6 months.

Six months ago we were told that Cami had leukemia.  To say we were devastated doesn't even begin to describe the pain, anger, terror, and despair we felt.  Today, 6 months later, the initial shock has worn off and Cami's treatments have become part of our daily routine.  We have learned to swallow those scary thoughts, we have put our angry feelings to rest and we have found so much joy and happiness through this experience.  We have been shown the love of our Heavenly Father through the service of others.  We have made life long friends who are fighting similar battles.  We have watched miracles happen right before our eyes.  We have learned how precious life is and how important it is to enjoy every second.   

One week prior to diagnosis...                                                               

and gorgeous as ever now...

This is a video of Cami taken 5 days before her diagnosis.  Pat took the kids to play in a water fountain, but she was so tired that she wasn't able to get up to play.  

It makes me sad to watch, knowing what her poor body was really going through.

Here is a little of what our courageous, strong and resilient Cami has gone through.

In the hospital after being diagnosed.

Here is the first month, when steroids had to be pumped into her body.  

As you can see they took over...

She was grumpy all the time.

She came close to doubling her body weight in this phase...

Here she is with her cute, new haircut.

Then she got a buzz cut.

She's had some really hard times...

She knows all the medical terms and uses words that 5 year olds shouldn't even think about.  Just last week she instructed her nurse how she likes to be de-accessed.  

One of the biggest lessons Cami has taught me is how to move on after things get hard.  Was she upset when, 6 months ago, she found out that she was "very sick" and would lose her hair? -YES. Does she like the fact that she has to be poked, prodded and constantly have her temperature checked by her worry-wort mother?  -NO!  But, she has gone on with a smile.  She plays, she laughs she whines and sits in time out when she's naughty just like any other 5 year old.  She doesn't dwell, she lives in the moment, she enjoys it and then moves forward.   

Not too long ago Cami received a package in the mail.  It was a CD titled "Cami".  I had forgotten that I filled out a brochure while we were in the hospital that first week and our social worker submitted it for us.  A foundation called "Songs of Love" puts together personalized songs for sick kids who need something to calm and cheer them up.  Cami's is so PERFECT for her and it is something we will cherish forever.  Cami plays it often and it immediately puts a huge smile on her face.

Pat put the song to a few pictures...

We cannot thank this amazing foundation enough!

***If you are interested in downloading Cami's song go to https://www.songsoflove.org/store/child/ put in "Carver" under childs last name 

and her record number is 22383

Thank you to all of you who have kept up with us on this journey.  This blog has been so therapeutic for me and your comments of love and encouragement have carried me though many days.  I love you all dearly.  
Here's to the next six months of kicking cancer's butt!