Death of a Superhero

A Family's Story about Courage, Bravery and the Defining Moments of LOVE

Our sweet, lil' baby love lost his battle to AML Leukemia on March 8, 2010. We fought long, hard and very aggressively for 2.5 years, only to have his cancer come back for the fourth time to finally take his life. He was only 3 years old.

This entire blog is about Hunter's amazing journey. It's about his life and his love......his determination and his courage.......his absolutely, brilliant personality, and the affect he's had on people all over the world.

He's left an unimaginable footprint on this earth and has changed the lives of thousands of individuals. People who didn't realize how precious life was, now live it with extreme gratefulness. People who took every minute they get to spend with their children for granted, now savor every last second. And people who weren't quite sure what love is all about, now love deeper, love stronger and love with every ounce of their soul.

People all around the world have shared their love, their well wishes, their prayers and their inspiration, and we could have NEVER achieved as much as we did without them. We are humbled by their generosity & their true friendships & are forever grateful for every last person that has come into our lives through our experience with Hunter. He was our precious baby love who we loved and cherished with all our hearts and we are forever crushed and terribly, broken-hearted.

Dance in the clouds baby cakes. Mom & dad are watching proudly & you will remain so very close to our hearts for all of eternity.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Energy & Prayers From Around the World


The famous quote……..

"Anything is possible. You can be told that you have a 90-percent chance or a 50-percent chance or a 1-percent chance, but you have to believe, and you have to fight."
Lance Armstrong


These thoughts and prayers are making an amazing difference as we heal Hunter. They are greatly appreciated and we will remember them forever.

From CALIFORNIA

I just wanted to say that on behalf of Sophaleena and myself that we found it a privilege to be with you two last night. The courage and dignity in which both of you have held yourselves during such a trying time is so admirable, and operates on a level that we have never seen. I know that there is not much we can do from our end except lend our support, love, and good energy. So, stay strong and keep up the positive vibrations. We will see this through!!!
Love, Ira and Sophaleena

"I just wanted to say that you guys are amazing. You both have inspired me on so many levels through-out the years, and it never ends. Thank You for existing".
Cher

No matter what we promise to be praying for you through this Christmas...
Your story and attitudes are inspirational and I am so impressed with the way that you are choosing to move through this. My heart breaks for you. I am sitting here with tears running uncontrollably out of my eyes and I am not a crier. I will be praying for you and your family, not just as an after thought or a quick flash prayer. I will be begging on my knees for you and your little boy. For his comfort and peace, his health, his care and that he will be a warrior through this.
The Wilcox Family

Tears come often to his parents as well as all who know and love this family but are quickly changed to smiles as we have all decided that the best medicine is to pray, think positive, support each other and bring Hunter out of this in good health. We Know That We Can Do This With Enough Love and Prayers!!!
There is a long road ahead as Hunter has just begun his 6-month journey of chemotherapy treatments... So please keep him in your hearts & prayers. For those who'll pray, No Prayer is Too Big:-) !!!! And keep 'em comin'!! Please pass this on to those who you know will do the same!!! Thank you, God Bless & Merry Christmas!
The Hirsch's

God Is going to bless you always. You have a strong boy with lots of love. stay strong!!
Wendolyn

Thank you for having so much spirit and courage to give friends like us an update nearly every day on your blog. We are thinking of you EVERY DAY, and we pray for healing and health for Hunter. He is the CUTEST and BRAVEST boy I've ever seen!
Matt

Hunter is such an amazing little boy...all of you have touched our lives in such a special, positive way. Everyday we anxiously await e-mails giving us updates on Hunters progress. Thank you for making us a part of your family and taking the time to keep us informed. All of you are in our prayers daily. We cheer on his progress and thank God that Hunter is so loved.
Lotsa love, Matt and Ann Marie

We've been thinking about you, Lenore and sweet Hunter so much recently. I've been following the website and our prayers are with you. My mother is praying in Buffalo everyday too. I'm going to send you an invitation to Amelia's birthday party. I told her about Hunter and we've planned a donation box for Hunter for her party. The prayers continue and the consciousness of all involved will shower him and you with love and strength.
Love,Mary Kay

Joel and I send you three our heartfelt prayers and blessings. We will be with you in spirit always… wishing you peace and good health and special hugs and kisses to Hunter for a speedy recovery…
Love,Judy and Joel and Katy and Davy……xxxxoooo

I'm so glad he had a better day! The three of you are amazing together, and you're all going to get
through this. We are thinking of you A LOT. Michelle is a Buddhist, and she is chanting up a storm.
Matt and Michelle

I think about the two of you and your beautiful son all of the time.
My husband and I are keeping him in our prayers for health and good healing.
Please keep me posted.
Love, Gianna

Positive thoughts in your direction. Peace,
Dave

God bless you all.
Paul

You all are nearly constantly on my mind and always in my heart. I love you dearly and wish you healing of the purest form as you and Hunter continue your battle. Stay your best. I shall continue to send my healing vibrations of love from where I am. Peace & Blessings always,
Lou

Lenore had mentioned that Hunter has to have blood transfusions every once in a while. If you want to use any of my blood, let me know. I am B+ and also CMV negative. And lastly, I have to tell you, I had a good feeling leaving the hospital. I had and still have the feeling he is going to be fine in the end. I don't know why, I just have that feeling. Maybe it was Lenore being so positive, or maybe it is the hospital he is in.
Keep me posted. And let us know if you need or want anything.
Tom (and Nic and Pepper)

How tragic and heartbreaking, Patrick and I will say many prayers for them…. I would love to be a part of a prayer circle if you start one via email for them….
Linda

My heart goes out to you and your son and I know that God just would not take Hunter away from such amazing loving parents that you two have shown to be. I am so so, so sorry to hear this news. Please know that we are here in whatever way we can be for you,
Becky

I so admire how you are handling this and sharing it all in such a touching and educational way. All of our good thoughts are with you here at BBA and Hunter will flourish and prosper in life because of your loving and persistent fight. :)
Denice

Zen and Lenore and Hunter, I was deeply saddened to hear this news. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. Leukemia can be overcome. I know someone who was told he has no chance to live and now, they cannot even find a trace of him ever having it, ever. We are praying for you.
Yvette and Shant

Zen, Sorry to hear the terrible news about your son Hunter. Wishing you guys all the best for the treatment and recovery. We have Hunter in our thoughts. Anything we can do to help please do not hesitate to contact me. Take Care. Peace
Ajay

I will be sending my prayers.
Sara

I'm away for the holidays but not a day has passed that you aren't in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know if you are religious at all (I'm not so much) but during my treatment I used to call a prayer hotline. It really gave me peace of mind. All you do is call and they'll ask what you would like to pray about. They will say a prayer to you over the phone and then will keep praying for the next 30 days. I used to call them on the days of my treatments or when I was feeling really helpless. I had no idea how much it would help. They really make you feel like there is something bigger out there guiding you every step of the way. Anyway, I hope you and Zen and Hunter are hanging tough! I love the blog. Love,
Christine

Norma and I hope spirits are high - we have been keeping up with Hunters blog and continue to pray for Hunter's recovery, our thoughts are always with you guys...
Javier & Norma

HANG IN THERE GUYS! THERE ARE TONS OF US AND WE ARE THINKING ABOUT YOUR LITTLE BOY AND YOU!
Elie

I was on your blog earlier this week and I read about your son. My heart is absolutely bleeding for your family right now - I can not begin to image the pain you must be in. I just want to know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family or any questions - I am not only a photographer but I am also a nurse and I have amazing resources. God Bless!
Thanks for sharing - my continued prayers are with you. Undergoing chemo myself - I know it is tough and I am glad to know he is tolerating it well.
Patrice

He looks fabulous! What a stud! He doesn't look sick! His smile made my day. Hang in there...keep the hope! Prayer and hope works miracles! Much love,
Joanne

I always knew you had a beautiful heart and it was certainly on display at the sake tasting. I am sorry that heart is being tested. I think of Hunter every day and see him whole and healthy.
Daphne

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Keep that positive energy and keep him laughing :)
Matt and Ann Marie

I wanted to tell you and Lenore that my prayers go out to you for Hunter in hopes that he gets better. My deepest wishes to you both.
Brian

We have not met, but we are also parents of a one year old. Our heart breaks for you. We are praying for you and sweet baby Hunter.
Chrissy & Aaron Florence

Hunter is a strong soul and we are pulling for him every day!! Go Hunter GO!!! Xo
Molly & Clay

We were honored to be there, happy to see you guys, and make a pray for the little man every night. Hugs and kisses to Hunter and love and prayers to you and Zen. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do.XOXO,
Mendy and Stuart

You are all in our prayers……
Bob & Gail & Family

Got the link to your site from Becker's Blog. Wanted to let you know that our hearts and thoughts are with you as you face the days ahead. Cancer changes your life forever...it is so hard to adjust to the new normal your life will become.
Shannon

My heart goes out to all of you. I will pray for Hunter to get well soon, and for you to have the strength to get through all of this. Lots of love and blessings,
Frank

hi guys. i miss you and love you all. hi hunter!!!
mateo

This is my first time visiting your blog and I was saddened to see you're going through such a difficult time. Keep faith! He's young and resilient, he'll pull through! Keeping you & your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Annonymous

Best wishes for Hunter from over here at Brad Buckman Photography.
Brad, Val & Jess

How beautiful, Hunter is an ANGEL He will make miracles as he is a miracle in life! We will all pray for him.... Love you both,
Flora and Russell

I just got word about Hunter…you guys must be out of your minds with worry. I want you to know that the three of you are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything you guys need, please don’t hesitate to call. I have heard that Children’s Hospital has amazing doctors and staff, I am glad that he is there and is getting the best care possible. My heart brakes for you guys…I can’t even imagine what you guys are going through right now. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do. We are praying for you guys,
Nick & Brenda

hey zen, i was bummed that you couldn't make it the other night, but then i just read your blog. i am so sorry to hear about hunter. i will keep him in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything i can do, please do not hesitate to call. God bless,
[ b ]

It was good to see you both in such good spirits considering all that you have & still endure. I'm continuously praying for you. And I sent Mariko a "Thank You" card on your behalf, she knows you appreciate everything. Lots of love and prayer,
Laura

I just heard the news about your little boy. My heart so aches with you. Lois filled me in on the details and I know he is on chemo already. Thank god they diagnosed him. These are difficult times, by my prayers are with you. I am sending prayers your way and lots of love and support to you and your husband.
Have a blessed holiday season
Keren

My thoughts and prayers are with you three right now. My Respect & Gratitude,
Dana

Our positive thoughts and prayers are with you guys. xoxo,
Jenni, Jason & Julian

I'm saying a prayer for Hunter. I'll check in with you some time later to see how he's doing.
Take care of yourselves and that beautiful baby.
Jamie

I’m so sorry to hear of this news, and I wish Hunter and your family all the strength to recover from this hardship. Please do not put me as a priority, and concentrate on your son and his wellbeing. I will certainly keep all of you in my thoughts and hope for a speedy recovery. But the fact that you have taken the time to email me is a testament to your professionalism. Best regards,
Cathy

Hey Zen - I am so sorry about hunter. He is in our thoughts and prayers everyday… This must be so hard for you both and your families. Please let us know if he gets any better. Sincerely,
Rochel

My thoughts are with you and your family and I have been sending you guys some really good energy!!!!
I can’t wait to meet you!
Sarah

Hi Lenore--Thanks for filling me in. With some patience, the doctors will find the cause--Keep the faith and give Hunter a big ol' hug from me. He's got a wonderful spirit about him and he'll get through this. I know it must break your heart to see him suffer. I'm thinking good thoughts for you!
Dorie

Zen, We will pray that your son is healed and that the Lord will strengthen and comfort you through this time. Wyman and I have both won battles against cancer and are here to tell you that the Lord hears prayers and can heal your son. We will let our family know so they will pray for your family also.
Wyman

ALL of us at Here Comes The Guide, want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this stressful time. Best Wishes,
Lisa, Meredith, Denise, Jennifer, Jan, Jolene, Allison, Sharon and Julia

Nicola here, Tom's wife. We both are thinking of you three so much - and you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. If there is anything that we can do, run an errand or bring you food, please
ask us. I can't imagine how stressful and scary all of this is for you. Squeeze little Hunter from us - Pepper sends special hugs and kisses. And just know that you are surrounded by energy from all of us who love you guys and are pulling for some good news VERY soon. Love,
Nic, Tom and Pepper xoxoxoxo

You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted on Hunter's situation. Love,
Rob and Crystal

We love you and send you love and healing energy every day and extra for your family too! Xxxooo
Tom, Monique, Olivia & Anton

Hey Todd... Elif and I pray every night that Hunter gets better soon. It sounds like he's responding the treatment. Big hugs and we'll come by this week to check in.
Todd

Hi Zen! I just wanted to just write you a quick note to let you know I am thinking about you and your family. I made a post on my blog about Healing Hunter and I hope you do not mind that I grabbed one of the photos from your site for it. Please let me know is you decided to do anymore fundraisers. I am sure the expenses are unbelievable. I would love to help in any way that I can. I sent a small donation on to the foundation for you. I will keep checkin the blog to check on Hunters progress. My prayers are with you and your family! You are such a strong positive person that I know you will beat this and it will be a blessing in the end. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything!
Sara

I am so very sorry to hear that your little one is hurting...
You have our deepest well wishes, thoughts & prayers. We will be down in a couple weeks and if you guys are still around would love to see you and give you a hug in person. best,
Noelle & Dan

Not a day goes by that I don't think of all of you. All the postings were read during our holidays away and with everything we had, we sent it your way. Thoughts, energy, prayers.. The Christmas Santa looked amazing and it was with happy tears in our eyes we watched Hunter open presents. I'm so glad they allow a Santa through the ward!
I'm glad to read the compassionate letters from everyone! We are all on your side cheering Hunter through this crazy tough obstacle.
These Mamas arms are also wrapped around your boy. Every moment, everyday.
Love, Molly

We are thinking about you all and are in our prayers. Thanks for the updates...you guys are super parents and Hunter is a trooper.
It's all going to work out!
Roy, Yeni, Ricardo y Rafael




OREGON

I sent out a love request to a bunch of friends…So there a lot of people around the world sending Hunter love and prayers. I also added a candle to my shrine for him: one for me, one for Glenn, one for everyone else and one for Hunter. He is in good hands. We love you.
Corrin C. Phillips

On this Christmas Day I find myself thinking of you and sending you all the positive energy I can tap into. Our love to the three of you,
Marilyn and Frank

Just praying for you all and Hunter. Love,
Jessica

I am so sorry for you guys we are thinking very positive thoughts for you all. I wish I could do something to help. I hope your families are able to be there with you both. I really am at a loss for words but I wanted to write something. I know there is nothing I can do all the way here in Portland but if there is anything even if you need to just talk at three in the morning call me. I am glad you left Hunter with no other alternative then to keep fighting. He has two parents who are very driven and strong and only something like this could stop either of you. Take care you guys all my love too the three of you.
Jenn

To Hunter's fine parents, I believe every child is a precious gift. We often do not know why we deserve this gift or what the future may hold but we humbly realize that children live in the present and help us remember to enjoy each and every moment that passes. Please thank Hunter for giving me a moment to reflected on my wonderful kids and that I wish very much for his health to return.Sincerely,

Tom

I am thinking about the three of you constantly It is good to hear you have so much support there. I check your blog daily and can not stop the tears. The photos of Hunter are so beautiful you would never guess by looking at them that there is anything wrong at all. Take care and give that little sweetie a hug from us.
Love Jennifer, Olliver , Loren

We are so sorry for all that you are going through. You and Hunter are constantly in our prayers. I so wish that this was just a bad dream. Please do not hesitate to call on us for anything - and we truly mean anything. We love you and are here to be of any support we can.
Cody, Jessica & Jack




TENNESSEE

I can only say that I am praying and I have an incredible prayer group that I will pass on the information about Hunter. I think of you often and wish I could be one of those people who could be right there for you. You are such a darling. We have a Suzie's Espresso in our Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and when I work there I am amazed at the strength of the parents and the children! They have hope just as you and it's amazing what strength, hope, faith and love can do. So keep up the good work! I wish I could do more but just know that there is a very strong group of people here in Tennessee, KY, and West VA and down to Florida who will join in the prayer team for Hunter. With Love,
Lisa and Michael

Hey you guys!! I just wanted to drop a line and say we have had you in our thoughts and prayers and I am so happy to hear that everything is going positively for Hunter. I can't imagine how hard this must have been on you but just know there are people out who care and are praying for Hunter!! Sending much love from memphis TN.
Billie, Betise and Violette Worley!!




FLORIDA

You and Lenore are so special and I know that you are just what the little guy needs to get through all of this. You are all in my thoughts and prayers all the time. My every thought will be with you guys this week and I hope that even though times are tough right now, you can enjoy the time spent with each other during the holidays. I will be praying for a good week for the little guy. Know that you are loved- TONS! Miss U,
Cindy




GEORGIA

Know that I will be praying for Hunters complete recovery every day and I will also be praying that God gives you and Zen the strength to handle this!
Jenny

My thoughts and prayers are with you both & Hunter as you go through this time. I will be rooting for a Christmas Miracle. Love,
Hak

Ever since I read your message I have not been able to get him and your family out of my mind. My very strong thoghts are with you. He's a beautiful little boy and if he is anything like you he will definitely win this battle. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you and your family. Love,
Helene

Lenore - Thanks for keeping everyone in the know. I think of you and wonder what point of the roller coaster you are riding at the moment. I look forward to the day you can look back on all of this and return to the dust bunnies and laundry as everyday living. But, you, as always, bring joy to each day. Keep it up and know that you've got a cluster of prayers in Atlanta, GA. The three of you are in my daily prayers. You're amazing! Hang in there,
Jill (Moore) Bochniak




NEW YORK

Your incredible bravery and spirit is absolutely inspiring! My heart is with you and you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong, take care of each other, and have a very blessed holiday! Best wishes,
Michael Venzor

I wanted you to know that you, Zen and Hunter are in my and Connie's thoughts. He has such incredible spirit in his eyes not to mention the little munchkin is so lucky to have such positive parents. I know that such wonderful energy will help Hunter kick this thing in the butt! Know that we are sending all of our positive healing vibes as well. I know this is a tough time, so please let me know if Connie and I can do anything for you guys on the east coast! Much love and all of our best healing thoughts!
Mike & Connie

Were still thinking & praying for you guys all the time. When I told Tisha about Hunter, she told her son, Nene. He had a basketball game that night and he told her he played his best game ever. Nene told her he kept thinking about Hunter and it made him so mad. Kiss Hunter for us & squeeze him tight. Love You,
Lulu

Zen and Lenore, We think of you almost every minute of every day. Your love for Hunter and each other will get you through this. Hunter, You’re Spirited, your Strong and you’re a Survivor. We Love you and there is nothing stronger then Grandpa praying for you!
Grandma & Grandpa

I am praying for Hunter. I Love you. Please give Hunter a kiss and a caress from aunt Cheryl - I will be there next month to give him more myself. Take care of yourselves too. LOVE,
Aunt Cheryl

I am sending my healing thoughts and prayers your way. I hope you have a joyful holiday and even though we never know why these things happen in our lives, there is always a greater good or some kind of positive meaning that can be pulled out. Please take care!
Jill




LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Thats great news! Take care and tell hunter he has a buddy in las vegas praying for him.
Levell




ARIZONA

Dear Todd, Lenore and yes, sweet little Hunter. We send our gift along with our healing energy to help keep you healing. Hunter, your smiles are so warm and happy. How lucky your parents are to have you. Grandma Thawley keeps us on progress. Best to all in love and friendship.
Don & Shirlee Lower




TEXAS

Our prayers are with you and Hunter. We pray that you find the best treatment for his illness and that you are able to remain strong during this tough time. You are both great parents and we know that everything will be ok. If there is anything we can do please let us know. With all of our Love and support,
Matt & Jen




AUSTRALIA

We love you guys and would have loved the pleasure of only three hours with you. Wish we were there. Can not wait to get a ride on with you back in USA.
John and Leisa

Mate, so sorry to hear that shitty news. That's just incredibly saddening, and even more so for such a tiny little being. It must have been tough trying to get it diagnosed, and after all that time finding out that it was AML Leukemia. I will be keeping you all in mind, and especially at times of meditation for absent healing.
I hope everything else is going very well for you to help alleviate the burden. and so the focus can be on Hunter. I will call you soon. I miss you too mate. Take care,
Rhian

All my friends and family have been asking me to wish you guys the best of luck. I know it doesn’t mean much but just a little not to try to put a smile on your face that there are a lot of people who really wish Hunter and you guys the best. Please keep us posted!
Roy

Monday, December 31, 2007

Hunter is Better!

The last info was bone scan - bad.

However, from a clinical standpoint Hunter is acting much better. He is playing non-stop. Giggling, laughing, dancing, and blowing kisses to the chicks. Most importantly, he has started to motivate. He is rolling over and almost crawling. His arms are weak but he definitely wants to get going. This is a major change in behavior. For the last month and a half he has either been too sick or in too much pain to move anything more than his head and arms. However, ever since the bone scan scare he has been all over the place.

The doctors still don't know what caused the bones to deteriorate. The oncologist thinks we may never know. That being said, Hunter is feeling so much better that he nearly pulled his pick line out of his arm (a pick line is a surgically inserted long term IV line that prevents Hunter from having to be stuck with a needle every time they need something in or out of his blood). When the pick started to pull out of his arm blood came gushing out but Lenore got it stopped right away and the nurse assured Lenore that it is still viable. Thank goodness because if the pick line came out they would have to put him under anesthesia again and reinsert the tube up his vein all the way to the heart. One less thing is one less thing.

So regardless of what is going on with Hunter's bones we are in a wait and see period until they retest his bone marrow for Leukemia. Most likely we are looking at late next week. At that point if he is in remission we will continue the chemo full blast. If not...well we face that if it comes.

Three cheers for remission!

Friday, December 28, 2007

It gets worse before it gets better

The bone scan happened yesterday. I could tell just by looking at the computer screen during the scan that it wasn't good news.

The reading came back today and unfortunately the bone lesions have spread to multiple spots. The left leg has done some healing but still shows damage. However, his right leg is now much worse than his left leg ever was. The accompanying x-ray shows that part of his bone in the right leg has been eaten away. It may or may not be long term damage - that has yet to be determined. He still shows the lesions on his ribs and new lesions on his upper right arm and one infected vertebra.

If you remember, Hunter had a "mass of leukemia cells" in his left leg and two ribs. I use the quotation marks due to the fact that we still don't know what the lesions were or are. They did a bone biopsy on his left leg but still no bacteria has grown nor have they been able to determine if it was a mass of Leukemic cells or osteomyelytis (a bone disease). So if the chemo is working and the Leukemia is subsiding - then the idea that this "mass" was leukemic cells is less likely. The only known explanation is a very rare bone infection called multi-focal osteomyelytis.

However, the infectious disease doctor came in today and he seems perplexed. He doesn't see this kind of multi-focal (multiple locations) osteomyelytis in children his age nor in AML patients. He decided to not comment further until after the MRI of his right leg that will hopefully be done today. He also mentioned he is contacting specialists around the World for anyone that has seen a case of multi-focal osteomyelytis in an AML infant.

At least the oncologist is hopeful that we are making some progress towards a better understanding of the situation. However, when it comes down to brass tax - he is just as unable to make a confident diagnosis. He also mentioned he is consulting with a renowned children's AML doctor in Oakland for his input.

The osteopath still needs to put in his two cents. I'm afraid he will be just as confused as all the rest.

Ultimately, we are dealing with a very unique case of disease. None of the doctors have seen anything like this before and they are actively looking for answers.

Hunter is destined for the record books.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Special Christmas Day Packages

The Santa that came on Christmas day was the best looking Santa Hunter had seen all week. He was super jolly and had that Santa Glow. I honestly didn't think they'd let Santa on the floor due to the dust mites and bacteria that might be growing in his beard, but low and behold......Santa came bearing all sorts of gifts for Hunter Christmas morning. However, the thing we were most grateful for was the bag of Red Blood Cells. Those came bright and early and always make Hunter feel a hundred times better. As you'll see, he had no problem opening up all his presents.







































Tuesday, December 25, 2007

A few reasons to be thankful on Christmas Day

1. Hunter smiled this morning.
2. Hunter still has hair. I know I said it yesterday but we are so thankful for the little things.
3. Hunter has gifts coming out of his ears - when a visitor comes by he sticks out his hand expectantly - it's funny now but soon we will have a monster on our hands.
4. We have friends, family and even some people that have never met us - that care, pray, contribute, feed, and visit. We are overwhelmed by all the love and support and we don't have the words to express our sincere appreciation.
5. Hunter didn't get a deep leg thrombosis for Christmas.
6. We are in a wonderful children's hospital.
7. We are living in the biggest room on the cancer floor - kindness and small bribes go a long way.
8. Our room mates were lucky enough to be discharged on Christmas Eve and now we can be loud night owls again.
9. Mateo has a DVD player to replace the one Hunter threw overboard. No guarantee's on it's safe return.
10. We have a bathroom in our room. It's against the rules for the parents to use the bathroom so of course we never do - uh hum.
11. Hunter didn't have a fever after 10 pm again.
12. We have a bottle of champaign and OJ hidden in the closet.
13. The cafeteria is open until 4pm so daddy won't go hungry.
14. The parking is free on holidays.
15. We have Tempurpedic travel mats and pillows.
16. Our nurses and doctors really care. They are great people.
17. Hunter poops - seriously.

Merry Christmas and thank you to everyone!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Chistmas Eve - Day

Hunter's MRI showed no growth of the brain hemorrhage. Good news. His neck is also not asymmetrical. More good news.

The fevers are back but not as bad - around 102. He didn't have a fever past 10pm last night. Good.

He still has most of his hair for Christmas. That's cool.

He still has a lot of pain but it seems to be getting better. The doctors are concerned with his pain and they ordered another radio-isotope bone scan. Nothing like getting a radio active injection and then recording how much you glow.

Last night I was passed out cold - exhausted from taking pictures for 22 hours straight - but Lenore reported that Hunter was playing all night. In fact she thinks he is playing and moving better than he has in months. He doesn't get up, roll around or move his body much but at least now he is picking things up and throwing them off the bed again. He's got a pretty good arm.

This morning he is looking over at me and smiling. What a boost to our Christmas Cheer!

Friday, December 21, 2007

MRI Day of his brain



As I was running my fingers through Hunter’s hair waiting for his MRI, it was coming out in my hands. Today is the day that it’s officially starting to fall out. Definitely not a fun thing to see and it’s almost another slap in the face as to what is really happening.

His MRI today is for the blood clot they found in his brain two days ago. The doctor’s didn’t seem to think it was anything to worry about and just want to do the MRI to follow up and check on its progress. So I guess we should only be slightly terrified.

For whatever reason, he is still not wanting to crawl or even move around in the least bit. He continues to cry and moan each time we change his diaper, which makes us think that the little man has something else ailing him. It could be his slightly enlarged liver or spleen, it could be the Leukemia, he could just be sore and achy from the Chemo or it could be an infection, fungus…….apparently the list can go on and on.

We’ve now lived here at the hospital for over a month. I have to write the level number on my hand every time I park the car to remember where it is I parked. It’s all starting to run together.


Every time Hunter leaves his room he has to have on a green mask. He is only allowed to leave for procedures when his blood levels are extremely low or at zero. Needless to say, he won't be seeing Santa this year.









The odor of McDonalds french fries is almost always present. With it being the ONLY restaurant in the hospital, other than the cafeteria, it is frequented often by the visitors, patients AND doctors. We are there now on a regular basis getting Hunter fries. The hospital nutritionist has told us that he now needs to gain weight and needs to eat anything that has lots of fat, like peanut butter, sour cream, mayo and chocolate. Zen was courageous enough to mix a whole packet of syrup into his peach yogurt. That came up about 2 hours later. All over my pillow from home. Nice.


Here we are above going back to our room for the night. Hunter was a total trooper during the entire process today and once again - took it like a stud.

I’m sitting here now starring right at him and he has a smile on his face. He’s my precious little baby boy and the joy and tenderness and love he’s brought in my life has been a truly amazing experience. I will never allow him to give up and he’s well aware that life has only just begun.

Posted by Lenore