Updates!

6/27/09…As the days have gone by one by one, we sit here today in awe that 1year has passed without our son Gavin.  All the memories that are surrounding us now are so hard to endure.  I guess that is all we are left with.  Trying to remember the good times and the good days will be our priority.  Gavin’s spirit will linger around us all giving us hope for a new day,  giving us strength for when we think we can’t go on.  Today at 11:00am one year ago was the beginning of a new chapter in our lives without our baby Gavin.  God knew what he was doing when he gave us Gavin.  He knew the struggles we would have to endure.  God knew we would give him our everything.  Our love for Gavin will keep us going even when we think it’s impossible.  We cry everyday for our baby.  I know it won’t make a difference but it helps us.  He hears us!  He knows we all love and miss him unconditionally.. Life is different for all of us now.  Madison misses her brother very much.  She always talkes about him.   Rick and I are different people because of him.  One year is a long time, I think how did we do it.   We never gave up loving him and never will.  He is still a vital part of our life.  Just only as a memory!                        We love you Buddy Bear!!!!!

6/9/09…HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY OUR SWEET ANGEL, WE LOVE AND MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY…”The only thing that gives me hope, is that i know i’ll see you again someday”  kc.  What a great quote!

5/27/09…My sweet baby Gavin, I think of you so so much.  It’s been 11 months but it feels so much less.  I constantly remember the day you were diagnosed and then I quickly think of all the good days we had.  Just can’t and won’t ever get you off my mind little man.  You were only here with us a short while but you have my heart.  We are considering going to counseling.  Was not ready before but willing to give it a chance this time.  It is hard to talk about you and our life without getting upset, but I guess others in our situation will feel the same.  I just put a smile on my face and pretentd im fine, but inside i’m dying.  So this is our plan for now, not sure where it will take us but it’s a start buddy.  I love you Gavin, and wish it didn’t have to be this way but this is the way god wanted it and I am trying my best to get through it.  Your love for me will forever be in my heart. Madison talks about you alot.  She gets upset and cries because she wants to hold you and make you better.  I told her she was the best big sister you could ever have.  Not a day goes by that she doesn’t talk about you, she misses you like we all do.  Gavin my angel we love you very much, always wishing you were here with us. 

5/10/09..Today is Mother’s Day and I am grateful for my health and my family.  I so dearly miss my little guy.  All I could do was remember last Mother’s Day, we had his Pittsburgh Penguine outfit on and he was crawling on the kitchen table wanting all the goodies we had to eat.  He was not feeling the greatest but tried so hard.  I got some really good pictures that day.  Oh how I cherish them today since it was for my special day.  I miss my son more than words can say.

4/27/09…How things have changed without you buddie bear.  We are all different in our own way.  I’m not the person I once was and not sure if I ever will be.  My heart aches everyday without you.  You are forever in our hearts and minds.  It’s been 10 months without you!!!!

3/25/09..Buddy Bear only god knows how much I miss you.  I wish i could get all these feelings out, but I can’t.  It’s like I have to hold on to them to be close to you.  I know I can talk to you… but its not the same you left me to soon.  I’m still trying to figure out my life without you.   I sit and go through all your clothes, toys, papers and can’t believe you are not here with me.  Madison said it right the other day, she misses not being woke up by your cry or how you would call out for mommy or daddy in the morning.  It just comes down to that I can’t let you go.  I don’t think I ever will be able to.  My heart aches without you.  I hide it well.  I don’t want everyone to know how weak I am.  We all need some strength from you Gavin, it’s been almost 9 months now.

2/27/09…Gavin words can not express how much we miss you.  8 months is impossible to comprehend.  Madison misses you more that I really knew.  She was upset and crying last night cause she misses feeding you, rocking you and helping us.  She is alone!  No other brothers or sisters.  All she has is mommy and daddy at home now and we try our hardest to make her happy.  As for us, not a minute goes by that we don’t think of you…and wonder what we all would be doing now.  I try to remember the good days instead of the bad.  When your smile would melt my heart.  When I came home from work you would call out mum.  Thats what I miss, your touch, your head on my shoulder.  How you needed me and I needed you.  I will always love you buddy bear….mommy

1/26/09..Why is it that I just can’t get you off my mind?  I have been so down lately and so sad.  Why is it that I can’t sleep at night?  Why is it that I just stare at your pictures and wonder what you would be doing today!  I miss you Buddy Bear so so so much.  Will I ever be me again?  I know the answer to all my why’s, but please help me a little.   You are my angel from above.  Help me find peace in myself.  Seven months seems like yesterday to me.  I love you!!! Mommy 

1/1/09..Happy New Year Buddy Bear.  We are praying for us to get  through the difficult times without you .  It was so hard last night not holding you.  I know you are always with us and we can feel your love.  It’s not going to get easier but it will get more tolerable.  We just miss you so so much Gavin!!!!!

12/27/08..Gavin its been 6 long months without you.  Please help us find the strength to live and be happy again.  We know you are so happy and free and would not want any different for you,  never forget  how loved you are…..

12/25/08..Merry Christmas Gavin.  I try so hard to put a smile on my face for your big sister but underneath its so fake.  I know you understand. This is the hardest Christmas.  You should be opening your own presents, playing with Madison, and running around the house.  Your daddy and I just miss you so much it hurts all the time.  Always know my dear angel, we love you so and can’t wait to be together again!!!!!

12/24/08..As I’m sitting on the couch with Madison watching a movie I can only help but think of my sweet Gavin, how he should be with us laughing and smiling…. waiting for santa to come. Rick is at work and the house is just so quiet.   This is not how I imagined Christmas eve to be.  Last year was so exhausting and now its so “normal”.  Madison and I made cookies last night, things we didn’t get to last year.  I am feeling guilty for all the mother daughter bonding we have missed.  I am trying to make up for it now!  Oh my good things are to come…I do believe that..Merry Chirstmas eve buddy bear, we love and MISS you so much!!!!!!!

11/27/08..Today is the day of giving.  Thankful for what we have.  I am thankful for my health and my family’s.  As hard as it is to accept we are thankful for Gavin to be healthy and happy with God….The holidays are going to be exceptionally hard and today is one of them.  Thinking of last year and what we were going through at this time just seems unimaginable.  The stress, heartache, and fear was exausting mentally and physically.  Now 5 months since he’s passed, I still feel the heartache.  The loneliness of missing the completed piece to our family is what gets me.  Rick and I took Madison to get her Christmas pictures taken and they wanted her to sit in this red velvet chair.  She said that is the chair I sat in last year holding my brother Gavin.  When the photographer said where is your brother, Madison very as a mater of fact says he died!  My eyes filled with tears. It’s funny what kids remember.  The little things.  The things we just brush off are meaningful to them.  A red chair, her brother.  I am thankful I have the best daughter to remind me of that..Happy Thanksgiving Gavin we love and miss you buddy bear.

 

11/17/08.. It is really hard to believe how much time has passed.  Tomorrow will be 1 year that Rick and I found out our baby had Cancer.  I can remember every detail of that day.  We were shopping for presents for the kids when my mother in law called saying he wouldn’t eat and was fussy.  We took him to the ER thinking he had a sinus infection.  To our surprise things were much worse.  Two weeks in the hospital felt like two months.  We were running on empty but had to be strong for him, Madison and each other.  I said so many times why not me….The rollercoaster of going back and forth to the hospital is over but it still manages to continue in our mind and hearts. There are days I am so happy for him to be at peace no more pain and struggling, and then I am selfish to want him here with me daddy and sis. I am not looking forward to the holidays, to much happened over that time. Madison deserves a normal Thanksgiving and Christmas, not eating out of the cafeteria and no mommy and daddy.  She is our priority.  If she only knew how much we love her and how she has helped us through all this. God has a plan for all of us.  We don’t know our role but somehow it finds us.  I guess that is what makes us all unique.  Rick and I wrote Gavin a little note every night when he was in the hospital.  We kept saying just wait till he reads this, he will be so proud. Rick and I are the proud ones!!!! God blessed us with Gavin for a reason and took him for a reason.  His spirit will always be with us through the good and bad times, but we will never forget him…….

10/27/08…Not much has changed since last month. We are spending time with Madison as much as we can. She has been doing pretty good. We have a few issues every now and then. I know she misses her brother but she isn’t sure how to express it. Rick and I are the same. We are still waiting for Gavin’s headstone to come in. Hope it will be soon. It’s been 4 months Gavin’s been gone!

9/29/08…Well another month and things are still the same. We are really trying to be normal but it is not working well. A huge piece of our heart and lives is missing and we are not doing the best job. Rick and I tried to go away for our anniversary, to have some together time. It also did not work well. Yes we sure enjoyed each others company but we both knew something was missing. I think we cried everday we were away so we just decided to cut it short and come home. This is where we feel the closest to Gavin. Madison was spending time with Ivy and Chris this weekend. We talked to her everyday and she was having a blast. We could at least find comfort that she was happy. Day by day is what they say, on how to handle this loss but for us its more like minute by minute. One minute I’m happy one minute I can hardly breath. Rick, Madison and I have been going out at night laying on the hammock looking for Gavin’s star. Madison will find one star and say it’s his. We all lay together and hold on to one another when she says that. Some nights we cry and some we just smile remembering how precious our baby was!!!! Gavin’s been gone for 3 months.

8/27/08….Today marks the 2nd month our little baby Gavin took his steps to heaven. We are slowly trying to get things “back to normal” but I’m not sure what that is yet. We had no normal for so many months that the simplest tasks seem so hard. Madison keeps us busy and our hearts ticking but there is such a void without Gavin. Of all days we went to pick out a headstone for Gavin. Maybe this was therapeutic for us. When we visit Gavin it will be so nice to see his name and not just the empty grave site. No matter what our little buddy bear will always be with us, but the reality of our lives is hard to grasp. Not holding him or seeing him smile is unbearable at times. I guess that is what we are going to be working on!!!! God will see us through this and guide us in the right direction.

7/27/08 ….. AS THE DAY DRAWS TO AN END WE SIT AND REFLECT ON THE LAST MONTH OF OUR LIVES. IT HAS BEEN 1 MONTH TODAY THAT OUR “LITTLE ANGEL” GAVIN PASSED AWAY. KNOWING THAT HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE, FREE OF PAIN, HELPS US TO GO ABOUT OUR DAILY ROUTINE BUT IT DOES NOT FILL THE VOID THAT HAS BEEN LEFT BY HIS PRECIOUS LITTLE SOUL. NOT 1 MIN GOES BY THAT WE DON’T THINK OF HIM OR CRY BECAUSE SOMETHING JUST POPS IN YOUR HEAD AND YOU CAN’T HELP IT. THERE ARE MEMORIES EVERYWHERE AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THAT. WE ARE TRYING TO GET SOME TYPE OF NORMALCY BACK INTO OUR LIVES, ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN A MONTH IT FEELS LIKE ONLY DAYS SINCE WE WERE LAST ABLE TO HOLD GAVIN. AS THE DAYS GO BY THOUGH, THE HEART ACHE EASES BIT BY BIT. WE HOLD OUR HEADS UP HIGH AND WE FACE THE UPCOMING DAY THE BEST WE CAN. WE STILL HAVE SO MUCH SUPPORT FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS AND EVEN TOTAL STRANGERS, WHICH TO US STILL SAYS A LOT ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY. IT IS NO QUESTION THAT WITHOUT EVERY ONE OF YOU WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CARRY ON……. SMILES, ALTHOUGH ONLY A FEW ARE STARTING TO RETURN TO OUR HOME, BUT IT IS STILL A “FRESH” WOUND. MADISON ON THE OTHER HAND IS ENJOYING HER SUMMER “ON VACATION” AS SHE WOULD PUT IT. SHE HAS BEEN STAYING WITH HER GRANDPARENTS IN EVANS CITY AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT. NEXT WEEKEND SHE WILL BE GOING AWAY WITH HER AUNT “EE” (IVY) AND THEN MAYBE SHE WILL STAY HOME FOR A FEW DAYS. THROUGH EVERYTHING GAVIN HAS TAUGHT US A VERY IMPORTANT LESSON…… HAPPINESS IS A VERY SPECIAL THING, WITHOUT IT YOU REALLY HAVE NOTHING. NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT WE DON’T THANK HIM FOR THAT. I KNOW THAT WE HAVE NOT UPDATED THIS SITE FOR A WHILE AND WE APOLOGIZE FOR THAT, BEING BACK TO WORK AND EVERYTHING, HAS KEPT US BUSY. SLEEP IS FINALLY STARTING TO BE A WORD THAT IS USED IN OUR VOCABULARY AND WE ARE HAPPY FOR THAT AS WELL. WE WILL TRY TO OCCASIONALLY POST UPDATES ON HERE TO LET EVERYONE KNOW HOW SHANNON AND I ARE DOING, AND AGAIN WE WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THE CONTINUED LOVE AND SUPPORT.RICK, SHANNON, AND MADISON.

 

6/27/08..Baby Gavin Myers went to be with God!  He was 1 year old. 

6.26.08  It is with a very heavy heart that I write this update.  Today we found out there is a very large mass in Gavin’s brain.  It is bleeding and putting a lot of pressure on his brain stem.  It is too deep to remove all of the mass.  Therefore we are out of options.  We will make Gavin as comfortable as possible while he waits to earn his angel wings.  Please pray for Gavin and his family to find strength, understanding, and guidance. 

6.25.08  Gavin started to get a fever last night, so once again a late night trip into Children’s.  They found out today he has a blood infection.  So he will be in the hospital for a few days til the fever is down and then on antibiotics for two weeks.  They were able to get the liver test while they were there at least.  We should know the results in a few days. 

6.23.08  Gavin goes into Children’s tomorrow and Wed. for a liver test.  This will give us a better idea of how much the liver is still affected.  We won’t get the results for several days.  Then maybe we will know a little better what comes next.  He is doing really well.  He loves puff popcorn and bananas.  When Grammy asked him if he wanted a banana he’s all smiles and reaches for it.  So he may not be walking but he definitely understands.   

6.17.08  Gavin has rebounded from the low counts.  He is doing much better.  He is smiling and letting others, beside mom and dad, hold him. He goes in next week for some testing prior to the stem cell transplant. 

6.10.08   Gavin’s counts have started to decline.  His platelets were low and his white count was 2.  So he has been tired and clingy again.  We are just thankful he was feeling ok for his party on Sat.  We knew sooner or later his counts would drop, we just wanted to get past his Birthday!!!

 6.09.08  HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY GAVIN!!!!!   He had such a good time at his party.  Thank you to all that were able to make it.  He has been feeling pretty good.  He did have a few smiles for everyone at his party.  Hopefully he will keep doing a little better everyday before they do the stem cell transplant.  He will have several test done before it is scheduled. 

6.05.08  Gavin’s blood work was good today so he should be a-ok for his party on Sat.  June 7th.  Everybody has been so helpful and generous since Gavin has been diagnosed in Nov.  This is a chance to celebrate how far he has come.  We hope to see as many of his supporters as we can for his 1st Birthday!!! 

6.03.08 Gavin is home!!! He doesn’t feel great which we have come to expect after his chemo treatments. He doesn’t eat much, and is fussy most of the time. He is getting sick once in awhile and is very clingy. He wants held by mommy or daddy all the time. Hopefully he will feel better before his birthday party on Sat. the 7th. I can’t believe he will be 1 on Mon. June 9th. 

6.01.08  Gavin has been getting a different kind of Chemo while in Children’s.  He did get sick yesterday but we don’t know how it is going to affect him.  He has been very tired during this treatment.  He did have another blood transfusion while he was there.  He should be home tomorrow night.  Madison’s dance review it today so Gavin’s grandparents, Beth and Dale, stayed with him so both Shannon and Rick can watch Madison.

5.27.08   Gavin has been doing really well since he has been home.  He has been smiling and laughing a little more each day.  Thursday he will be going back into Children’s for 5 days of Chemo. 

5.22.08  Gavin maybe able to come home tomorrow!!  He will still be on his antibiotics but at least they will all be home over the Holiday weekend.  They got back some results from the scans done last week.  The good news is the Cancer is gone from his bone marrow, the bad news is, it is still in his liver.  So next Thurs. Gavin will go back into Children’s for 5 days of a different combination of Chemo to try and target the liver.  This will push back the stem cell transplant for about 6 weeks.  Just when they think they can schedule something, think again, it’s changed.  Hopefully Gavin will be home to celebrate his first birthday on June 9th with his family.  But as they have found out nothing is certain.   

5.20.08  Shannon and Rick got the blood cultures back and it said there is an infection in his blood.  Probably from his central line.  So they are on their way to Children’s to be admitted and Gavin will be getting IV antibiotics to eliminate the infection.  They will be able to do the liver and kidney tests while he is there.

5.19.08  Well I spoke to soon.  Shannon just called me and said she is taking Gavin to the ER.  He has had a high fever and Tylenol did not make a difference.  More when I know something.      Well they are on their way home not to Children’s!!!  Gavin was given some antibiotics and if anything changes they have to go but as of now they will see how the antibiotics work and they go down to Children’s tomorrow anyway for testing, so they will check him again then.   ~Ivy

5.18.08  Gavin seems to be doing much better.  There has not been anymore signs of the fever.  Maybe it was from him cutting teeth.  Who knows, but at least that is now one less thing we have to worry about.  He has a lot of testing this week.  I will post more when we get some results.

5.17.08  Gavin did not have a fever this morning!!  We will see what the day brings but so far it’s looking good.

5.16.08  Last night during the Penguin game, Gavin was crawling around from Shannon back towards Rick.  It was the first time I have seen him crawl in a long time.  He was smiling and happy but got very tired quickly because he was not used to that much activity.  He would just stop and lay his head down for a minute to rest then he was off again.  This was a rare occasion that he was happy while Shannon or Rick was not holding him.  I added pictures on the photo page of Gavin crawling.  Today was another story.  Gavin was not even happy today when Shannon sat him on the couch beside her.  He had to be held!!  This evening he got a fever.  They gave him some Tylenol and will see if the fever comes down or if this means another trip into Children’s.  They will already be back to Children’s on Tues. for an injection for the liver scan on Wed.  Then back again on Fri. for a kidney test.  Rest, what is that??             ~Ivy

5.14.08   Gavin goes into Children’s Hospital today as an outpatient.  He is having another bone marrow aspiration done.  He will go back to Children’s on Tues for a MIBG Scan, which will determine if the liver is still involved.  He can not have the stem cell transplant until the liver is clear.  Shannon said he is getting a little bit better each day.  He usually gets sick once every day, but is smiling and happier.  That is as long as he is held!!  He now has 7 teeth, and is absolutely adorable!!

5.09.08  HE IS HOME!!!  Gavin was able to come home late last night after all of his tests were complete.  He does have to go back in next Wed. for another bone marrow aspiration.  But now it is recovery time.  Time to try and put some weight back on him.  And time to try and relax and spend some quality time at home being together with the family before the long stay in Children’s for the stem cell transplant. 

5.08.08  Gavin is having a battery of tests done today… CT scan of the abdomen, pelvis, and chest, a bone scan, echo, and a hearing test.  He had a blood transfusion yesterday and will have a platelet transfusion today.  Eventually this will help bring his counts back up.  He only weighs 15 pounds and will be 11 months old tomorrow.  Hopefully he will start to eat better when the mouth sores heal.  Shannon said he is smiling a little more but he is just so tired.  They expect about 3 more weeks before the stem cell transplant.

5.06.08  I happened to call at a good time today.  Gavin was smiling and laughing at Madison.  Rick brought Madison in to see her baby brother and she will go home with Shannon when she leaves, but Gavin was so happy to see his big sister.  Shannon said he is doing better in general.  He is still on IV antibiotics and does not want to eat anything because his gums are hurting him.  But no more fever.  His blood work is still low even though he had a platelet and blood transfusion.  Little by little and day by day.      ~Ivy

5.05.08  There was not any change today.  Gavin is still in the hospital and very clingy.  You can tell when he doesn’t feel well, neither Shannon or Rick is able to put him down. 

5.04.08  Gavin is still very fussy.  His gums are bleeding so he is not eating much.  He is still on some pain medstohelp with his comfort.  Shannon said he does sneak a smile in every now and then.

5.02.08  Well Gavin went from good to bad rather quickly.  He is back in Children’s as of 3:30 this morning.   His white count was 0 and he spiked a fever and that is enough for him to be admitted.  His gums are inflamed and they have a chest x-ray scheduled here very soon.  He is already on several different antibiotics, and not happy about any of it!  ………………..Well now as of 9:00 pm things are going much better.  His fever is down and they gave him some pain medicine so he is much more comfortable.  Shannon just said he is acting more like him self too.  He is trying to grab at objects and is a little more content.  Lets see how well they sleep tonight.  Gavin does have some tests and scans scheduled for next Friday, May 9th.  These tests need to be done before the stem cell transplant. 

4.29.08   Sorry I have not updated in awhile, but I have been out of town and everything at the Myers house has been going rather well.  Gavin did have his 7th round of Chemo on Tues. April 22.  He came home late that  Friday night.  He has had another tooth come through and since then he has been doing much better.  He still likes to be held ALL THE TIME, but is starting to laugh again. Which is such a wonderful sound.  Grammy came home yesterday to help with the kids, especially Madison when Gavin goes back into Children’s for the stem cell transplant.  We don’t have any specific dates for that yet, but it will be fairly soon.  I will update as soon as I know more.     ~Ivy

4.19.08  The surgeon was very pleased with how well the surgery went and said Gavin is healing well.  Big sister Madison had her 4th birthday today.  I was able to babysit Gavin all night tonight.  He only wants held by his mother, but I had to do tonight.  Once Shannon and Rick were out of his sight things started to get a little better.  He spit up his formula before the night even began.  He wanted to eat, but his stomach was not in agreement.   Later he did eat some Cheerios and lots of a banana.  It was not a bad night, he just wanted held ALL the time, and even then he is not really happy.  I don’t know how Shannon or Rick gets anything done.  His teeth are bothering him, so he constantly has his hands in his mouth.  He makes this whining cry most of the time and it just breaks your heart because you don’t really know what is wrong with him or how to make him feel better.  The best part of the night was when he fell asleep on my chest and we just slept on the couch for awhile.  He is such a beautiful little boy.            ~Ivy

4.14.08  Gavin was not happy at all today.  When I called my sister all I could hear was that little baby screaming.  Shannon said he is very fussy and not eating very well.  Shannon and Rick meet with the Surgeon on Wed.  The Dr. will examine Gavin to make sure he is healing well from the surgery.  Gavin’s next round of Chemo will be Tues. April 22nd. 

4.13.08  Gavin has a bowel infection.  He has not been keeping his formula down and does not want to eat much.  He still likes his pedilyte, thank goodness!!  So he will be put on a course of antibiotics, which will not sit real well in his stomach.  He will not be a real happy camper here for a couple of weeks. 

4.11.08  GAVIN IS HOME!!!!  Shannon said he is doing really well and they are so happy everybody is home together again.  Shannon and Rick don’t meet with the Dr. for a couple of weeks so they should have some nice quality family time together before the next round of Chemo.  Thank you for all your continued prayers. 

4.09.08  Sorry I have not had the chance to update in a few days.  Madison has been staying with me in the evenings so things have just been crazy.  Gavin spiked a fever the other day of 102 º   so he was put on antibiotics to help with any infection.  He was having trouble keeping formula down.  It may have been too much too fast.  They had to put the IV back in to make sure he did not dehydrate.   Today Shannon said he is doing great.  The fever is gone and he is smiling again.  So once again we expect him to come home soon if nothing else goes wrong.                ~Ivy

4.06.08  Gavin is getting much better.  He started to smile again, which says a lot.  They removed all the tubes connecting him and will check his blood sugar to make sure everything is ok.  If they can keep him comfortable and he starts to eat formula he may be going home in a few days. 

4.04.08   Gavin is getting a little bit better each day.  He is still not comfortable but Shannon was able to hold him for the first time today and she said that made him feel a little better.  They put in an IV for nutrition and he is still getting fluids.   Gavin does have a low grade fever they are watching.  Nothing to worry about yet.  Big sister Madison is doing really well.  Today she was talking to Shannon on the phone and the first thing she asks is how is Gavin doing, then I hear her ask ” what color is his band-aid? “   That sorta put things in perspective. 

4.02.08  Recovery has been a little rocky.  He was in the recovery room over 3 hours yesterday.  They were having trouble making him comfortable.  The pain management team came in today and they modified his meds and Shannon said he is doing better.  Slowly, little by little, he will heal.  In the mean time nobody is getting any sleep.  Hopefully tonight they can make Gavin a little more comfortable so he will finally sleep therefore Rick and Shannon can get a little. 

4.01.08  Gavin’s surgery went very smooth.  He was only in surgery for 4½ hours.  The surgeon said everything went very well.  They removed the adrenal gland and the tumor completely.   The Dr. said the liver has several nodules and looks necrotic(dead).  This is good.  That means there is not active cancer in the liver and should regenerate.  Gavin was still in recovery the last I talked to Shannon.  I am on my way down now to see them and I will give them a big hug and kiss from everyone!         ~Ivy

3.28.08  Shannon and Rick were with the surgeon for an hour today going over the specifics about Gavin’s surgery on Tues. morning.  The surgery will take about 5 hours.  He will be in Children’s from 7-10 days.  The Dr. will remove the tumor and the adrenal gland.  He is going to remove a small portion of the liver that has been affected.  The six rounds of Chemo have shrunk the size of the tumor from about 6 x 4 (approx. size of a grapefruit) to about 2 ½ x 1 ½ (size of a clementine)  The Dr.s  are very happy with how well the Chemo seems to be working. 

3.26.08  I just got off the phone with Shannon and I have to tell you about the huge grin on my face.  I have not heard Gavin laughing like he just was in quite awhile.   Finally the happy little baby that we all love has surfaced again.  I could just picture the huge smile on his face and his new front teeth showing while Shannon was making him laugh.  God Is Good!      ~ Ivy

3.24.08  After waiting all day to find out when Gavin’s surgery was, we only know it is now going to be sometime next week.  Shannon andRickwill meet with the surgeon the end of this week.  Gavin’s bloodwork was ok today, but I think the Dr. wants it to be a little better before surgery.  So he has another week to recoup. 

3.23.08  Happy Easter!!  Gavin was able to be home for a Holiday for a change, which was very nice.  He has his appetite back but had some trouble keeping everything down.  Shannon thinks his teeth are bothering him too.  He has 4 and counting.  We found out today that he likes pumpkin pie and whipped cream!!   His tests on Friday all went very smooth.  Shannon and Rick will find out tomorrow morning when he is scheduled for surgery. 

3.18.08  Gavin was able to come home today.  He looks much better already!!  He has a pretty good appetite and was helping me with my crescent rolls, grunting when he wanted more.  Shannon and Rick will take Gavin down to Children’s at the crack of dawn on Friday for some preliminary testing then the removal of the adrenal gland tumor will be scheduled for the beginning of next week. 

3.17.08  Gavin has an infection and is on antibiotics to clear things up.  He had a platelet and blood transfusion and is getting lots of fluids.  Shannon said he seems to be acting a little better already.  We don’t know if we will still be on track for the tests on Friday on not.  We will just have to see how he is one day at a time. 

3.16.08  Well, Gavin is on his way back down to Children’s as I type.  He had a rough weekend.  He is still not keeping much down and lots of diarrhea with a little blood.  His counts are all low.  Rick and Shannon took him to Ellwood Hospital and they sent him down by ambulance to Children’s for some tests.   He was scheduled on Friday for a few tests to be done before they remove the adrenal gland tumor, so we will see how he is feeling and maybe they can just get everything done while they are there now.  Really trying to find that silver lining.

3.14.08  Gavin’s last blood work was still pretty good.  He kept a little formula down today!!!  All he wants is his mommy.  He did fall asleep on my chest today but I had to leave the room Shannon was in so he would focus on something else!!  He is such a little angel.      ~ Ivy 

3.10.08  Gavin is back home but has already had trouble keeping his food down.  This usually does not start til 4 or 5 days after his Chemo, but I don’t think he fully recovered from the time before.  The little guy is having a rough run at it right now. 

3.09.08  Gavin is in Children’s getting his 6th round of Chemo.  Things were delayed a little so he will not be home until Monday now.  The Dr.s mentioned about doing a scan in about 2 weeks to see if they can remove the adrenal gland tumor.  We should know more soon.   

3.05.08  This last round of Chemo just wiped Gavin out.  He is still not feeling great.  His last counts were all good so if his counts are still good tomorrow he will start his 6th round of Chemo.   

2.26.08  Gavin did have to go back to Children’s today for a platelet and blood transfusion.  All of his counts were still basically at zero.  Hopefully this will make him feel a little better.   

 2.21.08  Gavin white count is back down to zero.  He has been getting sick and having trouble keeping anything down.  All he wanted last night was his mommy.  He may end up back in Children’s if he spikes a fever or if he starts to get dehydrated. 

2.18.08  Gavin’s trip to Children’s Hospital for his 5th round of Chemo was uneventful, thankfully.  He did have a blood transfusion before he came home.  He is home now resting and so far in good spirits.

2.11.08  Gavin’s bloodwork today was much better.  This means NO trip into Children’s for a transfusion.  They will be going in on Thurs. for his 5th round of Chemo.  This was the first time they did not have to take Gavin back down to Children’s Hospital after his Chemo treatment for either a transfusion or a fever.  This was a small blessing for Rick and Shannon, not having to run back and forth quite as much in the last few weeks. 

2.04.08  Today Gavin’s bloodworkcameback”borderline” at best.  He will have it checked again on Thurs. to see if he is going to need another transfusion or not.  He is still very happy andI  just heard him laughing while I was on the phone with Shannon.  He is getting another tooth, on the top this time to match the two he already has on the bottom. 

1.29.08  Baby Gavin is home and doing well.  The one Chemo med did upset his stomach but he is happy and back to his joyful self again!!!!

1.28.08  They had another set back today.  The new central line that was just put in on Saturday moved out of place.  So Gavin once again went into surgery today to replace his central line.  He is back in his room with Shannon now.  He was still sleeping around 8:30pm from the surgery.  Hopefully everything went well this time.   They plan on giving him his last Chemo med tonight, so he maybe able to come home tomorrow. 

1.27.08  Gavin has been getting his Chemo again.  Unfortunately the one med. is making him sick which they said would happen.  We are looking at Tuesday for him to leave the hospital at this point. 

1.26.08  Gavin came out of surgery this afternoon with out any problems.  At this point they think he will be just be a day behind with his chemo.  We will know more later this evening.

1.25.08  Well things have not gone quite as planed today.  Gavin’s central line broke.  This is how they administer all his Chemo and other medssohedoesn’thave to have a needle stuck in him everyday.  So he will be going into surgery tomorrow morning to have it replaced andthenhopefullygetback on track with his Chemo.  So that means he will not be able to eat at all tonight.  Shannon is in for another sleepless night.  They put an IV in his head temporarily to give him fluids, which he doesn’t seem to like very well. 

 1.24.08  As scheduled, Gavin went back into Children’s Hospital this morning for his 4th round of Chemo.  He will have Chemo today, tomorrow, Sat. and hopefully come home on Sun.  Now that we know how well the Chemo is working we have a different perspective on him going back for his next treatment. 

1.19.08  We have some very good news to share today.  First of all Gavin is coming home today.  He is still on track for Chemo on Thurs.  The stem cell harvest went very well.  They put in the port and did the harvest all in the same day.  The Dr. said that the neuroblastomais100% gone from Gavin’s right leg, it is still in his left leg but the chemo has helped reduce it.  The adrenal glandtumorhasalsobeen reduced.  The Dr. is very encouraged by how well the Chemo is working with only having 3 rounds so far. 

 1.17.08  Gavin is starting to feel a little better.  They are trying to get his counts high enough to have the stem cell harvest on Monday.  Tomorrow he will have a temporary port put in for the harvest.  They have doubled up on his medicine that boosts his white blood cell count trying to get him ready for Monday.  He has not had a fever in a few days!!!!  He also had a few special visitors yesterday from the Pittsburgh Penguins!!!  Check out the photo page for a few pics.

1.13.08  Gavin has had a platelet and blood transfusion today.  His fever was caused by a bacteria in his blood, so they also have him on an antibiotic.  As of 4:00 he still had a fever.  Shannon did not get any sleep last night.  She had to hold Gavin all night.  He has been very fussy and clingy when he is not feeling well. 

1.12.08  Gavin is back in Children’s Hospital.  His white count was still zero and his platelets were very low.  He started to get a fever as the day went on and it slowly got worse so back to Pittsburgh they went. 

1.11.08  Well today Gavin’s white count is zero.  So once again we have to be extra careful to keep things clean around him.  He has been having trouble keeping his formula down.  Because he has a cold all the mucus that is draining comes up too.  Shannon has been giving him pedilyte to keep him hydrated.  So as long as he doesn’t get a fever they will not have to go into Children’s.  The next few days will be difficult for all of them.

1.10.08  Gavin’s latest blood work was as good as could be expected.  His white count was 4.  Well 4 is better than O.  His hemoglobin was at 11, which is good. 

1.07.08  The bone marrow aspiration went well this morning and he was able to come home today.  We won’t know the results for a few days.  But baby Gavin is home and happy!!!

1.04.08  Well the bone marrow aspiration was put off til Monday the 7th.  So that will make his hospital visit just a little bit longer.  The Chemo is going as good as could be expected so far. 

 1.03.08  Gavin started his third round of Chemo treatment today.  We also found out he will be having another bone marrow aspiration tomorrow morning at 7.  This may give us a little information on how well the Chemo is working. 

“We wish to thank all the people in our community who have reached out to ease our way and help us care for our Gavin.  We are so blessed by all of you and find strength and courage in your continued kindness”      Rick and Shannon Myers

1.02.08  Gavin goes back to Children’s tomorrow for his next round of Chemo.  He has been in such a good mood since he’s been home this last time.  He does have two bottom teeth cutting through!!  He is such a bundle of joy.  His smiles sure are contagious!!   

12.27.07  Gavin came home today from Children’s Hospital.  He is feeling much better.  He has been smiling and laughing like his old self again!! 

12.26.07  Shannon said Gavin is feeling much better.  He is eating better and smiling again!!  He did not have a fever overnight.  His white count is slowly creeping  back up.   So if all goes well he maybe home tomorrow!!!!   The next round of Chemo is still scheduled for Jan. 3rd. 

           

12.24.07  Merry Christmas!  Gavin is still in Children’s.  He wont be home for a few days yet.  He is still running a fever.  The  Chemo gave him ulcers in his mouth and that makes things very uncomfortable for him.  He did have a blood transfusion yesterday and today he had a platelet transfusion.  I am staying overnight with him tonight so Shannon and Rick can be home with Madison on Christmas morning.  He has not been very comfortable so far tonight.  He was hungry when I got here, so I fed him about 4 ounces but he only kept about 2 of that down.  At least he is getting an appetite back!!

12.22.07  After a trip the the Ellwood ER, baby Gavin went back to Children’s Hospital.  He was running a fever last night and would not eat.   So he was getting very dehydrated.  The blood work at Ellwood said his hemoglobin was lower than yesterday so he will probably need another blood transfusion, and his white count was still zero.  So off Rick and Shannon went into Pittsburgh.  He had a chest x-ray, more blood work and is on fluids.  Shannon said he finally ate a little. 

12.21.07  Today Gavin’s white blood cell count was virtually zero.  This means he is very, very susceptible to catching a cold or getting an infection.  We have to watch carefully that he does not get a fever.   So this means you have to bring your hazmatsuitwhen you come to visit and check all your sniffles, colds, andgermsatthedoorplease.  I did get some really cute pictures of both kids today while I was there, so I will be posting those very soon.  We also have to watch his  hemoglobin.  It is almost to the point that he will need another blood transfusion. 

12.19.07  Well Gavin has started to get sick from the Chemo.  He is keeping some of his formula down but once or twice a day it sure comes back up.  He is still very fussy.  His latest blood work was good.  His hemoglobin was not low so this means no blood transfusion, and his white blood cell count was also stable.  He gets his daily shots to keep his white count elevated.  We cant afford him to catch a cold or get sick!!

12.16.07  Gavin had his 4th session of Chemo today and was able to return home late Sunday night.  He had one session each day he was in Children’s.  The Chemo is not making him sick at all.  He has been a little more fussy, but Shannon said that could also be from him teething.  One of the doctors that examined Gavin by palpating his stomach with his hands said it feels like the tumor has got smaller.  Granted this was only by feel but we will take it!!!!! 

12.14.07  Gavin is doing well.  He has been very fussy.  He is taking several different medications and Shannon thinks this maybe why.  But the Chemo is going as planned.  We will see what tomorrow brings.   

12.13.07   Gavin went into Children’s Hospital today for his next round of Chemo.  They did not start the Chemo until later in the day because he had to be “prepped” first.  But everything went very well and he is tolerating the Chemo like a champ!!  They are both not allowed to stay overnight together so it is looking like Shannon and Rick will be taking turns this time staying with Gavin over the next several nights. 

    

12.9.07- Today Gavin is 6 months old.  His blood work is again very good.  This means if everything stays the same he will be going back to Children’s Hospital on Thurs. Dec. 13th for more Chemo.  He will more than likely be in the hospital for 5 days this time.  Gavin has been eating well but not sleeping great.  He has been keeping Shannon and Rick up all hours of the night.  He will wake up and want to play in the middle of the night. 

12.3.07- Gavin’s most recent blood work came back with nothing but good news.  His white blood cell count was stable and his hemoglobin was not dropping so that means he does not need another transfusion at this time!!!

11.28.07 – Gavin released from hospital – Baby Gavin gets to go home!!

            

11.21.07 – Gavin’s first chemotherapy treatments begin 

11.19.07 - Gavin’s surgery 

11.17.07 – Gavin rushed to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, diagnosed with Neuroblastoma

11.16.07 – Gavin admitted to Ellwood City Emergency Room