For Amelia it was the first day of 7th grade.
For Nate it was the first day of 4th grade!
And one picture is of a proud Papa!! Lol
Friday, August 10, 2012
First Day of school
Wednesday was the first day of school for the kids!
For Amelia it was the first day of 7th grade.
For Nate it was the first day of 4th grade!
And one picture is of a proud Papa!! Lol
For Amelia it was the first day of 7th grade.
For Nate it was the first day of 4th grade!
And one picture is of a proud Papa!! Lol
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
My Cheerleader!
I hope the pictures come out! These are some pictures of Amelia at cheer camp just a few weeks ago. They are from her show and shine day. One if them if you look closely you will see her being held up! That is not as high as she goes, she will get higher! 
Thursday, June 28, 2012
One year check up
Sorry its a bit late, but we have been crazy busy!
We had a week full of appointments in Minneapolis. We arrived on a Saturday night around 9, which is ok because it doesn't get dark until about 10! We finally found the place we were staying. We had a one bedroom apartment at an assisted living senior complex. It was rather nice and comfy. Plus it was super easy to get to the hospital, we were about 5 minutes away, didn't have to go on the interstate which is usually a night mare at rush hour times.
Sunday we went to the Mall of America, we ate and let her ride some rides, after we stopped at a Target to get some snacks and stuff we could cook in Microwave or the oven.
Monday we were at the clinic for our first appointment at 7:30.
She did her oral glucose test which was negative. We saw dermatology and what we suspected was right, her "rash" is indeed eczema. They gave her a bunch of creams, lotions and instructions.
During our week visit we had numerous X-rays and scans done. One scan showed that her bone age is 10.5 years, which isn't that bad but also gives her room for growth, which was another test that she had done, a growth stimulation test which is needed for insurance to get them to pay for growth hormones. On one of the X-rays we saw where she has the beginning of scoliosis, great more for the poor child! We saw Endocrinology there and found a lot of stuff out from them. Unfortunately we are having to wait a but to get into our local doctor. I was hoping to start her on some of he recommended medicines before school starts, because one of the things we found out is that she is in full blown menopause!! That explains the extreme mood swings and constant hot flashes!! Poor thing, we haven't even explained to her about her menstrual cycle yet, we figured let's get over BMT first then we'll start that talk. Now I don't know how to have this talk with her. I think I'm just going to leave it alone for a year start her on the hormones then next years check up we will talk to her and give her the medicine to force her to have a menstrual cycle... 13 is a good age to start, heck she's been through enough already. We also found out at that visit that she needs some vitamin D, so we have started that pill.
ENT was a good check up, pulmonary function test was much better this year than last, what a difference a HGB of 12.5 makes compared to 5!! Biopsy went well, don't have all the results but she is still 100% donor making all three cell lines. Her only count that is a little low is her IGG, which is one that is part of the immune system and helps fight infections and viruses, but Dr Wagner said we won't worry about it unless she starts to get sick a lot with colds and stuff. Which thankfully, she hasn't had a lot of and it's been low for a while now. Marshall gets an infusion once a month because his is low, but if he doesn't get his he gets sick. (he's almost 9 years post transplant)
We started her vaccinations just this week. She was scheduled to get 7 shots, they broke it up for her (thankfully we don't live but 7 miles from the pediatrician) two she got Tuesday, two more today and 3 next Thursday. Then she gets another 7 at the end of August. Then she won't have to do them but one more time, I think a year later.
She is getting excited because cheer camp will be starting on the week of the 9th. Then believe it or not school will be starting for them on the 8th of August. Still have so many dr visits I'm trying to fit in, dentist, orthopedic, and the shots all while trying to let her have summer fun since she missed it all last year!!
We did make it to a day at the beach, it was ok, they really hadn't been in a long while and both she and Nathan now have no desire to go back...they hated the salt water and they hated the sand every where! So we will stick to nice clean pools!!
Well have to run to get them up and dressed for more shots. Hopefully it won't be so long between updates!
Thanks to those of you who do still stop in a check on us, if there is even anyone doing so! Thank you for keeping Amelia in your prayers, we are ready for the next chapter in her life... Living post bone marrow transplant, one with a little less restrictions!
Blessings!!!!
Kelly
We had a week full of appointments in Minneapolis. We arrived on a Saturday night around 9, which is ok because it doesn't get dark until about 10! We finally found the place we were staying. We had a one bedroom apartment at an assisted living senior complex. It was rather nice and comfy. Plus it was super easy to get to the hospital, we were about 5 minutes away, didn't have to go on the interstate which is usually a night mare at rush hour times.
Sunday we went to the Mall of America, we ate and let her ride some rides, after we stopped at a Target to get some snacks and stuff we could cook in Microwave or the oven.
Monday we were at the clinic for our first appointment at 7:30.
She did her oral glucose test which was negative. We saw dermatology and what we suspected was right, her "rash" is indeed eczema. They gave her a bunch of creams, lotions and instructions.
During our week visit we had numerous X-rays and scans done. One scan showed that her bone age is 10.5 years, which isn't that bad but also gives her room for growth, which was another test that she had done, a growth stimulation test which is needed for insurance to get them to pay for growth hormones. On one of the X-rays we saw where she has the beginning of scoliosis, great more for the poor child! We saw Endocrinology there and found a lot of stuff out from them. Unfortunately we are having to wait a but to get into our local doctor. I was hoping to start her on some of he recommended medicines before school starts, because one of the things we found out is that she is in full blown menopause!! That explains the extreme mood swings and constant hot flashes!! Poor thing, we haven't even explained to her about her menstrual cycle yet, we figured let's get over BMT first then we'll start that talk. Now I don't know how to have this talk with her. I think I'm just going to leave it alone for a year start her on the hormones then next years check up we will talk to her and give her the medicine to force her to have a menstrual cycle... 13 is a good age to start, heck she's been through enough already. We also found out at that visit that she needs some vitamin D, so we have started that pill.
ENT was a good check up, pulmonary function test was much better this year than last, what a difference a HGB of 12.5 makes compared to 5!! Biopsy went well, don't have all the results but she is still 100% donor making all three cell lines. Her only count that is a little low is her IGG, which is one that is part of the immune system and helps fight infections and viruses, but Dr Wagner said we won't worry about it unless she starts to get sick a lot with colds and stuff. Which thankfully, she hasn't had a lot of and it's been low for a while now. Marshall gets an infusion once a month because his is low, but if he doesn't get his he gets sick. (he's almost 9 years post transplant)
We started her vaccinations just this week. She was scheduled to get 7 shots, they broke it up for her (thankfully we don't live but 7 miles from the pediatrician) two she got Tuesday, two more today and 3 next Thursday. Then she gets another 7 at the end of August. Then she won't have to do them but one more time, I think a year later.
She is getting excited because cheer camp will be starting on the week of the 9th. Then believe it or not school will be starting for them on the 8th of August. Still have so many dr visits I'm trying to fit in, dentist, orthopedic, and the shots all while trying to let her have summer fun since she missed it all last year!!
We did make it to a day at the beach, it was ok, they really hadn't been in a long while and both she and Nathan now have no desire to go back...they hated the salt water and they hated the sand every where! So we will stick to nice clean pools!!
Well have to run to get them up and dressed for more shots. Hopefully it won't be so long between updates!
Thanks to those of you who do still stop in a check on us, if there is even anyone doing so! Thank you for keeping Amelia in your prayers, we are ready for the next chapter in her life... Living post bone marrow transplant, one with a little less restrictions!
Blessings!!!!
Kelly
Thursday, June 7, 2012
12 years!!
Happy, happy birthday to my beautiful wonderful little girl!! Happy birthday Amelia, we love you more than words can say. A day we were in fear of not reaching, we are here and we are celebrating and praying for MANY, many more!!
Love 4-ever,
Your very proud mommy and daddy!!!
Love 4-ever,
Your very proud mommy and daddy!!!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Year.....
A lot has changed in a year....
A year ago today we sat in a hospital room waiting patiently for new cells to come and save my little girls life....
A year ago today we were filled with anticipation, hope, and mostly fear. Fear of the unknown and of what was to be in the days to come. We prayed, for Amelia to be safe and for the donors recovery. The emotions of that day are still there, yet very hard to describe them. Having been through it twice you would think that it would be easy to describe. I hope and pray that somewhere overseas that the donor knows how grateful we are for what they have done for us and will always be apart of our lives. The donor will be remembered as Amelia marks every milestone in her life be it big or small, because no matter she would not have been able to reach any of them had it not been for the amazing donation of their marrow. In the past year we have already begun to be thank for the donor's donation. Amelia has done remarkably well well since we have returned home, we had a bump or two but just a few! Her health has been unbelievably well. Her counts have all returned to normal.She just finished up her 6th grade year of school where she was on the honor roll all 4 nine weeks a big accomplishment for her. In the past years her health played a big part in her grades, her hemoglobin was too low sometimes for her to even think straight, or have the energy to finish out the school day. Now her energy levels are soaring and so are her grades!Next school year she herself will be soaring, literally speaking as she made the schools cheerleading team, and since she is the smallest and lightest she will be......gulp....a flyer as they call them! (also another milestone that we thanked her donor for) Today Amelia is a "normal" preteen girl, healthy and happy (for the most part considering she is a preteen!!She will celebrate her 12th birthday on June 7th. Her hair is growing back very slowly, but very thick and curly, which of course she hates. Today is her last day to take her transplant related pills with is her bactrium! She takes prescription claratin for her eczema that she has acquired thanks to transplant and he synthroid. We do not like to mention the ugly monster that caused her so much pain and that brought her back into the hospital and that happened to rear its ugly head in January...lets just say her urine has been all clear! She is an amazingly tough cookie, she has lots of spunk and more than enough attitude. I know it will be a long a boring summer for her. She was just getting back to school full time and it all ended, she is extremely sad, but next year, thanks to her donor is fill with anticipation and loads and loads of hope. A new chapter in her life is beginning. Here is a look back through pictures at the past year.....
Here she is on the trip to Minneapolis...
I know this last year has been tough, we made it through the hurdles. The road is still a long one ahead of us, but you are even stronger now. The C word...dreaded Cancer, will always be breathing down our necks but we plan to stay one step ahead of it!
For all of you following us, I thank you all for coming on this journey with us and for being there every step of the way! Your support, thoughts and prayers really mean a lot to us. Everyday is a precious girt, take a moment and enjoy what you have and be thankful! I know I truly am, I am very thankful and blessed. Not one but two strangers gave a piece of their selves to me, if for not them I would not be blessed with two miracle kids!!!
Have a great weekend.
Blessings and love,
The Bennett Family
Kelly, Tyren, Marshall, Amelia, and Nathan
oh and Chico and CoCo too!
A year ago today we sat in a hospital room waiting patiently for new cells to come and save my little girls life....
A year ago today we were filled with anticipation, hope, and mostly fear. Fear of the unknown and of what was to be in the days to come. We prayed, for Amelia to be safe and for the donors recovery. The emotions of that day are still there, yet very hard to describe them. Having been through it twice you would think that it would be easy to describe. I hope and pray that somewhere overseas that the donor knows how grateful we are for what they have done for us and will always be apart of our lives. The donor will be remembered as Amelia marks every milestone in her life be it big or small, because no matter she would not have been able to reach any of them had it not been for the amazing donation of their marrow. In the past year we have already begun to be thank for the donor's donation. Amelia has done remarkably well well since we have returned home, we had a bump or two but just a few! Her health has been unbelievably well. Her counts have all returned to normal.She just finished up her 6th grade year of school where she was on the honor roll all 4 nine weeks a big accomplishment for her. In the past years her health played a big part in her grades, her hemoglobin was too low sometimes for her to even think straight, or have the energy to finish out the school day. Now her energy levels are soaring and so are her grades!Next school year she herself will be soaring, literally speaking as she made the schools cheerleading team, and since she is the smallest and lightest she will be......gulp....a flyer as they call them! (also another milestone that we thanked her donor for) Today Amelia is a "normal" preteen girl, healthy and happy (for the most part considering she is a preteen!!She will celebrate her 12th birthday on June 7th. Her hair is growing back very slowly, but very thick and curly, which of course she hates. Today is her last day to take her transplant related pills with is her bactrium! She takes prescription claratin for her eczema that she has acquired thanks to transplant and he synthroid. We do not like to mention the ugly monster that caused her so much pain and that brought her back into the hospital and that happened to rear its ugly head in January...lets just say her urine has been all clear! She is an amazingly tough cookie, she has lots of spunk and more than enough attitude. I know it will be a long a boring summer for her. She was just getting back to school full time and it all ended, she is extremely sad, but next year, thanks to her donor is fill with anticipation and loads and loads of hope. A new chapter in her life is beginning. Here is a look back through pictures at the past year.....
Here she is on the trip to Minneapolis...
 |
| This is Amelia on the car ride to Minneapolis. |
.JPG) |
| Here she is one one of her work up appointments. |
 |
| Here she is taking control of her hair falling out! She was very brave and made me take her to get it all shaved off, a sad day for me to watch as she was so brave. |
 |
| Amelia and her brother on transplant day. |
 |
| Here you can see her cheeks puffy due to an infection in them. |
 |
| one her first day pass after being in the hospital for more than 45 days |
 |
| getting stronger and out of the hospital! On a trip to the clinic! |
 |
| Home, finally, with her beloved doggy Chico! |
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| Even meeting movie stars while being an extra! |
 |
| On set filming a Make~A~Wish commercial! |
 |
| Firstday back at school in over a year! |
 |
| hair growing in ! |
 |
| end of school dance |
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| And what she does best, faces and swimming! |
For all of you following us, I thank you all for coming on this journey with us and for being there every step of the way! Your support, thoughts and prayers really mean a lot to us. Everyday is a precious girt, take a moment and enjoy what you have and be thankful! I know I truly am, I am very thankful and blessed. Not one but two strangers gave a piece of their selves to me, if for not them I would not be blessed with two miracle kids!!!
Have a great weekend.
Blessings and love,
The Bennett Family
Kelly, Tyren, Marshall, Amelia, and Nathan
oh and Chico and CoCo too!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
$2 for $2 Million
I'm asking that if you are reading this post to please take a minute and go to the link below and donate $2 in honor of Marshall and Amelia Bennett. This is for Fanconi Anemia, the disease that my children suffer from. Yest they have had a bone marrow transplant but their journey with FA is far from over! We much watch them both closely for cancer. Research is our only hope for a cure for them and the others that suffer from this disease. Please help if you can!
click here to go to Fanconi Anemia
Again goto http://www.fanconi.org/index.php/donate
Thanks,
Kelly
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
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