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.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Umpteenth Spinal Tap with a Splash of Chemo



Here is the little girl that we pass in the halls all the time. She's the "Welcome to the Cancer Floor" girl. Even though it's not nice, I think we both wanted to punch her in her face when we first arrived back in December when Hunter was diagnosed. We've since passed the anger stage.



Hunter getting prepared for his Spinal Tap.



Here he's been injected with the Happy Juice. It's the medication Versed that makes him laugh his ass off. He's always a huge hit with the doctors and nurses.



Dad is usually the one making him giggle. He does a great job.



Then everyone joins in and it's one big party in the spinal tap room.



If you look close here, you can actually see his spinal fluid dripping out of the needle. This is the fluid they check to make sure that the Leukemia has not traveled into his spine.



After that step, they inject Chemo into his spinal fluid to make sure that the Leukemia stays out of his spine.



Here Hunter is hanging on to the Versed and wouldn't let it go. He's a big fan. Versed addict at 18 months. The kid likes to get his giggle on.



Here are his id and allergy alert bracelets. They are on him at all times. The alergy alert is from when he had his first major reaction to the Chemo medication Etoposide back in the first round. Very scary.



Later on in the day after his Spinal Tap, he gets the major dose of Chemo........and they don't mess around.





Here are three separate lines delivering Chemo and fluids all at the same time. Those are connected to his Pic Line that is inserted into one of his major arteries in his arm - it goes straight to his heart.



Needless to say, he's exhausted. It's been a long day.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Absolutely incredible. Little Hunter is the bravest and sweetest kid ever. Thanks again for the updates, we pray for all of you every day.

Matt and Michelle

Unknown said...

I just came from Tania's improv show, and found your blog on her Team in Training page and had to introduce myself. I had AML and was treated at CHLA back in 1989, I was 9 years old. Here I am 19 years post-bone marrow transplant (I still can't believe it's been that long!) and doing great. I just had to let you know I am thinking of you all and sending all of my well wishes and hope! I read your blog and Hunter seems like a real fighter, and between that, the amazing support system you have and all of the laughing going on over there, I know he'll come through this with flying colors (I truly believe laughter is one of the best medicines!). My email is charaeg@yahoo.com if you ever want to get in touch. Take care - Charae

Elie said...

We are with you guys!
Love,

Elie, Julie, Scott and little Eric

Todd Yasui said...

Hi Zen, Lenore and Hunter. We're thinking about you all the time and send huge hugs and love and good vibes for continued recovery. He's so darn cute and obviously a tough little man ! We'll call soon to check in. Todd, Elif and Julian Yasui