It's amazing how in between doctors visits, lab draws, medications ...life goes on. The best part is that John is right there with us. He's been handling his treatments remarkably well. He hasn't missed a beat. Last weekend, he went to cheer on his soccer team, the Jack o Lanterns. I could tell it was hard for him to be on the sideline as they lost 0-1.
I've been busy trying to keep up with John's huge appetite (thanks, Prednisone). John gets extremely hungry and when it hits....it hits! I am trying hard to accommodate his every want - I love that he has such an appetite. Some of his favorites are CPK macaroni and cheese, cracked crab and a baked potato, Subway roast beef foot longs (sometimes two in a day), bread,bread,bead.... One morning I got up extra early to start his bacon, eggs and pancakes, and when John woke up, he asked for Special K. I'm still trying to figure him out.
The highlight of our week (not John's) was our visit to Stanford Children's Hospital for a second opinion. John couldn't understand why we'd have to go to Stanford to see a doctor. He went in full protest - dressed from head to toe in Cal gear. We had a great meeting with the doctors there and received confirmation that John's treatment was right on track. They assured us that they wouldn't be treating him any differently. They also spoke very highly of the team we're working with at Children's Hospital Oakland and were equally optimistic about his prognosis.
Mike was particularly relieved we wouldn't have to do treatment there as he noticed my face smashed against the window driving by Neiman Marcus in the Stanford Shopping Center.
Dear Johnny:
ReplyDeleteSince you did a great job going to Stanford when I know you hate those red and white colors, I thought I would tell you about a story I'm writing. I don't have a title yet, and I don't even know how it ends. All I know is that it starts out with four boys who are hanging out at a playground, bored out of their minds because three of them have older brothers who are playing baseball, so they're forced to hang out and pretend to be fans.
Their names were Johnny, Joe, Bennett and Nicholas, but they did not use their real names when they were together. They wanted to be secret agents when they got older, so they started early by calling each other code-names, like JR, Mister J, Big B, and Dr. N.
JR was their leader because he was the genius. Mister J had super strength. Big B could ride anything like a pro and was fearless. Dr. N was blazing fast. Separately, they were good, but together, they formed a group that could defeat all bad guys.
Their first test came when a little girl at Wagner Ranch was crying because she lost her dog. "I let go of his leash and he got away from me. I've been calling for him for a long time, and I'm so scared some wild animal will eat him." JR told her, "don't worry little girl, we will help you."
JR immediately gave orders to his super crew. "Mister J, I want you throw Big B up in the air as high as you can. Big B, you're never scared so this should be fun for you. When you're up high, look around for the puppy." Mister J threw Big B with just one arm, and Big B looked around carefully while he did somersaults. "I see the dog, he's over thereeeeeeeeee," he said as he was spinning in the air.
JR then told Dr. N, "use your super speed and catch the puppy." Dr. N was like a blur when he left and then came back after only 5 seconds with a cute puppy in his arms. It was licking him in the face. The little girl was so happy, she grabbed the puppy and laughed loudly. As she started to skip away, she suddenly stopped and turned around and went back to JR. "Thank you, JR. You're my hero!" JR's face turned red when she then leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.
All of JR's friends smiled as it was the only time they had ever seen him embarassed. After all, he was otherwise perfect . . . at least until the next adventure.
The end.
From your friend, Nicholas
Johnny, I love that you still have a great appetite. Keep making your mom fix you all those nutritious meals to help you get better! I love the updates, and read every single one. It thrills me to hear that you're home and that you continue to do so fantastically! It must be a little strange for you to keep hearing from someone like me (who you probably don't even remember meeting), but just know that you are always in my thoughts and I keep sending good ones your way.
ReplyDeleteLove, Lisa Berger
Hello John,
ReplyDeleteThis is your Aunt Kelly's friend, Kristen again. I wanted to send a hello and a welcome back to home!! I hope you have a wonderful Halloween! Glad to hear you are back home with your family. Have a great day!! : ) kristen
Dear Ricksen Family,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to read all of the blog updates and hear about all of the positive feedback from the doctors. You are all so brave to tackle this head on and do it with such grace! I got a kick out of Molly's drooling "car window shopping". Amazing that you have kept a sense of humor throughout this process. I wish you lots of laughter- I sincerely believe that it's the best medicine!!!!
XO,
Misha Nesselrod
(Aunt Kelly's Friend)
P.S. I did the CHOC walk in the Park on Sunday and it was so great to see everyone raise money for such a great cause.
Hi John:
ReplyDeleteThis is the Westhoff Family in Phoenix. Just wanted to let you know were thinking of you and glad to hear you are now at home! Great news! I'm sure you've got all the sports channels programeed on tv so get ready for the big game when Cal plays UA on November 14th..we'll be thinking of you and sending all our Blue and Red spirit to the Bay Area!!
Jackson wants to know if you want to wager $5.00 and hopes you'll be back soon to play basketball!
All our love: Dave,Kim,Jackson and Haley
ps: Haley says hi to Caroline:)
Dear Mike and Mollie:
ReplyDeleteUncle Bud and I were saddened to hear about Mike's Dad. We arrived home on Sunday October 18th from a week long cruise to the Mexican Riviera. We are happy to hear about Johnny's wonderful progress. We love being able to keep in touch with your blog.
with much love,
Uncle Bud and Aunt Pam
Hi You guys, Your Aunt Pam is at my house tonight so I thought we'd say hi too. Good for you John to go for CAL when you headed to Stanford!!!!
ReplyDeleteTake care, we are thinking of you.
Love, Candy and Roger
Hi Johnny,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your appetite is keeping your Mom busy. You like eating the same things my boys do. Keep up the great work big guy.
xoxo
Carrie, Mike, Brett, Matt and Scott
Hi to all the Ricksens,
ReplyDeleteWe're so glad to hear that through your blog that Johnny is back home and everyone is getting into a new but wonderfully together routine. Being in the hospital is so difficult for everyone. We're thinking of you all and are thankful for the good prognosis.
Ann and Dick