We had a great time at Camp Goodtimes Family Camp. What a magical experience! Well, except the mattresses. OMG. Eric kept saying he was sleeping on a bag of bricks, but it felt to me like I was sleeping on the floor. It was pretty hot last weekend, but being on the water and in the trees was lovely. There were family activities and separate parent and kid activities. Chuck and I had a nice paddle in a canoe one morning. Joel played gaga ball every chance he got and Eric dragged us to the waterfront the rest of the time. We had campfire, skits, repeat after me songs (repeat after me songs), friendship bracelets, Chameleon, great food and met some amazing people. There was even an opportunity to go tubing one afternoon.
On Monday morning, August 25, we said goodbye to camp and headed to Nanaimo. We had wanted to stay on the Island a couple extra days but couldn't do that without platelets. Luckily, our team connected with the pediatric team at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and they were very happy to accommodate us. They had warned me in advance that it might be a bit slower than we were used to, and it was; however, we were just so happy that they were willing to do the platelet transfusion that we didn't mind. Once Eric was all topped up with platelets, we continued on to Qualicum Beach. We had stayed at Riverside "Resort" a few years ago and the kids loved it. They have 2 pools, a waterslide, mini golf and a camp store with slushies. This time we were so exhausted from camp that we needed a bit more recovery and relaxing time. However, we still managed to make a trip to Coombs to see the Goats on the Roof, and to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Center, as well as, to enjoy the waterslide, mini golf and GIANT ice cream cones (the slushie machine wasn't in use.)
We arrived back home about dinner time on Wednesday. I got to cuddle Millie and all of us were happy to be home and to sleep in our beds.
Eric's next appointment was on Thursday, instead of the normal Friday, because, surprise, surprise, we were headed out of town again on Friday! Eric was due for a Bone Marrow Biopsy so we had an early appointment and Eric had to fast. Of course, he always needs platelets and his hemoglobin was also a little low in Nanaimo on Monday. He let Kristina from Child Life know that it was an "everything" day and that also meant a Lego day. She was happy to oblige and gave Eric a Lego Ideas 1000+ piece insect set. His nurse was great and got the platelets in prior to the biopsy. Eric was worried that as it was his first biopsy as a 10 year old he might be much further down the list. He was 4th, but they came to get him at about 10:40am which didn't seem too bad. He was a bit groggy, and goofy, when he got back to the room. His nurse called for the red blood cells then and started them around noon. We got out of the hospital a little after 2pm, but it was a loooooong day.
Eric waiting outside the Space (Procedure) Room on T8 before his biopsy.
Back at home we had to pack, AGAIN! What was I thinking?!?! Also, why did we even bother unpacking? Uncle Jon and Auntie Becky arrived, from Prince George, on Thursday evening and on Friday morning we headed to the ferry for a visit to Halfmoon Bay with J&B. We get home Monday night and then back to school Tuesday morning. We are squeezing every last drop out of this summer vacation!
Eric's next clinic visit is Tuesday, after 45 minutes of school in the morning. His doctor also wants to start another round of treatment Tuesday, even as we wait for the biopsy results.
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