Some Good Days ....

Wow, I can't belive it has been a week since our last post. Life is busy :). For the first time ever, we had our Christmas tree decorated and some Christmas lights outside on December 1st - truly a miracle for the Carrigan Family! We did cheat this year and buy a fake tree with the lights already on it instead of the real thing. Much easier, but I do miss having a real tree. Addie and Ryan are soooo excited!!

We also celebrated Addie's 8th birthday with a Princess Party - she loved it, especially being on the little stage with a microphone. She was right at home! (I will post some pics. later.) She had some very special friends, grandparents, her wonderful teacher - Ms. Anderson, and her fabulous principal - Mrs. Swafford there ... she had a ball. I want to take just a few lines to brag on Ms. Anderson and Mrs. Swafford - actually, the entire Howard Elementary School staff and faculty. These are some of the most incredible people you could ever meet! They all (the teachers, teachers assistants, custodians, lunchroom ladies, office girls) take such great care of Addie - I never worry for a second about her. They have always gone above and beyond, but especially since Ryan's ordeal began - they have just taken care of our entire family! I also know that we have a great army of prayer warriors at Howard! We are so blessed! Addie adores them and they feel the same about her.

Ryan has had some very good days -he got to go Chuck E. Cheese with his friend Lauren, got to meet John David at the library and he also asked when he could go back to school (mother's day out) for the first time, so we went for a couple of hours to visit. He was a little overwhelmed at first, but then seemed to enjoy being there. The children were very sweet and several of them told them they had been praying for him - so sweet! I have to admit it was bittersweet for me - it caught me off guard at how sad it made me that his life is now so different than most other childrens. All I could think was "this should be his little life" - our conversations should consist on what he wants packed in his lunch or what was his favorite thing he did at school that day - not how many more days of radiation until his two days off - do we just have radiation today or do we have to go get my medicine too? Once you're in this you sorta just keep running and don't really stop and think about it, then some little something just reminds you at how not normal any of this is! Since we started radiation - there are now 4 other precious children getting ready to begin radiation - all battling the "beast". It is heartbreaking. As you watch these children, the word courage takes on a whole new meaning. Ryan has been so amazing with all of this - he has a strong faith, never doubts, and simply trusts. We have only had a few incidents with other children commenting about his hair - he just laughs and thinks it's funny (his Mommy is ready to take somebody out!! :)). Oh, if we could just stay that way as we grow up.

Overall though, I think he is doing really well - we give all the praise and honor to Him!!
He did have to get a blood transfusion today as his counts were low - he did really well with it considering it took 3 hours!! Thankfully, the clinic is prepared with movies, games, etc. to pass the time. All I could do was think how thankful I was for that wonderful person who had taken their time and donated such a precious gift that was now giving Ryan what he needs to continue with his treatment. I hope each of you will consider donating blood soon! Ryan has also started having some radiation burn to his scalp and ears - doesn't seem to bother him too much, but it is a painful reminder to us of what we are actually doing to him. Please continue to pray that the radiation is purifying and cleansing his body of the cancer cells and that his brain and body are protected from the bad stuff!! I praise God everytime Ryan tells me something that he remembers from long ago (well, as long ago as it can get when you are 4 1/2:)), he is always saying "Mommy, remember when I was 3 and we did ....." - I get so excited and truly believe it is God's way of encouraging me that Ryan is doing well because it seems to happen just when I need it!! I was also very excited today when Dr. Kuttesch (our oncologist) looked at Ryan and said "face looks better - both lips are moving, I see more movement - slow, but it is better" - I was thrilled!! I see him everyday and it is hard to know if I am imagining what I see and some days I just discouraged and think I see no improvement at all. Dr. Kuttesch seemed pleased with the gradual improvement - God is so good, keep praying!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16 :33


So thankful that no matter what we are facing - He has overcome!!