Picture Worth A Thousand Words?

We had pics taken a few months ago at Babies r Us and I just found the package of photos and forgot to scan this and post it when they were taken...It perfectly sums up how things go sometimes in the Parriera household.  I think the photographer thought we were crazy but I'm thankful she took the picture and I had to share it... :-)

Have a great rest-of-the-week and thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Prayer in the Midst

This past weekend was very low-key.  We anticipated Cash's counts (ANC's) to drop and did not want to expose him to anything that could make him sick.  Yesterday, Wendi took him in for a blood draw and as it's been the last two rounds, he needed blood and platelets again.

About a month ago (2 infusions ago) we took Cash in and he spiked a fever which kept us in the hospital for 3 days...Yesterday just after platelets, he started to throw up and started getting a fever (again).  We managed to get him to sleep and I prayed and prayed while he slept and his fever rose to about 100.0 but then dropped back to normal within a few hours.  Cash and I left the hospital at 7:30 and couldn't leave fast enough.  We knew he was fighting something but God answered our prayers right on the spot.  His ANC's are still at zero but hopefully they rise within the next day.

Here are two pics I took of him, one in the hospital trying to pass the time and the other when we came home...he immediately started playing with Jack and the rest of the evening went very well.

I also wanted to post a video of Jack reading Cash a book this weekend.  It's a bit hard to hear him because of the fans running in the house, but it's still amazing - Jack obviously can't read but he can sure tell a story...



We are praying for a calm rest-of-the-week and that God continues to protect Cash and that the tumor keeps shrinking.  Thank you for your prayers!

4 out of 5

I haven't blogged recently, mainly because Cash spent Friday, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday in the hospital.  The only 'added' day was yesterday, it was determined Monday that he needed blood and platelets which was done yesterday.  On Sunday Cash had a very lethargic day - my parents and Wendi's parents came over for the day and it was obvious he was in need of a boost.  By yesterday after receiving blood and platelets he perked up significantly and the color came back into his cheeks.

Here are some pictures from the past few days.  On Monday, Bob, Dillon, and Jack Jr. stayed with us at the hospital, helping to entertain Cash:

Yesterday, my mom took shifts with Wendi at the hospital and Joann (she and Roger drove Wendi to Houston) took care of Kingston.  It was the first time she'd seen him in a while and we're so thankful she could help out.

In addition yesterday, Coleson was at Children's for a series of tests with Ryan and Sara - Coleson made Cash smile and laugh and we're so glad they stopped by (Praise God that Coleson's scans are clear!!!).

I also took a short video of Cash playing with his brothers at home.  The youtube video doesn't quite fit into the blog, however if you'd like to see it click here.

Nearly 40 hours in the hospital since last Friday has taken its toll - last night Jack Jr spiked a fever of 103.2 but thankfully it's back within normal range.  We're trying to teach him what 'quarantined' means because we don't want Cash or Kingston to get what he has.  He's struggling with that as he loves to shower his brother with kisses and hugs but we're staying on top of it and keep reminding him...

We're thankful to be back home and Cash is in good spirits so we'll simply enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow since it's been promised by God that He's taking care of it.  The sun is out so the kids will play outside all day and we'll keep hoping and praying for a miracle.

Thank you for your support and prayers and have a blessed rest-of-the-week.

Day 1 &2 of Round 5 In the Books

Yesterday morning Wendi and Hana took Cash in at 8:00 a.m. for a meeting with the doctor and the start of the 5th round...We were able to convince them to do all outpatient this round, as long as we assured them we'd take care of the things that are usually done by the nurses inpatient.  This includes dressing changes, frequent diaper changes, bathing, etc...

Hana volunteered to spend most of the week with us again which is great - We weren't sure she'd want to stay with us after last week, she definitely got a glimpse of caring for Cash, babysitting Kingston and playing with Jack.  I think she realized it was a lot of work but we're so thankful that she is really acting as the "hands and feet of Jesus" right now and she's really helping out.

The day went by pretty slow and we were finally cut loose at 7:00 p.m.  Cash was in great spirits all day and we took some great pictures and video of him in action:

Saturday Update:
Today we started again at 8:00 and were pleasantly surprised when they told us they could give the 4 hours of fluids at the same time as chemo...Why they didn't do that yesterday is still a mystery - but we were home by 1:00.  Good to be home earlier than planned and we actually have a Saturday.

On Monday we'll return for 4 or so more hours so they can give him back his stem cells and then we're down to one more chemo session, 3 weeks from now.

We're continually thankful for those who are helping us out so much - Today Auntie Dee drove Jack Jr. from Lynden all the way to Seattle to drop him off and at the same time, Julie was here deep cleaning the house so this week when Cash's counts drop there'll be less 'germs' to worry about.  (Thank you!!!)

Have a blessed weekend and thank you for your prayers!

In Jesus' Arms

I had another blog post ready but I'll post it later...I just read that Cash's friend, Christopher, passed away yesterday.  He had been battling the same cancer as Cash and fought valiantly.  My prayer is for God to give Judy, Allen, and Erica a peace that passes all understanding and the comfort in knowing they will be with him in heaven at the appointed time.  He no longer suffers and is in the arms of Jesus.  Rest in peace little one...

You can visit his page at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/christopherhartley

Cash's Haircut

I mentioned yesterday that Cash's hair had started to fall out...as opposed to the first round when we let if fall out all on its own, yesterday I pre-empted that by shaving it.  I also shaved Jack Jr's hair and mine, so at the moment the Parriera boy with the most hair is Kingston...:-)  Not the best picture since it was nearly bedtime, but you get the idea...

We'll start the 5th round of outpatient chemo on Friday - so Friday, Saturday, and Monday we'll be for long days but hopefully won't have to spend the night.

Have a great week and thank you for your prayers!

"Side!" at CB

At 11:30 on Friday Wendi and I decided to take the kids away for the weekend, this being the last weekend before another round of chemo.  I texted Uncle Randy (Jack Jr's bff) and the condo at Crescent Bar was free this weekend so by 12:30 we were on the road headed to Eastern Washington.  (Thank you Randy & Marti - it was a very welcome getaway!)

Cash absolutely loves Crescent Bar - the sun, grass, dipping his toes in the pool, crawling around and playing with Jack Jr - it was a great weekend.  I managed to take a few pics and a video of Cash poking Jack Jr (we didn't bother talking about inappropriate touch because he was laughing too hard...:-)):

Cash is now losing hair like it's nobody's business - he'll probably be bald within the next few days which isn't so bad as his head will look a bit more uniform (as opposed to the radiation spots as the only bald spots).  I keep writing this, but he is extraordinarily strong...This morning he threw up a little bit of his food and before I even had a chance to wipe off his mouth he was putting another piece of food in his mouth.  If that were me I wouldn't eat the rest of the day...He's also trying to stand up again, starting on his knees and getting up on all fours - he's weak but that doesn't stop him from trying.

On our drive back yesterday Jack Jr. made a comment about the 'big ball in the sky' - the sun was very unique yesterday and for those who don't live in Seattle I took a picture so you can see what Jack was looking at...

If all goes well this week we'll start the 5th round of chemo on Saturday.  We're hoping we can do it all outpatient so we can sleep at home.  Thank you for your prayers and support - I continually pray that God put a hedge of protection around Cash and we're thankful to Him for watching over and keeping Cash safe during this difficult season.