Aly is pretty much packed, I am not!

The "vacation we never had" is almost over.  That is what Aly named this trip.  She was in and out of the hospital all summer long and feeling pretty miserable for most of it, so this was her warm weather break.  I wish I could pack the warm weather, bright blue skies, sunshine and palm trees in my suitcase.  I'm dreading the cold that awaits us at home.  I could very easily find myself living here in Florida.  I'd just need to convince my boys to join Aly and me! 
Like anything else in life, this trip has had its ups and downs and there has been a lot to reflect on.  I'm so proud of the way Aly has handled her visit here.  She continues to be an inspiration.  She handled it all with a wisdom beyond her years.  The other day she and a boy, named Andrew, who is also getting treatment, started talking about why they were receiving treatments.  It just so happened that they have similar issues.  Anyways, they were talking in medical terminology about their diagnosis's and medications they take.  An adult sitting nearby said, "you kids should not know so many medical terms at your young age."  In some instances it is hard to keep in mind she is only a 10 year old.  She did not waste time complaining about being away from home and friends.  She made the most of every minute.  She took in her surroundings and enjoyed the fun times to the fullest.  She didn't let the struggles and hard times get her down, instead she continued moving forward.  She was not afraid to explore her new surroundings.  It, of course, made it easier that Florida offers so much, but nevertheless she jumped right in.
I've got to say that I am also proud of myself.  Me, the girl who didn't ever want to travel far from home by myself.  The one who never wanted to live alone by myself.  I've grown and spread the proverbial wings (a little late in life, but whatever works!).  I've enjoyed exploring and navigating on my own down here.  I've overcome some fears. 
I feel as if Aly and I have become much closer than we were before.  For that, I am grateful.  We've shared some wonderful experiences, met some wonderful people and I hope these will be treasured memories for her as they are for me.
 Some people have asked what Aly's next step is, in this battle.  A month or so from now, Aly will have another MRI.  For the next 2 years, she will have an MRI every 3 months to make sure this dreaded disease stays away.  In the meantime, she will need to just focus on healing from these treatments.  We are hoping the tiredness, that we have been told could take place, will not be too overwhelming.  We are hoping she can get back to being a pretty "normal" kid and attend school full time.  Only time will tell!  Other than that, we are hoping our focus will shift from cancer to other aspects of treatment.  Typically, they wait about a year after chemo and radiation, to begin growth hormone replacement.  She will continue to take medications to replace hormones not being made by her non functioning pituitary gland.  Those will be lifelong things.  We have an appointment, already scheduled, to see the eye specialist at home.  I'm hoping he will have some guidance on helping Aly cope with her vision issues.  She occasionally runs into things and always wants me to lead the way.  She's got to gain some independence there.  I'm hoping he will have ideas. 
I want to say "thank you" to everyone for your continued support.  Thank you for sending mail to us while we were here.  It has meant so much to us!  Thank you for the prayers and caring so much.  We'll continue this story when we return home to Minnesota!  Farewell Florida it has been fun (for the most part).