Sunshine in Seattle

Oliver's journey out of the shadows

[nzimmardo]

DAY MINUS 6

Today, June 20th, Oliver was admitted into Seattle Children’s Hospital to begin chemotherapy conditioning for his Bone Marrow Transplant on the 26th. We are at day minus 6 which means there is a 6 day countdown to day zero (transplant day). We don't expect much of anything right now other than twiddling our thumbs an trying to keep busy. Luckily we all are allowed to take walks around the unit and they have scooters for Oliver to ride as well. We are very happy that we finally have gotten started and are now on our way to a new life. More updates to come.

[nzimmardo]

Here comes the sun 🎶do do do do🎶

So most of you may know that today was supposed to be transplant day. Although we are a little bit behind on schedule we are pleased to announce that we have a new admission day of JUNE 20th and a transplant day of JUNE 26th!! A little earlier than we were expecting which is good cause we want to come home! Please continue to keep us in your thought and prayers as ANYTHING can happen in the next ten days. Thank you all for being so patient with us as we are in this never ending waiting game. I plan on being more active once transplant starts with doing a photo a day. Thanks again and we miss you all!

[nzimmardo]

Super bummer. Just got word that Oliver’s transplant will be delayed for another 3 weeks because he is fighting a cold. Although this extends our already long haul out here, we need to do whatever we can to make sure this transplant goes as smoothly as possible. Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers.

[nzimmardo]

Oliver got his first big boy haircut last night!! This is such a relief because he has had unmanageable dry scalp and dread in the back of his head that no matter how many times we combed them out, they always seemed to return. In the end we knew his hair was going to all fall out during treatment so we just helped ease the process. We kept some love on the top which makes him exceptionally dapper if I do say so myself. World, meet Oliver Douglas - your next GQ diaper model 😘

[nzimmardo]

Oliver just got done with his bone marrow aspirate/biopsy. They had me hold him while they gave the anesthesia which was a very uncomfortable feeling. Now we wait for him to wake up.

[nzimmardo]

You know I have to say we are a little surprised, we came to Seattle expecting dark and gloomy weather but it's been nothing but bright and sunny. Oliver has been holding up nicely during this time as well. Today we are heading to the pacific science center with tickets provided by the SCCA! Fun pics to come!

[nzimmardo]

Oliver is having his first blood transfusion in Seattle today. They have been keeping us very busy with appointments and workup before transplant starts on June 10th. We are looking forward to things slowing down here soon. All and all Oliver is doing swell and we are just along for the ride 😊

[nzimmardo]

Thanks SCCA for the aquarium tickets! We had such a great time yesterday ❤️

[nzimmardo]

Thanks SCCA for the aquarium tickets! We had such a great time yesterday ❤️

[nzimmardo]

The first of many

Today was our first but of many appointments. We kind of got the idea of how things are done here versus back home in Florida. Although hospitals have different protocol, I doubt we will have any problem adjusting. Over the next week we have a total of 11 appointments scheduled for us and thats not including any blood transfusions. 

We arrived in Seattle late Tuesday night and it was a pretty smooth flight. We’ve already received Skype calls from both grandparents so I think its safe to say they already miss us (don't worry we miss you too!). 

Im back peddling a little bit but I wanted to share something I wrote on the plane. Furthermore, I would like to validate what I wrote with a note that was left for me by Hertz rental car company. 

“Maybe it's the wine but I'm feeling pretty emotional at the moment. As I sit here on the this plane I can't help but think of all the people who has helped us get here. I am so happy we have such loving supporters that allowed us to take this very much needed trip to Seattle to save my sons life. Now I'm watching Harry and the hendersons to get me in the Washington mindset. Big foot country here we come ❤️”

This note was waiting in our extremely decked out rental car along with some presents for the kids. The generosity of people leaves me absolutely speechless! I can't help but feel super loved and on top of the world. From the bottom of our hearts THANK YOU. Also a BIG thank you to Valerie and Andreas Schmitke for donating their rental car points so that we could have a car till ours gets here.