School Holidays : )

Just before you read the blog update I must add a little note to all...Imogen does not know anything about us getting a pool. We have not told her, due to the fact we did not want to disappoint her if we could not fulfill this dream and also can you imagine or remember a 5 year old's concept of time in regards to how long it takes to make a pool or actually anything they desperately want, for our sanity please remember this when asking us about the pool : ), Thanks for your time xx

Hi all

Firstly I must send a huge Thank you to all who have responded to my sister, Olivia about the dinner rooster. It is great to be able to spend more together as a family, and just take off for walks at Immie’s request at 5.30 pm when I would normally be preparing dinner. Also thank you to all who have given generous gifts of money, to help Imogen do what ever she desires to achieve or pursue.

Well Holidays have ended up being wonderful, tiring and full of lots of happy memories and moments.

In the first week, Jason had the whole week off. On Wednesday we celebrate Big Boy Kody’s 11th birthday, with a day at the show. It was beautiful weather and Kody got a stack of money that had to be spent on show bags – of course : ). On Thursday we went to Narrogin for two days to get Ashton approved by my Granny and Granpa Littlemoor (fondly renamed by Imogen – their real last name is Middlmoor). He was welcomed to the family, with lots of Granny and Granpa cuddles and smiles (not sure what we would have done if he had not been approved : P). Imogen had a great time an even got to go for TWO motorbike rides with Granpa. Back Friday afternoon, with a quick and wonderful pit stop on the way at Boddington to see our friends Sam, Russ, Blake and Rhys. To a Saturday filled with Holmes’s, we had Colin (Jason’s brother), Jacinta, Rhylee, Tayah and lil Sienna here for lunch. The kids always have a blast together and this Saturday was no exception with beautiful weather. Kody and Imogen both got new bikes the previous week, they were keen to test them out and show them off. Later the same day, Nana and Pop (Jason’s mum and dad) also arrived, so the bikes got a real workout and showing off that day. A quiet Sunday, turn into a lunchtime movie (Ashton’s first : ) of the new movie “Up”, everyone thought it was very funny.

The second week of the holidays was revved up. This week involving a 7 year old birthday party (Happy Birthday Lizzy), battles of DS I’s (Nintendo game consoles - thanks Jeanette), Cuddly animal farm, Whiteman park, thoroughly fabulous visits to friends (Thanks Karen), Ten Pin Bowling (with Cherrie, Vanya, family and friends : ), Araluen Botanic Park, Orthodontists appts (just super), Coffee breaks with my special sister, Teeth x rays, a little bit of lazing around and most importantly no hospital visits or scans.

We decided for Imogen going to Cuddly Animal farm was much more fun than scans, so we cancelled them indefinitely. The scans were to reveal how successful the radiation has been. Imogen’s lack of pain complaints has shown to us how successful radiation has been. Next week we have the most dreaded meeting with the oncologist at the resort, to talk about how “to them” Imogen’s life with proceed, and the contacts we may need. We of course have now placed our faith in Mr Reniet and his natural medicines; he is to us a very wise man. Anyway it is one meeting where I wish I could just have an invisible pair of ear plugs to slip in, and just sit there and nod.

This week we contacted “Make a Wish” in regards to Imogen’s wish. On Thursday Imogen had a call from a lovely lady named Kerry. Imogen was very excited and promptly answered the phone when Kerry rang. Imogen had a good chat to her telling Kerry that her favourite colour was bright yellow, and what she would wish for – a dragon ride, to meet the looney tunes and a plane ride. This equalled to Kerry puzzling out that the best place to produce this wish would be a trip to Queensland. We spoke for a while after and the approval of the wish involved quite a few hoops to jump through. Much to our surprise today upon contacting Imogen’s oncologist, Imogen’s wish has had immediate approval, with the suggestion we could leave next Saturday. I was shocked, excited and sad, due to the fact Make a Wish had rushed through Imogen’s wish due to what the hospital had said…I don’t even want to know : (.

After a lovely day at Araulen Botanic Park today, where I spent a majority of the day, trying to separate my two sweet hearts to stop arguments : P. We have decided we would rather wait for at least another two weeks. Due to fact Jason already has work booked, the kids only return to school on Tuesday next week, and their Mummy (me) and them need a little time separated before we all go on a jam packed holiday together. I want this to be the truly magical adventure it can be, not the two of them fighting because they have been in each others pockets too much (ok I know I may be dreaming…but humour me : ).

This brings me to how Imogen has been prior to the last blog post. With the assistance of natural medicines we have had the return of a fully sleeping “all night” 5 year old girl. Imogen has no longer complained about her sore sinuses or head aches – another big relief. Imogen especially in the last week of school holidays has been awesome, her normal, full on, cheeky, great self. For this we are hugely grateful, we are thankfully Imogen is feeling great and that we get to enjoy our little girl..ok big girl, as she keeps telling us.

Imogen and Kody have been incredible towards Ashton, they are both incredible siblings. They sit there for ages, cooing and telling him how cute he is, even when he is yelling. Imogen makes songs up and sings them to him and is a super little mummy. I never imagined that both of them would be so maternal towards him, another thing we are grateful for. Unbelievably Ashton turns a month old this Sunday, time has a way of quietly slipping past. This is why we should be grateful for every moment.

Well I will leave you with that update knowing that this week’s excitement is still not over. On Sunday we have the “Kids Cancer Support Group” trekkers coming to take Imogen and us to Caversham Wildlife Park. She is going to be very excited about that.

Thanks once again for the love, prayers and thoughts we are constantly surrounded by all who know us or read our blog. Without you we would struggle to keep up the strength needed to fight this battle.

Lots of Love, Hope and Faith
Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and Ashton aka The Holmes Gang

A new day

Hi

Well, I had not reblogged before now as life with Immie had not changed a lot since the weekend. She was still having screaming fits of pain every four hours. Though after being in consultation with the resort last Thursday, Local Doctor on Monday (antibiotics prescribed as it looked like a secondary infection had occurred - two ear infections), Mr Reniet on Monday (detox and herbal medicines applied) and Second local Doctor visit (steroid sinus sprayer and phenergan prescribed), yesterday and last night we finally got some sleep. Too pinpoint what was actually wrong, who knows? I am just grateful for some sleep and hoping for continually relief for her.

Imogen is such a incredible and brave little girl, even with all the pain we still managed to see her smile, chatter and beg to go to school (much to Kody's disgust, who would WANT to go to school : P). After yesterday's doctor's appt, she went back to school for the afternoon. I was anxious to see how she would go (apparently she had a moment but was quickly distracted). On Tuesday the day previous Imogen and Granma went on a excursion with the school to the FESA museum, during this Immie had one of her screaming fits. Picture a huge fire building, a high pitch screaming Imogen, my mum with four other kids to watch and a bunch of people who had never experience Imogen's screaming = slight chaos. Luckily she calmed down after another dose of panandol, Granma cuddles and distractions from her fabulous teacher Mrs Barker.

On that note I must gratefully acknowledge Imogen's teacher and aid, Mrs Barker and Mrs Mc Donald for the fantastic job, love and support they give our Imogen and us. Imogen has had both of them as her teacher and aid for the last almost two years, in that time they have assisted Imogen to reach many school goals and create and establish her absolute love of school. A big Thanks to Mrs Barker and Mrs Mc Donald.


Master Ashton and myself checked out of Osborne Park Hospital (OPH) on Saturday afternoon. I should actually rephrase that, we went sprinting from the OPH building on Saturday afternoon. After spending a lot of time in hospitals you get incredibly good at packing up very quick and getting out of there. Ashton's numbers for jaundice had decreased enough for the pedestrian to be happy for him to go home. In the pediatrician words "that lady needs to go home" ( I had told him the day previous between tears about how we had just got home from PMH that day). Home we went for a glass of wine and some brie cheese : ). Ashton has been very good, feeding every four hours, I have been able to get a little sleep between feeds. It's amazing how you forget the intensity of those first few weeks of a baby's life. The child health nurse came yesterday and declared him a perfect baby. My sista Livi arrived Tuesday from Kalgoorlie, and has been a huge help...making sure I get to have some rest during the day as well. We are so grateful for family xx.



Kody...the fantastic big boy, turns 11 next Wednesday - wow. I really can't believe it, it just seems yesterday he had his 10th Birthday. Kody has been busy..busy with trombone, choir, drawing and creating all sorts of things. He has been fantastic with Ashton, he loves having a new baby brother. As always he has been very tolerate also with the very grumpy and bossy Imogen, Kody is such a great kid.

Well I think that is about all,

Thanks again for the support and all the positive vibes and prayers,
all of them give us the strength to continue on giving Imogen all the natural medicines she requires (no matter how they taste : P), and the hope we need to provide a normal life for Kody, Imogen and Ashton.

Love
The Holmes Gang

All in an average week???

Just one normal day??

As most of you know, the last three – four weeks for the Holmes Gang have been a little like a rollercoaster – filled with mixed emotions. Devastation over Immie’s relapse – incredible joy on the safe arrival of Ashton.

This week – Ashton’s first week on the planet has not been has simple or relaxed as we all hoped. The week began with rushing around picking up laybys as Ashton arrived two weeks early and my head has really not been on the arrival recently... especially not a early arrival of our beautiful boy. My fabulous mum drove Ashton and myself around collecting the shopping. Visits from Nana and Pop (Jason’s parents) on Monday.

Tuesday involved Ashton’s needles and a hospital visit, where I sat with a huge smile on my face as I was at the antenatal clinic with a baby, while all the other pregnant mums glared at me : ). Wednesday morning was the quiet before the storm...At lunchtime Immie had developed a huge head ache, though after some pain relief stayed at school. Then the homecare nurse arrived, and suggested that Ashton – my yellow bean may need a heel prick to check his jaundice. Off to Osborne Park Hospital for a 2 hour wait...he was borderline with his jaundice.

Home again...to a Immie now screaming in high pitch pain.....very scary!!..By 9.30 pm that night I was on the phone to the resort, after a restless night we arrived at the resort at 8.30am. Immie was continuing to scream, even with every pain relief on board. CAT scan – all clear (thank god). Snot test came back with a respiratory virus, treatment - ride it out. Immie and Jason, stayed at the resort to manage her pain. Ashton (who had been very good and very cute for all at the resort) and myself headed home. Back to the resort first thing in the morning, to send Jason off to get some money : ). Immie had too much relief a better night. Home we came at about 11 am, thanks to chauffeur mum.

Returned to Osborne Park Hospital (maternity hospital) to get Ashton’s jaundice checked. Only to discover it was way to high still...you guessed it checked into Osborne Park Hospital at 5 pm, for up to two days under the UV lighting with mummy the milk train for company : P.

So this is where we sit with no mobile coverage, but plenty of broadband coverage- hurray!!

My hope for next week is a very boring week, or even a day would be great. It’s the week before school holidays, so some order would be nice.

I have to say a HUGE thank you to my mum for being a huge help this and every week, day, minute, second and to dad for keeping her in the life she accustomed too : P.
Also thank you to the many many supportive blog comments, emails and guestbook writings. All of them bring us much hope for a miracle for our beautiful girl Immie and the day everything will be “normal” again. Please keep them coming.

Love

Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and Ashton.

P.S Immies pool order is in, Make a Wish is unable to help us due to time restrictions, though very generously the Kids Cancer Support Group and the trekkers have offered to help us make Immies dream come true. More news soon xx

Our Newest Holmes Gang Addition

Our New Baby Boy

Mummy Fiona and Ashton 10 minutes after his arrival

Daddy Jason and Ashton

Our newest addition to the Holmes Gang has made his big debut, exactly 2 weeks early..

"Ashton Noah Holmes"

was welcomed to the world on the 13th of September 2009 at 8.29 am weighing in at
8 pound 1 oz (3710 grams)
52 cms length from top to toe
35 cm head circumference.

Ashton arrived in similar style to his fabulous brother and sister, A BIG RUSH!!!. With a 2 hour natural labour from start to end.

Ashton and me arrived home the same day at 4.30 pm.

Kody and Imogen were in Kalgoorlie for the weekend with my mum, Aunty Donelle and cousin Lisa. Imogen had been invited to a ball in her honor to raise funds for the Kalgoorlie Hospital and Children's Cancer Institute. A very excited Kody and Imogen arrived home at 9.30 pm on Sunday evening to a new brother. They spent the day home on Monday showering him with love and kisses.

Love, Hugs and Hope

Jason, Fiona, Kody, Imogen and Ashton

Reality for us...

As every morning since last Wednesday, I awoke filled with hope, that the last week had been a nightmare. Anyone who has lost someone incredibly close can understand the pain, when you realise that it was not a bad dream, but has now become your reality. As a parent with a child with a life threatening illness, we don’t just suffer the loss if your child loses the battle to their horrible illness. It’s from the tiniest things...them not be able to have a proper bath or shower for weeks on end due to lines they have hanging out of their body, not being able to attend friends party’s because they are too sick or if they are not sick but have no immune system, missing sibling’s (of the sick kid) assemblies/school excursions, spending huge amounts of time apart from your family unit, the loss of being able to grief in privacy, when the whole ward of doctors do their walk around discussing your child like a number, Organising to go to the shops/ movies that requires a doctors clearance and a bigger bag of medical supplies and clothes then you needed when they were a new baby. Yes, it’s not the big things, it’s the little things all added together.

Though you have no option, no parent wants to outlive their child. This leads to the long road of treatment regardless of the illness. When first you enter the road, you are naive, numb, confused, mad, sad, though positive. After your child is not a statistic of the crap cure rates there are for cancer. Over the period of the treatment, your spirit and hope get crushed and raised, solely relying on the doctors words, that look or blood counts. Then you reach the end, you expect to feel a sense of peace or relief. Instead you feel, fear, the drugs and the hospital community that has supported your child is suddenly gone..finished are weekly appointments..now you see them 3 monthly. You don’t have x ray glasses, every time your child complains of a sore finger, has an extra bruise, your heart rate races...your immediate thoughts are relapse. Even when they look fantastic, you still have that doubt. It never ends.

Why have I said all the above, as I want you to have a slight understanding of how it feels after all the treatments, after a first relapse, after promising your baby girl with those big green eyes no more taps or needles or Nasal gastric tubes...after putting her through more pain then you yourself could bear. You are then told “It’s back, it’s aggressive and there is little we can do”. You, as her parents are asked to consider her quality of life and how much time you would like to buy for her. Inside you scream..” I would like to buy her a whole life..to see her grow and learn to read, to see her ride her bike without training wheels, to see her celebrate another 60 birthdays, to hold her tight when she gets her heart broken the first, second..and third time, to see her in her ball gown..her bridal gown...to hold her first child, your grandchild”. The first relapse is a total meltdown, but the second is unimaginable. The information regarding the cancer treatment you now know, is heartbreaking before the doctor speaks you know what they will say. You hope a miracle has happened, a cure has been found between treatment completing and this relapse.

Without your understanding, or being touched by Immie's battle there will never be a cure for cancer in our lifetime. It could take one person's personal response to our Imogen's story to enable them and others to make a huge difference.

A complete cure for our gorgeous, smiley, care free, brave, 5 year old Imogen has not happened. There has been no miracle treatment discovered...or new study opened that will unlock the neuroblastoma key. Our options medically are limited; all that is available will only buy her time. Immie’s cancer has become resistant to every chemo agent and combo available in Australia. It has become aggressive, the tug of war Imogen has fought with the beast, for 2 ½ years plus, has become a struggle. Options available in America are purely trials, used to determine which cancer they are best for. These are the facts of this horrible cancer – neuroblastoma. In the last 20 plus years there has been little progress in understanding neuroblastoma, to allow for more effective treatment.

Our decisions to consider Imogen’s quality of life and happiness are heartbreaking. Even though we were aware of the treatment options prior to Monday’s meeting, we are still numb from the pain this meeting has bought us. Our whole aim now has become on how to give Imogen the best quality of life, that she deserves and has worked so hard to get to, as she fought so strong to obtain. We will relish every moment with her, every minute, every day, every week, every month and every year. We have begun natural treatment with the amazing Mr Renier, which involves tablets and drops. We know our brave battler baby girl Immie will do everything to prove all the medical professionals wrong. We ask that you send her and us the strength to continue to fight for what is rightfully hers – a normal carefree and pain free life.

Jason will be looking at employing someone else to have time off to enjoy our family and soon to be newest addition. We are seeking "Make a Wish" assistance and trying to get some money together to give Imogen the one thing she loves as much as life..her very own swimming pool in our front yard. The memories we will gain from this will be worth every cent. Imogen will continue to go to school and live life normally from dancing to scootering. If you see us out and about please do not avoid as you are not sure what to say, please recognise we need your support and to allow us to be able to honour Imogen with her wish of being a normal 5 year old kid.

All our love

The Holmes Gang

P.S Imogen has been a true hero with radiation, tomorrow is the last day. Apart from being a little more tired you would not realise she is unwell, as she swam like a fish at the pool today. Enjoy the attached pictures, as much as we did experiencing them with her.

P.P.S Our super kid Kody passed swimming lessons today, he is now in stage 6, Way to Go Kods : ).

P.P.P.S After you read this please go give the person or children you love another hug and don't stress the small stuff, life is not a dress rehearsal.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/OurFamilySeptember2009#

It's all in a name

4th of September 2009

I was having a moment today as I pinned flowers onto the huge canopy that surrounds Immie's bed. When I looked up her framed name definition that was given to her when she was born from Jason's Aunty and Nana caught my eye.

Imogen

26th of April 2004

An Image:
~Latin~
A lady devoted to all she meets,
being a model to the community
for how she loves her
family and friends.
She is giving, hard working
and charitable,
She doesn't know
the meaning to the
words no or impossible.

That last sentence describes our Imogen perfectly. Tomorrow the new battle begins,
Fight on Baby girl, we love you xx
Love Mum, Dad and Kody

Why?

What a horrible, gut retching world we live in a times..simple joy can be erased so quickly. We are devastated, crushed and gutted.

I am not sure how much I will be able to type on our normally happy blog page, as I sit here with tears running down my face. For those who are not aware, but are still our avid and fantastic supporters..on Wednesday our amazing, smiley and incredible girl Imogen received the most hardest of blows. She has again been challenged by the bastard of a cancer neuroblastoma, that has already stolen over half of her life.

We received this devastating news at her scan results meeting on Wednesday morning, we were shocked...and still are. The cancer has moved so fast, when scanned only just over 2 months ago, there was no visibility of this new spot. It is now trying it's hardest to beat Imogen down, it's a constant tug of war. It is pushing on her spinal cord, which links to the pain I mentioned when last I posted, and is far to close to her bladder and bowel.

Imogen began emergency radiation yesterday, now covering her whole mid section. She will have 5 sessions, which only take 10 minutes at a time and are not painful to her. This will bring her some relief, but will not completely erase the cancer. We meet with Immie's oncologist on Monday afternoon to discuss options. We will also meet with our fabulous Mr Renier (bio chemist/ naturopath) to discuss alternative treatments. Until then we are not sure what will happen, we remain not defeated, though we are aware that we will have to make some very tough decisions. Ensuring we consider Imogen's quality of life and that she has battling this horrible disease for now over half of her life.

Immie loves nothing better than being with her family, fishing, scootering, recently discovering she can click her fingers (now only mummy and the baby can't : ), school, being chased down the street by her crazy daddy when we are leaving in the car and being in the thick of everything and anything happening. How can we be without this girl, who has taught us and given so much??

I, especially am finding it incredibly hard to talk to anyone right now, so please do not be offended or even concerned if I do not return calls or seem stand offish. I am trying to conserve all of my energy for Imogen, Kody, Jason and our " almost" newest Holmes addition. Though on the other hand please don't avoid us, keep sending emails, texts, leaving messages on the blog etc, without your support, prayers and love we would have never got this far and will never be able to continue putting one foot in front of the other everyday.

Love
Us

P.S For all concerned, Baby and me went to the hospital to be checked out, the little cheeky monkey spent the whole time kicking me and trying to kick the heart rate monitor off my stomach. We are both well.

The lead up before the calm..

Scan week...The tempo for this week was set way before it occurred though knowing the lead up did not ease the worry. One moment sticks out in my memory that frames the week and why being a cancer parent doesn’t just end when the treatment options are finished.

Every night we gather around the table for dinner and everyone is asked “How was your day and what was your best bit?” It makes for extremely up living, humorous and heart pulling listening. On Tuesday night, it come to Immie’s turn when asked what her best bit of the day she responded “My favourite part today was Daddy smiling at me when I did not wiggle, scream or cry when they put my needle in. He was very happy with me. “. My emotions a mix with pregnancy hormones and normal worry over scan week, this response almost tipped me over the edge. I was so proud of her for being so good at her canula insertion, though the question that rings often throughout my head was “Why?”,Why her?, why does every three months this become her life yet again?, why does someone at the age of 5, need to understand any of this pain or pride over not struggling or crying when she gets a canula?. These thoughts drive you absolute bonkers, where these incredible kids take them in their stride; to them it’s their life....normal for this to occur.

This week I struggled, spent more time crying then cleaning or studying : ). Anything that was a little off this week sent me off the deep end...like Kody losing his last two baby teeth in one day, trying to guess what the dot to dot picture was showing on the MIBG scan computer, Imogen talking to our baby, the tone in someone’s voice when asked to have a look at Imogen’s hip when we attend clinic next week.

Yes I was a basket case (actually I think we were both basket cases). Thankfully Imogen and the Baby bean, have kept their assistance in sleep deprivation to a minimum. Thanks also must go to my fabulous mum who joined me for the MIBG scan; I am not sure how I would have done it without her. She kept me distracted, by talking about anything other than the scan. Thanks mum : ). I am thankfully also to how smoothly the canula insertion and nuclear injection on Tuesday with Imogen and Jason. Big thanks must go to my friend Dana who had my nuclear powered Imogen for Tuesday afternoon, asked at the last moment, you are a true star.

We have had our worry fuelled this week by Imogen’s occasional complaint of her hip hurting. Yesterday while having Imogen for a sleep over (thanks mum and dad) my mum and dad took her to our chiro (a family friend for as long as I can remember). He checked Immie out and noted how much her hip was out, after an adjustment; she spent the day running around like a pain free maniac. This of course has made us feel much better...I would have been much more nervous if he had not found anything. Though true relief for three months will come when we hear those words, “The scans are all clear”. Our appointment for scan results is next Wednesday at 9am, I know I ask often though I would really appreciate a few extra prayers, thoughts or whatever you believe in.

I will report back the “Fabulous” (positive thoughts) news later next week.

This week Kody was linked into Scouts from Cubs - Well Done Kody!!!

Thanks for listening; getting this off my chest through the blog brings me much peace.

36 weeks pregnant

Love

Fiona, Jason, Kody and Imogen.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/FamilyBusyBeesAugust2009#

One day at a time : )

Hi All

In the last month I have begun to understand why sleep deprivation is used as torture when the enemy is trying to find out your secrets : )..so here’s the warning don’t tell me your pin number or any BIG secret.

Between Miss Immie and Baby Bean, Jason and I have been lacking in sleep big time. Immie got to the stage just last week when she was waking up to 5 times a night...blaming everything from monsters to sore legs. Sleep deprivation and a worrying "cancer' parent just don’t mix. Out came the BIG gun’s bribery, corruption and reward charts....and the reward that broke the sleep drought...A smartie ice cream from the deli, second night - temporary tattoos, third, four, fifth, sixth and seventh are accumulating to a special prize...Immies suggestions....a motorbike (Seth Imogen’s “friend” at school has one), a playground in her backyard (lol), trip to the zoo...mmmmm the options what shall we pick??. There is not much I can do about the other Master Holmes waking me up with karate chops and kicking: P, though I am so grateful Immie has found her sleeping abilities again.

Poor Kody last week was suffering from tonsillitis, he spent 4 days laying on the lounge. On the 4th day, he was begging to go back to school. I am glad to say he is back to his normal cheeky self now. The week before he also attended a choir try out and now he is one of the 75 kids from his primary school in the choir. Kody was so funny, he came home laughing after choir try outs as he never thought he would get in – FUNNY BOY!!!!. Kody has also moved up to Scouts from Cubs, as he has reached the age bracket to move on. He has enjoyed the last 2 sessions, so here’s hoping this continues on.

Our Baby Bean.....we are doing great, besides the emotions, sleep deprivation and maniac dreams. I had an appt at Osborne Park Hospital last week, to get the cord blood paperwork signed. Yes we have decided to go through with it, regardless of what the resort “ PMH” thinks of it. The deciding factor came from the fact the cord blood is stored for 18 years, and as we all know a lot can happen in medical treatment in that time. To us it’s Baby Bean’s insurance policy, one we never wish to make a claim on. I also discovered at the hospital, an awesome registrar who knew what Neuroblastoma was, had actually had a family friend who had a daughter who was diagnosed with it, about 4 years ago and has now been clear for 3-4 years (love those stories). He also offered to come take the cord blood, whatever time, when ever, he lives 5 mins away. I was told the Baby Bean’s head is engaged, and I have done well to not put on much weight (about 5 kilos) – YAY!!!!. Not long now 46 days wow!!!.

Last Thursday we received exciting news...We have a new niece and cousin, Jacinta (sista in law) and Colin (Jason’s brother) welcomed to the world...Sienna Lucy. We made the dash to Narrogin on Sunday to meet our newest extended family member. I am so glad we did she is so cute...we were all like a bunch of chooks...boooock...boooocking (this is meant to be a chook sound??)... and squawking all over her. Immie was very cute, since then she has shown a huge interested to when we will get our new family member. Congratulations Jacinta, Colin, Rhylee and Tayah, check out the photos on the picassa web album below – “New Beginings....Sienna Lucy Holmes”

While your at the picassa web album check out the other photo file “July Holidays and a bit after 2009” all about July, when I celebrated my 1st birthday : P, us enjoying school holidays and catching up with friends.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang

It’s almost time for scans again...time goes fast hey?. Booked for August the 25th, results the follow week. Positive thoughts..positive thoughts all the way : ).

Hope this blog entry reaches you all in a comfortable and peaceful place, one where you cherish each day. Thinking of you always, Blake, James, Savanah and Josh. Fly free.

Love Us

P.S Got my uni results back two HD (high distinctions) and one Credit - woo hoo

A new "Normal" Life begins again : )

Hi Gorgeous People

Well I have been very slack...though I have excuses... : )

Number One – Last Tuesday we recieved the best news we have heard in a long time, Super Imogen has once again been declared from her end of treatment scans that she has no evidence of disease. This is incredible news, which ultimately means that everything she has endured in the last year since relapse has been well, well worth it. Imogen can only be defined as a miracle super girl. With all the crappy statistics stacked against her, she once again proved she is stronger and way smarter than them. Haha...Cancer’s butt has been kicked again : P.

Number Two – I think I went into a state of shock last Tuesday, from the great news and also due to the fact we now only have to attend the resort (PMH) every 3 months. I had really believed it would be monthly.... I was happily surprised to discover this was not correct. In the last two and ½ years we have never been away for 3 months from the resort. WOW...a whole term of school for the girl, no missing days, this means a lot when you read her report that mentions 22 ½ days absent from school this term. Imogen is coming ahead in her education in leaps and bounds, but these extra days will make a huge difference.

Last Tuesday night I just dissolved, the road to this point has been long and tiring. The stress your body consistently runs on is incredible; it at the time the glue that holds you together. When this is removed, it is the most bizarre relieving scary feeling. Last week I spent the week drifting, now this week I am joined by my two buddies (school holidays begun this week).

Our life’s begin again, our new, new normal life’s will soon include a new lil man (12 weeks), a few behaviour adjustments to Imogen who has been the centre of our universe for all the time in treatment. For her it's strange place, one where she has to work out where she fits, as she no longer remembers a time of her life that was not centred on the Resort and procedures. I have no doubt she will gradually work this out. Kody is begun to realise that our family is back together full time, though we have all changed. Jason’s business continues to grow. I will return to uni for one unit this semester and our love for each other will grow stronger.

Though we will never forget the ride cancer took us on, I do hope it becomes a distance memory far from our everyday thoughts.

Thanks for the love and prayers xx

Love and Smiles to all

Fee and The Holmes Gang

Me at 28 weeks and Jacinta (my sister in law) at 35 weeks

P.S. A couple of weeks ago Imogen and myself did a trip to see Anika and Hammer : P(aka Hannah) in Albany. We were able to spend two day, having fun together at the pool and fun house. The girls enjoyed the time together, even if at times the friendship was a little strained. Two head strong girls together..need I say anymore. It was great to able to have big chats with Hannah, over hot coffee and sweet treats. Big Love to you both gorgeous girls, hopefully we can do it all again soon. Thanks for keeping us entertained. Also thanks for the accommodation to our friend Dana.

Pictures of course : ) click on the link

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/JustAFewPhotos#

Don't sweat the small stuff : )

First Time Immie has wanted to wear clips since her hair came back..it was very cute : )

Ok I did start writing this blog update, a couple days ago, and then read it back and realized it was all a bit sooky lala. Yes we had an average week at the resort, but I started thinking that maybe it was more important to look at the positives of this week. Like the fact Imogen has been in fine form..I regular comedian..she has had us in fits of laughter, that at times it was just so hard to put her to bed. Kody and Imogen both have wicked personalities, at times Kody’s humour is amazing and very funny even to the oldest of grownups. So yes we are LUCKY (lol) and the phase “Don’t sweat the small stuff” does ring true especially in accordance to this week.

Ok so Immie did not get all scans this week, a defunk at the nuclear plant or maybe just offices, meant Immies nuclear scans did not happen. Next Tuesday and Wednesday are take two, meaning results clinic is the next Wednesday. Then no one could decide whether to immunise the princess, though I think (?) it was decided no. Then no one reminded us to give Imogen iodine, hydration or contrast for the CAT scan...but hey it could have been worse.

We did have awesome runs into the hospital on each day..got parking, only had to spend the mornings there, got another two new dolls for Immie (oh yes she is so slacking in the baby doll dept – not), saw “ Gorgeous” Olive and Simon briefly (other patients), saw Dr Rahmon, got some more stickers, got 4 appts done, got to sponsor the hospital cafe, got the dvd of the 3b modelling show, got to see Carol, Hailey, Suzanne, Dora aka Shirley, Nurse Rochelle, Nurse Paina, Hillary and lots of the other lovely staff, heard Immie say after she saw Dr Maryanne “ We haven’t seen her for ages” (oh that’s so mini me) and most importantly got to spend time with my beautiful and very brave girl.

I would say the positives out rule the negatives, remember...

Yesterday’s the past,
Tomorrow’s the future,
But Today is a gift,
They why it’s called a present.

Love ya
Fiona and the gang

For Your Beeswax it's....

End of Treatment Scan week

...starting tomorrow.

A very busy and tiring week for the Im-gen.

Monday begins at 8am - cannula (drip) inserted for the GFR (kidney function test), which takes about 4 hours (I think - pregnancy brain : ) and then at 11am a Bone scan.

Tuesday begins at 10 am with another cannula (drip) for the 11.10 am 5 min MIBG injection and then 2.30 pm Echo (heart test). My mum's day, as i only remembered last week I can't go due to the nuclear medicine and our baby bean.

Wednesday begins at 9am CAT scan then 10.45am for MIBG scan (yeap the one I was worried about before as she has to lay still for an hour and half).

Immie is not having a audiology...ummm..no brainer due to her hearing aids ; ) and no bone marrow aspirates as they believe it to be unnecessary due to the fact her bone marrow has never played a huge part in her disease.

We enjoyed a beautiful day today at one of Imogen's most favourite place in the world...the Cuddley Animal Farm in Henley Brook, perfect peace and relaxing, or you could say the calm before the storm.

Send us some thoughts and positive vibes if you have some laying around..if not don't stress as everything is going to be peachy keen (lol) aka fantastic : )

Love to all

The Holmes Gang

P.S. Results appt is next Wednesday at 11am.

831 Days Later...

Dearest Imogen

I cried for you today,
But they were not tears of sadness.

I cried as I was grateful,
For you sitting there smiling at me.

For today erased all the times,
I doubted that we were wrong to
Cause you all that pain.

Every test, scan, needle and dressing change,
And never once you complained

You smiled, laughed and crafted
Through all those difficult times.

Our incredible inspiriation,
Always our light on the darkest day,
Forever we will be proud,

Never will we forget,
You choose us to help you fight,

Never will we forget,
The friends we made and lost along the way,

Forever our baby girl
Thankyou Imogen for choosing us

Love Mum, Dad and Kody

3rd of June 2009 - Last Day of Tablets FOREVER

831 days since our lifes were changes forever

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/June2009#

P.S. Check the link above for some funny pics of Kody for his assembley

ooooo...I can see the end of the tunnel!!!

Hi Beautiful people

Well this week I have been a little in awe land.

The last week of contact hours with uni for semester one, I am feeling great (besides the little monkey giving me a stitch every time I try to walk to fast..yeap I now have the pregnancy waddle : ) , 22 weeks of pregnancy, Kody has his assembly for class and 1st trombone performance next Tuesday, I finally have an appt at King Eddies, Jason’s business is striving, Immie received the Pre Primary commendation award for the week today, my sister arrives tomorrow, I have a fantastic family...oh and just one little thing....

IMOGEN WILL FINISH ALL TREATMENT NEXT WEDNESDAY MORNING

and also our friend, Nicole who started treatment for leukaemia a week behind us 2 years and 4 months ago will finish her treatment this Sunday.

I can’t believe it, sometimes I think it has gone quick, then some days it has gone

painfully S-L-O-W. We are over the moon, Imogen has been so patient and so good for us and the hospital taking every tablet, enduring every procedure..needle, scan, med etc with a grin and a ferocious determination. We could not ask any more of her, we are so proud, so blessed and so very grateful. We all will never forget the battle and journey it has take for her to reach this stage again, and this time FOREVER!!. From a toddler, she has grown into a beautiful, gorgeous 5 year old.

Every day we experience special moments with Imogen, just the other day she had been drawing in her room and then bought me a piece of paper with love hearts drawn all over it. She said, “Hey Mum this is for you, this is how many love hearts I love you”. It took my breath away, my eyes were teary and once again I thanked the gods and angels for allowing my girl to stay here with us. It’s these small but precious moments that stay with us forever, always tucked away in our hearts and heads.

Thanks for your support, no matter how small or large it will never be forgotten,

Love, Hugs and Beautiful smiles

Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and Piglet (lol)

Immies Fairy and Pirate 5th Birthday PARTY!!!

Hi all

On the 3rd of May, Immie celebrated her 5th birthday with a Fairy and Pirate Party. Even though she was in the throes of Accutane (biotherapy) she still managed to behave and keep a smile on her sore face.

We hired a fairy and pirate to come entertain the little gems for an hour and half, and it worked a treat. All of us parents stood around wondering how we could raise the money to have them come every week, they were all silent and in awe of these amazing characters : ).

Then we had the food and the chocolate fountain (thanks for bringing it mum), which ended up coming off and flying chocolate around the whole food table. Very Very funny, even though Immie did not find it very funny at all, due to the fact she caused it to happen and that she ended up wearing most of it. After the food came the Peter Pan cake and then the goodbyes.

We must say a huge Thank you to all for coming to help us celebrate Immies birthday, though especially to my Granny and Granma. When Immie heard they were attending she simply reply “I am SO happy now!!” .Thank you both for coming.
Big thanks also for all the gorgeous gifts, big hugs from Immie.
Another year of gorgeous smiles and love from our beautiful girl – hurray : )

Love
The Holmes Gang

Check out the photos link below....very very cute xx

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/ImmiesFairyAndPirateParty#

Newest Angel Josh

Sun Rise

If tomorrow starts without me

and I'm not there to see

If the sun should rise

And find your eyes all filled with tears for me

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today

Well thinking of the many things we didn't get to say

I know how much you love me

As much as I love you

And each time you think of me

I know you miss me too

....By Nicole Latter

For almost two years we have been lucky to know an incredible family with an amazing beautiful boy, Josh Wisniewski .

Josh gave the most wonderful love to his family and to the ward and families on 3b through his cheekiness, laughter and smiles. Yesterday Josh joined all the treasured angels in the sky, and gained the most honorable wings to recognise his determination to fight this dreaded disease called Neuroblastoma.

Josh was often fighting along side Imogen, shoulder by shoulder they glued and coloured through chemo and checkups. Never once concerned about the journey that had bought them together, more focused on the fun and laughter to come.

Josh, will always be in our hearts and thoughts as one of our friends and true battlers to have touched our souls and spirits.

Fly free, Joshie, enjoy the freedom of painless flight and days full of fun and laughter,

You will always be missed xx

Sending all of our love, hugs and thoughts to

Hannah, Peter, Aaron and Anika

A Suprise Gift for the Holmes Gang

Hi All

Ok I know I have not uploaded about Imogen’s fairies and pirate party and trust me I will and it was gorgeous...BUT I couldn’t wait to send the attachment of our newest Holmes Gang addition at 20 weeks...and IT’S A BOY

(well 95% chance it’s a boy, the legs spread kind of gave it away : ).

Jason and I told Immie and Kody together last night, for about 2 minutes Imogen grumped and then she got over it, Kody was mmmm..a little more impressed, so overall a great first response (lol). Jason and I were surprised, we both had always thought we would have two little girls and a big boy...though it didn’t take long to adapt to the idea, especially when I remembered how cute Kody was and still is : ).

Enjoy the happy snaps of our boy the next time we all see him (click on the link below), he will be safely in our arms,

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang/OurBoyAt20Weeks#

Love and Hugs to all

Jason, Fiona, Kods and Immie Holmes
The Holmes Gang