Our Brave New World

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Published: Thursday, April 17, 2014 04:07 PM

Written by Katie Tyson

This Christmas, Callen and Olivia got a telescope. We hoped it would, quite literally, open up the Universe to them. They devoured the accompanying books on planets, stars and constellations while Jim painstakingly assembled the scope and set the viewfinder on its first lucky target. After nightfall, we gathered outside to gaze and wish upon our first stars. We marveled at the great expanse of our world and entertained questions of space travel and life on other plants.

The next morning Callen shoved a pebble into the lens, eclipsing our view.

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Hurry Up & Wait

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Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 08:13 AM

Written by Katie Tyson

As I reached for a coffee mug this morning, I had to laugh when my hand settled blindly on the one exclaiming, “I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore”!

Indeed!

I’m not sure exactly where we are, but I do know where we are not.

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Team Spirit

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Published: Friday, April 11, 2014 06:59 PM

Written by Katie Tyson

Today marked the end of Callen’s induction chemotherapy. He underwent placement of a permanent catheter in his chest (his “magic button”) to provide long-term access for his treatments. The PICC line in his left arm (his “straw”) was removed. He had a repeat bone marrow aspirate, bone marrow biopsy, lumbar puncture, and intrathecal (spinal) methotrexate chemotherapy. These results will assess his initial response to therapy and pave the way for planning subsequent phases.

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Super Sibling

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Published: Thursday, April 10, 2014 07:52 AM

Written by Julia Tyson

It’s amazing how much one can learn from a four year old. Callen teaches me more and more about life every day. When he says things like “I’m always okay”, or even just when he smiles, he teaches me that I am the decider of my own happiness.

Callen is going through more pain than I can even imagine. When I see that little face of his light up, I am amazed. I cannot begin to describe how inspiring he is. I was just 18 when I found out about Callen’s diagnosis. When Dad said, “Callen has Leukemia”, it felt like the weight of the world had just fallen on top of me. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t speak; I was paralyzed. As I was standing there, I was beyond confused as to why, just why, those words had just come out of my father’s mouth.

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