you come down on them. You feel bad but yet they can't act this way.
The girls named their turtles we brought back from the South. Livi named hers Buddy, can you guess what Ireland named her's? That is right Dora..... The third doesn't have a name yet. Livi says it is my job. I stink at coming up with names for animals. We have a cat named poopy butt (it was a nick name gary came up with and stuck). Ireland just is talking up a storm these days.
I forgot to mention that LIVI and ireland saw some man catch baby sharks at the beach. Well will try and put some pictures on. Thanks for checking on us we love the little notes.
The johnstons

Monday, July 11, 2005 10:33 AM CDT

Hi everyone,
Vacation was wonderful. The girls were awesome on the drive down and back. There was major confusion with the hotel and we didn't stay there by our choice. Their add was misleading to say the least. . We stayed at the place we were at 3 years ago. Lazy river right outside our room, pool and side view of the ocean. It was great!!!! The girls saw baby sharks being caught and lots of sea urchents. We brought back 3 turtles.
WE got to meet another wilms family Laurel Rose and Kathy and Bob (mom and Dad). They are wonderful people and we really enjoyed chatting with them. We had a nice dinner and got to walk around and ride some rides at Broadway at the Beach. The girls had a blast riding the rides. I think Kathy and I had as much fun as they did. We said our goodbyes and did a bit of shopping and back to the hotel and Livi and I walked the beach that night, watching some fireworks. It was so relaxing.
We met some really nice people in the hotel Karen, Madison, and Kali. The girls had a wonderful time with them and they were wonderful with the girls. Hopefully we'll get to stay in touch.
Please say special prayer for our friend Emily who had something show up on her PET scan and is having a ct done today.
Sheryl

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 9:45 AM CDT

Hi to all,
Hope everyone is enjoying there summer. We have been very active. I think I have the girls almost packed and ready to go. The girls are getting really excited about seeing the ocean. Pray for a safe trip, please. Olivia is feeling well and growing like a weed. She is eating really well and just having fun. It sure beats last summer. Last summer at this time she wasn't doing very well. It is so great to see the kids get energy back and be normal. We have issues that we aren't normal in but we'll get there. We are looking forward to getting to meet another Wilms family while on vacation www.caringbridge.org/sc/laurelrose. I am so looking forward to getting away. Usually I like staying home with the horses, dogs and cats. But after this year I am just wanting to lay around on the beach and watch the girls have some fun. So I am feeling like a kid myself.
I will not have access to a computer so I will not be able to check on you guys :(. But I will coninue to keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers each and everyday.
Please continue to keep all our wilms families in your prayers the ones fighting, the ones in remission and special prayers for the families who have lost their beautiful children. They all have a really hard time without their loved ones ..... Currently Haley's family www.caringbridge.org/ne/haleygirl sure could use some support. They have just lost their warrior last week and it has been very difficult.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a good week next week.
The Johnstons

Monday, June 27, 2005 12:35 AM CDT

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Ours was busy, but good. It has been extremely hot here in Ohio these past few days. The girls went to the feastival in Johnstown (where we live this weekend), out to dinner, playing in sprinkler, on the swingset, in their cars and tractors. We are preparing stuff to go to the beach and the girls are getting excited. We also went to a wedding reception Saturday and the girls had a great time and yesterday they visited with Mamaw and papa Roger. I hope I can get all done before we leave. YIKES. It will all fall into place. Olivia's hair seems like it is growing in more and more from the time she goes to bed til she gets up. I hope to get new pic on soon, may wait til we get back.

My Aunt who I haven't gotten to see in about 3 years is coming for visit tonight for a bit. The girls haven't gotten to meet her, so that will be nice.
We are still having some behavioral issues. Things seemed to be doing a little better and then wham.... she starts again.
Please continue praying for Haley's family, they are having a difficult time right now after losing Haley. My heart goes out to all these poor families who have lost there children, sister, brother. It is so difficult. Please keep them all in your prayers. There are way to many children dying and it is just so so unfair.

The johnstons

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 8:26 AM CDT

Sorry I updated yesterday, but something must have happened to it and I lost it. I am having trouble logging in since they have changed the site, so haven't been able to get on as much. Livi is doing very well. Her appt went great friday and her chest x-ray was clear. I am sorry I wrote ct but meant chest x-ray. They will do another CT in 3 months. I don't remember all I wrote yesterday, but had asked you to say extra prayers for Haley and Brooke. However, today it is with great saddness I read this a.m. that Haley lost her battle with this disease. She fought a very long courageous battle, please say prayers for the family . Her site is www.caringbridge.org/ne/haleygirl
and Brooke has relapsed after a stem cell transplant in 08/04
www.caringbridge.org/ky/brooke
Please sign the guestbooks, it is a tremendous amount of support.
thanks for checking on us.

I'll try and update as soon as possible

Thursday, June 16, 2005 11:45 AM CDT

Hi Sorry so long between updates. I have been extremely busy with end of the year stuff with school and home just all the outside stuff and laundry.. You all know what it is like.
Livi seems to be doing great! Had a good weekend last weekend and has had a good week. Today she has gone to see the movie Madagascar with her cousin's, aunt, mamaw and mommy and sister too. Ireland's first film in a movie theater. Wish I could be there to see her face as it comes on the screen :(. But I have to be here at work. That is the way it goes.
Livi has been still having an attitude on some days... whew. Sister and her are into quite a bit. Then there are days when she is just loving olivia, sweet, kind, but when the switch changes watch out. :) She is getting lots of fuzz now. Wow how the last year has really changed her appearances. It is truly amazing what the kids go through and how differerent they are forced to become (like when they Play, Olivia usually brings up medical terminology that kids just don't know). Olivia's cousin Macy had ear surgery last week so they have been hanging out together all week. That has been nice for Olivia. Ireland is still just being independent as can be. She never ceases to amaze us.
Livi has a doctor's appt tomorrow along with a ct, so I will be anxious to hear those results.
Other than that not much new is going on. They are enjoying being outside and playing.
Please say an extra prayer for Haley www.caringbridge.org/ne/haleygirl, she is having a really bad time of it and the family needs some extra prayers.
Thanks again for checking in us. Your support means so much.
sheryl

Wednesday, June 8, 2005 11:22 AM CDT

Hi to all,
Sorry I couldn't get on my site the last couple days.

Olivia and Ireland had a good weekend this last weekend. she had her friend Hunter and her cousin spend the night Friday night and then Saturday we went to the pool with Aunt Tracy and her cousins and she had a ball. Since last year she didn't get to go into pools etc it was a big ordeal for her. Saturday nights two of her cousins spent the night and then Sunday morning she got up and rode my horse and loved it. We couldn't get her on in the past for the last year, but she just decided she wanted to try it. We went to the pool in the afternoon, it was so hot here. They had a good time again and were really tired, but kept on going. We had a cook out that evening and Macy again spent the night. She has complain in the last couple days of her belly and sides hurting and a headache the other night. Not trying to borrow trouble but you do get worried. We are linking it to the heat maybe and all the activity etc... We are still having some anger management issues and bossiness issues. But all and all she is doing well, eating well and having fun. This year I think some of house work will just have to wait. I think there is more important fun for olivia and Ireland to have.
+ This week and next are going to be really busy with me at work so if I don't get to sign your sites, I am still thinking and praying for you everyday. I work for a school and this is the last day today so off and running to do grades and transcripts. Counting down to vacation. I still have to get my horses and dogs taken care of.
love sheryl

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 11:04 AM CDT

Hi to all,
Hope everyone's weekend was relaxing and wonderful with their families. Ours was pretty uneventful. They did go to a dress receital for a friend and enjoyed that and went shopping. It was on the cooler side in Ohio and rain off and on. Olivia is feeling great. She does have a cough that worries me, but I also realize that allergies b/c they have been bad this spring, she is on zyrtec, I get allergy shots myself and still have a bit of a cough and lots of sinus drainage, so hopefully that is all it is. Livi is loving living like a normal kid. We still have some anger issues, but that is something that I am sure will take time. Her counts were great from Friday, so that made us really happy. She is a bit disappointed that she can't go back to day care "school" right now, she was really looking forward to it. She wants to try and ride the horses again, but I think she is really a bit afraid. But once she does it I think she'll be fine. that is the way she has been any time she has tried something new or something she hasn't done in awhile. Ireland is just getting bigger everyday and just as verbal as can be. We are looking forward to doing lots with the girls and letting olivia be a kid again.
We did get confirmation on a place in Myrtle Beach but haven't told the girls we are planning on going yet. Please continue your special prayers and the kids who need some special ones are Haley and Brooke battling wilms and Rachel Hansen who is battling another form of cancer that has spread even further. All the ones still fighting their fight need prayers and the families that have lost their precious angel, that they find some peace and easement in their pain.
Thanks for checking on us, we value all the prayers, note, good wishes and your kindness.
Love the Johnstons

Friday, May 27, 2005 8:16 AM CDT

Hi to all.
Everything is going well. Olivia is doing so well and her counts are good. She is having another draw today, but don't expect anything but going up. She is eatting non-stop and just bundles of energy. It is great to see, she loves having her picc line out. She really is enjoying everything right now. We may make a trip to Myrtle Beach in July. The girls really want to go to the beach.
Ireland is doing well also. The rash they think came from her being sick the week before. VIRAL. Wish the weather would get nice and stay that way. It has been rather cool here in Ohio.
I hope everyone has a great Memorial Weekend.
We appreciate all your notes in the guestbook and really appreciate you checking on us.
Love
sheryl

Monday, May 23, 2005 6:22 AM CDT

It has been a few days, for some reason I couldn't get on my site. It has been a very busy for us. We had a meeting with the Doctors on Friday. Olivia's counts are pretty good. We got alot of our questions answered. They said they will be monitoring her kidney very closely, one concern is that she not outgrow her kidney. Her partial kidney only functions at 40% so we also need to be very careful and not let it get injured. So what do you let them do and not do? Guess we might do some checking on the kidney guard I've heard people talking about. She will have a CXR next appt. She'll be seeing doctors once a month. Then saturday I went to flush her pic lines and a hear a woosh, she said "I felt that" sure enough the line sprung a leak under the bandage. So we called in home care and they made some phone calls to onc on call, came out to check it out to see what they thought and the nurse called back to onc and told him he felt it needed to be pulled. So a week early she got her lines out. She did great, it was actually kindof funny after she got them pulled she didn't want to use that arm very much and acted as if they were still there of course they had been there for so long I am sure it felt weird not to have them dangling. But then yesterday she was totally different. She has been full of energy and had a great time this weekend. They will have to do another blood draw tomorrow.
Ireland has to go back to dermatologist tomorrow too for a re-check. Stopped using the steroid ointment b/c she now has a rash all down her legs, so will be anxious to see what they say tomorrow about that.
Thanks for stopping by and checking on us. Please leave us notes, love to read them. Please remember to keep miss Livi in your prayers, she will continue to need them. And all the other wonderful families out there fighting.

Love Sheryl

Wednesday, May 18, 2005 10:56 AM CDT

Not much to report, which is good news. Olivia is getting peach fuzz and is really looking forward to her tubies coming out. She has had rages but not as bad as before. She still isn't liking the shots even though she said they wouldn't bother her this time. She seems to be a bundle of energy and just has a zest for life. It is wonderful to see. Her counts were great yesterday and we go to clinic friday. Hopefully we get to ask all of our questions. Anyone has any to suggest, we would appreciate any that you can think of that we may have forgotten.
Ireland is doing well, still have quite abit of gunk even after that round of antibiotics. Papaw and myself have the crude too. Using lots of lysol. This weather going up and down everyone I know seems to be getting sick.

special prayers go out to two new little ones who just found that they have relapsed or got a secondary cancer.
Jessy www.caringbridge.org/canada/jessy and
Brooke www.caringbridge.org/ne/brooke
as always my prayers are with those in remission and those still fighting.

Monday, May 16, 2005 9:02 AM CDT

Hi to all,
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Olivia has done well over the weekend. She received her last dose of chemo yesterday at home. Even her mood swings haven't been quite as bad and she has been a bundle of energy. On the schedule from the hospital it shows her lines possible removed on the 27th of the month. She did awesome with her bandage change and is so excited about being done. It does seem so surreal. It has truly amazed me the resilence that these children have. She has been quite the trooper. I wasn't sure she would be able to endure all that she has and I know that the nurses and hospital staff, and doctors back in August were not so sure we would get to this point. Things were touch and go for awhile last summer. But with all the prayers that you wonderful people said for her and our family, God answered our prayers, and gave Olivia the strength to be strong enough to fight this monster.
The neuprogen shots start tonight ughhh.....but livi promises she isn't going to let them bother her b/c we are done.
There are so many times she acts so far beyond her years.
Ireland seems to be feeling much better and the rash is almost gone. They had fun playing outside for a bit and tormenting the puppy "Sassy".
Our prayers for Olivia now is that she remain in remission and can resume a normal childhood (whatever normal is). Please continue prayers for all these kids fighting this nasty disease, and those families that have lost one of their children. THanks to all the special people in our lives and our wonderful Caringbridge families, who have offered support and kind words, advice. Special thanks to Mrs Peg and Miss Heather and all the wonderful staff at Merry Moppet. You have been so good to our family. We couldn't have made it without all of you. We hope that you continue to follow Olivia's progress and keep leaving notes. It is wonderful to read them all.
Sheryl & Gary Johnston

Thursday, May 12, 2005 9:10 AM CDT

Sorry guys I haven't gotten on lately. Hope everyone had a good mother's day.

But I do have great news.....
Livi's renal scan was good and her CT is CLEAR !!!!!!! So she is getting chemo and this is the last round!!!!! YEAH. She'll have it at home tomorrow, saturday and sunday. Once counts are up then tubies come out and she'll go back to docs once a month and every 3 for scans. Today is her end of chemo party at the hospital. We are full of emotions. Excitement and a bit of fear, but we are going to try and be optimistic about this and just pray that the beast is gone forever. Be excited that we got great news!!!!

We were not sure when the scan was going to be and we do have some questions for the docs yet, but that will be next Friday.
Ireland had an appt with a dermotologist for her rash she has had that we have been using ointment after ointment and oral medicine that didn't clear it. They said she has Litchem Straterius.....not contagious, unknown as to why she would have it etc. We will try steriods cream and another appt in two weeks. Then She got to feeling pretty yucky tuesday afternoon so off to dr's yesterday again and she has a infection behind her sinuses, near adnoids. She is put on Antibiotics and cough syrup. Was a bit better already this a.m. She was pretty miserable tuesday and yesterday. Started from allergies probably.
Thank you for all your prayers for Olivia and our family. They have worked!!!!! Please continue to keep us there to remain cancer free and please continue to pray for all of these special children that are fighting this disease and those that are fighting relapses and those families who have lost their beautiful children to this awful disease. I will continue to update olivia's progress on here. Please feel free to leave us notes, we love reading them.
Love
Sheryl, Gary and Emily Johnston

May 13, 2005
Olivia is home and was good but tired. I wanted to leave my previous journal entry with the good news......but I wanted to ask for special prayers for a little girl here in Ohio who lost her fight Tuesday at 2:45. caringbridge.org/oh/mandy

Tuesday, May 3, 2005 9:07 AM CDT

Hi there,
Hope everyone had a good weekend. It was cool and blah here in ohio. Olivia is doing well. A couple nose bleeds (minor) I think due to allergies, counts are good and NO MORE shots!!! Yeah.... She was so excited. Her doc appt went well Friday and she is due to have her bandaged changed today. We really didn't get the answers to any of my questions last week. The girls and I went shopping for a bit saturday afternoon, Livi loved it since she doesn't get to do that very much but her counts were good and it wasn't crowded.
Sunday we went during a non -busy time out to lunch/dinner. She ate really well and her behavior has been much better this last week. Her peach fuzz did fall all back out with this last round of chemo. Then her Uncle Tim who moved to Arizona stopped by for a visit and she was so excited and so so happy to see him. Both girls have actually missed them (Aunt Raelene too, who was unable to come) more than I even realized. So they had quite the busy weekend.
Today Ireland is here with me at school (where I work) in the child development classes for toddlers for the morning. She was really enjoying herself. Wish Livi could do it too, but I am sure her docs would've frowned upon that. Hopefully next year maybe she can come. Next week is the renal scan and hopefully we'll have some more news.
Please feel free to leave notes in the guest books, we really appreciate them and enjoy reading them. It is nice to know that people care. Please continue to keep all the children in your prayers that are fighting and families who have lost their children to this monster.
thanks again
Sheryl

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 10:59 AM CDT

Sorry I haven't updated before today, but the good thing is there isn't much to tell. Livi has been feeling pretty good, having bad dreams seem to be the side effect this time. She had a blood draw yesterday and her counts have dropped a bit, should be going back up now. She did awesome yesterday with her bandage change and her shot. It was amazing. They have been so difficult with her and she was a trooper and didn't cry for either. Way to go Olivia!!!!!! WE were so proud of her. She knows she is getting to the end of treatment and maybe that is making it easier. Ireland drove her nuts over the weekend telling her that once she got her tubies (pic line) out of her arms she could go to the hot bub (tub) as she calls it. Ireland is so so funny and so independent. It was a ugly weekend here in Ohio this past weekend and has rained every day since. BOOO. I want it to be warm and sunny, so do the girls. It has been cooler here than normal since last week. Sassy the puppy is doing just fine making her adjustment into the family.
Ireland has been wanting to ride the horses, but it has been too nasty out. Olivia does have to go to clinic friday, so we'll be anxious to hear what they say.
thanks for keeping us in your prayers, we have been really blessed with all the support and kind words and compassion from people. Thanks so much, but please continue to keep us in your prayers and all of those who are suffering from this nasty disease.
thanks
love Sheryl

Friday, April 22, 2005 7:20 AM CDT

TGIF,
Not much new. Olivia received chemo and came home last night. She was full of energy and even ate well and was moody, but we are used to the moodiness when she gets chemo. She'll go for her renal scan May 11th and if all is good then she'll get her chemo and is suppose to get a ct before she leaves. AFter counts come up then she'll have her pic lines removed. She will be so excited to get those pic lines out :)
Other than that not much else to report. Ireland is good. They are both really enjoying the puppy. It suppose be a yucky weekend here in Ohio. Cold and rainy... bummer but maybe this is meant for me to be able to get some inside stuff done. It needs it.
The young girl Haley who I ask you to pray for is going to Mexico for treatment so maybe put extra prayers that this will be successful in stopping this beast. This is the last hope as far as I know. Remember all the families suffering. I hope everyone has a good weekend. :) Thanks to all.
Sheryl

Wednesday, April 20, 2005 12:38 AM CDT

Livi is in the hospital as I write. Her creatinine level dropped again, but apparently the docs aren't too worried b/c of her blood test (is my understanding clearance level). She only peed once during the 12 hour period. They said that that could have altered the test by not having enough output?? The doctors don't seem to be overly worried, but that doesn't exactly make Emily, Gary, (and I am sure Brenda haven't talked with her yet.) nor myself feel better about it. The cytoxcin (chemo) she'll be getting today will not be really affecting her kidney. They will do a renal scan before the next scheduled chemo. So this is our next to last or our last depending on what the renal scan in 3 weeks shows. We'll have to see. Excitement and fear all in one it is a very weird feeling. As I have stated before we want and are thrilled for Olivia to be done and go back to "normal" life and get to go and do what other children do. But we also too fear what is to come. To some people who don't understand why we are not just jumping up and down with excitement, please know we all want to be optimistic, but the pins and needles you live on each time they run tests is just very very scary. The more aware of all the relapses of all the children out there battling this disease and the children who earned their wings and become angels, you would understand. We may be done, but not necessarily out of the woods.
I hope you all don't take my entry wrong or negative. I am not meaning it to be so, I write my fears because it is easy for me to voice all my fears/our fears here. Thanks for listening and thank you all for checking in on us, offering supportive words, advice, caring/loving words. You mean the world to us. You are awesome support. Continue your prayers for our Olivia and all the other children who battle this beast. Special prayers for Matthew and Haley for a miracle, they also too fight wilms and also a Special prayer for a miracle for a little girl name Rachelhansen.

Love
The johnstons

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 9:57 AM CDT

Hi to all,
Hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours was busy. Olivia's new thing is she doesn't want to go outside because of bugs. Great what do you do about that We all love to be outside, Ireland refuses to remain inside. We've tried reasoning with her but she just goes off the deep end when she see's one especially bees. She used to love the outside not sure how that all happened. Livi had her bandage change done yesterday and is due to do her creatine test this evening and they go into Children's tomorrow. We are down to the last two treatments depending on what the results show on the creatine test. She has little peach fuzz on her head and she is funny about it. Wants to know exactly what color her hair is going to be. It looks to be quite a bit darker than before. The scar on her belly from her surgeries has a bunch of stitches popping through, although the dr's aren't bothered by it, they annoy her and they bother us. They keep telling us they will come out on there own, but so far I haven't seen much improvement in that area.
Ireland is definately interested in the horses, she wanted to ride all weekend long. Now mind you my horses are big, she wants to ride all by herself, will try and get the picture posted on the site. WE pray that olivia has good results come back from this test.
The johnstons

Friday, April 15, 2005 11:03 AM CDT

Good friday to you all.
As some of you probably already know another of our Wilms kids have earned their wings. Patrick earned them Wednesday 4/13/05. His website is www.caringbridge.org/or/Patrickcozad. Our hearts are heavy. If this disease is so treatable and the most beatable then why are there so many losing their lives? There are two other kids that need your prayers, Haley and Matthew they have been told there is nothing more that can be done, just make them comfortable. As a parent how do accept that kindof answer? Sometimes I get so angry at why all this is happening to these kids and there wonderful families. It is all heart wrenching. It makes us scared and I know for along time we will all live on pins and needles for our situation.
Sorry I just get so frustrated and this one place to get them out at. Olivia is doing well, she had a blood draw today, but her counts were really good on tuesday so we don't anticipate anything. Hopefully this weekend will be a nice one again and they can play and enjoy everything outside. She had a great day with her mamaw yesterday. Ireland is also well, she is just the entertainer and full of energy. We are having trouble adjusting to the time change.
I am ready for the weekend. Have a great weekend.
Sheryl

Thursday, April 14, 2005 7:42 AM CDT

Hi to all,
Olivia's counts were great!!!!! No more shots YEAH!!!!!! She was definately happy. We are scheduled to do a creatine test next week and hopefully chemo. Not much else. She has been eatting better and hasn't been as sick the past few days. She has been pretty energetic and has been playing outside.
Ireland rode one of the horses the other day and loved it. Hopefully she'll be my little cowgirl. Olivia likes the horses but from the ground only. She was afraid when I put her on the other day. Which last year she was really interested in getting on and walking around. Of course after all she has been through this last year she is more careful of everything she does. She has got lots of peach fuzz and is now getting eyebrows. We've grown so used to her bald it is almost weird to see it coming in. And what we see is dark! Olivia is suppose to go spend the day today with mamaw and was excited about that, so hopefully that can happen. She hasn't gotten to spend much time with her since her great grandma had been so sick.
Other than that not much else is going on for a change. That is a good thing. Just enjoying the spring.
Everyone I hope is doing well. Thanks for checking on us, it means alot to us.
Sheryl

Tuesday, April 12, 2005 1:18 PM CDT

Clinic went well Friday and Livi's counts were good but still had to do shots. Blood draw today so hopefully after today no more. She is really upset getting them done. Her attitude has been a bit better. Still has issues but better than before.
Saturday Ireland and Olivia went to their cousin victoria's b-day party and had a wonderful time. Came home exhausted. Sunday they spent the day outside and my mom brought them a dora dora table and chairs and they really liked sitting their eatting and drinking their drinks like big people. We got their car's and tractors out and they drove and played all day long. Livi had some problems still with diaharreha. It has been warm and beautiful here in Ohio the last few days. So we've been out lots.
Thanks for signing the guestbook. Some days we really need a boost and just those little notes can brighten your day.
Sheryl

Thursday, April 7, 2005 2:03 PM CDT

Olivia's counts were great. We still have to do shots at least til tomorrow when she goes to clinic. HOpefully we'll be able to stop by tomorrow. She dislikes even more than ever. We are still having anger issues. It is so hard and we all feel so guilty for having to be harsher with her than we want. But she has hit walls and been throwing objects when not getting her way. She could hurt herself and not even realize it. We are all trying to be consistent with discipline. Our hearts pour out to these children. Why wouldn't they be frustrated and angry? They have control of nothing and can't even be normal. And deep down they are sweet and loving. The weather has been really great (other than today with the rain), but the next few days are suppose to be nice too so hopefully we'll spend time outside expending energy and enjoying sunshine.
Ireland is doing really well. She talks up a storm and just has a great personality . She seems happy even though she is very aware of Olivia being ill. She is kind to Olivia and has been very understanding when Olivia has been so ill. Rubbing her arm and getting anything we need and can't get due to attending to Liv. She is just really thoughtful for a 2 year old. They are having a great time with the new puppy and enjoying being able to hold her (she is small) and our other's are basset hounds and they don't fit all that well in your lap. We'll be interested in hearing what the docs say tomorrow. I imagine they will just go over getting a creatine test done b/f next chemo is due to determine whether or not we'll even get to finish. Today or tomorrow Olivia' in home care nurse who has attended to her most of this time at home is having surgery and will be out for 8 weeks. We'll miss you Dana.
Please continue to pray for Patrick.... Things are very critical for him right now. Caringbridge.org/or/patrickcozad.
Sheryl

Monday, April 4, 2005 1:22 PM CDT

Hi to you all,
Olivia has had bouts of throwing up. Definately no milk til it is eased back in. Poor thing has thrown up quite a bit this round. She still continues with the diaharreha and still with her tempers tantrums. She bit her sister last friday and has just given everyone fits. However we all have had talks with her and things eased up after all the talks. So hopefully that will improve. Emily spoke with the hospital over all of our concerns. She was hitting the wall with her fists and kicking it and screaming at the top of her lungs. We finally resolved it by putting her in a chair in the middle of a room with nothing to touch. She still screams and says mean things. She can be such a sweet heart and in a flash change. What these medications and stuff do to them. Of course I am sure that none of us helped either b/c we weren't as strict and really let things slide that we probably shouldn't have. But it is so hard, even when they get really terrible it is hard.
The funeral I think went as well as could be expected, although we had really nasty weather. SNOW/Cold and Wind. YUCK. Emily read "God's Garden" at her grandma's funeral. And Grandma Juanita (my apologies for the mis-spelling in previous journal entries, I married into the family and didn't really think about the spelling) she looked very peaceful and beautiful as she was laid to rest which I think was comforting to the family. She struggled in the end and it was hard for them to watch.
Well the weather is suppose to improve here in Ohio this week. I am ready to spend time working outside. Say a prayer for Patrick and his family (caringbridge.org/or/patrickcozad) who is possible facing diaolsis and is currently in the hospital.

Sheryl

Monday, April 4, 2005 1:22 PM CDT

Hi to you all,
Olivia has had bouts of throwing up. Definately no milk til it is eased back in. Poor thing has thrown up quite a bit this round. She still continues with the diaharreha and still with her tempers tantrums. She bit her sister last friday and has just given everyone fits. However we all have had talks with her and things eased up after all the talks. So hopefully that will improve. Emily spoke with the hospital over all of our concerns. She was hitting the wall with her fists and kicking it and screaming at the top of her lungs. We finally resolved it by putting her in a chair in the middle of a room with nothing to touch. She still screams and says mean things. She can be such a sweet heart and in a flash change. What these medications and stuff do to them. Of course I am sure that none of us helped either b/c we weren't as strict and really let things slide that we probably shouldn't have. But it is so hard, even when they get really terrible it is hard.
The funeral I think went as well as could be expected, although we had really nasty weather. SNOW/Cold and Wind. YUCK. Emily read "God's Garden" at her grandma's funeral. And Grandma Juanita (my apologies for the mis-spelling in previous journal entries, I married into the family and didn't really think about the spelling) she looked very peaceful and beautiful as she was laid to rest which I think was comforting to the family. She struggled in the end and it was hard for them to watch.
Well the weather is suppose to improve here in Ohio this week. I am ready to spend time working outside. Say a prayer for Patrick and his family (caringbridge.org/or/patrickcozad) who is possible facing diaolsis and is currently in the hospital.

Sheryl

Friday, April 1, 2005 1:18 PM CST

Thank goodness it is Friday. I am ready for the weekend. Although it has been an easy week at work with it being spring break, I like my weekends too.
Olivia has been better since the other night, no more vomitting thank goodness. Some diahrrehea, but we have been having lots of temper tantrums again oh my. Last night was about the worse I've ever seen. See was hateful to Emily, me and especially to Ireland. I put her in time out and she threw a chair down and argued and cried. When Dana (our nurse) was there to administer chemo today she was hateful to her. She is napping now so hopefully that will help her attitude.
Ireland has been wanting to ride a school bus, so this morning I took her over the the bus compound (where her papa works) and she got to ride in one in the lot. She loved it. It made her day. She has been talking about it for weeks. We were in hopes that Liv could go too this week, but since she was getting chemo it just didn't work out. Hopefully she'll get to do that soon. Last night and today is the showing for their great grandma and tomorrow is the funeral. Thank you for all that send their wishes to the family. It means alot to them. It is scary for the family and not ever wanting to face that situation with a child. Bad enough for someone who has lived their life, but certainly not fair for all these children. Hopeful Great Grandma will be up there being a angel for Olivia.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. Please continue to say your prayers for those who are still fighting and for those who have lost the battle and those who are just beginning this horrid nightmare. Thank goodness for all the caring bridge families, they have been so helpful and such a wonderful support group, along with our family and friends and the wonderful people where I work and where Ireland is at day care. Without you it would've been so very much worse. We can never express all of our gratitude for you all.
Love to you all

The Johnstons

Wednesday, March 30, 2005 12:48 AM CST

Olivia got home last night around 6:30 ish or so. She was sure glad to be there and her and Ireland played outside for a bit. She was feeling fine, until about 11:30 p.m. and she got sick all over herself, her bed. She complained her side hurt, but I am sure it was muscle strain. Then she was up til about 3:30-4:00 throwing up, the poor thing. It makes you feel so bad for them. She keeps apologizing (like she can control it). She had not gotten this sick off the chemo like this for a long time. She is having trouble with pooping her pants too. She hates that too. She got chemo today but is feeling much much better. So we are glad for that. Whew. Hope she doesn't get sick anymore.

it is beautiful here in Ohio today, but the cold and the rain are suppose to set back in Agh....

Sheryl

Tuesday, March 29, 2005 9:43 AM CST

Olivia and Ireland's Great Grandma Wanita passed away around 12:00 a.m. today. It is a blessing in some respects that she and her family no longer have to suffer. But it is still sad for the family for their loss. Please say a pray for their family to find peace.
The doctors came in and talked yesterday about the creatine levels. Not sure I understand everything 100 But they are not doing a ct until treatment is over. It is possible that the antibiotics she was on the week in the hospital could've caused her creatine level to drop. They will plan on doing another test before she is to receive her next chemo round, which will determine whether or not she'll receive it.
I am sure that she'll be excited to come home today, she doesn't like to stay. And finally supposed to be sunny and warmer here in the Ohio. Maybe they can burn some energy off. Hopefully olivia won't be as tired since she is not receiving the full dosage. A special thanks to all the wonderful people at Merry Moppet where Ireland (is) and Olivia (was) in daycare. A special thanks for including Olivia in all the holiday celebrations (Mrs.Peg for all the special things you have done and sent and especiall for lighting the candle in your walk, It meant so much to us). You all have been wonderful. She wants to attend so bad and misses it even though she was there for such a short time.
Sheryl Johnston

Monday, March 28, 2005 9:00 AM CST

HI THERE,
we got some good news over weekend. I haven't had the time to get on and do a journal. It was very very busy weekend. The Doc conferred with another and the one chemo is filtered through the liver so they are administering that today and the other one is being dropped to 30%. They are going to do another creatine test so we'll keep our fingers crossed.
The girls had a good weekend......They went to two easter egg hunts saturday and had one Sunday. Got to color eggs. They had a really good time. They got to go out to eat a couple times this weekend, which they really enjoy. Saturday was the only nice day outside we had all weekend. We also got a new puppy, a dauschaund. The girls were in love.
Well I will update when I know something.
thanks for all the support and please continue with the prayers.

Sheryl Johnston

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 12:32 AM CST

Hi to all,
well we didn't get so hot of news today. Olivia had to do what they call a creatine test (kidney function) and the results were not good. Her function level has dropped to 39%. If she reaches 30% that means dialosis (?). So she does not get chemo this week and maybe not anymore. They are going to schedule family meeting for next week. If her function goes back up they may finish with treatment, maybe not. We are unclear at this point. Emily asked the question what if relapse with her kidney function that low. Of course she was told that they would not be able to give anymore chemo at all unless her creatine level goes back up.
We are all very very scared at this point. Half sick. So we need your prayers and to pray that God will intervene with Satan and prevent relapse and help her kidney to get some function back and for the doctors to know what to do best. We are fearful that if she relapses then we hit a brick wall with no openings. I am trying to not cross that river, but after all we have read in journals with the relapses, the reality is there and we are nervous/scared. She has been such a brave little one and done so well, we pray that she will become a normal little kid again.
Keep all our precious little ones in your prayers and pray for the families who have lost their children and the ones who are facing that possibility.
Thanks

the Johnstons

Tuesday, March 22, 2005 11:56 AM CST

Sorry it has been a few days.

Olivia is feeling really well and is glad spring is coming so she can go outside. Her mood has much improved since getting to be out a bit. She has been a regular chatter box lately. About anything and everything. She still is being possesive and spiteful with her sister though. But sibling rivalry.... Plus all the extra stuff she deals with. She had a blood draw yesterday (don't have those results yet). But she is scheduled as far as we know for chemo tomorrow. Ireland had her receital for tap and tumble. It was really cute, but she was a tad bit intimidated by the people. I think it is good for her to do this at a young age. She has learned lots and tries to do some of it at home. She is just spouting new words and big ones at that off everyday.
Their Great grandma isn't now bed ridden and in and out, sometimes recognizing people and most time not. So other grandma has been busy with dealing with that. I know the girls miss her.
sheryl

Thursday, March 17, 2005 8:19 AM CST

HAPPY St. Patricks Day.

Everything is going just fine with Olivia. She seems to be feeling pretty good. Had some leg pain last night in the middle of the night but outside of that she is good. She cut her finger last night and you would've thought something really bad happened. She has been through sooooo much you would think it would be minor to her, but it wasn't. She made a big deal of it.
Ireland has a tap and tumble recital on Saturday, will be anxious to see how she does. She just seems to be getting bigger every day herself. I love all the special moments I have with them, even though some days they can be very difficult. It is suppose to be in the 50's today so hopefully the girls will get to enjoy the outside a bit this afternoon.
Their great grandma has unfortunately taken more steps backwards. Breathing irratic and sleeping much more. So sad for their family. I ask that you continue to say special prayers for Haley, the family is still searching for yet another type of treatment that will give her the miracle that she needs. The big C has no mercy that is for sure. Keep all the other children fighting this terrible disease in your prayers and the one's in remission stay that way NO RELAPSES.
Sheryl

Monday, March 14, 2005 10:48 AM CST

Olivia is home, she got home friday afternoon. Was happy to be out of the hospital, she cries for Ireland when she is there. But then her and her sister fought for quite a bit for the evening and the weekend. Ahhh sibling rivarly. She played hard saturday and was really whipped saturday night. Thank goodness the shots are done, she is very happy about that. She has a blood draw tomorrow. Nothing really outside of that. Ireland is doing good too. Was glad to see sissy home. The weekend just seemed to zoom by. We are anxiously waiting for warmer weather to get out and burn some energy off. Hopefully it is right around the corner.
Not much else. Will try and get around to the other web sites asap. It has been crazy busy for me. But I keep you all in my prayers every day.
Thanks for checking on us.

sheryl Johnston

Friday, March 11, 2005 6:17 AM CST

Sorry, I posted yesterday but it would never go through. We were having some problems with the interenet. Olivia is doing much better, feeling good. All tests came back good. WHEW!!!!! They think she had a virus. Her white cell is only 1 and her anc is 100. platelettes are on their way back up. That is the lowest she has ever had so far. She may get to come home today if her counts are better. She is very anxious to come back home.
Ireland is better still has a cough and the congested, but she is full of energy. She misses her sister and her sister misses her. While I was cleaning the house and lysoling everything down dear miss ireland took a sand jar that Olivia made and dumped it all over the floor.
Please say a prayer for their great grandma she is not doing well (she has leukemia and is terminal). Pray for peace for her and their family. I also ask you pray for a miracle for Haley www.caringbridge.org/ne/haleygirl and Matthew www.caringbridge.org/ca/matthew. We appreciate everyone's support. Thank you.
Love
The Johnstons

Wednesday, March 9, 2005 12:51 AM CST

Some good news, so far nothing has showed up on the cultures for Livi. Her chest, stomach, and back x-rays turned out fine. A little bit constipated was all that was shown. Urine test came back clear. She slept most day yesterday and ran a temp of 101, but finally has broke and she has felt much better today. She is up moving around, but is really missing Ireland. However, we can't take Ireland to see her b/c of her cough and runny nose. Her counts have dropped since yesterday and white cell is down to .9 and so they do not want to release her til they see some improvement in her counts which could be several days. I have a bit of sore throat today so I hope and pray that it is just my sinuses dried out. So I don't want to go around her til I know something either. All different variations of this stuff are going around. Hopefully if Livi is still in tomorrow Ireland will be much better.
Thanks for all prayers they are working, we appreciate all your support once again. We'll keep you posted.
Love
the Johnstons

Tuesday, March 8, 2005 8:22 AM CST

Well the weekend was so so. Olivia had major attitude problems all weekend. She didn't look really good either. The Neuprogen shots have been really horrible this time round. She has been up with leg pain and back pain and stomach pain saturday, sunday and last night. Saturday night the tylonel worked so so on the pain for a couple hours but then it didn't do any good the rest of the time. During the day she seemed to be fine but night time was a different story. Last night she started running a slight fever and by this a.m. it was 100.0 and she still wasn't feeling good, didn't look good and the pain meds none seemed to be working. Zofran, adivan nor tylenol with codeyne. So off to the hospital emily and Olivia, Grandma Brenda is meeting them down there. So we are waiting to see what they are going to do. She was due for blood work and bandage change today. We are all very very nervous and very scared. The pain she is complaining about is where the right kidney is. Please say a special prayer that it is nothing. She hasn't looked or felt this bad for a long time.
Ireland also developed a stuffy nose and chest congestion saturday night so she was awake off and on all night Saturday, Sunday and monday night too (although last night was better than before). You no more got one back to sleep and the other would cry.
Their daddy came from West Virginia to visit them yesterday for a bit and they enjoyed it (although Ireland fell sound asleep) from being up all night and cough medicine I am sure. They were very excited to him.
Will update you as soon as I get more information.

Sheryl Johnston

Friday, March 4, 2005 8:59 AM CST

Olivia came home last night from getting chemo. Was very active last night and was able to play with her cousins and her friend Hunter. She got cranky at bed time, but that usually is the case after she gets chemo. She has quite a temper and very very moody at times. She keeps pushing herself even though she is really tired, because she wants to be like the other kids. Olivia made papa something special at the hospital for his birthday and made him a card, she seemed very proud of it. No new information from the docs about when the ct's were planned for. She'll go to clinic on the 11th so we hopefully will find some information out then. We start her shots back today, ughhhhh. She won't like that.
I took Ireland yesterday afternoon to see Dora Dora in person at Drug Mart and had her picture taken. Of course she didn't want to stand by her by herself. She was intrigued and kept touching Dora's face. But she loved it. She wanted to keep going back and hug her goodbye. I think she really enjoyed it. She was in rare form herself this morning, wanting to dress herself and put her coat on backwards. She likes to do most things for herself. Little miss independence.
The weekend will probably be busy, cousin Matt and Macy will be staying with us this weekend and we can't forget Molly (their black lab) will be too. Olivia and Ireland just love that dog. Hopefully the weather will be warm enough for them to burn some energy up outside. Please continue to keep Olivia and all the other children and their families in your prayers. The mathies family needs special prayers www.caringbridge.org/ne/haleygirl she was having scans done and are suppose to find out the results.
thanks to all
Sheryl Johnston

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 9:28 AM CST

Good news!!! Olivia is getting chemo today and Emily was told that we have 3 more treatments left. YEAH!!!! But both Emily & I have mixed feelings. Happy but very Scared, we've been reading so many that have relapsed. It is scary.

That puts her being done around June, then once her counts rebound from the last treatment they will remove her lines. She should be getting another ct sometime soon I would think and that would put her getting another one about the time chemo is finished. Every 3 months for the 1st year.
Olivia was estatic. That means she can start school in the fall. I guess they didn't have the road map in front of them when they told Emily the end of August.

Today is Livi and Ireland's papa Gary's birthday and one year ago today Olivia had her biospy surgery. What a way for Papa to celebrate his day, but this year he has something special to celebrate. :) What a year! We hope the roller coaster ride is over for us and are sorry for the ones who are still riding it or starting to ride it. It is awful to watch all these children be sick and suffer.

Thanks to everyone who has checked in on us and prayed for us. Without all of your wonderful support I don't know what we would've done. You have all been awesome. A BIG THANK YOU. Keep in mind we still need your prayers and please continue to pray for all the other children fighting for their lives. Thank you for also signing her guestbook. We all love reading them.
Love the Johnstons.

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 9:28 AM CST

Good news!!! Olivia is getting chemo today and Emily was told that we have 3 more treatments left. YEAH!!!! But both Emily & I have mixed feelings. Happy but very Scared, we've been reading so many that have relapsed. It is scary.

That puts her being done around June, then once her counts rebound from the last treatment they will remove her lines. She should be getting another ct sometime soon I would think and that would put her getting another one about the time chemo is finished. Every 3 months for the 1st year.
Olivia was estatic. That means she can start school in the fall. I guess they didn't have the road map in front of them when they told Emily the end of August.

Today is Livi and Ireland's papa Gary's birthday and one year ago today Olivia had her biospy surgery. What a way for Papa to celebrate his day, but this year he has something special to celebrate. :) What a year! We hope the roller coaster ride is over for us and are sorry for the ones who are still riding it or starting to ride it. It is awful to watch all these children be sick and suffer.

Thanks to everyone who has checked in on us and prayed for us. Without all of your wonderful support I don't know what we would've done. You have all been awesome. A BIG THANK YOU. Keep in mind we still need your prayers and please continue to pray for all the other children fighting for their lives. Thank you for also signing her guestbook. We all love reading them.
Love the Johnstons.

Monday, February 28, 2005 9:48 AM CST

It has been a crazy week last week for me and this week isn't look so good either, so I apologize for not getting to be able to sign lot of guestbooks here of late.

Well it has been a year since we were told the awful news that Olivia had cancer. We couldn't believe that this was happening to us. How could this be we asked. Our sweet Olivia had the big "C". How could she conquer this. I have to say I didn't think she had the strength to endure it all. She always seemed frail. But wow what a trooper she has been. She has done awesome. But what a scary, crazy year for us. It just seems like yesterday in one way and another a eternity. She was admitted one year ago today and had the biopsy done on tuesday. We are so very blessed that Olivia is still with us today and ever so grateful. We are still scared for what is to come but pray everyday that she will beat this beast and finally be able to live a normal little kids life, and grow up to beautiful young lady.

The girls had a busy weekend. Olivia is still bruising quite a bit and does have a blood draw today. Hopefully she will be able to get chemo this week. Ireland is doing well and it so amazing all the words and things she comes up with. They are both growing by leaps and bounds. Olivia is getting so tall and Ireland is finally beginning to sprout . They just grow up way to fast. I'll try and update just as soon as I can.

The johnston

Thursday, February 24, 2005 6:37 AM CST

Well we are not real happy. Olivia didn't get chemo this week. Her platelettes were only at 65,000 and she has to be 75,000 before they will do chemo. So they drew blood yesterday and she dropped another 5,000, so no chemo this week at all.

The docs told Emily last time that they didn't want to postpone chemo because each time she goes further out from treatments, it does not go in Olivia's favor. Double edge sword so to speak. You want her to get chemo but you don't.
Other than her moodiness, Olivia is feeling well. Her cough has finally gone away for the most part. The augmention seems to be working. She really enjoyed going out to dinner the other night, that is all she has talked about during dinner since.

Ireland gave herself a hair cut Tuesday night with liv's scissors that don't cut butter (lol). Doesn't look too good needless to say.

sheryl

Tuesday, February 22, 2005 9:13 AM CST

Hi to all,
Thank you for checking on Olivia and all your prayers. She is doing really pretty well. She had a really good weekend. We got to take her out to dinner Sunday night (not too crowded and counts good), to O'Charleys and then shopping. She loved it. And went out about how good the food was. It is so good to hear her talk like that, She has been eatting really well (other than yesterday) since taking her off the tpns and lipids. Hopefully that will continue. She is scheduled to go in for Chemo tomorrow. We are at the 1/2 way through chemo at this point. Hopefully we will stay on track.
Olivia woke up in the middle of the night complaining of leg pain. That usually only happens after chemo, so not sure what is up with that. The to boot Ireland was up 1/2 the night too. Liv had her blood draw yesterday and bandage change. She was not happy about that. Her arm under all the bandage just looks raw. I think both the girls are getting cabin fever. I know I am anxious for spring myself. I am tired of the drab, cold rainy weather. I enjoy getting to watch to girls run around the yard and play on their swingset and get to ride in their little cars and tractor. They wanted to get those out last weekend because livi thought it was spring and they should be allowed to ride them.
Sorry to all the people that I haven't been able to stop and check on this last week or so. I've been buried, but I am thinking and praying for you all.
Sheryl Johnston

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 6:47 AM CST

Hi to all,
I hope everyone had a good valentine's day.

Livi has been feeling pretty good. We did some valentine's over the weekend for all the kids in Ireland's daycare. The girls enjoyed saturday afternoon outside for a short bit. It warmed up and was sunny so they got to go outside and play. They also enjoyed the visit from their Mamaw.

Olivia had a blood draw yesterday and we have some of the results back. Hemoglobin's are 11 and platelettes are 30,000. The shots have been much more difficult this time around. She has really gotten more upset about them here of late. It is really awful to give them when she is like this. She is just hating the shots now. They have changed the type of needle or something and they just don't seem sharp. Livi has a bunch bruises up and down her legs from just playing and from where the shots have been. We just hate it.

We have had a really hard time with Olivia's moods too. Miss attitude...... Last night I really hurt her feelings because I spanked my dog for stealing food out of Ireland's hand. Olivia had a major melt down because I scolded Maggie (dog) and hurt her feelings. She cried for about 20 minutes.. Made me feel terrible. Had another melt down when it was bed time and Ireland wanted rocked to sleep. She has been arguing too when you ask her to do anything, like pick up her mess. All you can do is hope you are doing the right things. Please continue all your prayers for all our brave little ones.

As always, Thanks for all your support
The Johnstons

Friday, February 11, 2005 11:13 AM CST

Sorry guys it has been a really busy week for me. Olivia has done really pretty good this week, she has played with her friend Hunter and her Great Uncle Tim and of course Ireland. Her counts were starting to drop on wednesday and has clinic today. She is getting blood and platelettes today. Emily and I felt like she would have to have something, she got a pretty decent size bruise from Papaw giving her neuprogen shot and she started looking pale.. She hates the shots so much, but is a trooper. Last night was the first night in a long long time that both kids slept all through the night. Of course we all slept in the same bed. :) We got to get our valentines cards ready this weekend, so we'll be busy with that and all the other stuff we have to do. I'll be anxious to hear what her anc is. I hope that Mamaw comes over sunday and gets to spend some time with the girls. She hasn't got to see them too much because of her mom being so ill. Her mom has become confused and things are happening that they described in the brochure from hospice. Please say additional prayers that she doesn't have to suffer.
Tonight my mom and I have a funeral home to go to for friends of the family for over 30 years. Their 45 son fell over in his garage and died within 15 minutes of arriving at a hospital. His 17 year son tried to give him cpr. We are sad for the whole family. I have been hearing such sad news for people hear of late.
Thank you all for signing the guestbook. Your notes are wonderful to read and mean so very much to us all. I don't know what we would do without all the wonderful, caring people who have offered us so much support. Thank you all. You are a gift from Heaven. I ask that you say a prayer for www.caringbridge.org/la/stanton. I just read his site this week and it is very sad. This little boy doesn't have much longer with his family.

Love the Johnston

Monday, February 7, 2005 2:07 PM CST

Olivia and ireland had a good weekend. Really not too much exciting on our end. However the girls Aunt Tracy took them to see their great grandma and she loved seeing the girls. I am so glad she got to see them both.
Tonight the shots start (I messed up last week thinking we started then of course I realized that after I had signed off). She has her blood draw tomorrow.
Please say a Prayer for the little girl I talked about last week Star, she passed away this morning in the arms of her parents. Another story I had followed was a boy named Garrettburnham who passed away this last week. and another family who is facing this in the not so distant future Stanton who is at St. Judes with neuroblastoma. There are just so many of these kids. They all need our payers. What a heart wrenching ordeal for these families. My heart just breaks reading their agony. Thanks for all of your support. I appreciate all the notes of well wishes and encouragement.

Sheryl Johnston

Friday, February 4, 2005 1:29 PM CST

Olivia did really pretty well. Got tired quick last night but not surprising. Her sinus test just showed sinunitus and she has to be put on Augmention for 20 days.
I am glad it friday, it has been a frustrating week for me (I know I know) I have no right to even complain after all what these poor little sweet ones go through. But sometimes you just can't help being frustrated. Believe I know what they are going through is much more difficult than our frustrations.
Please say a prayer for a little girl named star http://myshiningstar/ (she was given just a couple weeks) and her family's strength and also say a prayer for Matthew whos family just had to go and make his plans (he was given til christmas), and Haley who has gone to st. Judes for further treatment. You can go to the caringbridge site if you want to read their stories. Matthew is from canada and Haley is from Nebraska. Please remember those who are also still fighting this disease, newly diagnoised, relapse. They need our prayers.
Thanks
Sheryl

Thursday, February 3, 2005 1:28 PM CST

Whew what a week. Olivia had chemo yesterday and they did a chest x-ray yesterday to check on her cough and all the sinus. Good news nothing showed on the x-ray. We were worried. Phew..... the sinus test has not come back yet. They are not going to take her off the tpn's and lipids quite yet, at least not til her counts come back up after this round of chemo. Ughhhh the shots start again so she won't be a happy camper about that. She'll be back home tonight and she is always glad about that.
I took Ireland out on a 4 wheeler last night (spreading our horse poop). She usually loves it but she just wanted to go watch dora dora.
I ask that you please continue to keep their great-grandma in your prayers. I also ask that you keep all the children that are fighting for their lives in your Prayers. There are a # of children out there fighting for their 2nd time around that need your prayers, new ones diagnoised and the poor families who have lost their loved ones. They are tough little soilders who need as many prayers as they can get.
Thanks again for your continued support
Sheryl and Gary

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 7:11 AM CST

Hello to all,
We had a bit of interesting weekend and monday. Friday night Livi was hooked up to her tpn/lipids and starting about 1:00 a.m. the alarm kept going off. I would no more get up and it would stop. But it continued the rest of the night saying it had a down occulsion (from the pump to the access site). I could not find a thing. But finally when she was to be unhooked and I went to flush the other line both olivia and I got skirted in the face. She had a small pinhole hole where the plastic goes into the tubing. It was just worn out. Of course I called and we were orginally told to take her to er but they ended not wanting to do anything with the lines over the weekend, so we clamped the one line off at home and wrapped and taped it. Then sunday night the pump ran 4 hours before the alarm started going off. It was going off continuously and finally had to call the hemotoligist on call. I had to take her off, had trouble flushing the tube even. It was definately time for the pic lines to be changed. So Monday Emily and Olivia went off to childrens and I was to meet them down there and my truck broke down on the way so, I was unable to keep my promise to liv and felt terrible, but she was awesome, didn't have to be knocked out cried a bit, but was a great trooper. We are so proud of her. They gave her the old pic lines which she has wanted everyone to see. They were not what I thought they would look like. She was able to go see her great grandma (who is the one who is sick) yesterday afternoon for a short bit. I am really glad b/c I am sure she won't see her again. Time is running out for her great grandma. I feel awful for the whole family. She is wonderful and it is really sad for them to see. I again ask for you to say prayers for her and their family.
Livi is getting a blood draw today and is suppose to go and get chemo tomorrow and will receive it for four more days at home. We did get some other news that is good, while at Children's yesterday, one doc told Emily that they want to discuss maybe taking livi off tpns/lipids to see how her weight holds on her own. That would be great for Olivia.
Ireland is doing well, just as ornary as ever. Her personality is blooming every day.
Thanks again to you all for all your wonderful notes and for your thoughts and prayers. It is really wonderful to have the support that we have had and wouldn't be able to make it without you all.
The johnstons

Friday, January 28, 2005 1:18 PM CST

Oop it has been a few days. Sorry. I have been really really busy for me.

Olivia is doing very well. Her counts are up well hemoglobins are a littlle low, we are just suppose to keep an eye on her. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are coming back in and it is so weird after all this time seeing her with them again. Usually when she gets chemo within a week all the peach fuzz goes away, but this time it has stayed. Anyways she been very busy playing and we did get out and build a snowman one day when it was warmer.
Ireland is doing much better to. Back to her ornary self again which is good. She is just so funny.
Sheryl

Monday, January 24, 2005 1:29 PM CST

Good monday to everyone,
It has been a very cold weekend here in Ohio. We didn't get the snow forcasted (no surprise there). I couldn't take the kids out into the snow and take pictures as I wanted because of the cold and Ireland got the cold/flu. Running temp, runny, nose and cough. She was miserable and I spent most the entire weekend holding her (although that was nice since she doesn't like to snuggle as much). But I hate it she was sick. She stayed home from daycare today. Hoping by tomorrow she is much better. Our electric was out all night again last night 0 degrees plus wind chill so was a bit cold this a.m. burr. On the brightest side Olivia is doing very well. Hopefully we are on schedule for chemo next week.

I ask you all to plase say a prayer for Olivia and Ireland's great grandma as she is not doing well. She has leukemia and has decided no more treatment since before christmas and has been placed in a nursing home. She is deteriorating fast and it is sad to see for the family. Her platelettes have dropped to 17,000 and hemoglobins dropped too. Please ask for peace and serenity and no pain in her remaining days or weeks. She is a wonderful person.

Sheryl

Thursday, January 20, 2005 12:16 AM CST

Hi to all,
Olivia is still doing well. Due to have bandage change today and clinic tomorrow. She is really hating the neoprogen shots this time even with the emla cream. Will be anxious to get her counts tomorrow. We are suppose to get big snow storm this weekend, we'll see. The girls love it. Ireland is saying snow just like Livi did when she was that age. So cute. I will try extra hard this weekend to get new pics on the site. They are just growing so very fast.
The only complains Livi has been having this time is try to go to the bathroom. We have got her back on colace again, you just hate adding more meds but what do you do? She gets constipated and is miserable.
Ireland is doing well too. She comes up with something new everyday and has got the word "NO" down pat.
Thanks again for sign her guestbook and all your kind words. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and please remember to keep all th children fighting this disease in your thoughts and prayers as well. They all need prayers going in their favor so they can beat this. Some are finishing up with their last treatments and some are trying to figure out what next?

Love Sheryl

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 9:02 AM CST

I hope everyone had a good weekend. It was a 3 day weekend for me. I got lots done. It is really cold here in Ohio today. Olivia had a pretty good weekend (other than spending some time out in a chair). She has been yelling at adults and having some other issues with behavior, but health wise she hasn't been sick or complained of any pain to speak of. Which is awesome. She has also had quite a bit of energy. They drew blood this morning, so just waiting to hear what the results are. She has still been eatting pretty well and hasn't lost much weight so we are still hooking up every other night. She loves that. The girls dad and 1/2 sister came to visit this weekend. Got to see their Aunt Holly too. Ireland is doing well too. She is so funny. Lots of personality and very opinionated. But she is lots of fun. She seems to be doing great at Merry Moppets daycare. They are great with her and she learns lots of stuff everyday. It is really fun to watch her. As much as she loves Dora Dora she hates her new shoes I bought her. Claims they are too tight, but they aren't.

Thanks to everyone who signs her guestbook and says prayers for her. Keep those prayers a coming. They have been heard and please continue to also keep in your prayers all the other kids that are fighting this vicious battle.

Sheryl

Friday, January 14, 2005 1:17 PM CST

Hi ,
Hope everyone is well. I am glad the weekend is approaching. Livi got chemo wednesday. She got actomycin, vincristin and cytoxin. She has done pretty well. Other than the normal, moodiness and being demanding. She was sure glad to get home yesterday. She is very tired and gets very weary easily.
We are half way through treatment. They did do chest x-ray due to how much she had been coughing, but it was clear.

she had her bandaged changed today on her tubies and she did awesome, with no tears. She'll have a blood draw next tuesday and then clinic next friday. Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Please continue all your prayers. We appreciate them greatly.

sheryl and Gary johnston

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 11:55 AM CST

Olivia's counts are good so chemo today and tomorrow. It is raining again here today. Pretty soon we'll need to build an arc. But the weather is spring like and 60 degrees by friday the high of 20.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, we love to read the messages from you. It is nice to know that you are not alone and that people care. Please remember in your prayers all the little one frighting this dreadful beast.

Love Sheryl

Monday, January 10, 2005 1:07 PM CST

Hello,
Not much to report on my end. Olivia continues to play and seeming to do very well. Very concerned over this persistent cough and praying it is just sinuses. She had a blood draw today so hopefuly she'll be able to have to get her chemo on Wednesday.
Ireland's doc appt went well ear infection completely gone.
We had a beautiful day here in Ohio yesterday and took the girls outside for a bit, just to blow some stink off. They enjoyed and were tired last night.
Olivia is suppose to go watch her cousin Michael play basketball tonight. She is excited.
Thanks for everyone thoughts and prayers. You are awesome. Con't forget to pray for all those caringbridge friends that are going through this tough ordeal.
Sheryl

Friday, January 7, 2005 10:51 AM CST

Hello,
Not a lot to report. Olivia's counts again were not good enough for chemo this week. Platelets were only 34,000. They did a bandage change on her tubies this week and took stitches out and put a type of clamp on there to hold them into position. It is very difficult for me to describe. I hope it works much better, because she has lots of little marks where they had to restitch them into her arm. (of couse I realize that this is trivial compared to what we are up against). But you just hate every little thing that they have to endure that causes distress for them. She has been eating really good. We have had to add colace back into what we give her. They gave her a different type of tasting Nyastatin that she now hates worse than the mouth rinse Peridex. But she has been really active and full of energy. We are just hoping her counts are up good enough to receive chemo. That is weird that you want chemo and you don't want chemo. You get scared if they can't get it but hate poisioning them too. Hard to describe, of course those of you that do it know what I mean). We are just scared since that last ct of her not getting chemo.
We have had nothing but rain here in Ohio this last week that everyone is sick of. And of course our water has no where to go after all the snow and Ice over christmas. I would rather have snow at this point. Sister has a dr's appt today to recheck her ear after the infection.
Olivia and Ireland finally help me take down the tree and put decorations away (don't have the completely done) but am working on it. I haven't really even had time to check people's web site (sorry). I still think of you all dailey and pray that all is well.
My heart goes out to all those who are suffering after the tsunami, for the children and the parents who have lost or are still searching for their loved ones. What a devastation.
Sheryl

Monday, January 3, 2005 10:12 AM CST

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

I wish you all a healthy wonderful year. Lets hope that 2005 proves to be a much better year. Haven't had much to report to you which is good news. The snow and ice have all melted. Now we just have rain and 50 degrees. Olivia has been feeling well, but has developed even a bit more of a temper and attitude. she has taken to become really bossy. Any helpful hints if you have experienced this problem would be great. We are doing the best we can with it with trying to reason and time outs etc. So far that isn't helping much. She is so sweet and loving and when then when her temper flies.....whew....yee. New Years eve Olivia got a nose bleed again, but she was really upset with everything for some reason that day, so once she fell asleep it stopped and hasn't started since.
She is having blood drawn today to check counts. Since she missed her chemo last week due to being too low, we are thinking she'll go in this week. Ireland has to go back in to have her ears checked this week and make sure the infection is gone. She is feeling much better. Still haves a cough. Papa has it now and I am still dealing with it but feel much better. Thanks again to all of you for praying and check on Olivia and our families. They are so much appreciated.
Love
Sheryl

Wednesday, December 29, 2004 9:17 AM CST

Hello to all.
Sorry it has been a week since I posted. I hope everyone had a wonderful christmas and everything was peaceful. We had a very unique and interesting christmas. It was snowing pretty good here last wednesday for Ohio, so I left from work to try and finish some shopping. We got freezing rain about 5:00 p.m. and it continued into the night, Olivia awoke at around 2:00 a.m. with a bloody nose and I heard all this crackling outside, so I went to the window and saw our tree (which we have (Had) alot of), bending over with inches of ice and breaking all over. I went back to Olivia and told her we had to pray that her nose to stop bleeding b/c it was going to be very bad to try and get to the hospital, within 10 minutes her nose stopped and has never started back. I layed down with her and when I opened my eyes there was no electric (which meant no heat etc.) We had to move vehicles in order for them not to be hit. You could just sit and listen to all the breaking of the trees. It was a quite frightful night. Went out and bought a generater so we did have some electric. We finally got full electric back 12:00 midnight christmas eve. Since then we have electric and then we lose it. It has been quite something. But we did get to celebrate christmas with all family and they girls had a great christmas. Olivia even heard santa land on the roof. :)
Olivia counts were ok but not good enough to get chemo this week. Platelettes were only 34,000 and they won't transfuse at this #. Ireland has now gotten a ear infection and has been coughing terrible. She was put on antibiotics last night so hopefully we'll see her improving. Olivia has been coughing as well and we are hoping that is just sinuses. I am either getting a cold or have another sinus infection myself so not feeling all that red hot. But we are greatful for all the notes and apologize to all the people we did not get to the sites to visit and wish a merry christmas. I feel sad I didn't get to them all.
Sheryl

Wednesday, December 22, 2004 10:16 AM CST

The snow is here. We are to get 3-5 inches today and another 5 tomorrow. Olivia will want to go out and make snow angels. She is still experencing bloody noses since receiving her platelettes monday. Thought she was going to have to go into clinic again this morning, but they have finally stopped. She has another blood draw tomorrow morning. Ireland brought home some reindeer food from day care and an adorable christmas ornament too. We wrapped presents again last night. They just love to help me do it. Livi seems to be getting really excited for christmas and I could use a few more days to shop. Never been this late before. My christmas gift is that Olivia is here to celebrate with us. What more could anyone ask? We still live on pins and needles and continue praying for the day that we beat this thing. Any slight difference is scary. But for now she looks pretty good and is full of energy and eatting well. Maybe we'll be able to back of the tpn's and lipids more.
Please keep in your prayers all the wonderful people who lost their child to this monster. The holidays have to be awful w/o their little ones. And keep in your prayers those that continue to battle for their lives. They are such strong, brave little soldiers. May you all have a blessed christmas.
Love
the Johnstons and the good's

Tuesday, December 21, 2004 12:11 AM CST

Hi you all,
Olivia had to have platelettes yesterday, down to 12,000. Was good last night, but has had some bloody noses today. They say we are suppose to get a snow storm. Will believe that when I see it. We wrapped some presents last night. Livi made one for santa. I am still not done shopping completely or wrapped. Will work on that some this evening.
Too all of the caringbridge families, I am trying to get on everyone's site and wish them a merry christmas, but seem to be running out of time. So if you don't have anything in your guestbook, we want to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers and pray that everyone and safe and well over this holiday.
As always your thoughts and prayers are so very much appreciated.
We love you all.
Love
Olivia, Ireland, Sheryl and Gary and Family

Monday, December 20, 2004 8:21 AM CST

5 days til christmas. YIKES. I am not ready. Olivia did have to get platelettes friday, down to 15,000 and her anc was 600. The docs so far are very pleased with the way Olivia looks and is getting along. YEA we get to try hooking her up every other night to the tpn's and lipids. Boy was she happy about that. She had a good weekend, but this a.m. at around 4:45 she woke up with a bloody nose. I would get it to quit and then she would cough or something and start it back up again, get it stopped for a while then start right back up. Called inhome care since, she was due for a blood draw today and dressing change, but instead we got to go to children's. We think she'll be getting platelettes and or blood, she bled a little bit when we gave her her neprogen shot last night and Looking a bit pale today. Wow what a morning.
We will try and post some new pics after christmas. I just don't think I can get it done before. It is really bitter cold here in Ohio yesterday and today. Hoping for a little warm up.
Thank you as always for signing the guestbook, all your prayers, all your thoughts and well wishes. Please continue to pray and pray for all of those battling this disease.
Love Sheryl

Friday, December 17, 2004 7:56 AM CST

TGIF.
Olivia had to have two units of blood on Wednesday. Her hemoglobins were 7.2. We took Liv and Ireland to see santa yesterday morning. They had everything decorated beautiful and we walked right in and right back out no lines, no kids it was great. Olivia sat on santa's lap but Ireland wanted no part of that at all, but they just were so cute. They had a good day and really enjoyed it. Their dad came from West Virginia to visit in the afternoon and I got to shop a bit. Still not done but working at it. Today Liv goes to clinic and has a blood draw. Wouldn't surprise me if she has to Platelettes. They also might be cutting her back to every other night for tpn/lipids. She has been eatting pretty good. Maybe we'll find something out today.
I'll try and get new pics posted soon. feel free to sign the guestbook.

Thanks
sheryl

Monday, December 13, 2004 12:40 AM CST

I don't get much chance to write on the weekends. Sorry. This weekend was a bit rough. Livi has been very moody and tearful. Livi was given adavan while receiving chemo Saturday and what an interesting rest of the evening. She was loopy to say the least. Grabbing at the air and was very confused and had trouble walking, didn't make any sense, upset. The nurse felt like it was the ativan that caused that reaction. She did pretty good yesterday getting chemo other than her moodiness and very demanding. She was up several times during the night last night, once with a bad dream and then to go potty and then just kindof restless.
I am just not in the christmas spirit and really want to be but just can't seem to get there. I want this to be a special christmas for the girls so I need to get my act together. But haven't managed to do so. Trying to get things arranged so Liv can see Santa. She has labs drawn tomorrow.
Please keep in your prayers all the children who are battling this bad bad disease.

Love Sheryl

Thursday, December 9, 2004 8:11 AM CST

Sorry I wasn't able to write an entry of the results on the ct yesterday because we were told they didn't read them and they would read them this a.m. and get in touch. Which did not make us happy. The anticipation for the scans is bad enough but then to be able to read them and not read them and give results and make us wait longer...... grrrr.
I am not sure about our news. We don't know whether to be happy or worried at this point.......Emily (liv's mom) ran into the doc in cafe this a.m. and asked he said the scans look pretty good but there is a small spot (pin point) on her lung that wasn't there before, he says he doesn't think that it is disease, but wants to keep a eye on it. What could it be? He stated scar tissue. Why wouldn't that show up on last scan. What would cause scar tissue @ this point? I feel sick just because we don't know and scared. I don't like this one bit. Hopefully he will come back to the room so there can be further discussion about the next scan and all the questions we all have.

Please continue your prayers for Olivia, but also Keep the Mathis family in your prayers. They did not receive good news at all and need to have all the prayers and hopefully some miracle that the chemo starts working or the docs are wrong. Her site is www.caringbridge.org/ne/haileygirl. Please feel free to sign our guestbook.
thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.
Love Sheryl

Monday, December 6, 2004 7:57 AM CST

More sad news. Two more children have lost their battle with Wilms over the weekend. Laura from Canada and Lauren and I am not sure where she was. Neither of these students have website, but please pray for their families at this very difficult time. I just don't understand, the dr's say this is such a curable disease, but yet we have lost so many in the last couple months to this monster. Also please say a prayer for Haley she has relapsed and she is in need of all of our prayers.

We got good news Friday. Olivia's counts were really up and dr's said they were very pleased with Olivia's progress. Now we just are praying for clear scans on Wednesday. I am sooo nervous about the ct. Olivia got to go and see her sister in her Christmas program Saturday at Merry Moppets ( A HUGE thank to everyone there, you are all AWESOME), I can't say enough kind words for all the staff and wonderful families there. Ireland's program was really really cute and we all had fun and enjoyed watching all the little ones.

We put up the Christmas tree yesterday and they were very very excited. Ireland scrunched some of the bulbs, but they had fun and wore themselves out.
Please also say a prayer for their great grandma, she is in the hospital with Pnemonia.
Please again continue with all your prayers.
With Love Sheryl

Thursday, December 2, 2004 7:02 AM CST

My heart is heavy this a.m. as another child has lost his battle with this awful disease. Please pray for Diane Brestel and her family for their loss. His web site is www.caringbridge.org/ne/josh if you wish to visit his site and leave a note.

Olivia is doing well. Her counts were really good platelettes are 79,000 and her hemoglobins 10.3 her white cell was high so no more neuprogen shots. YEAH at least for another week half. She goes to clinic tomorrow 12/3 and will see the doctor. She spent her day yesterday with her mamaw and had a great time. Papaw took Pics of her and sister next to the christmas tree. Hopefully they will be really good and I can place one on the computer. She actually asked to get in the shower last night. For those of you who know her well she has refused to take a bath/shower since she has had her pic lines placed in her arm. We have only done sponge baths since then. It didn't last but I was so proud of her for trying. She is getting geared up for the holiday season.
sheryl

Monday, November 29, 2004 6:10 AM CST

Good monday to all,
Hope everyone's thanksgiving was good. We had a very nice thanksgiving. Livi's counts were good Friday yeah.... Another draw today. She has been going to bed We got our christmas decorations out but didn't start putting them up yet. Ireland took a little spill saturday and cut her forehead open. Thank goodness NO STITCHES.
Livi is getting really excited to put up decorations and to go see lights.
Sheryl

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 10:09 AM CST

Olivia had to get blood yesterday hemoglobins were 7.1. Platelettes were 64,000. ANC good. We have to have her counts checked again Friday. Everytime she comes back she plays doctor with Ireland and she pretends to do everything the docs do to her. Ireland is now picking up on all what we do so she does alot of repeating too. She is also awesome at trying to console Livi when she is sick or having a bad time. She is a great little sister. This morning though livi woke up with a bloody nose that wouldn't stop for about 45 minutes. I am glad Ireland isn't always awake to see what sister has to go through.
Thank you all again for all the notes in our guestbook, we really enjoy reading them and as always thanks for stopping by and checking on Olivia. It means alot to us.
We want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and would like to ask you all to say extra prayers this thanksgiving for all the children that are so courageous and fighting for their lives. We are blessed that they are here with us and pray they stay that way. They are really tough little soilders for sure.
Keep on fighting.
Love The Johnston Family

Monday, November 22, 2004 7:48 AM CST

Hi to all,
Livi is doing ok. Not a bad reaction, but she has been very moody and very tearful. Saturday she cried that she was just not happy, but then again after what these poor children have to go through who would be. It is so frustrating to watch and be able to nothing about it. Last night she whimpered on and off all night. Complained of a belly ache and back pain where her kidney was removed. That is really scaring me, but I pray that it is nothing.
Her scan has been set for December 3rd and will have a renal scan done too. And today she has a blood draw.
We love you olivia, stay strong baby girl.
Please keep in your prayers all the kids who are fighting this ugly beast and their families the strength to deal with all they have to during this difficult time. It is an emotional rollercoaster that doesn't seem to have brakes.
love to all
sheryl and Gary

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 10:01 AM CST

Chemo day today, yuck, doxirubin added to the mix this time. Hasn't had doxo since August. We hope she doesn't have a bad reaction to it like before but it has been cut way back so we are counting it all going well. She'll be in til tomorrow night.

We all didn't have such a good evening last night at home and Olivia was quiet upset. Tracy (Olivia's aunt) who lives next door to us had two dogs and one was a lab pup, 7 months, who always came to play with our dog maggie (basset hound) and visit so she felt like ours too. They were really great buddies. To make a long story short Mandy (the puppy) and maggie were outside playing, we live in the country (we have a little over 5 acres) but they disappeared and the puppy was killed out in the road. We are all just sick about it. I am pretty sure that our dog who was the one who went with her across the street to the wooded lot , that also has a pond over there and probably lots of critters. They frequented (?) alot even though we tried to keep them home. But the time changed here and it is pitch black early now and they drive like maniacs out there. I feel terrible about the whole mess. I know some people don't understand but I feel that animals are so healing and loving and reverse the letters in dog, "God". Animals are a big part of our life so it affects us very much, And Olivia loves all the cats, dogs and horses. She really misses being able to go to the barn and visit w/the horses.
Thank you all for caring. Please continue to keep all the other wilms family in your prayers.
Sheryl

Tuesday, November 16, 2004 12:52 AM CST

We had a really great weekend. Livi felt pretty good overall and was more energetic. We celebrated their cousin Matt's Birthday sunday eveing with family for cake and then we went roller skating Monday evening with his friends and family as well. What a blast everyone had. Olivia skated with her mamaw and myself holding our hands... (of course Brenda nor myself had skated in years so we were nervous). And Ireland loved it, papaw skated with her most of the time in his arms or between he and I. The faster you went with her the better she liked it. But they loved it. (I am alittle sore) But not too bad. Olivia cried when we left because she just didn't want to quit having fun. We are so glad that livi's counts were good enough to be able to go and she felt so good.

Tomorrow it is time for chemo. Then after this treatment they will set an appt for a scan.
Thanks to all the people who check the web site, I know some don't write in the journal but they do check on her status. We do appreciate, but also appreciate all the messages that those of you write to us. We love reading them.

Sheryl

Thursday, November 11, 2004 1:05 PM CST

Hi to All,
My apologies for not updating sooner. Olivia's echo came back fine and so did her ekg. The dr so far seems pleased with Olivia's progress (so continue to pray that this continues to be good news). We go for a scan sometime this month. Talk about scary and feeling sick to your stomach. Just the talk of one makes my stomach turn. But I know it has to be done. Olivia will be getting doxirubin next chemo, but chemo for this week has been put off another week due to low counts. They just aren't bouncing back. She had to get blood and platelettes last friday and had a reaction to the platelettes. All was good over the weekend other the arguing between her and her sister.
She started throwing up tuesday evening, but had no fever and was fine afterwards. She was still sick a couple times yesterday, but last night everything was fine. She has another blood draw tomorrow. Can't believe that Thanksgiving is in two weeks. Doesn't seem possible where does the time go.

To all the continue to pray for Olivia and our family. Thank you all for all your prayers. Please remember the other families fighting this awful disease and keep them in your prayers as well.
Love Sheryl and family

Thursday, November 4, 2004 8:05 AM CST

Yep she had to have platelettes, down to 9,000. Not happy they put her in a room in the e.r. that the door didn't close all the way and all these sick kids with flu's, cold's etc. were hacking all over the place. Hope she doesn't catch any of that. We were told that they would be ready when she got there and had to wait two hours for them to give them.
She looks tired but wants to play until she absolutely wears herself out. We are done with the shots for now. Last night was last one (unless they send more out today with the med delivery). She is always glad for that. She has lots of bruises all over. But everything else is steady. Keep your fingers crossed it just stays this way.

Sheryl

Tuesday, November 2, 2004 11:26 AM CST

Olivia had to have blood and platelettes friday and had a reaction. Her dr's have decided that they want her receiving some doxirubin. She won't receive the 48 hour drip but she will receive what they call a push. That just means for an hour. She goes in for an echo cardiogram this friday morning.
Olivia has been doing pretty good, but seems to be bruising alot this week. She has a blood draw today so we'll find out if she needs more blood and or platelettes. Her anc was pretty low so we pretty much were unable to go anywhere with her.
She should be receiving a scat scan sometime this month. Of course when it comes time for that we'll all be scared.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Sheryl

Tuesday, November 2, 2004 11:26 AM CST

Olivia had to have blood and platelettes friday and had a reaction. Her dr's have decided that they want her receiving some doxirubin. She won't receive the 48 hour drip but she will receive what they call a push. That just means for an hour. She goes in for an echo cardiogram this friday morning.
Olivia has been doing pretty good, but seems to be bruising alot this week. She has a blood draw today so we'll find out if she needs more blood and or platelettes. Her anc was pretty low so we pretty much were unable to go anywhere with her.
She should be receiving a scat scan sometime this month. Of course when it comes time for that we'll all be scared.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

Sheryl

Thursday, October 28, 2004 10:50 AM CDT

Sorry it has been awhile. Olivia's fluroscopy showed nothing wrong, so they are going to put her on Amoxicillion so hopefully she won't get anymore UTI's. The doc's say that it might be chemo related that could be the cause or the fact she is 4 and isn't great at her hygiene. We went to the pumpkin patch Monday and carved them that night, we also picked apples. She had a really good time and so did sister (although she helped carve hers naked, just couldn't keep her clothes on (lol) Tuesday night Livi woke up around 2:00 a.m. with a little bit of a bloody nose and then at 3:00 a.m. with it just pouring. Finally got it stopped and it started back up at 5 ish.... all over. That is a bit scary for me and alot scary for her. We called Children's and they told us to bring her in and believe it or not her counts were ok. ANC is 4850 and platelettes were 34,000. So we were surprised. last time she had to have platelettes when the bloody nose happened. They think maybe dryness caused it. Other than that she has done pretty good. Has been playing and having a good time. She goes back in tomorrow for another blood draw to check counts. We are back however to being a very unhappy camper with the shots. Hopefully I'll have some more information tomorrow.
thanks for all the guestbook entries. They are much appreciated and I appreciate all the input you all have to offer. Everyone is so awesome. thanks
Sheryl

Tuesday, October 19, 2004 9:17 AM CDT

Unfortunately Olivia did not have her test last friday. Her mom was sick and so they have rescheduled for thursday, at this point she is suppose to be admitted tomorrow for chemo for 24 hours and re-hydration then the test then home and the rest of the chemo will be done at home.
Her credantine test showed no change the the regiment stays the same. Can't remember if I wrote that or not. She has been feeling pretty good (still gets tired easily) but isn't eatting much at all.
I finally got a chance to talk to the head onocologist in her case yesterday. The fluoscopy test and to make sure that 1. Urine isn't going back up and 2. to make sure that the bladder is empting completely and functioning properly. Because of all the manipulations that were done with the bladder during the kidney removal etc. This could be part of the cause for all the UTI's. Hopefully I'll have more information after the chemo and after the test. So we just hope that all goes well with this round.

Please remember to continue to pray for all the Wilms kids and their families who are fighting this dreadful disease.

Thanks to everyone for all their support.
Sheryl

Thursday, October 14, 2004 12:48 AM CDT

Hi,
Olivia is doing fine..... but I would like to ask you all to say a special prayer for a little girl named Ellieanna from Texas that is in serious condition caringbridge.org/mt/ellieanna.

http://www.acor.org/ped-onc/hp/wilmspages.html

You can view other children with wilms tumor at the above site.
Warning some are very sad and others are happy.
Keep olivia in your prayers tomorrow that everything goes well with her test.


Thanks

Sheryl

Thursday, October 14, 2004 12:48 AM CDT

Hi,
Olivia is doing fine..... but I would like to ask you all to say a special prayer for a little girl named Ellieanna from Texas that is in serious condition caringbridge.org/mt/ellieanna.

http://www.acor.org/ped-onc/hp/wilmspages.html

You can view other children with wilms tumor at the above site.
Warning some are very sad and others are happy.
Keep olivia in your prayers tomorrow that everything goes well with her test.


Thanks

Sheryl

Wednesday, October 13, 2004 1:50 PM CDT

Olivia had to have her pickline (tubies) stitched back into her arm it was pulling out. She didn't like that to much but went better than we anticipated. The weather is getting cooler so the girls aren't wanting to stay outside as much and of course Ireland only wants dora dora. End of story on that. There sometimes seems to be a power struggle going on partly the age and the other part is olivia wants her way. (who can blame her, she certainly doesn't get much her way). But she is very demanding and it sometimes is difficult to reason with her and tell her to be patient.
We await friday for the floroscopy test to see what that shows.

I feel so bad for her when she tells me she just doesn't want to be sick anymore. It tears you up because you don't want them to be sick either

Keep on prayer for our little troopers. They all need prayers.

Sheryl and Gary Johnston

Friday, October 8, 2004 9:10 AM CDT

TGIF. I AM glad this week is over, it has been a tough week. The funeral was really sad yesterday.

Livi's counts were pretty good yesterday, the nurse was out and changed her bandage. All the stitches have been pulled out that was holding her tubbies in place. We have to be very careful now. Not sure whether they will have to restitch it or what will happen with that. . We have to do a creatine test sunday through monday. We have to collect urine samples. Then next friday she'll go to children's to fluroscopy for testing. Hopefully all will go well. She is done with shots for now and she is glad of that. Her papa's been doing them here of late and that has worked out pretty good. This time of year is beautiful here in Ohio. The next few weeks will be busy trying to get things done outside before winter arrives.
Also I have gotten several pics added to the photo page. Check them out if you want.

Sheryl

Tuesday, October 5, 2004 12:44 AM CDT

HI,
Well Olivia's so far have stayed up (KNOCK ON WOOD). Platelettes were 65,000 and anc 7,000. However she has been exceptionally tired and very irritable, tearful and bossy. She has been up and down all night long for about the last week. She is also very tired of getting shots. Complained lots about joint pain and tummy aches this weekend. She is scheduled for a test on october 15th in the Fluoscopy dept. We had bad news this weekend too and maybe that is rubbing off too. Our family received bad news over the weekend. Her uncle's son from a previous marriage was found Saturday afternoon passed away. He was only 20 years old and the causes at this point are unknown. But her Aunt tracy hasn't been around much and I think that is upsetting to her sometimes.

Ireland has gotten hooked on DORA DORA. Nothing else will satisfy her other than watching the movies over and over. But she seems to be doing well. She is very curious about all the stuff Olivia has to do and the medicine's she receives. She is very caring when Olivia is hurting or crying. It is so touching.

Sheryl

Friday, October 1, 2004 9:12 AM CDT

Well chemo went pretty well. Olivia did get sick that night. She got Actiomycin, Cytoxin and vincristine. She was hydrated yesterday and got to come home. She got tired pretty quick and was not happy to be getting her shots again. This was second time giving her a shot myself and I don't like it. She screams and cries and it scares you that you are really hurting her. I think papaw is going to take a stab at it (no pun intended). She definately just doesn't want the nurses to come to the house to do it. She had a good night sleeping last night too. Most nights she wakes up at some point at least once. Olivia has been having tantrums though when you ask her to do anything. Some of said it could be caused from the steriods. Called steroid rages?????
I hope that is what it is and that they stop soon. Sometimes it makes her very difficult. She becomes very demanding.

Ireland is getting her pictures take today. Hope that those come out well. But Olivia was very disappointed that she couldn't go and have her's take too.
Keep the prayers going for all the children with Cancer. It is heart wrenching and very difficult for the families.

Thanks for all your kindness.
Sheryl and family

Monday, September 27, 2004 7:09 AM CDT

Hi to all,
sorry it has been awhile since I have written. Just seems things are just so busy these days. Olivia wasn't able to get her chemo last week, her platelettes were not high enough. They were 57,000 and they want her to be at 75,000. She is to get blood drawn tomorrow to see where she is at and if things are better then she'll get chemo this week.
her spirts have been good, but she has had BAD mood swings and temper tantrums. She has really been enjoying playing outside with her sister (Ireland), friend (Hunter) and cousins (Macy and Matt). We have had some really beautiful weather this last week and she has been riding around in her Barbie car that she got for her birthday (hopefully I'll get some pictures of it on the site soon) and she has been Karaoke. Her favorite song is by Kenny Chesney "When the Sun Goes Down". Aunt Tracy got her on to him and let me tell you Liv sings her heart out. It is really cute.
Thank to everyone who made Olivia's birthday special. The outpour of kindness and caring and prayers has been so outstanding and unbelievable. We can't thank everyone enough.

The johnstons

Monday, September 20, 2004 10:25 AM CDT

Hi to all.
Olivia had a great weekend. We had beautiful weather for the girls to go outside and enjoy. She has felt really well and had lots of Energy. It is great to see. She is still eatting pretty good and seems to be gaining weight. Her Mimi, Papa and daddy came from West Virginia to celebrate her 4th birthday. Aunts and Uncles and her cousins came see her that she hasn't gotten to see for awhile. She was a bit overwhelmed at first but got into the swing of things fast. Really enjoyed being with her cousins and playing in the yard.
She was exhausted last night from all the activity. We aren't looking forward to treatment wednesday, but we just all pray that she doesn't get real sick and that it isn't hard on her. She did have to get platelettes last Friday. But finally got done with her shots. Boy was she glad for that. Even though she has the elma creams she still screams and as she says "it just feels funny". You ask if it hurts she says no. But you hate it when she cries and screams.

Please continue to pray for all the children out there with cancer. This is the cancer awareness month. No one deserves this awful, dreadful disease, least of all these little children. Thanks to all for their support and prayers and understanding.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004 9:57 AM CDT

Olivia had a good weekend. It was just beautiful here in Ohio not too hot and not too cold. She spent time with mommy and sister and Mamaw and Papa Roger and Ireland.

They did her counts on Monday and she needed to have platelettes. Unfortunately she needed 80 and they only had 60 to give, so we are waiting to find out what is next. She has to have 3 additional CGFS shots this time around, but she wasn't too upset by that. She slept pretty much the entire evening last night after receiving her platelettes, but was perky and wide awake at 5:30 a.m. this morning. She wanted to watch cartoons and chat. You take that any time you can just to see them so happy even if it is at that hour of the morning. She has to have another draw later in the week.
We are thrilled she has been able to go out and play and enjoy the weather, and everyone around her. It is great to see her laughing and playing.

Thanks to everyone that has been praying for her and our family. You have no idea how much everyone's support has meant to our family. It would be so difficult without you all. Thanks

Sheryl Johnston and family

Friday, September 10, 2004 7:27 AM CDT

Olivia has been doing really pretty good other than being really tired at times. She had her counts done yesterday and she had to have blood and platelettes. I think her ANC was around 1250, I glanced at them really quick last night around 10:30 p.m. So a little unclear on the exact #. She has been really eatting pretty good and has been playing hard. The last couple days she has thrown up a couple times, but other than that she has done really well. They will be coming to the house to do counts on Monday and hopefully we won't need anymore blood or platelettes.

She is getting excited about her 4th birthday and wants to be home to celebrate. Her birthday is the 21st and she goes back in for chemo (24 hours stay) on the 22nd.

Thanks to all for there concern and prayers. We all appreciate it so much.

Sheryl J

Wednesday, September 8, 2004 2:18 PM CDT

Hello to all,
Well Olivia had a pretty good weekend. Last chemo treatment for this round was Sunday. Monday started her shots to boost her white cell count. She goes to clinic Tomorrow for counts.
Livi has been feeling pretty good. She has gotten sick 2 times but she even has some appetite now which is great. She is sometimes tired and is complaining of aching legs and stuff. But other than that really good.

Sheryl

Thursday, September 2, 2004 9:24 AM CDT

Olivia went to the hospital for her 6 day round of chemo yesterday. But they have changed the plans as her renal scan shows function being down in the kidney. Last time they did a scan it showed she was pushing 62 cc's through (?) but now it is only showing in the 40's. So they have decided to cut out the Ifosfimide this time around. She got VP-16 yesterday and today and is coming back home and the in home care nurses will be administering the rest of it at home. She will go back in 3 weeks to get her next round, but at this time they have not determined exactly what they are going to do. She will also have another renal scan done in a few weeks.
NOW for the GREAT news is that when they did her ct of her lungs they came back clear. YEAH. That means it was fungus on the lungs and it is gone. So off of the ambelset.
I hope in the next few weeks she'll get to enjoy some of what is left of summer and early fall.

Monday, August 30, 2004 9:36 AM CDT

HI TO all.

We all had a busy busy weekend. Olivia really has enjoyed being at home. We were able to take her to her favorite restaurant, a family re-union, grocery shopping (even though the rest of us do not like this chore) she loves it :), went and celebrated her cousin's Macy's 9th b-day dinner last evening. She played hard over the weekend and enjoyed riding her sister's tractor and playing with her. She is already talking about being home for her b-day in the middle of September, so keep your fingers crossed she is well and home. She is a little unstable on her feet but all in all she is doing really well.

Keep all the other little people out there with Wilms and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

The Johnstons

Friday, August 27, 2004 8:06 AM CDT

GOOD NEWS: Olivia got to come home yesterday YEAH!!!!!

She was so excited :).. Counts are good right now and she and sister played and played. Had a hard time getting her back inside last night. Ended up falling asleep in papa's arms outside I might add. They did run a renal scan yesterday and we don't know the results yet. They were suppose to do a CT of her chest, abdomen but they post phoned it til next wednesday when she'll be re-admitted for chemo. They are reducing this next round to 50% we are unsure of what the plan is for the following round of chemo other than they are cutting out the doxirubin. It is so good to see her smile and laugh and wanting to talk and play. She is up to 36 pounds now and eatting a little bit. We hate the thought of her having to back next week for the chemo.

Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes..
The johnston family

Monday, August 23, 2004 12:31 AM CDT

Well Olivia is still in the hospital and the fevers have stayed away. Her counts have been good but her level's on her pancreas are now high so they are suppose to do ultra sound today to see if it is ok. If it isn't they will probably have to cut back on the lipids. Still really no word of when she gets to come home. Her dr was on vacation last week and is back today so maybe we'll find some new information out sometime today.

Thanks to everyone who is signing the guestbook and sending well wishes her way. I told her all about the web site and told her we would be reading them when she comes home.

Sheryl

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 2:24 PM CDT

Olivia is doing ok. They have done testing that reveals sludge (which is caused by the tpn's and lipids) in the gallbladder and they will be treating it with anti-biotics for now. Hopefully this will take care of it and they will not have to do surgery to remove it. They are also intending on doing another echo cardiograham and also renal scan when Olivia starts feeling better. She is still running temps and they have postphoned any chemo that they might do. They want her to rebound a bit and maybe come home for a short time to recover once the fevers are under control.
It has been a hectic several days for me to be able to get on and update so I apologize.
Sheryl

Sunday, August 15, 2004 8:41 AM CDT

Olivia seems to be feeling better. Although she continues to have pain in her tummy. They may be doing a CT today or ultra sound. Concerns, appendix, but hopefully it is just from the lipids and tpns causing this. Got that information third hand so not sure I understand it all. She is still running a fever off and on. We did get to take Ireland to see her and I think it was good for both. For those of you who don't know Ireland is two years old and her sister. She hadn't gotten to see Olivia for almost two weeks and gets confused by all this. Olivia loves her baby sister, but when she gets tired she is annoyed by her. So our visit wasn't very long but I am glad that they at least got to see each other.
Olivia's chemo was scheduled for next wednesday and we have heard nothing on what the plan is at this point.
Please continue to keep all the wilms kids in your prayers and again thank you all for keeping Olivia there.
Sheryl and Gary

Friday, August 13, 2004 12:05 AM CDT

Olivia didn't have such a great night last night. Fever spiked again and she had several nose bleeds. They gave her platlets this a.m. so hopefully that will help to get the nose bleeds to stop soon. She isn't feeling well needless to say. We were hoping to take sister (Ireland) to see her today, but we want Olivia feeling better so they can enjoy the visit. And Olivia was so tired from being up most the night. I think that would be good for both to see each other so hopefully we can visit over the weekend.
Too all that have read my first journal entry the later half seems to be missing, if anyone knows if you can go back and edit a journal please let me know. If I can't I will type another journal finishing so it makes better sense.
As always keep Olivia and all the other children out there with wilms tumors in your prayers. They all need them.

Sheryl and Gary

Wednesday, August 11, 2004 8:33 PM CDT

Hi everyone,
The good news is Olivia is doing better today. She was moved from ICU this afternoon and is back on the onocology floor. She was much brighter today. Blood pressure is much better and she is off oxygen. Had some bloody noses from low platlets as of this a.m. Slept pretty good last night. The swelling is down and she was very alert. So hopefully she is on her way back up. She is even talking a bit. Great to see. :)
Thanks to everyone who is praying for her and our family. Your thoughts and prayers are so much appreciated by us all. Please feel free to continue sending Olivia well wishes and prayers on our guestbook. She will enjoy getting to hear them. We are continuing to try to get our pictures of her up on our pages. We our having some difficulties.
Sheryl and Gary Johnston

Tuesday, August 10, 2004 11:46 AM CDT

Hi,
Things are not so good on our homefront. We had a meeting with the doctor yesterday and they are not sure Olivia is going to be able to tolerate the chemotherapy. Some of the information they gave me is a little blurry as I zoned out I guess not wanting to hear the information that we were getting. After only getting two rounds of the big chemo and she is this sick is not good. They are going to re-evaluate after they get her (hopefully) better and run a renal test on her remaining Kidney to make sure that it is functioning properly. She has been coughing up blood clots. Counts are low but they thought they should be headed upwards and when they do she should start turning around. They told us she was septic? Her little body is swollen all over with fluids. Poor baby's eyes are so swollen she can barely open them. They will continue to keep her in ICU til they can get her more stabalized. Her blood pressure is still an issue. They also feel that something else is going on in her blood (infection) but all the antibiotics are masking the cultures. They did a echo last night and we were told that there is some signs of heart damage. Another problem. I just hate this evil disease. It is just so hard to watch her so sick and know there are some tough decisions ahead. Our hearts are sickened with fear of each test they do. Please continue to pray for Olivia and maybe a little extra that she get a break somehow.
Thanks
Sheryl Johnston

Monday, August 9, 2004 8:28 AM CDT

Thank you to all who have been signing the journal. It is great to have so much support and kindness.

It has been a rough couple days for Olivia. She is now in intensive care. She spiked a fever Thursday night of 105.3 and her heart rate was 215. She has had trouble with her blood pressure and was put on meds for that to try and help control it. They thought maybe she was having trouble with her bowel being perforated, but so far that has not been the case. She has had a # of blood transfusions and platlettes over the last few days, but as fast as she gets the platlettes the fever was eating them. She had a NG tube placed, however she pulled it out saturday evening and is on oxygen. She has finally quit throwing up and today she is finally resting comfortably. Her eyes are so swollen from all the fluid she can barely open them.

Your heart just breaks seeing her in this kindof shape and so sick. She is so sweet and it is so unfair that all these children with cancer have to endure all this suffering. I Will try and get her pics on the website soon. I have never done it before so I just need time to figure it out.
Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Sheryl Johnston

Thursday, August 5, 2004 12:07 AM CDT

olivia spiked a fever tuesday night, rushed her to children's. They admitted her. She was dehydrating and she has been so sick. Vomitting and diahrreha. It has been really hard to watch. She is now her heart rate is in the 170-190's and her blood pressure is being watched. They are talking about moving her to ICU. Waiting for infectious disease to come and see her. Nothing has gown on any of the cultures. She can't keep anything including meds down in her tummy.

Monday, August 2, 2004 12:00 AM CDT

Just got out of Children's after the 3 days of 3 different chemos. Olivia had a really rough time of it. She started running a fever thursday night and then Friday. so she didn't get to come home. Saturday she was so sick they were afraid to send home due to dehydration. She did come home Sunday in time for Sister (Ireland's birthday party). Although Olivia was so sick and so out of it she slept through almost all of it. She goes back in for a ct August 4th. I am sure she'll have to have platelettes and blood.

Keep on Praying.

Gary and Sheryl

July 2004

In December of 2003 Olivia was rushed to the e.r. because of difficulty breathing, a rattling in her chest and we were told she had pneoumonia. On January 2, 2004 she again was taken to the e.r. with the same symptoms. Again on February 10, 2004 she was rushed to Licking Memorial E.R. with the same symptoms. We received a call from Olivia's peditrician that we needed to go back and have another x-ray done to double check Olivia to make sure her lungs were clearing. We took Olivia on the 22nd for x-rays that there were nodules on her both lungs and received a call from the dr's office that she needed to go in for a CT on the 24th. The ct revealed that she had a large mass on her left kidney and two small tumors on her right kidney and numerous small nodules in both lungs. The Dr's at Children's informed us what was called Bi latieral Wilms.
She underwent biopsy surgery on March 2, 2004. A port was placed in her chest. She was staged at 4/5 F.H. and 26 weeks of chemo. Vincristine, Doxirubin, Ac-miycin (?). She had some complications and was in the hospital about a week and a half. She was scheduled for a CT in April. In the meantime we got the results back from the National Specialist Dr. Pearlman and found suspicious cells called Anaplasia (diffused or focal). In April when the CT was done the Tumors had reduced some but not as much as they would have liked to seen. The nodules in her lungs had reduced quite a bit. But they wanted to wait a couple more weeks to see if they could get the tumors in he kidneys to shrink more.
The next Ct was done in May and there was some reduction and she was scheduled for surgery to remove her left Kidney on May 21st. The surgery went well, they removed the left kidney, the two spots on her Right kidney. Placed a drain tub out of her side and put a shunt in between the bladder and kidney

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