~*Antonio*~

Hi my name is Olivia, mama to my brave and courageous son Antonio. Antonio was born on August 2, 2001. He was diagnosed with High Risk Neuroblastoma on March 19th 2004. It’s a rare childhood cancer that requires a lot of intense treatment. Only about 300 kids in the United States have High Risk Neuroblastoma. The doctors gave Antonio a 25% chance to make it. He is very strong and I pray so hard everyday that he will be okay. He’s was on protocol COG A3973. He has gone through eight rounds of intense chemotherapy, two surgeries (one on his 3rd Birthday), a stem cell transplant, and 12 rounds of radiation. Then he did 6 months of oral treatment at home. As of now he has been in Remission/N.E.D (No Evidence of Disease) for 2 years. I just ask that everyone take time, just a minute out of his or her busy day and just say a small prayer for him. I want to thank everyone who visits the site. Thank you for showing you care. You all mean a great deal to Antonio and I.







This poem I found on another site, a girl named Hope wrote it and it pretty much sums up everything we feel

Poem by Hope 10/18/04:
Cancer is….going from one day to another.
Cancer is…endless treatments.
Cancer is…lots of nausea.
Cancer is…losing hair.
Cancer is…powerful drug after powerful drug after powerful drug.
Cancer is…becoming radioactive.
Cancer is…pharmacy visiting and medicine sipping.
Cancer is…learning a whole new medical language.
Cancer is…making blood transfusions “normal”.
Cancer is…getting used to anesthesia.
Cancer is… testing limits.
Cancer is also…becoming closer to family and friends.
Cancer is…a builder of strength.
Cancer is…not sweating the little things, but being glad for simple pleasures.
Cancer is…really seeing the world.
Cancer is…believing in miracles.
Cancer is…knowing anything is possible.
Cancer is…finding your true courage.
Cancer is…figuring out what you’re made of.
Cancer is…not giving up on hope.
Cancer is…coming in touch with God.


The Chosen Mothers
by Erma Bombeck
Most women become a mother by accident, some by choice
and a few by habit. Did you ever wonder how mother's of
children with life threatening illnesses are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over earth
selecting His instruments for progagation with great care and
deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels
to make notes in a giant ledger.......
"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint Matthew"
Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint Cecilia"
Rutledge, Carrie, twins, partron saint Greard."
Finally, He passes a name to an angel and says, "Give
her a child with cancer." The angel is curious. "Why this
one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a child with cancer
a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But, does she have patience?" asks the angel,
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will
drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and
resentment wears off, she will handle it."
"I watched her today," said God. "She has that feeling
of self-independence that is so rare and necessary in a mother.
You see, the child I'm going to give her has it's own world.
She has to make it live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she believes in you," said the angel.
"No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just
enough selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child
occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is the woman I will bless
with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet,
but she is to be envied. She will never take anything her child does for
granted. She will never consider a single step
ordinary. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see....ignorance,
cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them."
"And what about her patron saint" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.
God smiles and says..."A mirror will suffice."



You have Taught Me
You have taught me patience
to rejoice in small gains which others take for granted.
You have taught me tolerance
to accept that your perspective is different
and deserves respect.
You have taught me courage
to fight for you when no one else will.
You have taught me endurance
to go on when I feel I can't any more.
You have taught me humility
to accept when I can't make things better
but can only be here for you.
You have taught me to love
at a deeper level than I ever thought possible

Journal

Friday, October 31, 2008 3:20 PM CDT

Happy Halloween!!!!

It has been 4 years today that we came home from the toughest part of treatment (stem cell transplant) It absolutely amazing to me how far Antonio has come since then!

He is 7 years old now and in 2nd grade! He has grown so much this year. He is reading books to me and has so much to say all the time. I never thought i would see the day! He loves football and pokemon. Everyday i am more and more blessed to have him in my life and healthy.

Antonio will be going back to childrens next month for repeat of his CT scan to see if that spot they found is hopefully GONE! please pray that his scans are all clear!


Today i got some sad news. Ben townes a little boy who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma last year has relapsed. My thoughts and prayers go out the him and his family. Please pray for him. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/towne

Hospital Information:

Seattle Children's Hospital
4800 Sand Point Way NE
seattle, wa 98105
206-987-1000

Links:

E-mail Author: tonio0802@yahoo.com