Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Merida, Lightening, & Glinda

 Our neighbors drove the kids around the community in a hay wagon pulled by a John Deere tractor. The kids were besides themselves.

 Due to inclement weather, we hosted this year's Halloween party with a few buds. The kids didn't quite get together for their annual picture.

 DaddyO carried Cameron and took the kids for blocks. Lucy was so proud of her loot.

 Jackie has already eaten a few pieces

 Even the grubs are eating tonight!

WEEK 4

It's been four [ long ] weeks since Cam-o broke his leg.  He's been a real trooper throughout.  He had lots of pain weeks 1 and 2 and wore a long leg immobilizer most of the time requiring full assist in/out of his wheelchair.  He was very independent wheeling himself around the hardwood floors but didn't see upstairs until week 3.  Gradually the deep thigh bruise began to subside, pain decreased and range of motion at his knee increased.  Late in week 3 he taught himself how to transfer in/out of the wheelchair without assist; a big turning point.  From there he started going upstairs on his butt to enjoy playing and watching movies with the other kids in the play room.  Today was our week 4 post-op visit with the surgeon.  His knee range of motion is full but the thigh remains pretty weak.  He's been released to full weight bearing as tolerated.  Upon coming home he started with crutches, actually just one like a cane and he took right to it.  At times he asks for someone to hold his hand but is clearly enjoying the greater level of independence.  Although Gramma Dee did an awesome job on his wheelchair costume we opted to join the other kids on the hayride tour of the community.  Cam-o enjoyed being carried to each doorstep for trick or treat.  It's great to see him back with the other kids.  He is restricted to ambulatory activities for the next two months so no bike, scooter, rip rider or trampoline.  In January we return to see the surgeon at which time he will likely be released to all activities.  The doc said today that only 50% of the time do the rods get removed and if they do that will be at about 1 year.  That's it for now.  Enjoy the pics.

INJURY - WED OCT 3

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IMAGES

SURGERY - THU OCT 4

 IMAGE TAKEN IN THE OPERATING ROOM SHORTLY

AFTER THE HARDWARE WAS IMPLANTED

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT - WED OCT 31

GOOD EVIDENCE OF EARLY BONE FORMATION

Pumpkin Carving Time

Saint Deane and the Project Team

Once word was out that Cameron would be temporarily wheelchair-bound, we started thinking of Halloween costumes incorporating his new wheels.  It didn't take long to realize Lightening McQueen would be the perfect fit. 

I am in constant amazement at Deane's ability to take a mere idea and turns it into reality. And what a fantastic reality this is!

Still a work in progress, we were all in awe at her creation! She welcomed the kids' contribution to the costume (J did the 95, CamO did the mouth). Cameron's smile is 3 times as big as Lightening's! A wheelchair has it's perks.

Progress

From here...

 ...To here...

 ...and here is simply remarkable.

In an instant

As they say, it all changes in an instant. A week ago, CamO was riding his bike like any other day when he slid in a puddle and crashed to the ground. I remember all the details, from Cameron screaming “I broke my leg! I broke my leg!” and Jackie riding both bikes home, to holding his leg during x-ray and finally the look on his face when he realized he won’t be going to gymnastics and playing soccer.

It is certainly the most traumatic event in his 6 years. And it will be a painful few weeks/months ahead of him. But when I looked at the parents of the 3-yr-old girl in the room next to us, diagnosed with neuroblastoma, it really put things into perspective for me. This is temporary. It will make a great story for him in college and he will (hopefully) only have little scars to show for it. I'm so thankful Dr. Peggy was present during pre-op instructions. It was a trying time for both Dave and I. (Note: all of the pics are from my camera phone, so excuse the lack of resolution.) 

Post-surgery, Cameron was a tearful sight. Took my breath away. 

 TV and drug-induced vegetative state post-surgery with loads of pain and narcotics.

 Love from Deane and Licorice from Miss Karen lifted CamO's spirits ever so slightly. Rock Star Fluff-and-Stuff (the teady bear) got a brand new cast, crutch and wheelchair to match.

UNC sends their football team (or basketball team depending on the season) around the children's hospital for photo ops the day before a home game. 2 of the 3 players pictured had broken their bones as a child and Cameron could appreciate that.

Miss Karen and Miss Julie entertained the girls for 48 hours straight. They got their nails done, had sleepovers, dinner and lunch dates- they royally spoiled these girls!  A day later, Miss Amy did the same. I am forever grateful to them.

 PT began with an involuntary transfer to the wheelchair. Any movement causes lots of pain for Cameron, so he's content wherever he resides. Being in a wheelchair was not his most desired location.

 There's no place like home...

I am so thankful for the love and support my friends and family- especially my rocks, Deane, Karen, Julie & Amy. Cameron has received countless gifts and visitors, and we’ve gotten loads of meals, groceries, medical support, and chauffeur services. We are truly blessed.

Each day brings it’s small successes and frustrations, but Cameron’s improving daily. More to come!