Arrivederci 2015
On Monday Sofia started her second week of Chemo in consolidation. She had a lumbar puncture with chemo on Monday, IV chemo monday-Thursday and nightly oral chemo. We were told to prepare for some low counts and a big drop in energy from her red blood cells dropping. Sure enough, Monday's labs showed her ANC at 300, so she is neutropenic (basically no immune system). So we decided to lay really low this week so she could rest and not be around all the sick people that are EVERYWHERE right now! I swear, every time I go out in public and hear someone cough I want to run for the hills!! So I am still waiting for her drop in energy because this kid isn't slowing down. Yesterday we had her relaxing on the couch so we could do her chemo but she was off riding bikes and baking cakes the minute it was over. She is remarkable!! Tonight we celebrated the end of 2015, together as a family. When the year started I was hoping to get pregnant, which happened in January. I had a great pregnancy and a really easy labor. I had a beautiful little girl who loved her new brother and was about to "get big" and start school. Entering October with an amazing husband and two beautiful kids I would have called 2015 one of my best years. Then November 10th happened and our lives changed forever. So much beauty and sadness crammed into 6 weeks! So, I will always remember 2015 as the year Sofia got sick but I will also remember it as the year Sofia showed us all how to live, love and appreciate every moment of every day. I will also remember it as the year my family recieved so much love from family, friends and strangers. The year that I made some of the most amazing new friends and re-established the bonds with my best friends. But most importantly the year that our families came together in the most amazing way and remembered what is really important in life. I know 2016 will bring great things into our lives because we will live with love, laughter and faith. Happy New Year!!
Comments (6)
Yes, "she is remarkable". This little girl is destined for great things! I truly believe you can learn from the past, but one most move forward and make the best of the future. Since our diagnosis, what was once important is no longer, what was once critical, is now a walk in the park, and who we choose to spend time with is now so special. … Thank you Gina. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and showing us all what real strength and love really is. 2016 will be a year to remember; days playing silly games, days hanging out as a family, days watching Noni break his first tooth, sit up and laugh! And yes, days that will really suck cuz our princess isn’t going to feel well. But know that we will be there with you and Mike every step of the way. Bring it on #TeamSofia2016!
Happy New Year!!! Wishing you many amazing memories in 2016! Sofia is a fighter who will beat this Cancer! Have faith and God will answer all our prayers!
Happy New Year Gina, Mike, Sofia and baby Michael I hope that all of the prayers for Sofia and her family continue and that her fight and recovery will be total and complete. Happy 2016!!!
Gina, thanks for sharing. I hope that a few years from now when you reflect on 2015, you will say that it was the beginning of a great time for the family. Sofia was chosen to battle this terrible disease because she has the strength to beat it and at the same time to teach us all what is really important in life. It is not adversity but instead, how we handle these moments that define who we are. We are proud of the entire family and are grateful for these life lessons. Best wishes for a wonderful 2016.
Although Cristy and I have not spoken directly to you we continue to read about Sofia's progress and to pray for her quick recovery as well as your family's strength. Warmest regards and prayers Jorge Blanco
Thank you for the updates Gina. I will continue my daily prayers for Sofia and I hope + pray that 2016 will be a banner year for the Rodriguez family on many, many fronts. Peace and Go Bells! -Gary C.