Monday, June 16, 2014

END OF TREATMENT!!

     Our little Hazelnut is DONE WITH INPATIENT TREATMENT!  I CAN'T BELIEVE OUR BABY GIRL IS FINISHED!  WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!  Not only is it done, but it really went as well as we could have expected!  Despite some hives and feeling a bit under the weather, she felt much more comfortable than previous visits.  Much of our week was spent saying goodbyes and heartfelt "thank-you's" to the plethora of nursing and medical staff that have grown to become extended members of our family.  It was so bittersweet for me to know that we were saying goodbye for such a good reason, but my heart was mourning for the time we will no longer be spending with such wonderful people.  Not to say that we won't be seeing our CHLA family again, because we intend to stay quite involved and visit a lot!  

     On Friday, Hazel's very last day being an inpatient (Lord willing), we had a small party to commemorate her journey.  We laid out her beads of courage, each representing something she has done, been through or accomplished and we were all taken aback by the visual.  We felt pride in our courageous daughter, but more importantly we felt overwhelming thankfulness that our Good and Faithful God held her hand through each and every one of those moments and brought her out on the other side. Each bead truly speaks volumes and so clearly reminds me what He says in Deuteronomy 3:16 "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”  And being able to see what He has brought us through has given us the confidence to fully rely on Him in any and other times of need.
  




Walking to the 4th floor elevators for the last time!

     Upon returning home, we spent the weekend relaxing and celebrating this milestone with our family.  We wanted to make sure that everyone who has taken this journey with us was also recognized because it was arduous on them as well.  Our other children deserved as much recognition as Hazel, for they suffered in different and many times unseen ways.  Our family members who all sacrificed so much to come along side us and take care of us in every and any way that they could deserve more thanks than I can give in an entire lifetime. Here are a few pictures from our celebratory dinner:




     Now we have spent the last two weeks continuing to settle into our new home, preparing for the upcoming arrival of Baby #5 and enjoying the first days of summer vacation all together!  And each day, Hazel seems to be feeling better and better, and her sparkly personality shines a bit brighter.  She is still finishing her rounds of Accutane that cause some dry skin and mood swings, but this seems like such a minuscule problem for us to face, that it has hardly phased us at all.  Suffice it to say, though, I will be a very happy Mommy when she takes that last pill on July 20th (but who's counting, right?!).  Once she finishes with that last course of pills, she will have her end of treatment tests and scans.  As soon as I get the scheduled dates, I will let you all know ASAP so we can all be praying that our little Hazelnut is still cancer free!  
Hazel wanted to wear this T-shirt and the same headband that can be seen in the photo, which was actually taken on the day we had to shave her hair.  My, look how much has changed!  PRAISE THE LORD!!!

     

25 comments:

  1. Good bless you darling with your whole family with a long happy and healthy life. May you enjoy all the joys of life and may tons of good things come your way! :)

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  2. Praise the Lord!! We are so happy for you guys. God bless you.

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  3. Praise the Lord!! We are so happy for you guys. God bless you.

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  4. Way to Go Hazel. You are such a beautiful, and strong, little girl. Thanks for allowing me to share in your journey. You are loved by so many, and blessed by GOD. One day, people will share your story, and I will think back, and think to myself, "I remember that." I will continue lifting you and your family up in prayer. Sweet Dreams Beautiful.

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  5. so happy for you all God bless

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  6. I'm so happy for you and all your family.. I will continue to pray for you Hazel!

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  7. great news, continued prayers for continued healing.

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  8. Jasmina from SwedenJune 16, 2014 at 11:42 PM

    God Bless You All, *crying happytears*
    Hazel, you are so brave, so god, so beautiful, dont you forget that!

    Thinking of you all/

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  9. Bless you Hazel for a long and healthy life, this is such joyous news!! God bless you all

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  10. loved by the world god bless you baby girl such a happy time for all xoxox love always Marie !!!!

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  11. Many blessings to all of you. The Lord has done marvelous things in and through all of you. We rejoice. Lauren and Aaron, your faith is an inspiration to many. God bless, Fr. Dennis

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  12. God bless your family ! Praying for gods continued support for you lil Hazel !

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  13. God Bless you all! So happy the Hazel is finished. Seeing all those beads on the table, really choked me up. You are such a little fighter, Hazel! Love to you all!

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  14. I'm so HAPPY (tears of joy) to know that this journey is over. I cannot imaging all the up in down you guys have been trough. I'm thankful that God has made you all strong during this whole journey. I pray that you all remain Healthy, Happy and Bless by the love of God.

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  15. Congrats to you all! Miss Hazelnut you are amazing. Have lots and lots of fun with your family and enjoy your new home. I will be praying for you to live a long healthy life. Lots of hugs!!!

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  16. I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude today. Thank you for sharing your wonderful news! Though we are complete strangers, I have never prayed harder in my life and I am so thankful to you for inspiring me and allowing me to witness a true miracle. May God hold you on the palm of his hand, may he always surround you in eternal love, happiness and health.
    From our gracious and humble hearts,
    The Kelly Family, Fairfax Va

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  17. Besides being strong and courageous, I believe that God has a special plan for sweet Hazel. I have 100% faith that God has granted her a complete healing from cancer. I will continue to pray for Hazel, through the next round of tests and scans, and after that that she remains cancer free. I can't wait to see what wonderful things God has planned for her!! Congratulations to your whole family on the new baby! I hope that your new home is always filled with love and happiness!

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  18. I read this blog with tears in my eyes. Though I don't personally know you and your family, I feel like I do. Thank you for sharing Hazel and your family's Journey through every high and low points. Seeing the pictures of her when she was so sick has been heartbreaking however watching God work in her small little body has been such a blessing. Then seeing how your faith has helped you through some of the roughest times has been such an inspiration. Hazel is blessed to have such a wonderful family and support group people. The many prayers that have prayed by many from around the country, are all so worth it to see her sweet smile. God bless you Hazel and please know you will always hold a special place in my heart.

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  19. Please enjoy your summer and relaxation!! Praying for all future scans to be clear.

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  20. So happy for you Hazel, and your family, you're a strong little girl!
    Lots a love!

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  21. (God is good, all the time) I am beyond happy just to hear such a good news. May God continue to bless you all and keep you in divine protection. Hazel, little fighter your strengths and courage is inspiring, Almighty God bless you in good health and now keep shining and keep smiling.

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  22. I am beyond words on how amazing and special little Hazelnut is! God has blessed you with a fighter and he was there the whole way holding her hand along this arduous journey. Words cannot express how happy I am for the whole family and what you have endured. Faith and Family and the Love of God brings and keeps those together in times of need. Your incredible story has touched the lives of many. I will always pray for your family and little Hazelnut for a long and happy future in life. Way to go Hazel and the Hammersley family. Prayers n Hugs n Kisses

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  23. So excited for the end of treatment and wonderful future which lies ahead! Many prayers for Hazel's health and happiness.

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  24. This just melts my heart! Hazel is an amazing little girl. Praise the Almighty Father for guiding your family through this difficult time! And thank you for allowing so many to be part of your family's journey. I have followed since the infamous Pizza Party and feel like your family is extended of mine. My family continues to pray for all of you! Great job Hazel!
    God Bless <3

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  25. Praise Jesus and may she be completely healed. I was so worried for such a long time I prayed and prayed for Hazel and her healing it is so good to hear her treatments are finished she looks wonderful

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