Sorry for the delay since our last post -- things have been busy around here! This past weekend, we had a wonderful visit with Grandpa Jim, Uncle Geoff and John's cousins - Jake and Elliott, who were up for the Cal football game. It was a game time decision, but John did go. He got to enjoy the game from the press box with Aunt Jane. I wouldn't know what it's like to watch a game from that vantage point, but I hear it's great. We finished the day with a family BBQ and sleep over with the cousins. It was nice to have the house full of chaos and laughter.
On the medical front, John has now completed his first phase of treatment (Induction). This week we will be busy at Children's Hospital with three days of scans and xrays. This is the final step of the Induction phase and these tests will give us a better idea of the size of the mass and how John is responding so far.
On Monday, John starts the next phase of treatment (Consolidation). He will have to check back into the hospital for one night to undergo a new type of chemotherapy. John and I are already planning our hospital slumber party - jammies, dinner, movie & glow sticks.
We continue to be so inspired by the generosity of family, friends, neighbors and even complete strangers. I have begun the process of sending thank you notes; however, things at the hospital were pretty disorganized, so don't be surprised if you get a note thanking you for the wrong thing, get two notes, or don't get any note at all! I hope you all know how appreciative we are for EVERYTHING. You have made life so much easier for us and really brightened John's days.
I'll close with one final thank you to the Griffins and everyone who has joined them in Dribble for a Cure. They have already raised $11,701 (and counting) for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, which makes them the top fundraiser for the event. Griffins, John is so lucky to have you for cousins and is amazed at how much you have accomplished. Good Luck on Sunday.....we'll all be rooting for Team John Ricksen!
I'm appreciate your writing skill.Please keep on working hard.^^
ReplyDeleteJohnny,
ReplyDeleteIt makes me smile seeing you with your brother and cousins! Your strength and wonderful attitude continue to be an inspiration. I am so proud of you and your family working so hard to beat this. Mollie I have such a respect for you stepping up and being full time nurse, mother, and wife. Juggling this all without a sick child is hard enough. "Team Johnny Ricksen" will be in full force on Sunday for the dribble-for-a-cure...and then John and I are looking forward to Rupe's memorial service. Can't wait to see you all! It is going to be a magical day of celebration and joy. I love you all!
xo
Aunt Fun
Johnny:
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you as you enter this next phase of your treatment. Hope you are set for Halloween. We have a block party in our garage.
Good vantage point to see all the fun costumes.
Thinking of all of you.
love, Candy, Roger and Adam
Good luck this week week Johnny. I like how you and your mom can make the most out of a hospital sleepover. The glow sticks sound fun.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you!
Carrie, Mike and boys
John,
ReplyDeleteWhat a special time Elliott and I had with you up at the Cal game. I am glad you guys got to spend some time together and Elliott was so excited for the sleep-over. Hope you are digging the music on your headphones and look forward to seeing you soon. Go Bears.
Love You and I am so proud of you.
Uncle Geoff
Hi John, I had so much fun at your house and it was great to see you. I hope you had a great Halloween and I can't wait to see you again soon!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Will Haughey
Hey John! What a great picture of you and your cousins at the Cal game! We are so proud of you and happy that you finished the first phase. You are awesome! Scotty & Ryan will be sending you some cool stuff for your slumber parties with your mommy....I used to have LOTS slumber parties with your mom when we were younger, and she is the BEST person to stay up late with! We are thinking of you every day!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs,
Kate
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you are finished with your first phase. That is so awesome. The whole Bertea family thinks about you all the time and sends lots and lots of love your way. Sounds like you and your mommy are going to have a cool night filled with movies and glow sticks. I love glow sticks. Especially the ones that you can make into necklaces and head bands. Did you know that your aunt Melissa, your mommy, my sister Kate and I used have have slumber parties all the time too? So glad to hear you had such a great time at the CAL game with your cousins. I hear you got to go to a very special spot--the Press box. Wow! Cool!
xxoo,
Bertea Fam
Hi Johnny, Well, congratulations on passing phase I of your treatment. And, anyone with such a fabulous smile as yours in the picture with your brother and cousins, is the winner for coolest and best Cal fan anywhere. So, it sounds as if you can beat anyone at your favorite games.The bears need a good game player like you rooting for them to win their games. Keep it up! We expect to see you next time you are down here in Newport. We'll go to the beach and take out the kayak for a paddle around the bay. Take care, buddy. We love you. Kathy and John Hamilton
ReplyDelete