Craig's update December 2011...

My nephew Craig had to miss a few treatments because of the counts but he is looking good & strong  &  has been attending college this semester!

Here's an update...

From the Canape family...

"Hello Everyone! Craig has his last scheduled treatment today. (December 5th)  His counts were awesome and they proceeded with the chemo.  He has a scan scheduled for December 19th.  We are expecting amazing results.  He will have the port removed shortly after that as it will no longer be needed.  Thank you for all your continuing support! "

Thank you to all who have been praying for Craig and the family!!  <3

Craig's update

Craig has had his 3rd treatment

& has been feeling pretty good!!!

Pitt's Pizza in Laurel sponsored a team for Craig in the Relay for Life.

I'm not even sure how many were on the team

but there were many.

This was our first experience with Relay for Life &

it was very encouraging to see how many people participate.

Last year, Billings had the 9th largest event world wide!

Here's the front & back of our shirts...

 

 

Luminarias could be purchased to honor or in memory of a loved one or friend.

Both sides of the track were lined with them.

 

On the bleachers, they used luminarias to first spell out
HOPE then CURE.

It was even more special to walk in the dark with the

luminarias lighting the track.

Amy, Jenny & I walked for 8 hours...mostly non stop!

The time went by quickly so it didn't seem that long at all.

If we would have been more familiar with the event,

we would have planned to stay all night & watch the sun rise!

There were special features they do throughout

the night to help pass the time.

"Up" was shown on a big screen.

Next time!

We were able to honor Rick's Mom who passed away from cancer.

~~~~~   ~~~~~   ~~~~~

This is the first lap...the Survivor lap!
Craig is the tall one in the black hat &
beside him in the red hat is his
Grandpa Canape...a cancer survivor!






~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Craig really wanted to see his cousin, Amy!

She flew in on the 4th of July & surprised Craig
& the rest of the family! 
Amy knew that Craig had been craving root beer since his surgery.
She walked in carrying some & went to Craig...
"Hear you've been wanting root beer!"

It was very, very good for all of us to have her home for a week.

Craig really doesn't care much for having his picture taken,

(I don't know why...as good looking as he is!)

but agreed to this & what a great picture it is!

So thankful he was feeling good!

***     ***     ***

Laurel celebrates the 4th of July in style!

Approximately thirty thousand people come

to our town to watch our fireworks
presented by the Laurel Volunteer Firemen.

They do a superior job!

Dynamic Design, a store in Laurel,
decided to sell 1,000 helium balloons

that would be released at the park before the fireworks.

These balloons were in honor of & to benefit Craig.

All the balloons were sold...many people

gave much more than the $1.00 they were selling for.

One man from out of town,

went to the booth saying his name was Craig, too,

& wondered what was going on. 

He also has had cancer & was glad to donate.

Seeing the balloons being released all at the same time
was SO emotional!!

...I can hardly write about it!

It just sinks in again that it is real.

The Canape family is so blessed with many

friends & a town that has really shown support!

We're so blessed to see God provide for them in many ways.

Thank you for keeping Craig in your prayers!

What a year...and it isn't even half over...

 

Here's a happy picture to start this post... 
This baby just wants to keep smiling!

   

    This has been the hardest year for our family since 1996 when I spent most of the year on the couch with Crohn's Disease, feeling like I'd never get up again.  This year started with finding out our precious granddaughter had a stroke before she was born which led to some major health concerns.  (You can find out details in older posts on my blog.) 

     Since then, we've had many, many blessing seeing the improvement in baby Emaline & God providing for Rick & Melanie just when they needed it!  These blessings had trials tossed in now & then for the rest of our family such as a second surgery on Rick's foot and his Dad being hospitalized 3 times.  (once for surgery - a week after Rick's surgery).

     I would trade this year for '96 & back on the couch especially after this present trial for my family...

     After being sick for several weeks, my nephew Craig had surgery on May 9th.  A very rare and aggressive cancer was found in his colon.  Yesterday, June 13th, Craig had his first of 24 chemo treatments which he'll have over the next six months. 

     Craig is only 20 yrs. old (young)  The doctors were so shocked that this cancer was found in one so young.

It's good that Craig had been in good health and an athlete prior to his surgery.

     Our community has been so amazing in their outpouring of love, concerns and actions!  Food was taken in to Craig's family, their lawn was taken care of, fund raiser/benefits have been planned.  The first was a car wash and ice cream sale held on Sunday.  There were so many people out to help, offer support verbally and monetarily.  We appreciate each one so very much.  Although still weak from the surgery, Craig was able to sit and visit with those stopping by...oh...and to inspect how the car washing was going!  (wink, wink)

 

These pictures were taken shortly after Craig got home from the hospital.

He knows my favorite thing to do is wrap my arms around his waist for a hug.  Even though he wasn't feeling very strong, I got my hug.  He is so tall, I just put my arms straight out and I can wrap right around his waist.

As with Emaline, I show these pictures so we can journal the positive as Craig heals.  No doubt as with chemo, he'll become more tired and experience other side effects, so these pictures are also a reminder to please keep him in prayer!!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/craigcanape/journal