To walk or not to walk?!

So the 2011 Phoenix cure search walk is on Feb. 26 2011. I have wanted to do a walk in Konner's name and I think this may be the perfect time. I have lots to talk about with my husband and see if this may be too much for us to organize at this time. Alot goes into making a team. You have to find participants and also find donations. I hope I can do this. It would be a great accomplishment! and A good way to help childhood cancer research!

Journey 4 a cure!

This special video was made by Journey 4 a cure! It is sure to bring tears to your eyes but will also make you more aware of how awful cancer is. Our kids should not have to worry about fighting for their lives. They should be able to be kids and live their youth worry free! click the link below to be sent to the video!

Journey 4 a cure

A Very Merry Christmas TO ALL!!!

Wishing you ALL a Merry Christmas from our family to yours! Hope you have a wonderful blessed day. Thank you for ALL your Support this year. Konner is so lucky to have such a wonderful support system. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

I will post Christmas pictures of Konner as soon as things die down a bit.

Sooo sick...

(He would not look at me for nothing) 

So guess who spent all night in the E.R. on monday night?! If you guessed Konner you are right. He got really sick on monday evening. Throwing up 4-5 times in 2 hours. And I mean like exorcist throwing up. It broke my heart. He became really lethargic and didnt want to eat or drink anything. So I spoke to his oncologist and she advised me to take him to our local E.R. As soon as we got there Konner got the VIP treatment lol. They were able to access his port and give him some fluids and some Zofran. as soon as he got that Zofran he was feeling a million times better! He got there asleep and not wanting to deal with anyone. He left there best friends with everyone and just smiling. Yesterday he was doing a little better bet slept alot so that was good. And today you can tell his tummy is still bothering him a little. But he manages to keep that adorable smile on his face!

Happy Holidays from Konner

Happy Holidays from this cutie pie! 

MRI results from 12-9-2010

So we just got home safely from Konners appointment today. We received the results from his MRI that was done last week on 12-9-2010. All and All they are good. Still no progression from the tumor which is great news. Although Konner is considered in remission due to the tumor not growing or progressing he is still NOT classified NED (No Evidence of Disease). His tumor still has active spots of cancer but also has spots that they think might be calcification spots. The doctor did mention that his left leg may not be as strong as his right. When he performed the reflex test on Konner's lefs his left leg didnt respond well. So they said that they will watch that as well. Because of the surgeries Konner has had and him being so small its hard to tell if any nerves were damaged. Which brings me to my next thing. Remember when I was worried because Konner would scream inconsolably. Konner still at times will do that. and does not sleep through the night yet. So he said there may be some nerves that were damaged that they dont know about. and sometimes when you have nerve damage it can be painful. So they are going to watch that as well. For now he gave some things to try and do until Konner's next appointment and we will see if they work. But for now its almost Christmas time and I am so thankful to have this little peanut in my life. Konner is still a happy baby. He is now 10 months!! and I am also thankful for all of you and your prayers and the strength and support you give us! Thank You and Merry Christmas!!

MRI scans 12/9/2010

So today we woke up at 5 and got ready because Konner had to be at UNM hospital by 6:45. He had his MRI scans at 7:45. He was such a champ all morning. Smiling and playing with everyone. He even got a toy! He is such a doll and everyone just LOVED his eyes! They took us back to the MRI at 8 and I held him while they put him to sleep. They then took the images they needed and he was in recovery 3 hours later. Everything went really well they said. We will be back at UNM next week to receive the results! Prayers for good results! Thank you all for your support!

Prayers for An American Hero.

Today We are asking for special prayers for the Thode Family. Sgt. James Thode gave his life fighting the war in Afghanistan this week. Sgt. Thode worked with Konner's Dad in the Police department. I have heard nothing but amazing things about him.  The entire Community is deeply saddened by this loss. Please take a minute out of your day and pray for Sgt. Thode's family. He leaves behind a wife and 2 kids. Please pray that they will be comforted and have the strength during this difficult time. The Farmington Police department has set up the  James Thode Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank to benefit the family. For more information contact Sgt. Robert Perez or Sgt. Shawn Scott at (505) 327-7701. Every little bit helps.


Please pray for those soldiers out fighting these wars. And please pray for those that have given all. This hits home for us because this past April Konner's Dad and My husband returned home safely from his 2nd tour. 

for more information please click here. An American Hero

Hero of the Week!

So Konner has been featured on We Need A Cure's facebook as Hero of the Week! He sure is my hero and such a strong lil warrior. We are blessed to have him be apart of our family! Check out We need a cure's facebook. They are helping get the word out about Childhood Cancer! Click the link above "We Need A Cure"!

tears of Joy!!

So we are here today at UNM getting Konner's labs done and his monthly Pentamidine treatment. We also had to schedule his scans in december. I today got the BEST news I have heard in awhile.

KONNER IS IN REMISSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The doctor was talking to me about how we are going to take out his port in january sometime. And I had a question on my mind that has been bothering me. "Why did you guys stop doing the MIBG test?" And he said well we dont have it scheduled because Konner's cancer is in remission! Honestly I just wanted to break down and cry. Hearing those words were sweet joy and I have longed to hear them. He said that Konner's urine results showed no activity and were in normal range. And after his last scans things look great. they said his tumor is not active and looks like it is just dead. It has no calcified but they said that will take awhile.

So now what do we do?
We get Konner's next set of scans in December and if everything goes well then he will get his port out in January. He will still have monthly check ups for the next year and a half  and scans every 3 months. then after 2 years of remission he will have scans every 6 months and check ups every 3 months until 5 years and then after 5 years he will have scans and check ups every year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you all for all your prayers they are truly working!!!!!!!!

Questions

So I have heard that alot of people have some questions about how Konner is doing. 


Does he still have cancer? Yes, He is not in remission yet. His cancer is still active, it just has not spread. Right now his tumor has just stayed at a stand still since chemo! YA! 


Does Konner have pain? I dont know. Right now he doesnt talk to its the hardest thing to guess whats going on with him. He seems to be in pain at times but for the most part he is a happy 9 month old baby. 


Is Konner able to have a home nurse? As of right now no. He has to get a special kind of medicine every month to keep his immune system up and so he does not catch PCP (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia). If Konner were to catch this type of Pneumonia it could be deadly. So he has to get Pentamidine. December will be his last month and then we can talk about getting a home health nurse. 


I think that is what the most of the question have been towards. Hope that helps. Thank you again for all your prayers and support. 

Tomorrow

So Tomorrow Konner and I have to travel by ourselves to ABQ. Kyle has to work on friday for some training. So he will keep our 2 older boys and I will take Konner to his check up. This will be our first time without Kyle and im a little nervous. Just because its nice to have your husband there with you for company. Konner's appointments take 3-5 hours. And thats not even for scans. When we are there for scans it takes a whole day.

Everytime we get ready to travel for his check ups its sooo nerve racking. Its so hard not thinking about the what if's. On his scan days its even worse. Though Konner is NOT in remission yet, his cancer can still spread and I am so beyond thankful that it has not. I just continue to pray that it wont. My ears long to hear the words No Evidence of Disease! That will be one of the happiest days of my life!

pictures from phone

So today I have made a collage of my little mans 9 months of life. These are pictures from my camera phone. enjoy!

1.) A couple of hours after Konner was born.
2.) Right after Konner was born.
3.) Konner 2 weeks old.
4.) Konner 4 weeks old.
5.) Konner almost 2 months, the day we found out Konner had a tumor. we were at a D-backs game celebrating Kyle's return home from Iraq. I got a call from his dr and we left in a hurry!
6.) Konner the day before surgery.
7.) Konner right after surgery in PICU.
8.) Konner 3 weeks in hospital getting his Port Cleaned.
9.) Konner very sad in hospital still.
10.) the day Konner got out of the hospital, happy to be in his swing. 11.) Konner happy at home.
12.) Konner at clinic getting his 2nd round of Chemo.
13.) Konner's little leg after getting his daily shot to raise his WBC.
14.) Konner relaxing with the family at the pool.
15.) Konner starting to lose his hair from chemo.
16.) Konner 4 months old.
17.) Konner 5 months old.
18.) Konner 7 months old and hair growing back.
19.) Konner 8 months old and crawling.
20.) Konner almost 9 months old and pulling himself up! 

This little guy is one of the 3 reasons I wake up everyday. He is my strength and has taught me so much. He is a soldier and I know that Heavenly Father put him in my life for a reason. He has shown me what life is really about. I cherish everyday I have with him. 

I LOVE YOU KONNER DEAN DOWDY! 

Verl Gillespie Roping Memorial!

This family is one Amazing group! They hold a memorial roping and this year they picked Konner as the beneficiary. It took place on Sat. October 16, 2010. We had such a great time getting to meet everyone and watching all the cowboys do what they do best! All of our kids had so much fun and I think the highlight for them was actually riding a horse. Konner was smiling the entire time except when it was nap time. We can never thank you guys enough for the generosity that you have shown us. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts. I cant wait for Konner to grow up and learn about how much everyone helped us out when we needed it. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts.

It Takes..........

This is Konner in his Halloween costume. He is a cop of course. and that sign in the background comes from The St. Baldricks Foundation. This is how our photo shoot went. 

The End.......

A wish............

So I have been feeling blah lately.. I cant seem to get Konner's sickness off my mind. I stare at this happy little baby that is mine and I just cant help but think about him being sick. I dont think it ever goes away. I try so hard to put everything at the back of my head and just try to focus on him getting better. But I still look at him and wish that I can just take his sickness away. Babies aren't suppose to get this sick. They aren't suppose to have to fight this awful battle. What gets me is Konner was born with this type of cancer. He had a tumor when he was born. I dont know how big it was then, but it couldnt have been that big. I do have alot to be thankful for and thats what I hang on to. I still have Konner to hold everyday. I still can hear him cry and try my best to comfort him when he is in pain. I know there are others out there who dont have that and for that im grateful. I just wish I had a wish!

Update...

So We got Konner's lab results back and his counts were higher then the previous months! We are still waiting to hear on his Urine results and should hopefully hear back by today! It has been a while since I posted last but not much has gone on. Konner is doing great currently. We finally got him on some meds to help him go to the bathroom. He has been having trouble going to the bathroom for almost 2 MONTHS! So things are getting better there. He is also starting to crawl on his knees!!! This is absolutely great news to us! It means that his brain is able to send signal to his legs and his legs are responding! in September he went in for his check up and they said that he may need therapy to help him walk and such. But now if you holding him up he is able to take little steps... of course that is with me holding him. But before he was not able to do this. He is eating more and is still the happy smiley baby we all know and love!! Now im just trying to think of what he may want to be for Halloween..... Any Ideas??? Im think monkey!!! Happy Holidays ya'll!!

Lets be aware!

So as most of you know Konner has a facebook page! Today I am in a very good mood! Konner slept so well last night and infact is still sleeping. This happens NEVER!!! Poor baby can never sleep good. So because I got a goodnights rest and have lots of energy this morning I want to give something back! Konner has 230 friends on facebook. I update this facebook almost daily on how konner is doing and add pictures and events going on for Konner and kids cancer!  So if we can raise awareness even if its just a little I will be happy. So I want to GIVE AWAY A FULL SIZE SCENTSY WARMER! Thats right people, So the 300 person to friend Konner on Facebook will get the Scentsy Warmer! So tell all your friends to GET AWARE!!!

Konner's Fight

Promote Your Page Too

October Check up

So last week Konner had his check up for the month of October. this time went really well and very smooth! We were there for a totally of 4 1/2 hours! He got his Pentamidine without any problems and slept the whole time through that. He also became a St. Baldricks honoree well we were there. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. They are the people that put on head shaving events and raise money. I have heard of them and I am glad that Konner was able to be apart of it. Hey maybe someday we can hold an event in the name of Konner! Konner's blood results were great, Higher then last months! We have yet to get his urine results, but I have a good feeling about that as well. As soon as I find the pictures and video that the people from St. Baldricks took i will gladly share with you all! 

The Results are in.................

Konners 2nd set of scan results are in. They were taken last week on 9/14/2010. I got a call yesterday while grocery shopping. Let me just tell you.. As soon as she said hi Erin this is Dr. Butros my heart started racing... Lucky her next words were... Konner's scans look GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOHOOOO They look GREAT!!!!!! she said that his tumor measures about the same as it did for his previous scans. This is sweet music to my ears. I know his tumor is not going away and I know that it is still there. but it has NOT spread nor has it grown. That puts my fears at ease at least for another 2 months when he gets his next scans. Now Konner still has active cancer because his tumor has NOT calcified.

Let me just tell you how APPRECIATIVE I am right now. I have the BEST FAMILY AND FRIENDS! I have a wonderful support system. I have my baby boy still.... I am so thankful for this gift that heavenly father has given me. I am thankful that Konner has come into my life, He has showed me a the meaning in life. This baby brings smile upon smile to my face daily. I am SO VERY thankful for all of you and for all of the support and uplifting messages for Konner that you send. We are thankful that there are so many people willing to help us in any way possible. I think of when we were first told about Konner and were given his diagnoses.. that day and the feelings I had bring tears to my eyes. When you are told that your baby has CANCER you automatically think of death. I dont care who you are but if you are told that, thats what you think of. Then once you are get all the results from test upon test you tend to switch your way of thinking. I remember holding my baby just memorizing every feature of him. Just being with him and staring into his eyes. I remember staying in the hospital with him and never wanting to leave his side. Everything that Konner has had to go through in his short 7 months in life is something that most adults dont have to experience in there whole life. This baby is a fighter! This baby WILL KICK CANCER IN THE BUTT!!!!

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!!

So here is the long awaited post of pictures!! The FOP in Farmington held a benefit dinner for Konner. It was a GREAT success! It went off with no problems that I know of lol. And we got to meet some pretty special kiddos and some Awesome Parents. Thank You to all who attended and also a thank you to All those who came up to me to tell me your story and introduce me to your BRAVE Warriors who are also fighting this monster called Cancer! You guys are so special and I am so glad that I got to meet you! Also a BIG Thank you to Sgt. Cordell, Sgt. Scott, officer Snowbarger of the Farmington P.D & to Sgt. Webb of the SJ Sheriffs Office. Thank You for Organizing this benefit for Konner and our family. Thank a Million Times! Also thank you to all the many volunteers that came out and helped that day and THANK YOU to ALL THE BUSINESSES That Donated the prizes for the raffle! THANK YOU TO ALL!!!

Konner and his Dada at the Motorcycle Run

Officer Snowbarger and Sgt. Webb 

Sgt. Webb & Officer Snowbarger with Konner

Konner's brother at the bike run

Kayben and Konner's Favorite bike

Some of the MANY Prizes

brotherly love

Konner's parents favorite bike

Sgt. Scott & Sgt. Cordell with Konner

All the Cars and trucks lined up down the streets! 

TONS AND TONS

A packed parking lot! 

All the WONDERFUL Supporters!!!