A year Ago - how life can change

A year ago life threw a curve ball and Joshua’s fight for survival started; I never knew the extent of what lay ahead. My first Post on Facebook “As you all know Joshua has been diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We are still waiting for other results but for now we are at WAR with this type of Leukemia. It is going to be a long journey ahead but a successful road it will be. I am not sure why life has dealt us with such a horrid path but I do know we are not going to lie down and give up. We have strength and courage to come out on top. I am truly thankful for all the support from friends, family and people I have not even met. I will try keep you all updated as I hear news. Thank you xxx”
The War was ruthless, devouring every part of Joshua and ripping parts of our hearts to shredded pieces. Looking back at those 68 days in ICU I shudder to think of what could have been. We certainly stood our ground and with strength, courage and amazing support from family, friends and people we never met and the glory of God here we stand winning the battle. The last 12 months we have endured more than what should be offered in a life time, riding the wave and having faith once we under that foaming water we will be able to resurface. Each time we have resurfaced and continue with happiness knowing we have that extended time together. I have met amazing children and Parents on this journey, sadly some have become Angels looking down on us and others conquered their war.
We are winning the war and In 2 yrs he will stand up and say YES I have BEATEN CANCER!!!!
Thank you for everyone’s support and generosity and we thank God for giving us the strength to continue with love in our hearts.
`A Great Life is Born in the Soul, Grown in the Mind and Lived from the Heart`

Training for up coming MTB at IFAFA on 17-August 2014

First oops while training



The excitement is in the air for our first Green Hero Adventures event 16-17 August 2014.  Joshua has decided to enter  the MTB fun Ride on 17th August 2014 and started his training. (around the garden).
Before he became sick Errol and Joshua built a small obstacle course in the garden. Yesterday we walked the obstacle and Joshua then decided training is the only way to get back in shape. Looking back from October 2013 to now I am in Awe at how much progress he has made. Each and Everyday My respect for our Hero is tripled and he never gives up and teaches me life is to be lived.....................................

Today 3 July 2014 we started with warm up of mini Babington set up in the front garden for about 30mins (see mommy also getting exercises). Tea break was welcomed to regain my strength and restore my confused muscles. I was summoned to ride my bicycle, luckily my tyres were deflated (thankfully or my heart would have gone into cardiac malfunction)

Not even 5minutes into training Joshua had a meeting with his front tyre and the edge of the wall while taking the corner to wide. I heard this little voice ......aaaaggggggggrrrrrrr, then louder AAAAGGGGGRRRRR and found him laying on the floor.

Thank goodness for Mommy, picked him up and settled him on the couch with leg up on pillow. Cleaned blood gave him sweeties and he insisted on a bandage because Dad will be home soon.

All happy with Mommy Pampering, now off with DAD to spend some Son and Dad Time.

Don't forget to register for our event at htt://greenheroadventures.yolasite.com

Road Travelled to Success

Joshua Enjoying Uncle Rogers Drums

 

 

This was the start to his story  (click on link) Green Hero: Road Travelled and brief description of Joshua's journey. Life as a cancer child and Parent is difficult and trying at times but when you see your child laughing and smiling nothing else matters. Joshua Lights up a room with his delightful smile and happy giggles, sometimes breaking out in song of his own made up language. Early morning foot steps into our room echo's through the house and his little voice whispers "its  wake-up  time". He then ushers Errol to make Tea and asks "so Mom how was your sleep?"

His memory still hides many of the words, finding it difficult to explain but that in time will heal and  become a faint past event. Errol is called my Kissing one, not my husband and the kitchen the eating place.

Before Joshua became sick he always called Errol Errol and not Dad, when I questioned him he said because, his name is Errol not Dad. Trying to reason with a child about protocol at a young age is extremely difficult.  A few months before he became sick he would throw the word Dad in ever so often which delighted Errol, but now back to Errol as memory is a bit shambled.

Tomorrow Tues 17 June 2014 is the last of this block treatment, he has coped well and been remarkably Brave. Next Stage of Treatment will be decided on once Bone Marrow test are done.

Mid July he will have his bone marrow test and we pray for good results.

Safe Journey with Treatment this Week Joshua..........................

"Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that is true strength" ~ Viktor E. Frankl 

Live, Love, Smile and remeber be Happy every second of the day.

CLIP TAKEN 10th AUGUST 2013 

 Before Joshua got sick

 

 

CLIP TAKEN 19TH DECEMBER 2013

First time Joshua walked since 18th October 2013

 

 

 

 

 

CLIP TAKEN 20 December 2013

First time Joshua spoke since 18th October 2013

 

 

 

 

CLIP TAKEN FEBURARY 2014

Kids Loving dancing at the hospital

 

 

 

 

Photo taken 1 March 2014 - Feeling Strong!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Start of the Green Fund Raising: RIDE FOR JOSHUA

 

When your child is critically ill nothing ventures into your mind but to get them out of harm’s way. Dr’s Bills, Hospital shortfall are the least of your worries, all that matters is  hearing your child say “mommy I am Okay”

 

Keagan Johns, a Grade 5 Pupil (now in Grade 6)  at Scottburgh Primary School decided he would like to ride a 20km mountain bike race at Mt Splendour on 17/11/2013 to raise funds for Joshua.This amazing young man used his own initiative to raise money. His Mom Tracey contacted me & I was emotional  at the thought someone who doesn’t really know my family would even consider to do something so special. Keagan had his goal set on R 5000.00 and I was happy for a R 10.00 because the thought was heart touching for me already.

Keegan decided to ride the race in green; he arranged a banner to be made and an awesome riding shirt 'Ride for Joshua' (Joshua is fighting cancer GREEN)

Keagz had a great race ; he came second in his age category and Fifth overall. Awesome Achievement!

Natalie Kalamoudacos was amazing keeping everyone updated during the race, she was a Whatsapp hogger...........I don't think whatsapp messenger had ever been busier.
 

 

 

Tim Keep sponsored an awesome riding shirt; it looked fabulous on Keagz.

Cherilynn Poynter made a stunning Banner, incorporated the heart perfectly.

Keagan raised over R 30 000.00, what a wonderful achievement.

Keagan is Joshua's Hero.
 

 

 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SPONSORED KEAGAN AND RAISE MONEY FOR JOSHUA

The day Before the race Joshua took a turn for the worse and we were unsure of the next few days.

Finally on the 24th November 2013  Josh showed some  positive progress. Our Boy kept fighting, his strength and determination  demonstrated to us and so many others that he will fully recover and to BELIEVE!
 Every time the Dr's  said they did not know what else to do, he bounced back and showed them  FAITH and BELIEF and DETERMINATION. Josh  always said GOD is in your heart and soul, I truly understand his testament! He has taken me on the most amazing journey and I am privileged to be his mommy. Many occasions he told us he chose us to be his  parents, and I thank him everyday. I am a proud mommy and his Daddy stands even prouder when he speaks Joshua's name..................................................

 

 

 

Road Travelled

 

 

 

 

On the 2 October 2013 Joshua was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

We braced ourselves for treatment and survival rate was excellent. His Oncologist explained what to expect and length of treatment. Joshua was aware he would not be going to school for a couple of months. I explained to him about his disease and he said lets fight this.

 He was positive right from the word go. I remember in hospital I asked him “so what colour we going to fight this Cancer with?” My first colour was blue as girls are pink.

 He said “no mom let’s do Green”, so Green it is.

 

 (3 days before intubation)

 

Two weeks into his treatment our laughter and hopes became clouded, it felt like the world had ended. Joshua contracted chicken pox, his symptoms never presented as normal chicken pox. His body was encrusted with millions of blisters, at first appearance it presented as if he had severe sun burn which developed into blisters.  After a skin biopsy they discovered he had chicken pox.

 

His System started shutting down from the chicken pox virus and combination of prednisone which is used as part of treatment for leukaemia.   On the 18 October he was intubated and they gave him 48 hrs, no promises.  He fought like a true warrior and pulled through.

Joshua’s  body was encrusted in burn like blisters, almost like a burn victim and the days that followed were a nightmare.

 

 

They were not able to treat the leukaemia because of all his complications with various organs. Over the next 68 days in ICU he fought and Life threw everything his way, from lung infection, renal failure, sepsis, seizure’s and the list continues. He never once gave up the fight, and medically he should not be here.  He was on about 30 different Antibiotics and Drs never gave much hope. The power of Prayer, belief, Dr’s, amazing nursing staff, the will to live and support from family, friends and people we have never met pulled together and gave us all the strength to continue.

 

 

Joshua has fought a hard battle and continues to do so, surprising his doctors at every turn.

 On the 24^th December he was released from hospital, he could not walk and the only words he could say was ‘thank you ‘and ‘Mom’.

 

31 December 2013 he was admitted for bone marrow test, Lumber Punch and  a port inserted. We were anxious as he had to go under anesthetic and we were not sure how his lungs would manage. He was still very weak, weighing in at 20kg. A week later we were given the good news he was in remission. Next step chemo treatment to free his body from this horrific bug. Rehabilitation is a slow process, learning to walk, speech therapy ect but in a month he has proven never to look at the negative. His vocabulary list has double over and over again and he is walking, with very stiff legs but he is doing it. He is weighing in at 25kg and managing well with his chemo.

He lost his memory, but slowly he is regaining and each day is progress. We have started from scratch regarding learning, here is a simple example we take for granted: what is grass? What colour is the sky and where is the sun? And the most important, what is your name? It is mind blowing what can happen in 68 days! 5 times during those days we were told Joshua has 24 hrs or 48 hrs or few hours. The emotional turmoil as parents is indescribable and should never be felt. Never once did we tell Joshua to give up, we told him: “God gave you to us to look after and keep safe and the only place you are going is your home with Mommy and Daddy.” We told Joshua no matter what was wrong with him we will take care of him.  We are very proud of his strength and true fighting spirit.

This is a very brief description of the journey he has travelled………………

 

This is a picture of Joshua 16 February 2014 he has gained weight and happily weighing 25kg.

 

 

We are on our last week of block treatment, hopefully will be home Thursday.  Booked back in on the 3^rd March for next block which is 5 days at a time in hospital for 6 weeks.