12-16-2010
had my first treatment today. I was very scared and nervous at first. It is a big machine and I have to lie very still and wear a funny mask. I didn’t want to do it I was afraid and cried at first, but the nurses let my mommy come in at first and walk me around and they showed me how it works and what it would do. I needed to wait a little while before I felt safe but I finally did it! It didn’t hurt and I felt the same. Mommy and Daddy took me to the science museum again I really like that place it is a lot of fun.
Love Kayla
From Mom:
Well Kayla and I made it through her first treatment today. She was very nervous at first and scared. It probably took us about an hour to calm her down. I know she was scared that is a big machine and that’s a lot for a little girl to go through. But she was brave and got through it probably better than me cause I cried the whole time also. We have one behind us and 29 more to go. So please continue to pray for her and that the rest of them go as well as this one. She did not have any kind of side effects and was back to playing and eating as normal, she is a strong little angel!
Love Mom
2-18-2010
My treatments are scary I don't like doing them. I don't like wearing the mask, it hurts cause it fits really tight. I don't like it when they snap it down to the table. It also scares me when the table moves in the air. The doctors are going to let me do it with the sleepy medicine so it will be easier for me.
Love Kayla
2-18-2010
Kayla had her second treatment today. She has had a tuff time dealing with doing the treatments. Her second treatment was scheduled for yesterday morning but she was too scared. The nurses tried giving her some time and tried again about an hour later but she was still not ready. She was rescheduled for last night at 9 o'clock I hoped that she was ready but she was still terrified and it broke my heart to see tears run down her little face and say to me "mommy the mask scares me I don’t like being 'sapped' down."It has been a hard week for all of us; I just want to make it easy for her. She has been through so much; I couldn’t even imagine how she must feel being 7 and dealing with all of this. The doctors have decided that she will have to have anesthesia for the treatments. She had her treatment this morning with anesthesia and done well it just takes longer and she is unable to eat until after her appointment. The new schedule has changed her last treatment day to April 1st. we continue to pray that the rest of her treatments goes well so that she can get through them soon and back at home!
Love Mom
2-19-2010
I am not afraid to do my treatments anymore. The doctors give me sleepy medicine and its alot easier. I sleep through it all. I had my treatment today it was easy.
Love Kayla
2-19-2010 (From Mom)
Kayla had a good day her treatment went well, using anesthesia has made it alot easier for her. We got her new schedule for her treatments today,and if everything goes well her last appointment will be April 1st. We will be here two weeks this Sunday and it already seems like we have been gone a month. We are praying for her to continue to do well and get to come home soon!
Love Mom
2-21-2010
I had a good weekend,Saturday we went to the aquarium it was fun. I saw alot of pretty fish and a really big snake. We had a good time, me and my mom also rode a carausel. On Sunday we got to go to the park. I really like going there, I got to swing and play ball with my mom and play with some other girls on the slide. It was a pretty day and I had alot of fun.
Love Kayla
2-24-2010
Today we had to go to allot of places. I had my treatment first and then me mom and dad had to take the shuttle bus to the main hospital. I had to have a hearing test. It was weird. I had to listen to allot of noises. It took along time. Then we had to go to see another doctor at the hospital. He was nice, he had me do funny tests and walk a straight line I don't know why but it was easy. I was glad to leave cause I was very hungry! I don't get to eat when I have my treatments. We got to go eat dinner when we left. It was a long day.
Love Kayla
2-24-2010
Kayla had a full schedule yesterday. Her appointments got messes up somehow and to get her appointments with the other doctors caught up we had to do three in one day. She had a hearing test and it shows some hearing loss, which they said, is normal with anyone having head or neck radiation and may correct its self but will have to see another specialist and retest again. However I got the best news of all from the pediatric oncologist. After a few simple tests of her reflexes, balance and coordination he said that "she seemed to be doing well and will continue to watch her for several years but believe that she would grow to be an old lady" My eyes filled with tears I just wanted to hug him. That was the first encouraging words about her long-term outcome. It was a since of relief and hope. Thank God!
Love Mom
2-28-2010
I got a lot of letters from my friends from school Saturday. I had fun reading them. Me and my mom and dad sat outside on the picnic tables in the sun and read them together. I liked all of the cards, letters and pretty pictures that everyone sent. Thank you. We went to the zoo today and I got to play on the playground. I had a fun day. I like the weekends cause I get to sleep late. I have to get up in the morning for doctor appointments and my treatments. I miss everyone at home,school, and church.
Love Kayla
2-28-2010
Kayla has been doing well and has not had any side effects yet do to the treatments. The doctors do not believe that she will have many. She had an exam on Friday and everything was good. She is a strong little girl and handeling all of this really well. Thank you everyone for all of your many prayers.
Love Mom
3-2-2010
I had a early day again today. We had to go see the other doctor at the Main Hospital. The doctor told my Mom that my blood tests were good and that I looked healthy. He said that I needed to continue to eat good food and vegtables. Then we went to the Proton Center for my treatments. I like going there now because the lady that gives me my sleepy medicine is really nice. Her name is Cynthia I like her alot. There are some other kids that are there that are sick like me. When you are through with your treatments on your last day you have a party and get to bang the gong to tell everyone that you have finished your treatments. Alot of the kids have had their graduation partys so there is not many kids left. Iam not afraid to go anymore. I also got a package the other day from my friends from school and I got alot of letters and pretty pictures. I had fun reading my letters and getting mail. I miss everyone at school and cant wait to get back home so that I can play with my friends.
Love Kayla
3-4-2010
Today was a pretty day I got to go outside for awhile after I got done with my treatment. I like getting to see Cynthia she is the lady that gives me my sleepy medicine. Me and my mom and dad went shopping to find me some hats. The medicine is starting to make some of my hair come out. My mom said its because of the bump that I had and the medicine is to make sure that it won't come back but that my hair will. Its kinda scary and I think I will look funny. A lady gave me tickets today for the rodeo on Sunday and the concert to see the Jonas Bros. and Demi Lovato. I was so happy I just wish that my sissy was here to go because she really loves the Jonas Bros. I was sad that she could not come.
Love Kayla
3-4-2010
Kayla is doing well. Today I got a call from the Child Life Support at the PTC and they had some tickets donated and she called to see if Kayla would like to go to rodeo on Sunday and the Jonas Bros. concert. She was very excited about going until she realized that Bethany was not going to be able to be here to go with her. Everyday she amazes me with her strength and courage. Its so hard not to be strong and positive when she is. Everyday is a new challenge. The treatments is starting to cause her hair to come out and fast. Just yesterday I noticed as I brushed her hair some loose pieces but then today it was worse. She is also starting to feel some soreness on her head especially where it is being treated. It breaks my heart to see her go through this but makes me proud in how well she is handleing all of this. She is awesome I just could'nt imagine going through what she has especially at her age. I just love her so much!!
Love Mom
3-8-2010
Last night I got to go to the rodeo and the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato concert. I had a great time! The rodeo was fun to watch and I got to see and pet alot of animals. There was alot of people there it was very big. The concert was my favorite thing we had really close seats I could see the stage good. It was so much fun my mom took alot of pictures and a few video clips. I got a concert shirt for me and my sister she really loves the Jonas Brothers. After the concert we got to go to the carnival and ride a few rides. I want to thank the nice people that gave me the tickets so that I could go. I had a really fun day!
Love Kayla
3-8-2010
Kayla had such a good time last night it was so much fun for me and her dad to watch her singing and cheering for the Jonas she was so happy. With Gods blessings she continues to do well and staying healthy. She had noticed a couple of days that her hair was starting to come out in front. It was shocking to her at first but she is dealing with it pretty good, probally alot better than I am. I know that it is just hair and it will grow back in time but it is just another thing that I hate to see her have to go through. She has been through alot and has done so well. Sometimes, alot of times I just want to sit and cry and wonder why, and how are we going to get through this. But I see how strong she is and wonder how can I be weak when she is so strong. We could never be more proud of her. I would like to say to everyone "thank you so much for all your many prayers and well wishes". To our family and dear friends and the many kind people whom we dont even know who has reached out to our family for support thank you and God Bless you. We could have got through this without everyones love and support for Kayla. There are many days thats been hard for us but we keep looking toward God and his guidance.
Love Mom
3-10-2010
Kayla has made it half way! Today made her 15th treatment she is half way through her thirty Proton radiation treatments thank God!!She has amazed me and her dad with her strength and courage. She has done so well and we are thrilled at how well she has
recovered! We pray everyday that she will continue to fit through this and get back to being a kid. Again we just want to thank EVERYONE for all of their support and many prayers!
Love mom
3-13-2010
My Bubbie and Sissy are coming today to Texas to see me, I can't wait! I have been waiting all day for them to get here. I have missed them and cant wait to get to play with them. They are coming with my mamaw and I miss her. We are going to the beach on Sunday and going to go to the rodeo and carnival while they are here. It has been warm and sunny here we are going to have a cook out also. I have gotten alot of cards and letters from alot of friends from school and other nice people I really like getting the letters it is fun to get and read them. Everybody has been so nice thank you.
Love Kayla
3-13-2010
Kayla is very excited, Bethany and Mitchell are coming to visit while they are on Spring break. My mom is going to bring them, and she can't wait! She has been checking the time all day wondering how much longer it will be before they get here. I am also excited for them to come I have been missing them so much. I hope that we will get to see some things with the kids while they are here. We plan to take them to the beach on Sunday the weather has been beautiful here. Kayla has 3 more weeks of treatments and she is done really well. It is starting to make her tired more often but other than that she is doing good. We have spoke with the doctors at Vanderbilt on Friday and they are scheduling her next surgery to replace the bone in her head for early April. We have an appointment with the plastic surgeon on 4-7-10 for consultation for the surgery. I am not ready for that so soon and I know she will not be either. She has been through so much in the past several months I know she is tired and ready to go home and back to being a little girl. I know that God is with her and will continue to make her strong and get her through all of this. Please continue to pray for her and that we would have half of her strength and courage.
Love mom
3-14-2010
Bubbie and Sissy got here Sat. night we didnt get to play cause it was late but me and bubbie laid in bed and played our DS games together until dad made us go to sleep. Today we all got to go to the beach and play. I couldnt get in the water because I can't get my pick line wet but I got to play in the sand a little and look for seashells with Sissy we like doing that. We played ball when we got back to the apartment I was tired and had to take a nap but I had alot of fun. I want them to go with me tomorrow to the Proton Center to get my treatment I hope that they can go back with me. I don't have much more to go and can't wait to get back home I miss everyone at school and church.
Love Kayla
3-18-2010
I have had alot of fun this week,Bubbie and Sissy was here and we got to go to the park and play at the beach. They had to leave this morning I was sad to see them leave I miss them alot. I got a shirt from my school in the mail yesterday and some letters from some of my friends I really like getting letters from everyone. I don't have to many more treatments left, there was a little boy named John that graduated. Today was his last one. Soon I will and I will get to come home.
Love Kayla
3-18-2010
This week has been good getting to see the kids really helped. Being away this long has been hard for all of us. It really helped Kayla having someone to play with and seeing her Bubbie and Sissy. This has been a long journey for all of us and we still have another one ahead of us. But Kayla's strength is what continues to make us strong. She is truely amazing just the other night she asked "why do I have to go see the doctor in Nashville" and I told her "they need to check your soft spot and make sure that you are doing well." she then looked at me and asked"do I have to have another surgery,go ahead tell me I can take it." Her dad and I laughed and looked at each other in amazement. She has so much courage and we are so proud of her and extremely thankful for everyones support.
Love Mom
3-22-2010
I have had a good day,my treatments are really easy and I like seeing the doctors at the PTC they are really nice. My dad said that I don't have many more left and that we will get to come home soon. I will get to be home for Easter and see my family. I will be glad to see my friends at school,everyone has sent me cards and letters and they were pretty thank you.
Love Kayla
3-22-2010
Today was treatment #24 counting down the days, only 6 treatments left. Praise the Lord! Kayla is remarkably doing well. We seen the doctor today at the PTC as we always do on Mondays. She seems to think that Kayla is responding well to the treatments and pleased with her progress. I asked about her follow up visits and what would be required. She again confirmed that chemo would not be necessary. She will need to have an MRI once a month for the first 6 months and then every three months for up to 5 yrs. There is still a risk due to the type of tumor that it could come back even after the treatments that is why they want to continue to watch her closely. But with Gods love, the wonderful and amazing doctors, and everyones support and prayers I know that she will continue to recover and be strong to serve Jesus. We have truely been blessed to have so many caring people that has supported our family and added Kayla in their prayers. Thank you so much!
Love Mom
3-23-2010
Today was treatment #25 down to the last five. Today was the last treatment for another little boy. Yesterday was suppose to have been Isaiah's last treatment but he got sick over the weekend and was in the hospital. Thankfully he is doing fine now. He is such a sweet little boy. We have gotten to know him and his dad and like everyone there it has been difficult for them. So please remember them in your prayers as he continues his journey with chemo and another surgery. Kayla was done with her treatment before his appointment so we took her back later this afternoon so that she could be there for his graduation. On the last treatment they have a special ceramony where everyone gathers around and the patient bangs this oriential gong and they have a little party. It is suppose to symbolize a spiritual and harmonious release of sickness. Kayla is looking foward to her graduation. We told her to hit it hard enough so that everyone at home can hear it.
Kayla is still doing good, she did strangely start complaining of a headache tonight it seemed to bother her quite a bit. I will need to let the doctor know tomorrow Iam sure she will be fine just want to be safe. I will keep everyone posted.
Love Mom
3-24-2020
Today was a rainy day after my treatment we went to Wendy's and had lunch and went back to the apartment. I wanted to play ball but because of the rain I couldn't so me and mom played games inside and worked on some school work. I fell on the way in and hurt my knees and my mom put some medicine on them and I laid on the couch for a while. I got to talk to Bubbie tonight on the webcam and we played games together. I have to see the other doctor tomorrow after my treatment. I dont like having to go to the other hospital.
Love Kayla
3-24-2010
Today was treatment #26. They changed Kayla's treatment to what they call a boost. That is where they change the plates in the radiation machine that the beam goes through to make the area that is being treated smaller. The theriapist said that they always do that near the end of the treatments. I was amazed when I saw the plate that they had been using I didn't realize that the area they were treating was so large. Our journey here is almost to an end but the memories will last forever. We have met some of the other parents and shared stories and leaned on each other. It was always comforting to know that there was a friendly face to talk to while we waited. I have seen some truely amazing little children and their families going through the same thing that we are its heartbreaking. They will always be in our prayers, friends thru Christ. I want to thank everyone again for all of your support and the love of our Lord!
Love Mom
3-25-2010
Today was a fun day at the PTC. There was alot of nice people that graduated today and I got to see them bang the gong. Its fun to hear it, its very loud. I will get to have my graduation soon and have cake and get to bang the gong. I went to the doctor after we left and the doctor is nice and he took a picture with us and has a gift for me next week on my last treatment. Everyone is really nice I will miss my doctors and Miss Cynthia.
Love Kayla
3-25-2010
Kayla has only got 3 treatments left!!
Today was a special day for alot of our friends at the PTC. Several of them graduated and had their party. It is nice to be apart of such a special time in their lives. I know we will be so happy to watch Kayla have her time. To know that she was strong enough to go through all of this and brave enough to face the whats a head of her. We have met some very special people during our time in Houston and hope that all of them continue to do well. We can never thank the doctors at MD Anderson enough for their wonderful care. We thank God everyday that he led us here to heal our little Kayla. Thank you so much for all of your cards and encouraging words and uplifting our family in prayer. Love you all.
Love Mom
3-26-2010
Today was a good day,after my treatment we stayed and I played with a little boy his sister is having treatments like me. It was a pretty day my mom and me played ball outside for a while. I only have two more treatments left. It has been alot easier than I thought it would. I will miss alot of the people at the PTC and my doctors. I will really miss Cynthia she is really nice.
Love Kayla
3-26-2010
Well Kayla is almost done! Today was treatment #28 only 2 left. I am surprised that we are near the end. At first I thought that this day would never come but after we reached the half way point it has went by pretty fast. Kayla is real excited about her graduation. It will definatly be nice to be home and see the kids. I will miss the super nice people we have met and the doctors and staff at the PTC are wonderful! This is a journey that we will never forget and has made us stronger. Kayla is a true blessing and everyday I see her strength and courage and thankful for all of the support from everyone.
Love Mom
3-27-2010
I had a fun day today we went to Kemah Boardwalk. We saw alot of boats and walked around in different shops and I rode a double decker carusel. We ate lunch outside it was really fun. There was alot of rides but I can't ride them because of my head. But is was a pretty day and I got to see a lighthouse. I got a gift bag from Emma from school in the mail today, thanks Emma.
Love Kayla
3-27-2010
Today was beautiful! We took a 30min drive to Kemah and enjoyed the beautiful weather. It was nice to get out and Kayla was amazed by all of the sail boats. This is our last weekend in Houston. This time next week I hope to be sitting at home with all three of my kids I love and miss them dearly!
Love Mom
3-29-2010
Kelsey graduated today she is a sweet little girl I play with her and her brother Darius sometimes. Her mom is real nice too. I am excited that tomorrow is my graduation. My mom bought me a pretty dress to wear. I got to help pick out my cake its going to be a Easter cake with a butterfly on it. I am happy that tomorrow is my last day and I will get to ring the gong! I miss everybody and will see you soon.
Love Kayla
3-29-2010
Today was Kayla's 29th treatment, tomorrow is her last one! Today was the last visit with the doctor and everything looks good. She has to be watched closely and continue to have MRI's reguarly. Today was a special day for a sweet little girl, little Kelsey graduated and we will continue to pray for her and her family. Kayla is very excited that tomorrow is her graduation. She has been counting the days all week. We are so truely thankful and blessed that she has come this far. She is strong and is always in the hands of the Lord!!
Love Mom
3-30-2010
Today was my graduation and my last treatment. After my treatment I had a party and a cake with a butterfly and Easter eggs on it. I finally got to bang the gong it was fun. I was glad to finally be done I have had a good time here and everyone was super nice to me. I will miss my doctors and the other people I have met. I was scared at first but the doctors helped me get better and make my bump go away and it didn't hurt. I thank them and everyone that has been praying for me and God!
Love Kayla
3-30-2010
WOW! Today was treatment #30 the last one. Kayla made it! I could never be more proud of her for all she has been through and never complain and keep so a good spirit she is amazingly strong. She was so happy and excited about her graduation it was like she was the princess for the day at the PTC and she loved it. Everyone there is always so nice to her and she loves all of the attention. This has been the hardest thing we have had to go through but thankfully the wonderful staff at PTC has made things so much easier for all of us I am glad that she is done and also sad. Its kinda like taking a baby home for the first time and not having the security of the doctors there by your side making sure that she will be ok. I know and trust that God will continue to carry her through her journey. I look back on all she has gone through everyday and I am so proud of her strength and courage I know that she is an angel of God. We want to thank everyone for continuing to follow her progress and all of your prayers. Please continue to pray for her and the strength to get through her upcoming surgery
Love Mom
4-2-2010
We had a long ride home yesterday but we finally made it. I was happy to see my dogs and play with them. I was also glad to see my family. It seemed different being home but really good! I cant wait till Easter so that I can see the rest of my family and hide eggs together and go to church.
Love Kayla
4-2-2010
Wow finally home! It was diffinatly a long drive we had intended to stay over in MS for the night but Freddy was bound for TN and insisted to drive straight through. Kayla got a little sleep in the back but while she was awake every 10 min she was asking "where are we now" and the famous "are we there yet". We made good time and had a safe trip so we are very thankful for that. It was nice spending the first night at home in my own bed. Iam enjoying time with the kids and the long weekend. I have alot to do phone calls to make laundry to unpack ect. to get ready for Mondays trip but it definalty won't be as bad as this one was. Thank you everyone for keeping in touch with us through email,cards and visiting her website I really appriciate having someone to talk to and many people who care and love for our little Kayla.
Love Mom
4-4-2010
I had alot of fun today. I got to go to church and see my friends and Ms Kathy and go to childrens church to learn about Jesus and Easter. I have missed everyone alot. After church we went to my mamaw's and had lunch and a Easter egg hunt with my cousins. It was a pretty day and we played outside. I am glad we are home to be with my family.
Love Kayla
4-5-2010
We had to take Kayla back to Vanderbilt today for a 3D CTscan. We thought that we would have to stay over till Wednesday but they were unable to do her MRI on Tuesday so we got done early today with the CTscan and drove back for the night and will have to go back on Wednesday. That drive used to seem long but it doesn't compare to the drive to Houston! We have to meet the plastic surgeon on Wednesday to discuss her upcoming surgery. Kayla is still doing great, full on engery,and love. Although she has her bad days she has not let any of this get her down she is truely amazing!
Love Mom
4-11-2010
I am feeling good and having fun playing with my brother and sister and my puppies. I have got to keep a friends dog for a few days I love him his name is ziggy. We had a cookout today for my moms birthday my mamaw has here and some of my moms friends it was fun and a pretty day.
Love Kayla
4-17-2010
Everything has been going good since I have been home I haven't been to the doctor in awhile and thats good. I got to go to school yesterday for awhile to visit it was alot of fun we had a ice cream party. I miss school and my friends. My mom said that I maybe able to go back for half a day because I get tired alot and wont be able to stay all day. I am glad that it is close to summer hopefully I will be able to get outside more to play.
Love Kayla
4-25-2010
Last night we went to the auction that was at the school. I did not get to go to the first auction because we were in TX. I had alot of fun I got to see my friends and meet some really nice people. Me and my friends got to sell the cookies and drinks we had fun. It was a long night and I got in bed late so I slept awhile today. Iam going to go back to school tomorrow for a little while. Mom says that I need to try just going for a few hrs at a time until I have my bone put back in. I am glad to get to go and see my friends.
Love Kayla
4-25-2010
We had a blessing last night,despite the obstacles and set backs the auction was still a good success. I was glad to finally get to met and thank the wonderful people at Clinch Mnt.Reality and the many people who have gave their time and love to help us we have truely been blessed. It was a long evening but there was good fellowship and lots of love. Kayla had a good time seeing her friends and playing store selling the cookies and drinks. She is going to start going back to school tomorrow for a coulple of hrs in the afternoons just to get her started and it will be easier for her for now. However I know she needs to go back I am so nervous about letting her out of my sight I probally will stay with her. Things have been calm for awhile we go back to Nashville on the 17th of May for an MRI to see if there is anything left after the radiation treatments. Iam looking foward to know but still nervous. I just pray for the best and know that God will take care of her just as he has been.
Love Mom
4-27-2010
I got to go back to school yesterday. It was alot of fun I got to see my friends and visit with some others people that I have not seen in long time. Iam going everyday now for a little while in the afternoons. My mom stays with me. Things have been different since I got sick but I hope to be able to play with my friends soon like before.
Love Kayla
4-27-2010
Kayla got back to school yesterday and she really enjoyed it. I stayed with her because I am not ready to leave her alone at least until after her next surgery. I am always scared that something will happen, that she might bump her head or get hit. It just makes me a nervous reck. I am glad to see her able to go back to school and be with her friends. She is strong and still is doing well. I look back alot on what she has been through and Iam truely amazed! She has more courage,strength,and faith that I ever imagined. I have so much to be thankful for. Kayla still has a battle ahead of her with another surgery and tests to keep a close watch on her but she is a fighter and God is always with her. Thank you for your continued prayers and support in following her through this journey.
Love Mom