History

Journal History

Tuesday, November 6, 2007 4:41 PM CST

Oh wow! I hadn't realized it had been so long since I had even looked at this sight. I continue to think about all that we have met along the way and pray for those who still battle and the families of those who have passed on.
Elliott has grown to be quite an awsome kid. He is 8 years old 4'6" and 86 lbs. Yes, the skinny little stick has chunked up! He is in 3rd grade and enjoys swimming and is going to take snowboard lessons this winter and golf in the spring.
He is coming up on his 7 YEAR! Health has been very good. He is now starting to ask a lot of questions to detail about cancer. He sees cancer all around and realizes how sick of a baby he really was. He does occasionally play a one kidney card when his brother starts picking on him, it usually works when he starts crying "OH, YOUR GOING TO SQUISH MY KIDNEY!" Or when people ask him about sports, his reply is "CAN"T PASS THE PHYSICAL, ONE KIDNEY, YA KNOW" It stops people in their tracks and he doesn't have to answer any more questions to why he doesn't play sports, because he doesn't like them was never a sufficient answer for people!
I will have to upload some new pictures soon.

Thursday, November 4, 2004 9:28 AM CST

O.K. I'm going to try this again! Each time I've tried to update, my computer shuts down.
Elliott is doing well, other than allergies and a cold due to the crazy Kentucky weather. I wish it would just get cold. Our closets are so crammed with clothes because we can't put away the summer stuff yet and sometimes we need our winter things too.
Elliott is doing great in school. He is beginning to memorize words and spells everything he sees.
My other son has been diagnosed with mild autism - sensory integration dysfunction, school has been a nightmare for us. Nate is a pre-teen but, I think Elliott has a smarter mouth than Nate. Oh what a treat I have to look forward to when Ell becomes a teen!
Like I said, All is Well!
God Bless
Jill

Saturday, October 16, 2004 10:38 PM CDT

It has been forever since I have updated.
So, to catch up to date, Elliott is almost 6 years old, he is in kindergarten. He still takes gymnastics and dance. He has become an absolute comedian or sometimes it is just his smart mouth. All in all he is a great kid.
He now is starting to ask questions about cancer and even though I don't think he understands some of my answers, he seems to be satisfied because he knows I'm telling the truth.
He has been clear now for 3 1/2 years and returns to clinic in March for a check up and he is on a yearly schedule now.
GOD BLESS all that have kept us in your prayers!

Friday, March 21, 2003 5:35 AM CST

Elliott just went for his 6 month check up and he is perfectly fine! He is such a little man, he walked around asking every nurse he could see,"Are you going to do my blood test? Are you going to do my blood test?", as he held his little finger out to them. It seems anymore I am just his ride to the clinic, he has the routine down and I follow him around! After all he has been through and as brave as he is about getting his BLOOD TEST, he is worried about getting his booster shots for school! Ain't that a hoot!
My prayers go out to my "extended family" in this Wilm's family we now belong to. We keep each and every one of you in our prayers.

Keep our troops in your prayers please. I have a cousin and several friends over there and everyone who reads this probably knows someone there too, even if you haven't been informed about it. SUPPORT OUR GUYS!!!!!!!

One last request, I was just informed last night by my dad that my uncle was just diagnosed with cancer in the Lymphnodes. I haven't gotten any details yet, but of course I tried to give my dad a briefing on the terminology of cancer and I think I sounded Chinese to him. So I told him to remember, Stage ? and favorable and tried to reassure his that he will be O.K. It sounds like it was detected early, because they found it by chance during another type of med procedure.
God Bless you all!
JILL

Monday, January 06, 2003 at 08:44 AM (CST)

Today is Elliott's 4th Birthday. We celebrated on Saturday with friends and family.
It's hard to believe it has been almost 2 years since diagnoses. He has been doing great, he doesn't go back to the doctor until March. The only recent problem he has had was that he was allergic to the artificial Christmas tree.
I would like to say thank you to all of those who read our site and contact us. we have made so many new friends with it. The family of Wilm's grows day by day and if you are new to this site. You are not alone. PLease contact me, I do respond to e-mails and I will call you if you are needing to talk to someone.
God Bless
Jill

Sunday, October 27, 2002 at 11:04 AM (CST)

Well, it has been a while since our last update. Not much is new, which is good.
Elliott is finally potty trained! That was a rough road to take. I refused to buy diaper for about 3 days and he held it til he couldn't hold it any more.
He is still taking gymnastics once a week and loves taking his dance class. My M.O.P.S. ( Mothers Of Pre Schoolers) group has started again and he loves to go to "school" every other week while momm is taking time for herself at the meeting.
Football is finally over for Nate and basketball will start soon only if grades improve! 5th grade is rough!
My schooling is going fine, hard,but fine. Only 1 yr left to go.
Elliott goes back for check ups in March. He is down to every 6 mths. I still get butterflies during the test. But, I guess it is better to prepare myself than to think all is said and done, and then possibly get a huge shock.
I recently checked on a site of a little girl named Savannah that was diagnosed one month before Elliott and they went into remission at about the same time. Her mom was the first parent of a Wilm's child i had ever corresponded with. I am sad to say, Savannah's Cancer is back. There were metastasis on her lungs. PLEASE KEEP HER IN YOUR PRAYERS!

If you are new to this site and know someone or are someone with Wilm's. Please contact me via E-mail too. I am trying to establish a book of addresses of people with this terrible disease.
God Bless
Jill

Friday, June 07, 2002 at 05:45 PM (CDT)

JUST GOT SOME NEWS THAT A FRIEND HAS RELAPSED. PLEASE PRAY FOR ANDREW. PLEASE LINK ONTO HIS WEBSITE AND SENT YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
GOD BLESS

Friday, June 07, 2002 at 09:35 AM (CDT)

Hello everyone! We are home from our trip to Florida. We had a wonderful time and we are very exhausted. It was the most amazing vacation I have ever had. Definitlely a childs dream come true. I hope Elliott remembers it. I think he will remember al lot of it mostly the Gingerbread House and Mayor Clayton. Give Kids The World was the most awsome place. I know where donations are going to now(Make A Wish and GKTW)they deserve the best. I could never have imagined that anyone could be treated so great. I will post pictures as soon as they are developed.
GOD BLESS
Jill

Monday, May 27, 2002 at 07:12 PM (CDT)

We are counting down the days to see Mickey Mouse. We are getting excited! I'm trying to pack clothes tonight and get it out of the way. Our best friend's just came back from there and they updated me on the changes since the last time I had went in 1986.
We went to a wedding this past Saturday. Nate and I were both in it. What an expense!!! Elliott was so well behaved as he sat though the whole full mass wedding with his dad. He looked so cute in his blue flowered Hawaiin shirt that he picked out himself. I think he just gets cuter every day. His freckles are starting to pop out. He looks like Opie Taylor! He has been riding his four wheeler a lot at grandma's (right though her flower bed) and he rides his best friend's a lot at home. We live in a subdivision surrounded by woods and a creek, so everyone rides four wheelers around here. Of course Elliott is only at the PowerWheel stage right now. He wants the Silverado Truck now, but those things are $400. I keep telling him once he starts using the potty( I know that won't be any time soon)maybe he'll forget about the truck by then!
Gotta go pack.
GOD BLESS
Jill

Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 07:21 AM (CDT)

Hello everyone. Elliott is doing great. I had him to the doctor the other day, he was complaining about his ear hurting. It was nothing,but maybe some pressure due to the crazy weather we have been having here in Kentucky.
Elliott made a goal in soccer on Saturday. He stole the ball away from our best player and made a goal. What can you do? At least he was playing rather than hanging on my leg.
We have a picnic to go to tonight for Nate. The county school system is honoring children from all 11 elementary schools that have perfect attendance. Nate has had it for 3 years in a row and has only missed I believe 3 days in kindergarten and 1st grade combined. If Elliott could be so lucky.Hopefully we can schedule Dr. appts. on days he isn't in school.
All in all we are doing fine and are getting ready for our Wish Trip! It is just a couple weeks away.
God Bless! Jill

Monday, May 06, 2002 at 08:39 AM (CDT)

Well guys I did it 26.2 miles on Sunday May 5. I'm stiff but doing fine.
Nate and Elliott ran in the mini fun run the day before. Elliott's was a 50 yard dash and NAte's was a 1/2 mile run. They each got Flying Piglet shirts and a ribbon. I don't believw I will ever do another full marathon, but I'm going to try and make it a tradition to watch the Flying Pig each year and pass out water.
Thank you for all who sponsored me and supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
God Bless Jill

Thursday, May 02, 2002 at 06:38 AM (CDT)

Hi everyone! Elliott had an appointment with his urologist yesterday. Everything was great and there is no reason to see him again unless there are complications(knock on wood)!
Only three more days til the marathon. I am becoming a bundle of nerves. I know it will be fun and an expeirence of a life time but I am sure nervous.
Soon we should be hearing from our MAKE A WISH volunteer about our trip. Can't wait!

God Bless
Jill

Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 08:20 PM (CDT)

Hi everyone! Elliott is doing great. He has been playing outside a lot. He is getting excited about going to see Mickey Mouse in June. We all are.
Just a few more days until the marathon. Two weeks to be exact. I walked 20 miles last Wednesday. I felt great but the heat and humidity was a little much.
Please keep Savannah, Alexis,Andrew, and Coleton in your prayers that all test keep coming back clear.
GOD BLESS!
Jill

Sunday, March 24, 2002 at 05:53 PM (CST)

Hello everyone! Elliott is doing great. He went on an egg hunt yesterday. Tomorrow he has a dentist check up. We will be practicing with the PLAY DOH dentist all day so he isn't so scared. It's funny, after all he goes through every three months, he is afraid of the dentist.
Sorry to make this short, but I ran (run/walk combo) a 15k marathon today, I'm tired.
GOD BLESS!
Jill

Sunday, March 17, 2002 at 06:33 PM (CST)

Hello to all! Elliott is doing very well other than an ear infection and a runny nose. He had test ran on March 7 and everything came back fine. I still have butterflies in my stomach each time we go for test.
I just returned from walking 16 miles for my mararthon training and I am counting down the days. May 5 is just around the corner. On March 24 I am doing a 15k mini marathon. 9.3 miles seems short now that I've walked 16. Please keep me in your prayers and all of those that this major effort is benefiting.
We have Disney confirmed for June 1-6. Elliott is getting excited to see Mickey Mouse. Heck, I'm excited to see Mickey and to have an over -do vacation to relax!
GOD BLESS!
Jill

Sunday February 17, 2002 6:26 PM CST

Hello everyone! We just came home from a Cincinnati Mighty Ducks hockey game. It was cool. Elliott really liked Buster the mascot.
We met with the Make a Wish volunteer and signed all the paper work. Mickey Mouse watch out, Elliott loves Minnie and you might have some competition!
As for myself, I'm still in training and loving every minute of it (I love the tub of hot water afterwards even more).
Keep us in your Prayers.

GOD BLESS!
Jill

Friday February 8, 2002 7:10 PM CST

Hello to all! Everything is going well. Elliott has had a lingering cold like the rest of us. The weather in Kentucky has been crazy. I don't recall ever having 70 degree weather in January or being able to wear a short sleeve shirt outside in February.
Elliott was just assigned his volunteers from the Make a Wish Foundation. Hopefully, we will be going to Disney in April.
I have been training for the marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. So far my funds are at$740.44. Thanks to all who have contributed to this wonderful cause. Tomorrow is a 9 mile course through Cincinnati.
Keep us in your prayers!
GOD BLESS,
Jill

Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 01:08 PM (CST)

Elliott had a wonderful birthday. He had Thomas the Tank Engine on his cake. He is getting over a little stomach virus and a sinus problem. It is a little scary because these are the same things that occured exactly a year ago right before he was diagnosed. This month makes the anniversary of diagnoses. We just talked to our social worker and making plans for the MAKE A WISH. Elliott wants to see MICKEY AND MINNIE MOUSE. We are planning to go in April when Nate is on spring break. Thanks to all who have kept us in your prayers.
GOD BLESS!
Jill and Elliott

Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 08:08 AM (CST)

Christmas is almost over for us. We are having my out of town family at our house on January 5th. Elliott's birthday is on the 6th and we will be having friends over for cupcakes. Our house looks like TOYS R US. Elliott is very happy he got what he asked for, motorcycles, monster trucks, and a Barbie. Barbie has been sitting on the Harley since Christmas morning. We are approaching the anniversary date of his diagnoses in January. Hard to believe it has been a year. Yet,I'm glad to see this year be behind us.
GOD BLESS!
Jill and Elliott

Sunday, December 23, 2001 at 01:35 PM (CST)

Happy Holidays to everyone. We are ready for Christmas in our household. Momma is ready for it to be done and over with. The stress is terrible.
On December 2, we lost a friend of ours to Wilm's. Julia was 8 years old. Pray for the whole family, please. I know Julia is boogie woogieing with the Lord and celebrating Jesus birthday with the man himself!
Elliott is still in remission and has been getting spoiled by every Santa in sight.
For myself , I have just starting training for TEAM IN TRAINING for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. I will be run/walking the Flying Pig Marathon (26.2 mi) on May 5th. Pray for me PLEASE!!!

Saturday, November 03, 2001 at 08:56 PM (CST)

Hello to all. Elliott is doing really well. I am so sorry for the delay in an update. We still don't own a computer of our own.
Elliott is doing great in gymnastics, he moved to a more advanced class and is doing well without the help of mom. We have recently been doing a lot of praying for a neighbor family. Their daughter was admited to the hospital in September and is expected to go home November 29th. She was in a coma for quite a while and her prognosis of what her disabilities may be is still unknown. As soon as her father has time I am going to help him with a web site. Pray for Natalie and her parents, Elliott and Tricia Cross. Love to all! GOD BLESS! Jill and Elliott

Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 09:30 AM (CDT)

Good day to all! Please pray for America.Pray for those lost and those that have lost someone dear. Pray for all the people in their relief efforts. God has given us so much and we are trying to give back what we are able in our country's time of need.
Elliott and I baked brownies and took them to passengers that were stranded at the Greater Cincinnati airport.
Elliott is doing really well. Test are coming back clear. He is taking gymnastics and loves it. His coach says he is doing really well. Sorry I have to make this short.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL THAT STAND BY HER!!!

Saturday, August 18, 2001 at 09:32 PM (CDT)

Hello to all. Elliott is doing great. Sorry it has been so long. We have been busy and having fun this summer. He had his c-line taken out and it is wonderful to be able to let him roll in the dirt and then throw him in the tub. Take care and God Bless!
Jill

Sunday, July 01, 2001 at 06:56 PM (CDT)

Hello to all! I'm sorry it has been a while since I last updated Elliott's journal. It's been a really wild week this past week. It was supposed to be a quiet one. My husband was in Laredo,Texas all week and Nate was away at church camp.But of course it was to good to be true. Last Sunday Elliott got hold of his grandpa's heart medication, even though he spit it out, it was disolving rather quickly and we were not sure if he had ingested any. Needless to say we called poison control and off to the E.R. we went.They inserted a N.G. tube to give him charcoal.He spent 29hrs on observation and then released Monday night. Tuesday morning went well, like nothing had even happened.At a blink on an eye that evening he spiked a temp of 102.6 out of nowhere. Back to the E.R. we went again. He kept a temp over 100 for 10hrs, we spent 12hrs in the E.R. and finally we got a room.Blood and urine cultures were ran and nothing bacterial or viral was found. They checked his central line for infection and it was perfectly fine as well. The temp went away and he has been fine ever since. Now for the GREAT news!!! REMISSION!!! There are no signs of tumors or abnormal cells! Elliott goes into surgury to remove his central line on Tuesday, July 2. We aren't going to mention it to him, I want to see how long it takes for him to realize they are gone. Well, I've got to go and get some sleep real soon.Tomorrow morning I have to get up early to take my dad into have vascular surgury. I'm relly tired of hospitals. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Jill

Monday, June 18, 2001 at 05:02 PM (CDT)

Elliott is doing very well.He had a few rough nights. Constipation and joint pain kept us up one night.We are counting down to the day of surgury to remove his c-line. Sorry I don't have much time to update this as often as I would like. Thanks for the prayers. GOD BLESS! love always,
Jill

Thursday, June 07, 2001 at 11:48 AM (CDT)

Chemotherapy is FINISHED!!!!!! Today was his last day for treatment.He has x-rays and ultrasounds in three weeks but I am positive they will come back clear. God has blessed him through this rough time.
Thank you all that have kept him in your prayers. Please keep praying for all the other children with this terrible disease. I'll keep updates on his health as he grows.
GOD BLESS! Jill and Elliott

Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 07:50 PM (CDT)

Elliott had a stinky day today.He woke up crabby and stayed crabby off and on through out the day.The doctor called to tell us his blood test results. They were good she said, but boy his ANC counts had really dropped since last week. Only one week to go til final treatment.Please keep him in your prayers, he has done so well all the way to this point and I sure would hate to see him get ill at the last leg of the race. GOD BLESS! Jill and family

Wednesday, May 30, 2001 at 09:05 AM (CDT)

Looks like today is going to be another beautiful day in Kentucky.We are getting ready to head home from grandpa's.Elliott doesn't want to leave, he has so much room to run out here and he likes to help grandpa feed the fish in the pond while Nate is fishing. Thursday is Dr. Monkey day, he just has bloodwork this week and next week is his FINAL treatment,YEAH!!!
Please keep all the children with this disease in your prayers.Savannah and Alexis are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. They will recover, I have faith. Read their stories: www.caringbridge.com/il/savannah
www.caringbridge.com/il/alexis
Love to all and GOD BLESS! Jill

Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 11:47 AM (CDT)

Elliott is doing very well today. His allergies are bothering him a little. He is ready to go see Dr. Monkey(oncology Dr.)on thursday.He really likes to go.Every child is given a token at each visit and they can visit the goody machine or they can save 5 tokens and visit the big toy closet.He never complains about going and always brings a smile to everyones face.

Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 01:07 PM (CDT)

Time has really flown by. Elliott has only one more treatment of chemotherapy,no radiation and all his test are coming back clear. He has had very little hair loss,he gave up his pacifier(he said it tasted nasty),he has grown 2 inches and has gained weight. The only emergency we have had was to get stitches in his eyebrow.He is a typical boy, climbing and falling.
I will continue to keep this updated. Hopefully I can get so photo's up soon.

Click here to go back to the main page.

----End of History----