Pilocytic Astrocytoma- my son's Brain Tumor

My son Blair started vomiting in the mornings shortly after he would wake up.  The doctors could not figure out why this was happening.  First they thought milk allergy, then dairy.  This went on for about 6-weeks.  We finally got a appointment with a specialist at Tacoma, Mary Bridge Hospital.  He ordered a head CT.  Within minutes they knew what was wrong with our little boy.  My husband & I knew something was wrong when they brought us into a room with no one else around.  The doctor came into the room, told us that they found a large mass on our son's brain. We then got taken over to the ICU.  From there decided to go to Seattle Children's Hospital.  We were told the tumor was in his cerebellum and looked to be the size of a womens fist.

Blair's first surgery was that night, December 8th, 2010

That night they put in a temporary Shunt to help drain the spinal fluid that was building up in his head.  He came out of that surgery like a champ!  Our good friends brought him in a "Pillow Pet" which he just loved to cuddle with.  The "Pillow Pet" is probably the best gift to get a child in the hospital.

The next day they performed a 8 hour surgery to remove the Brain Tumor.  It felt like the longest day of our lives!  The team of doctors were able to remove Blair's Brain Tumor!  This picture above is a couple days after the surgery.  His brother Ryder is holding his hand.

Friends got to come visit as he got stronger each day.

 His first walk around with mommy & daddy!

Day by day Blair was getting better & stronger.  After his surgery he ended up with an extreme under bite.  The doctors thought that his jaw got locked up, over time it would go back to normal. Today he got to enjoy his first solid meal.  Of course he chose McDonald's!

Today we get to go home.........

 This is Aimee with the Child Life Department.  She brings special gifts to kids everyday to make them feel better.  She has been holding onto something special for Blair to give to him today.

 Yes! Buzz Lightyear!

 Thank you Aimee!

(Hi I am Blair, I had a brain tumor, but don't anymore. The doctors at Seattle Children's Hospital saved my life.  I get to go home today!)

Blair just had his 6th Birthday in February.  You can see in my blog, "Welcome Jedi's" that he is doing extremely well, feels & looks so much better!  Our experience at Seattle Children's Hospital was awesome!  We could not have been in a better place. 

Welcome JEDI'S-Star Wars Birthday Party

  When I asked my son what kind of birthday party he wanted for his 6th Birthday, he couldn't decide between, Star Wars Clone Wars or Lego Star Wars.  So, I created both!



I found great invitations for this theme on www.personalizedpartyinvites.com
 Lot's of creative ideas on www.hostesswiththemostess.com as well as other "mommy" blogs".

With the help of my Cricut Machine,Gypsy designer & scrapbook paper, I was able to make almost all of my party decor. Here is what I created!

We had "Captain Rex Dogs" (Hot Dogs), "R2D2 Booty" (Pirates Booty), "C3pO Cookies" (Oreo's) and enjoyed "Yoda Soda" (Lime Sherbet & Lime-Lemon Soda).  I found the Star Wars blue scrapbook paper at my local Joann fabric store.

As the kids arrived they all got Light Sabers to prepare for Jedi Training!  My sweet husband searched high and low for light sabers that were affordable.  February is the wrong time of year to search for "water noodles" which was my first idea.  However, the local dollar store had these perfect "Light Sticks", yes $1 ea.....Score!

Jedi Training- I set up an obstacle course in the back yard, the kids had a blast!  Then I awarded ea. of them with this Jedi Knight Training Certificate.  I found the certificate on a free site, then downloaded and asked my local print shop to print them up.

The CAKE!

 Cake Baker......My father-in-law! sorry no link for this one!  We added Lego Star Wars figures on top of the cake.  One layer of the cake is the light side and the other is the dark side.

In lieu of gifts, we asked  for toys to be donated to Seattle Children's Hospital.

I hope you enjoyed my Star War's Party Blog!

May The Force Be With You!

Ryder Michael

Ryder just turned 2 years old, April 26th! He is so full of life and energy......he can say the cutest little words.......He wants to be like brother and with him all the time! He has a way to melt everyones heart he is around. Love you Ryder!

Blair's First Race! May 8th, 2010

Blair is racing in a go-kart class, called "Kids Karts", the ages are from 5-8yrs old. After 8 he will move up to the "Junior 1" class. His races are held at the Puget Sound Go Karting Assciation off of Mountian Hwy. It is free to watch or $10 a person for a all day pit pass.

It was so amazing to watch Blair get into his go-kart....with no hesitation, ready to go!! Thumbs up buddy! He has meet new little friends & loves going around & around the track! His Orange plate means that he is a "Rookie" , I think after 1-year of racing it gets to come off. I guess in my world that would mean another party!!

He wanted to be #4, just like his uncle Johnny!