From the early days:
 | ||||
| Early days all tubed up - oxygen, ECG and nose tube for NG Feeds |
To the last day of treatment (11 September 2009) stringing the most important bead of all - a purple heart. And wow - what a journey it was!
 |
| Last day of treatment stringing her purple heart bead |
Looking at Bianca today (2 years later or 24 months if you prefer), it is simply amazing just how far she's come:
 | |
| Today, a normal 8 year old wearing her more than 1,300 beads of courage! |
It is hard to believe that it was 2 years ago when Bianca finally finished her leukemia treatment after 830 days. Some days it feels like a lifetime ago, some days it feels just like yesterday. I will always have fond memories of the time we planted Bianca's tree (click here to see).
Today we are thankful that Bianca is doing well. We are aware that things can change at any time, but for now, we are just appreciating the blessings we have received.
Classic Hits has this promotion where you can submit a song that has a special meaning to you and the story behind it and then if you are chosen, they play it on a Thursday night. So they waited until this past Thursday to play my special song in honour of Bianca's 2 year anniversary of being off treatment:
Bianca, we are so incredibly proud of you. Of the way you have always faced the challenges with such a positive attitude. You showed us your determination, your love for life and you taught us how to live just for the moment. And one day when you look back at the road you walked, I hope you will know that nothing is impossible. So in celebration of today:
11 comments:
she is so gorgeous!! love the beads...thanks for sharing this beautiful post of Bianca's most WONDERFUL milestone.
Perfect songs Lea xxxx
Lovely way to honour and celebrate Bianca today :) and your families journey xx
Here's to a very happy day :)
Wow 2 years! Bianca has come so far. I remember her face was always quite round from the steroids, and her hair was quite thin. But even with that, she was always pretty and a lovely girl. Now you can just see the confidence radiating from her, and she is so beautiful! You are right to be so proud of her, Lea.
Happy, happy anniversary!
Bridget
Thanks everybody! Dmarie the beads of courage is a very special thing for us and it has a special place on the wall in our living area. It basically tells Bianca's story. Sarah - those are definitely some of my favourite songs! Thank you Bridget! Yes, all through maintenance Bianca's hair stayed really thin and was short. It kept thinning each time she got Vincristine. And yes,those dreaded steroids!
I'm so fortunate to have had this year to teach your daughter. I love her enthusiasm. You have done great as a family through obviously many difficult times. Bianca is a brave girl to have endured such difficult times.
Paul
I'm so fortunate to have had this year to teach your daughter. I love her enthusiasm. You have done great as a family through obviously many difficult times. Bianca is a brave girl to have endured such difficult times.
Paul
Thank you Paul, we feel fortunate to have you as her teacher :-)
Lea and family,
Two years, what a milestone! So glad I found your blog 3 1/2 yrs ago. Bianca is a beautiful girl. The beads of courage do tell her story. As you know Bianca's story has been an inspiration to me, and I look forward to reading and watching her grow through your journal.
Always thinking of you.
Rosemary
Thank you for your comment Rosemary. We feel so blessed to have followers like yourself part of our journey for such a long time!
What a journey...she's a beautiful brave girl.
Bianca is beautiful I am so happy you are celebrating this day she is a special brave girl and we should hear her story.
You have come a long way.2Years WOW. Incredible. Congratulations on the best kind of anniversaries. B
Post a Comment